While we live in an age of all kinds of devices and sports, often we are lacking in personal safety skills. While you might think that martial arts classes are all the same- they are definitely not. Much depends on the knowledge and skill of the instructors. Much more depends on how often you practice and stay on top of classes. Most martial arts require a lot of classes and significant commitment to the classes to get to the point where you can actually feel like you have skills for your own personal safety. Most attacks are by people we know or have had contact with. It could be a friend who is out of control or it could be a guy at a bar you met who doesn’t want to take no for an answer. Either way, whether you are 70 or 17, it’s worth exploring one of the martial arts divisions that is known to be a true personal defense skill set– Krav Maga.
All photos courtesy of Krav Maga Worldwide!
LA-Story:
1) Did Howard undergo any strong experience in Israel that inspired this Krav method of defense? Please elaborate.
Krav Maga Worldwide:
Howard Mallen is the co-founder and CEO of Krav Maga Worldwide. Howard began training in Krav Maga at age twelve receiving instruction directly from Chief Instructor Darren Levine, who brought Krav Maga to the United States and was mentored by the founder of Krav Maga, Imi Lichetenfeld. Howard has practiced Krav Maga for over 30 years earning his black belt in 1993 and his third degree black belt in 2012. He is a certified full instructor by the Wingate Institute of Physical Education and Sport (Netanya, Israel), the Krav Maga Association of America, the Israeli Krav Maga Association, and the International Krav Maga Federation. Previously, Howard served as the Director of the Krav Maga Association’s Law Enforcement Training Division where he was responsible for coordinating all Krav Maga law enforcement training in the U.S., and he spent 15 years as a lead force instructor for the Santa Monica Police Department’s defensive tactics unit.
LA-S:
2) Have lives been saved in war torn countries using this method?
KM-W:
Krav Maga was originally created by Imi Lichtenfeld and has been taught to thousands of soldiers and law enforcement personnel throughout the world, including the United States. Krav Maga is credited for saving countless lives on both the battlefield and the streets. In fact, every month Krav Maga Worldwide receives testimonials on how someone used Krav Maga to thwart a violent encounter. Here is a link to the history of Krav Maga. http://www.kravmaga.com/about-us/our-history/
LA-S:
3) Is this fighting method something he has adopted or helped to produce?
KM-W:
No, Howard did not help create Krav Maga, but he did help spread it throughout United States and abroad through the formation of Krav Maga Worldwide.
Krav Maga Worldwide video
LA-S:
4) What is his ultimate goal in regards to spreading this fighting and self defense method?
KM-W:
The ultimate goal of Krav Maga Worldwide is to save lives. The company exists to inspire, motivate, and empower people to be safe, healthy, fit, and confident.
LA-S:
5) Do a lot of people in Israel now us this method? If so, to what capacity?
KM-W:
Krav Maga is still used by all branches of the Israeli Defense Forces and Israeli law enforcement. It is also taught to civilians at private Krav Maga schools throughout the country.
LA-S:
6) What are the physical and mental benefits of Krav Maga?
KM-W:
Krav Maga is a full body workout. Students of Krav Maga train with punching bags, kettle bells and other fitness tools. Muscles are developed through repetitive kicks and punches and the fast-paced, high-intensity classes are also great for burning calories and weight loss.
Mentally Krav Maga is beneficial to students because while they are getting in shape they are also learning how to protect themselves if they should ever be attacked. Students learn how to defend against chokeholds, punches, kicks and even weapons. By gaining this knowledge, students are able to feel safer and more confident.
LA-S:
7) How was Krav Maga started? Full history here – http://www.kravmaga.com/about-us/our-history/
KM-W:
· 1910 Krav Maga founder Imi Lichtenfeld learns self-defense from his father Samuel
Imi grew up in Bratislava, but was actually born in Hungary. A natural athlete, he earned national and international awards in gymnastics, boxing, and wrestling.
However, Imi’s greatest influence was his father, Samuel, a police officer and self defense instructor. Samuel started his career as a circus acrobat and wrestler, but later entered the police department and served for 3 decades as Chief Detective Inspector. He became well known for his considerable arrest record, particularly of dangerous criminals.
When not on the trail of violent felons, Samuel taught various self defense techniques to the local policemen at “Hercules,” the first gym in Bratislava, which he owned. In his training, Samuel constantly emphasized the need for proper moral conduct when dealing with the public and suspected criminals alike.
· 1930 The seeds of Krav Maga are planted
During the 1930s, Imi honed his fighting skills in the streets of Bratislava, protecting himself and his Jewish neighbors from local fascist thugs. He took part in numerous fights to prevent anti-Semitic groups from terrorizing the Jewish community in the city. These fights sharpened his awareness of the basic difference between sport and street fighting. It was at this time that the seeds of Krav Maga’s principles were planted in his mind.
· 1940 Imi Lichtenfeld begins teaching soldiers
By the late 1930s, Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany had turned Europe into a battlefield and made it a dangerous place for Jews. Imi’s fights to protect his family and neighbors rapidly became unpopular with the local authorities, and he was forced to leave his homeland in 1940.
After several years of travel, Imi arrived in Israel, which was then called Palestine. He joined the Haganah, a paramilitary organization of the Jewish community and fought to create the independent state of Israel. During this time, he began teaching soldiers basic self defense techniques.
· 1948 State of Israel is formed, Imi Lichtenfeld becomes Chief Instructor
The fledgling Israeli government asked Imi to develop an effective system of self defense and fighting, which later became the Krav Maga system. The Haganah was eventually incorporated into the Israeli Defense Force, and Imi became the Chief Instructor for the military school for Physical Training and Krav Maga.
