The first session of the nine-part Krav Maga Women Only course began in November. During this course, women of various ages and backgrounds learn how to deal with dangerous and intimidating situations they may face in everyday life. Within the group, we see that many women have different reasons for taking part. Whilst some want to learn how to defend themselves, others are looking to build greater self-confidence. You can find more information about the Krav Maga Women Only course at here.
One special pair taking part in the course are mother and daughter Renate (49) and Nikki (12). Nikki is in her first year of secondary school, which means she’ll be becoming a lot more independent this year. Although Renate is very proud, this naturally also brings with it some concerns. We asked Nikki and Renate a few questions about their decision to take the Krav Maga Women Only course, and how this contributes to their sense of safety as mother and daughter.
Could you start by telling us a bit about yourselves?
Nikki (12): “I’m in Year 1 now”e ”I’m at secondary school; I’m really enjoying it there and I have a lovely, happy everyday life. I’m a huge fan of Netflix, especially series like *Stranger Things*."
Renate (49): “Among other things, I sell gemstone jewellery and teach WYO. This is a combination of various forms of exercise, such as Qi Gong and workout.”
”There are just the two of us. We get on really well and do lots of things together. We love watching films and TV series, enjoying good food, cuddling our cats and going on holiday to Greece.”
What made you decide to take part in the Women Only Krav Maga classes together?
Renate: “Nikki has started secondary school this year. That means a lot more independence for her, and it also means that, as her mum, I have to let her go a bit more. Because there are people out there with bad intentions, I want Nikki to feel more confident and be more alert. I also hope that, if necessary, she’ll know how to get herself out of dangerous situations.”.
I myself have been through a lot in terms of feeling unsafe, both physically and emotionally, and wanted to learn to deal more consciously and healthily with the survival responses that have arisen as a result. I find that it does me good to set my boundaries in such a strongly physical way and to realise that I can and am allowed to trust my body and my instincts.”
What is it like for you to practise Krav Maga in an all-female group?
Renate: “It’s really enjoyable and safe. When you’re playing the role of the attacker, you immediately notice the impact that someone who is physically weaker can have on you through certain techniques. That puts my mind at ease a great deal when it comes to my daughter.”.
There’s a lot of mutual respect, and the trainer shows us a lot of respect too. I’d really like it if, for a change, we could practise with (real) men instead of punch bags, and be allowed to really let rip as if we were actually in a threatening situation. At the moment, we practise with punch bags and without any other protection, so you have to hold back.”
What have you learnt so far? Do you think you’ll be able to put this into practice if necessary?
Renate: “We’ve learnt various techniques for freeing ourselves from someone’s grip, such as being dragged along, having your hair pulled, being grabbed by the wrists, being pushed against a wall, having your throat squeezed, or being pinned down.”.
What I really like about this course is that it’s not about technique or looking good, but about how to survive as efficiently as possible should the need arise. We also learn that your boundaries are your boundaries and are never up for debate. If anyone has a problem with that, they’re free to leave. If they don’t do so even though you’ve made your boundaries very clear, and that person becomes physically aggressive, then you’re allowed to physically defend yourself and your loved ones. You can certainly do this using Krav Maga techniques, even if the other person has the physical upper hand.
I do think we need to train more – and, above all, practise repeatedly – so that we can react using all these techniques when necessary. Because whilst some reactions are already instinctively correct, other reflexes – such as those involved in choking – are different. You’ll need to change these.
‘And you’ve got to teach yourself a new reflex: the ’get the fuck away” with a strike to the groin. I reckon I’ve got that one down pat now, because we practise it with all the techniques, don’t we?”
Are there any issues you come up against in everyday life?
Renate: “For me, powerlessness is certainly a theme – for example, due to people’s ignorance, unreliability or even malice, whilst I myself have often proved to be too trusting. I cannot stand injustice against anyone or anything; it’s a trait that makes one vulnerable in a harsh and self-centred society.”
Nikki: “In spring and summer, I have to cycle to Oisterwijk from Tilburg (University). It takes me well over three-quarters of an hour, and I sometimes see people I don’t really trust. My mum also thinks it’s a good idea that I can defend myself in an emergency, and hopefully this will give me even more self-confidence.”
Do you think Krav Maga classes could help you with these challenges?
Renate: “It certainly has a positive and significant impact to literally (physically) experience that you can free yourself from someone’s grip, even though alarm bells are ringing at every level of your system. By practising this, you also develop your cognitive skills whilst under pressure, which in turn helps you cope better with other forms of violence beyond the purely physical.”
Nikki: “Absolutely, as I’m already much more confident now and I’m not at all afraid of going shopping on my own or standing on the platform by myself.”
As a mother, what is it like to practise a self-defence sport with your daughter?
Renate: “It’s a constructive, direct yet light-hearted way of addressing the serious reality of the dangers that girls and women can face. I really enjoy doing this with my daughter, and it’s a relief to see just how strong she is. When I play the role of the attacker, I’m usually the one who ends up running away, anyway ?.”
As a daughter, what is it like to practise a self-defence sport with your mum?
Nikki: “I really enjoy practising techniques with my mum. It’s also great that this means we can practise together at home. It helps us realise that it’s not about how strong you are, but really about getting it into your system, so that you don’t panic when the moment unfortunately does arrive.”
Are you also interested in the Women Only Krav Maga course? We’re starting a new course from 27 January to 30 March. Would you prefer to try a free taster session first? We’re holding these on 6 and 13 January. Sign up now for the taster session or the full course via this page. (Sign up before 13 January, or sign up with someone else, to get a substantial discount!)
By: Nomi van Dun