Self Defense—Preparing Our Kids for What We Can’t Expect

posted by on Mar 1, 2018

Let’s face it, parenting can be overwhelming. Even when they’re teenagers. Especially when they’re teenagers. Yes, we survived colic, diaper rash, choking hazards, and getting them to sleep through the night, but now that they are only a handful of high school semesters away from the real world, the fear is, did we do enough to get them ready? Did we prepare them Krav-Maga.jpgfor all the big things that we can see ahead—college, careers, relationships?

I have to say, as the father of daughters, more and more I’m starting to worry about all the things I can’t see ahead. I watch the news. I hear the statistics. I know I can’t protect them forever. I also can’t be there to make sure they get up for class when they’re in college, or remind them to turn in assignments or study for exams, but I’ve worked to instill in them an understanding of what it takes to be a strong student. In the same way, I believe I need to instill in them a sense of what it takes to be a strong person, one who has the mental and physical strength to face whatever—or whoever—is in front of her.

{{cta(‘fb9e1eed-572f-4d4d-bdef-44bd35e52614’)}}

I believe any of our teens could benefit from our new 2-week Krav Maga intensive, where they will get just this type of training. Teens will learn to be more aware of their surroundings, increase their physical fitness, and master tactics for personal self-defense.

Krav Maga, which literally translates to “contact combat,” is a practice that’s used by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and encompasses various martial arts styles including Aikido, Judo and Karate. While its first principle is to avoid physical confrontation, if that isn’t an option, the second principle is to act or counter with speed, efficiency, and physical aggression. This self-defense intensive is taught by Yulia Sachkova, an active IDF Krav Maga instructor and triple European kickboxing champion.

When participants finish the 2-week Krav Maga intensive, they will come out with improved problem-solving skills, self-confidence, and physical fitness, and a sense of empowerment.  

In addition to work with Yulia Sachkova, participants also get to enjoy the best of camp, like music and art, Israel education programs, Shabbat, enjoying the natural setting, and hanging out with friends. While teens are learning Krav Maga’s connection to the Jewish people, they will be in the right environment to explore their own.

{{cta(‘555c690b-6441-41cb-9b61-f8bff5b4af48’)}}