@jester1492
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Posts
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Re: What do you do in real life?
Retired AF. Manager of system engineering, IT,communications systems and worldwide HW level 2 maintenance at a defense contractor.
Re: Progression?
I haven’t posted much here but I’m going to add my perspective as a beginner. First, I don’t care about belts or even the length of the test. I care about knowing the material and reaching a certain level of conditioning. Yes if I don’t progress I suspect eventually I will get bored with KM but it won’t be in the near term. What I prefer is for the instructor to introduce me to some higher level techniques as he sees me obtain an acceptable level. I don’t expect him to teach me all the upper level techniques without passing the level test but some techniques should be taught across the level boundaries to “entice” continued advancement. For example, during one class, some of the students were having problems with their response to a headlock and loosing their balance. As they lost their balance they didn’t know what to do and so did nothing(none of these individuals had tested). The instructor showed an upper level technique that was basic throw that pretty naturally resulted from the student’s loss of balance. This provided a glimpse of why they should progress but also reinforced the basic premise that when the technique fails continue with some type of combative (as emphasized in the class – be aggressive, be aggressive, etc). Regarding the test length, I don’t see a lot of value in testing to exhaustion. Training to near exhaustion should be fairly routine as the student should be self-aware enough to realize if his technique is getting sloppy (and the instructor should point out the slop) and only though repeated exhaustion can the student (and instructor) really tell if the student can continue through the challenges. In my opinion (mostly worthless) the quality of the techniques and ability to be aggressive should be the focus of the level test. I’ve been doing MA on and off over a 15 yr period; once for 2 years and the school closed and once for a year where I lost interest. I’ve never progressed beyond the first belt and not because I couldn’t have passed the test (actually the instructor was pushing me to test) but because in my opinion I didn’t know the fundamental techniques as well as I wanted. I’m 54 now. Yes it is harder then it use to be (I’m not as fast or flexible either) but I can pretty much drive back anyone that doesn’t out weight me by more then 20 lbs during any of the various drills.
Re: Anyone Give Email Addresses?
quote ZHAN~SHI~WARRIOR24:I would like to get in touch with some very knowledgeable instructors or Krav Maga Martial artist who I can communicate regularly through email or Instant Messaging about Krav. I am beginning and have alot of questions…such as I am 24 is that too old to start? I am really serious about becoming expert and id like to learn regular krav and eventually COMMANDO, but in louisville where i will train, they do not have COMMANDO KRAV, OHIO or MICHIGAN offer COMMANDO?I’m no expert, but you aren’t to old. I started at 53. I don’t think you are to old unless you believe you are. I’ve got a list of things I didn’t get to do when I was younger but I’m planning work through them in the future.
Re: (Lack of) Speed Kills?
I hear ya. Work to your strengths and acknowledge your weakness. I run; poorly. I’m 6ft and weigh about 230. My body doesn’t run, it lumbers. If I ever have to use KM, I’m going to have to slow up my opponent as I probably won’t be able to out run them.
We recently did a drill where you held a pad behind your head/neck and the attacker was using hammer fist to pound the pad. As the attacker it was a drill to teach aggression, attack, and persistence. The pad holder was to evade and to get used to impact. Guy that worked with me pounded the tar out of me I just couldn’t get away; when it was my turn to hit the pad I found out why. The guy I was working with must have been a relative of Flash Gordon, I hit the pad once and he was across the room. I don’t think I got within 20ft of him but once for the rest of the drill. I looked at the bright side, when he was that far away, he wasn’t much of a threat.
