Empowering Women Through Krav Maga

March is a month for women: it's both Women's History Month and has International Women's Day. This month, we'd like to focus on some of the women who have walked through our doors, specifically what brought them here, what's kept them here, and how their life has changed after they found Krav Maga:

Meet Marjorie:

What made you come to Valley Self-Defense?

I had been looking for a self defense class for a long time. After a couple of incidents in the twin cities and leaving my office in the evenings,  I went to the women’s self defense seminar and was impressed: the techniques were useful, practical and effective. I was hooked!

Has Krav Maga changed you? And if so, how?

I feel secure knowing I can handle many situations and get through it-a very powerful feeling after a traumatic history.

Share a moment of empowerment on the mat that's spurred you to keep training.

As for leaving it on the mat-I got injured and was embarrassed but was fully supported by the instructors and fellow students-unlike other situations. I came back strong and didn’t stop! My confidence, sense of safety, and health has increased and feels great!  Thank you, VSD!

Meet Emily:

What made you come to Valley Self-Defense?              

I was getting bored with my workout routine and wanted a fitness experience that involved learning a new skill, to keep me engaged. I also wanted to reduce my fear and anxiety about being attacked, especially when alone.

Has Krav Maga changed you? And if so, how?            

I’ve noticed that I have more confidence in many situations. I now firmly believe that if someone tried to attack, mug, or sexually assault me, I would fight back hard enough to make them regret that decision. I have more awareness of my surroundings. Instead of worrying that someone might break into my house, I imagine what I could do in that situation: potential weapons, escape routes, etc.

Share a moment of empowerment on the mat that's spurred you to keep training.      

This might be a weird one, but here goes. The first few times being kicked or kneed in the groin while wearing groin protection were a big step. That, along with other ways of expanding my tolerance for aggression (both on the giving and receiving end), has been an exciting awakening of a part of me that I hadn’t known was in there. It’s been an excellent way to bolster my confidence, and an outlet for stress, anxiety and frustration in general.

What would you say to any woman or person who is interested in learning Krav Maga, but is nervous about finding a gym?          

I would strongly encourage it to anyone. But I’d also say that if your nervous, take it slow. Maybe arrive early or email the instructors to let them know your concerns. You don’t have to dive into full aggression in your first class if you’re not comfortable. If it makes sense to you, look for a trauma-informed instructor. I don’t think anyone would regret trying it out.

Meet Martha:

What made you come to Valley Self-Defense?

I came to Valley on the recommendation of my trauma therapist.  I told her I did not feel safe in my office, but did not feel concealing and carrying a weapon was right for me.  She referred me to do a Women's Seminar.

Has Krav Maga changed you? And if so, how?

Krav Maga has changed me greatly.  When I was growing up I was taught to kick and scream and resist if I was attacked, but I don't think I ever truly believed I could prevail over a larger attacker.  Krav Maga instilled an inherent sense in me that I am capable of defending myself.  What naturally followed was an innate sense that I am WORTH protecting.  I take care of myself a lot better than I used to.  I do more to stay fit, to eat a better diet, and to maintain better harmony with all of the aspects of my life.

Share a moment of empowerment on the mat that's spurred you to keep training.

I remember feeling extremely empowered at about my fifth or sixth class during warm ups because I could feel that I was building strength.  At Valley I was encouraged to be as aggressive as possible with a punching bag, and I remember making some good connections and for the first time in my life thinking, "Hey - I'm actually pretty strong!"  This was particularly significant for me because a past abuser used to criticize me for having "weak arms."  

What would you say to any woman or person who is interested in learning Krav Maga, but is nervous about finding a gym?

I would say to try Valley first.  Between clients and personal friends I have referred a lot of people to try martial arts - especially women.  I always tell them that I started in Krav Maga, but have started branching out and supplementing my skills with a few different disciplines.  But I do not think I would have stayed longer than the first day had my first experience not been with Peter and Shelly.  

Meet Tara:

What made you come to Valley Self-Defense?