· 1950 Krav Maga is refined on the battlefield
In the 1950s Krav Maga gets refined on the battlefield. In the 20 years that he served in the army, Imi developed and refined his unique system of self defense and hand-to-hand combat, training the instructors and soldiers of the Israeli Defense Force’s elite units. Since Israel was in a constant state of war with its neighbors, the techniques and tactics he developed were constantly being tested – not in theory, but on the battlefields of the Middle East.
· 1964 Imi Lichtenfeld devotes his time to adapting Krav Maga to everyday life
After his retirement from service, Imi devoted his time and energy to adapting Krav Maga to everyday life. The system was adjusted so that it would supply solutions to ordinary men, women, and children who might face an aggressive encounter.
The system spread rapidly within the civilian population, thanks to a team of Imi’s qualified students. These instructors were personally chosen and trained
“KM Bag” — Where fitness meets fighting! KMW Krav Maga – Heavy Bag Cardio & Strength Training
LA-S:
8) Where did Krav Maga start?
KM-W:
The Krav Maga method of self-defense started in Israel.
LA-S:
9) When was it brought over to the United States?
KM-W:
Krav Maga Worldwide was founded in 1997. Darren Levine began teaching Krav Maga in the United States in 1982 to grade school students at the school where he taught. He then began teaching Krav Maga to law enforcement in 1987.
LA-S:
10) What got you (Howard) so interested in Krav Maga?
KM-W:
I was a student at the elementary school where Darren first taught Krav Maga. I didn’t grow up in a sports-oriented family, so as a child I was never very involved in team sports. Krav Maga was offered as an election and alternative to PE classes. At first, anything to get out of soccer or other PE activities was very appealing. But, as I began training in Krav Maga I realized how quickly I became proficient at it, which raised my confidence level to an all time high. I’ve been hooked ever since.
LA-S:
11) What kind of classes are offered in the facilities?
KM-W:
Classes range from fitness and women’s sexual assault defense classes to general self-defense, fitness, fighting, law enforcement and youth classes.
LA-S:
12) What is one success story you witness through Krav Maga?
KM-W:
When I first began teaching Krav Maga I provided private instruction to children with ADHD. A psychologist who specialized in treating kids ADD and ADHD referred all my clients to me. We both found that Krav Maga training did wonders for these kids, in terms of their level of confidence and their ability to concentrate on a specific task.
LA-S:
13) How many instructors do you have?
KM-W:
There are over 150 certified Krav Maga Worldwide training centers across the United States, Canada, Japan, Mexico, and Europe with multiple instructors teaching at each location. In addition, there are thousands of Krav Maga Worldwide Force Training Division instructors teaching at law enforcement agencies and military units throughout the United States.
Information about the Force Training Division here: http://www.kravmaga.com/programs/law-enforcement-military/
LA-S:
15) How much are classes usually?
KM-W:
Unlimited classes average $125 per month. (Prices may have changed since this interview!)
Krav Maga Worldwide on Celebrity Wife Swap
LA-S:
16) What celebrities have taken Krav Maga classes?
KM-W:
Fitness model Brooke Mora and Karina Smirnoff from Dancing with the Stars. Actor Sean Penn is also a big fan. We’ve also taught Jennifer Lopez, Brendan Fraser, John Mayer, Dennis Haysbert, Shannon Elizabeth, Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Craig, Tom Cruise and many others. Many of the actors have been trained in preparation for a movie.
LA-S:
17) Can a beginner start taking Krav Maga or does someone need to have some experience with martial arts?
KM-W:
Beginners can definitely take Krav Maga. There are entry-level classes available for people who have no experience with martial arts. In fact, Krav Maga was developed to be easily learned by people of all ages, all athletic abilities, and both genders.
LA-S:
18) Can they practice this at home?
KM-W:
Yes, students can practice the self-defense and fighting moves learned in class at home. They are designed to be used in real life situations so practicing them outside the classroom can help students become more familiar with the techniques. Although there are methods of training on your own, working with a partner is recommended.
LA-S:
19) Is there any kind of equipment required for learning this form of martial arts?
KM-W:
At the beginning levels we recommend hand wraps or bag gloves, and a mouthpiece. As the students advance other protection gear is recommended such as forearm guards, shin guards, and groin protection. Training weapons (never real weapons) and punching shields are provided by the training facility.
Thanks to Krav Maga Worldwide and Howard Mullen for the time and expertise!
All photos courtesy of Krav Maga Worldwide!
Website: http://www.kravmaga.com/
Krav Maga History: http://www.kravmaga.com/about-us/our-history/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KravMagaWorldwideInc
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KMWKravMaga
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/KMWKravMaga
What can Krav Maga offer you? Fitness, skills for your personal safety and for others. It’s smart- in a street-smart- situation as well as in formal situations for those active in public service. It’s ideal for women particularly and can help anyone gain some confidence and a real sense of personal safety!
Stevie Wilson,
LA-Story.com
DEALS and STEALS
I am required to tell you that I am an “affiliate” with these brands. I curate deals that offer bonuses, bargains and great products –and some are very specifically for this site to feature to YOU!
The amount I make has yet to be determined that despite people going to visit the links (and it’s in the thousands every month), I have yet to have anyone buy anything from them.
Subscribe to RSS headline updates from:
Powered by FeedBurner
If you are going to feature content from LA-Story.com including podcasts or videos including the accompanying text, please respect copyright provisions. We require a notation of content origination (meaning credit tag), a linkback to the specific page & please email the link to stevie@la-story.com before the piece goes live.
LA-Story.com, LA-Story Recessionista, Celebrity Stylescope, Celebrity Style Slam Trademark/Copyright: KBP Inc./TNBT Inc 2007-16
