Be a big dog - Krav Maga this week

"Be a big dog."

That thought came to me when a small dog started barking at me. It was growling, barking and aggressive. But I knew that there was no bite behind the bark. So when I took a step forward, the small dog ran and tried to hide. The whole thing was a bit of a joke.

The same day I passed a big neighbourhood dog. It was a cross-breed, I think, between a rottweiler and a T-Rex. The big dog looked at me and I looked at it. There was no barking, no yapping or aggression -- but the look on her face told me that if she wanted, she could tear out my throat. So I kept a respectful distance. 

The same thing goes for human beings. Whether on the street, in a club or somewhere else. There are always "little dog people" -- people who show aggression but don't have anything to back it up. There are also other "little dog people" who show aggression to make up for their lack of self-protection skills. But attackers and predators can see through that -- they know a "little dog person" and know that if they attack, it will be easy.

But big dog people carry themselves in a particular way. They don't go looking for a fight, but the way that they walk, talk and conduct themselves lets a potential attacker know that picking a fight with "the big dog" isn't going to be worth it.

For me, that's the best thing about Krav Maga. It's not about showing aggression and showing off. It's about being self-confident and being able to walk down the street with security and in peace -- and knowing that if trouble comes, I'm ready. 

So, this week's "Big Dog" classes are at the usual place and time, Tuesday 15 and Thursday 17 October, 6-7pm in the Health Sciences Building (ND46), Fillimore St Fremantle.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Be safe!

Matthew Ogilvie