THE ZEN OF STREET FIGHT - SOME SMART TIPS - Part I

Warning - This analysis may NOT be very crisp like my other posts. But still I will highlight the key definitions in bold, so that you can have at least a net-take if you don’t have the time.

In KravMaga, I have noticed some basic principles around which the techniques are built. I am attempting to decipher them for my trainees benefit.
Part I deals with issues which has to be understood before one takes up training in fighting arts.

"VIOLENCE IS THE MOST STUPID WAY OF ADDRESSING A PROBLEM."
To every fresher who joins my KravMaga class I start my class with the statement ,"Violence is the most stupid way of addressing a problem." Their reaction is generally a look of amused confusion " I am paying good money to this guy and he is saying the whole class is learning to be stupid!"

Former Minister K P P Samy
arrested for murder

Its just that I want to the trainee to understand there is cost to pay for each action and he can't avoid it once the act is done.

Violence is the least civilized or sophisticated way of solving any issue we have with others. In most cases the problem only comes back in a different form.

"VIOLENCE BLEEDS ONE’S RESOURCES."

 Refugee camp in war torn Somalia 

Also, Violence is very resource intensive. Look at a country at war for long time - young men who could have been scientists, bankers, artists are busy killing and money which should have gone to health, education are diverted to produce weapons of mass-murder. A classic example may be Afghanistan or Somalia.

The same logic applies to an individual also; a confrontation can sap your time, energy and peace-of-mind..at the end of the day, you end up losing sleep, productivity and even reputation. What has been built over years can be undone in a few seconds of adrenalin infused madness.

Sonia with her body guards

REMEMBER! THE WORLD VALUES THE BRAIN MORE THAN THE BODY
Who sits on the throne? It’s the leader who thrives by selling dreams.
Who rules? It’s the orator who can manipulate public psyche.
Who wields power? It’s the politician who presents an agenda for your future

It’s NOT a champion weight lifter, a glorious body builder or a martial art master who is given the responsibility of ruling over a country; even though they may be admired and respected. The fact is their role in society is limited to protection or propagating physical fitness.

I recall a small story - The Maharaja had an very able bodyguard, who was like a loyal shadow for many years. There was also an old minister whom the maharaja listened to. The body guard always felt bad that the old, weak and tottering minister was paid many times than him.
One day he asked the Maharaja," Am I not the one ready to lay down my life for you? Should I not be paid more than the old minister? What do you see in him which makes you value him more than me!? " The Maharaja thought for some time and said, " I am expecting a ship from a foreign country .Go to the port and check if the ship has come." The bodyguard went to the port and reported ,'Maharaja, the ship has arrived."

The Maharaja asked the bodyguard to stand beside him and called the old minister. He asked the minister to check and report if the ship he is expecting has arrived. The minister went and came back after some time to report," The ship has come. It has 2 tonnes of wheat which we can buy at 4 mohurs per tonne. It also carries 40 arabian horses which we can buy in barter for 2 bags of pearls. They also require rock salt, which we have excess inventory. I am also negotiating to sell pepper and turmeric." The Maharaja turned and looked at the bodyguard, who just lowered his gaze, unable to meet the Maharaja's questioning look.

The military might of poor N.Korea

SO, PHYSICAL PROTECTION HAS NO VALUE?!
I said earlier, men of physical attributes offer only the promise of PROTECTION and HEALTH. Ironically, both these are felt only in their absence!

Do we go back to a police-station after a robbery is our house is solved? Do we keep visiting the hospital after the stomach ache is cured? Their services are valued only when there is a problem. The problem solvers are irrelevant to the society, during the absence of problems - like firemen in the absence of fire.

A normal productive society has more respect for skills which enhances value. Protective skills become important ONLY in a crisis.

THEN WHY SHOULD YOU LEARN VIOLENCE !?
That’s the next post.
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SreeRam is a KravMaga self-defence instructor at Chennai, South India. He teaches Civilians, Chennai City Police and Security.
SreeRam has started W.A.H.R (Women against harassment & Rape)an NGO devoted to increase personal safety awareness amongst women and equip them to handle sexual harassment at public and work places.
SreeRam conducts KravMaga personal safety and self-defense workshops at corporates, especially IT/BPO companies where many women work late. He has also conducted workshops, for rural women.
On 8th March 2012 ( International Women's Day) KravMaga SreeRam released a small handy booklet for women titled " 10A-s of Personal Safety for Women"
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