Krav Maga Kicked My Ass

A friend of mine approached me a couple weeks ago about taking an introductory class in Krav Maga, which is a martial art form developed in Israel and adopted by some Israeli security forces. I have often thought (but never taken any action) about taking some kind of self defense training both because I live in the hood and as a way to develop more discipline and exercise regularly. After I confirmed that it wasn't some kind of pyramid scheme (which is my initial reaction any time someone tells me to come with them to a "meeting" or "training" about something I've never heard of), I agreed.

So we went last night for the first time to Krav Maga DC in Chinatown. I didn't really have any expectations about what it would be like, but within 20 minutes I was pretty convinced I had accidentally joined the marines and was at boot camp.

Even on day 1, the training was nothing short of high intensity. Which was the purpose. As it was explained in the first five minutes, the whole idea is to train hot, because when you need to use the skills you will learn, you will most likely have very little time to think. You train in circumstances that best simulate the adrenaline you will be feeling in a life or death situation - so you can react appropriately in the same circumstances. So we work ourselves into a frenzy with a rapid succession of exercises designed to bring the heart rate up quickly and produce adrenaline and anaerobic glucose burning. There's lots of jumping around, punching, kicking, yelling, and being yelled at.

60 minutes later, I was a sweaty, aching mess. But it felt awesome. I signed up. So watch out thugs, two years from now when Master Yoda finishes with me, you mess with me I KILL YOU.