Stay Alert: The Art of Self-Defense in Uncertain Times

Rising Awareness: With daily news of knife attacks, Molotov cocktails, and attempted attacks, it's time to be extra cautious. We believe and pray, but as Moshe Konikov, a 25-year-old Krav Maga instructor, says, we must also take action. This means learning self-defense techniques.

"I've always been fascinated by Jewish heroism throughout history," Konikov, a married resident of Bat Ayin, shares. "From resistance movements in ghettos to our time today, it has always been my ambition to work in this field. Nine years ago, I got the chance to pursue my dream by joining an international Krav Maga school run by my cousin, who teaches it worldwide." Now, he encourages men to do the same, to be prepared for any scenario.

Why Krav Maga? Why not judo techniques, for example?

"The techniques learned in Krav Maga are closest to real-life scenarios. In judo, for instance, there's a concept of 'throwing' the opponent down. But if the opponent is very strong or heavy, this may not work. Krav Maga, unlike other martial arts that 'drag out' solutions, emphasizes ending an encounter as quickly as possible."

He emphasizes the need for awareness above all.

What do you mean by 'awareness'? We can't walk down the street in constant fear.

"True, we shouldn't be paranoid, but we need awareness. There's a way to identify a 'lone attacker' by noticing certain behavioral signs. A lone attacker operates without consulting anyone, acting on impulse, often carrying a weapon like a knife or screwdriver. The attack happens in a split second, making it hard to prevent. Therefore, heightened awareness is vital to spot suspicious behavior and appearance."

What should we look for?

Unseasonably warm, long clothing, unexpected directions (such as leaving a corner when everyone else is inline), strange muttering, or tunnel vision focusing only on the target. Look for nervous behavior, pockets hands, and sweating. Pay attention to hand placement. If their hands are behind their back, question what they might be holding and if it's dangerous.

So, what to do if you suspect someone? Konikov advises that hand position is crucial. "Our hands should always be above theirs," he notes. "If their hands are in pockets, ours should be higher. Why? If they attack your head, they must first get through your hands protecting it. Additionally, hands up can quickly reach their face, where eyes are a strong point of vulnerability. Using fingers or an object to strike the eyes can distract the attacker, giving you time to respond."

The Five Principles for Responding to an Attack

Aggressiveness - Respond as aggressively as possible, using all your strength to defend yourself.

Avoid Wrestling - Don't get tied up in a wrestling match; focus on reaching the knife and disarming the attacker.

Explosion - If someone's approaching to attack, act quickly. Be confident and decisive with movements. Reacting, even poorly, is better than freezing.

Damage Minimization - Don't panic at the sight of blood. Focus on minimizing harm as much as possible.

Disarming - Do whatever it takes to remove the knife from the attacker's hand. Repeat the action several times, as adrenaline often numbs pain.