Pope Francis shows why we should learn Krav Maga
Happy New Year!
May you all have a blessed, happy year and may you also walk in peace!
Pope Francis gave the world a lesson in why we should learn Krav Maga -- and learn not just its "hard" violent techniques, but its ethical spirit and its "soft" techniques.
In the video accompanying this story a woman grabs the Pope. He responds by slapping her hand. There is much that can and should be said about the incident. Yes, the woman was wrong. Yes, security was lacking (to say the least). But how would Krav Maga have helped the Pope respond better?
First, "De-escalation." That's the first lesson taught in Krav Maga. Hitting back with unnecessary actions or words is inevitably going to make things worse. Students, please remember that our primary "fight stance" is always a de-escalating stance by which we try to avoid further conflict.
Second, Proportionate force. In Krav Maga we learn that you should only use force to protect a life or something truly valuable. The law in most legislatures is that you should only use "proportionate force" to deal with a threat.
Thirdly, soft techniques and effective techniques. My analysis of the video is that, if he was really being threatened, what the Pope did was useless and futile. If he wasn't being threatened, but being grabbed by an over-enthusiastic follower, then a soft technique like shifting his weight or dropping his hand would not only have dealt with the situation effectively, but done so in a more gracious manner.
I write this not to condemn the Pope. In this case, and to quote him from another context, "Who am I to judge?" But the incident highlights why Krav Maga is such a blessing. It can not only help us when our lives or the lives of our loved ones are under threat. But it also helps us deal effectively and graciously with more ordinary situations. That is, used correctly and when it becomes a part of our lives, Krav Maga helps us "Walk in Peace."
Happy New Year to All! I look forward to training with you in the New Year. May you always "Be Safe!"
Matthew Ogilvie
May you all have a blessed, happy year and may you also walk in peace!
Pope Francis gave the world a lesson in why we should learn Krav Maga -- and learn not just its "hard" violent techniques, but its ethical spirit and its "soft" techniques.
In the video accompanying this story a woman grabs the Pope. He responds by slapping her hand. There is much that can and should be said about the incident. Yes, the woman was wrong. Yes, security was lacking (to say the least). But how would Krav Maga have helped the Pope respond better?
First, "De-escalation." That's the first lesson taught in Krav Maga. Hitting back with unnecessary actions or words is inevitably going to make things worse. Students, please remember that our primary "fight stance" is always a de-escalating stance by which we try to avoid further conflict.
Second, Proportionate force. In Krav Maga we learn that you should only use force to protect a life or something truly valuable. The law in most legislatures is that you should only use "proportionate force" to deal with a threat.
Thirdly, soft techniques and effective techniques. My analysis of the video is that, if he was really being threatened, what the Pope did was useless and futile. If he wasn't being threatened, but being grabbed by an over-enthusiastic follower, then a soft technique like shifting his weight or dropping his hand would not only have dealt with the situation effectively, but done so in a more gracious manner.
I write this not to condemn the Pope. In this case, and to quote him from another context, "Who am I to judge?" But the incident highlights why Krav Maga is such a blessing. It can not only help us when our lives or the lives of our loved ones are under threat. But it also helps us deal effectively and graciously with more ordinary situations. That is, used correctly and when it becomes a part of our lives, Krav Maga helps us "Walk in Peace."
Happy New Year to All! I look forward to training with you in the New Year. May you always "Be Safe!"
Matthew Ogilvie
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