The simple answer to why a joined Krav Maga is because I have a great friend who was already a part of it. I had done karate when I was a kid and I loved it, but I was always getting cold feet when I was invited to Krav Maga. It took a worldwide pandemic to get me to really start going to classes, and that was only because I didn’t need to leave the house, as everything was online. I have a lot of anxieties that involve doing real world things. I would love to just play video games and read manga all day, but I would never challenge myself. Starting Krav Maga was another way I could hang out with my best friend, and get a good work out.  

Has Krav Maga changed you? And if so, how?

I believe that I am always changing and evolving. Whenever I start something new it is absolutely terrifying for me. I’ve gotten comfortable with Krav Maga now at this point, so it's no longer a challenge to venture out into the real world to go work out. I’m proud of myself for going to the first couple of classes because those were the most nerve racking. The next new thing that forces me out of my comfort zone may now be a little easier, because I’ve already left my comfort zone once.

Share a moment of empowerment on the mat that's spurred you to keep training.

For me I feel empowered every time I get my butt out of the house to go do something. With the bar starting real low here a moment of empowerment of the mat is really any moment I feel like an anime character.  

What would you say to any woman or person who is interested in learning Krav Maga, but is nervous about finding a gym?

For anyone looking for a Krav Maga gym, I would suggest starting it with a good friend. That way you can keep each going, and you won’t  be alone when you start.    

Meet Danae:

What made you come to Valley Self-Defense?

My Krav Maga journey actually started at Krav Maga Minneapolis. I had been living overseas and had gone through some traumatic experiences. When I moved to Minnesota, I was a mess - I didn't leave my apartment, I wasn't taking care of myself. After I spent some time with a therapist, a thought just popped into my head, "Should I try self-defense?" And she enthusiastically said yes. I asked different people, I looked at the Y, I searched online, and everything came back to Krav Maga.

Right before I became an instructor, Lead Instructor Peter Eisenberg invited me to practice teaching at Valley Self-Defense. Eventually, Peter and Shelly asked if I'd be interested in becoming a partner and I was happy to join them!

Has Krav Maga changed you? And if so, how?

It has changed my entire life. I am more confident than I have ever been in all areas of my life. And I credit that to Krav Maga.

When it comes to trauma and stress, I used to freeze and the only way I could get out of a freeze was for someone to talk to me. Since I've started Krav Maga, I still freeze, but it gets shorter and shorter the longer I train.

Share a moment of empowerment on the mat that's spurred you to keep training.

I actually broke Peter's nose during a sparring session. I panicked and felt so bad, but the first thing he said to me was, "I'm so proud of you." After we cleaned up the blood, Peter made us take selfies in the mirror to show that someone my size could take someone his size down (for anyone who hasn't met him, he's twice my height and twice my weight). I make calendars for my family and every year, that picture is what I post on International Women's Day.

What would you say to any woman or person who is interested in learning Krav Maga, but is nervous about finding a gym?

I get it. I tried really hard to actually NOT try Krav Maga. I kept looking for something else, but every person I spoke to suggested Krav Maga. And once I got there, I cried my first class. But it's one of the best things I've ever done.

If you're looking for a gym, look for one that's going to be right for you, whether that means they hold women's only classes, they're willing to answer all your questions in advance, or they make it a point of welcoming you on the mat, research, research, research.

And if you're in Minnesota, know that at Valley Self-Defense when we say everyone is welcome on the mat, we mean EVERYBODY. No matter who you are or what you've experienced, you deserve safety. You deserve to move about the world freely and we can help you with that.

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All Valley Self-Defense instructors have been trained in trauma-informed care and how to help those handling trauma in a Krav Maga class. For anyone with anxiety about trying Krav Maga, we are happy to meet with you in person or speak with you over the phone. To connect with us, email us at valleyselfdefense@gmail.com.

If we say that exercise helps our mental health, we can't disconnect our feelings from it. This is why owner and instructor Danae Hudson cries on the mat during Krav Maga.

Krav Maga is about more than just kicking butt - the best way to win a fight is to avoid one. But often times women feel like we can't defend ourselves until we're in danger. When are we allowed to defend our boundaries?

Krav Maga near me? There is! If you're looking for a Krav Maga class near you, Valley Self-Defense is a proud member of the International Krav Maga Federation with schools located across the United States. To find a school near you, visit the IKMF USA website.

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