Self-defence for the masses (From Redditch Advertiser)

Self-defence for the masses

3:53pm Saturday 19th July 2008 in News

A MATCHBOROUGH man has qualified as one of only 30 accredited UK instructors of Krav Maga, the official self-defence system of the Israeli Defence Forces.

John Browning, 26, has been doing martial arts on and off since an early age but has only been doing Krav Maga for the last three years.

Krav Maga is a simple, effective self-defence system that emphasizes instinctive movements, practical techniques, and realistic training scenarios.

It has been used in films such as The Mummy, the Bourne Identity and Casino Royale.

John said: "I think with today's environment self defence is very important for everybody.

"There are countless stories of teenagers being stabbed in London and it's not just London with the problem. You only have to read your local paper and there will be stories about real people being attacked."

John was introduced to Krav Maga by a friend after leaving the forces.

He added: "I was looking for something a bit more realistic as opposed to the more traditional arts and Krav Maga is a realistic self-defence for the modern world.

"As an instructor I believe I'm not just teaching people to punch and kick. I'm teaching them to save not only their own life but the lives of their loved ones as well."

If anyone is interested there are classes on Mondays and Thursdays at St Augustine's High School from 8pm-9pm.

For more information about Krav Maga visit www.krav.co.uk.