Students in attendance for the Irish UC seminar in Dublin.

On Saturday the 6^th May I held the first UC seminar in Ireland for one of the main Krav Maga Self-defence groups in Dublin, at the Focus fitness center. We had 28 people in attendance ranging from a variety of experience and skill levels. The seminar it self was well received and the material taught was principle based, designed to fit in nicely with what a lot of guys had already been doing. The structure for the day was divided into both theory and practical work, covering both the pre-conflict and conflict areas of physical confrontation. After a brief introduction and warm up we started with a small toolbox of strikes, namely the Tiger’s claw, cupped hand blow, hammer-fist, elbow and knee. The majority of students in attendance were of course already familiar with these basic hard skill tools.

The Tiger’s claw in application Krav-Maga instructor Steve practices the slap.

Next we moved into theory, talking about the cultivation of a functional game planned response; built from a power base of awareness for the priority of avoidance and escape.  This should make up the majority of what we are striving for and is in its self, the exercise of good Self-Protection skills. Incorporated within this is gaining an understanding of how the street aggressor actually operates in terms of body language and pre-assault indications and M.O. This was analyzed in detail then practiced in a physical sense via the use of role-play and scenario work covering a variety of body language cues ranging from deceptive to extremely aggressive cues. Such drills performed in a live sense allowed the student to practice safe situational control via the fence along with the understanding of footwork for priority positioning and observation of environment.

Basic toolbox included the hammer-fist and clinch knees.

The next theory module looked at was a discussion about the development of a combative mindset and the training model, the Vital Pyramid that was originally developed by John Lofty Wiseman and is employed by one of my combative instructors Dennis Martin of CQB Services. The physical aspect of our game plan employs a pre-emptive response hence the limited toolbox. In the worse case scenario this is to manifest itself in the form of a continuous attack that only stops when the threat is dealt with. Combination strikes where practiced next, taking into account the need to move and flank our initial aggressor in order to be constantly observant for a secondary threat. Every single impact and scenario drill was practiced with this thought in mind. Your partner was approached with the fence up followed by a hard step to the flank to improve observation and force the pad man to re-orientate to us.

Tactical disengagement and observation skills were emphasized during scenario work.

After each attack the pad man was flank and often used for cover as we actively scan for further threat. Then the student must tactically disengage the threat observing the environment as he/she does so. Such practice must be drilled in if it is to come out when needed. The point was made that you only get off the disc what you put on the disc. The down stairs-training hall of the focus fitness center included a bar and stage area, which we employed for various ECQ clinch work and scenario/role-play drills to good effect.

Ambush drills at the bar incorporating ECQ tactics from the clinch

Scenario work at ECQ includes using your immediate environment.

After this we looked at a few offensive takedowns as a follow up from our pre-emptive offensive and as a means of counter clinch. The final module for the day looked at ATP combative conditioning drills, just to get everyone in touch with their inner opponent and to offer the opportunity to silence him via the creation of inner resolve and mental toughness that drills like these develop. This saw everyone giving 100 percent including the only two ladies present on the course. This drill focused on fast sprints up and down the hall followed by immediate floor work in the form of push-ups to squat thrusts, followed by all out striking on the pads for a specific count then standing tall to hide your fatigue.

Sprints to floor work…

To fatigue inducing pad work as hard and fast as you can move!

The need for such training to cultivate being fit to fight was understood and well received, as was the rest of the day. All in all another productive European seminar was in the bag. New friends and contacts were made and I for one had a very enjoyable weekend. My host Aiden took me into Dublin that night for a nice meal and some great Irish hospitality. The next day left just enough time for a little souvenir hunting and a little site seeing. The contrast from Dublin City to some of the most beautiful countryside I have ever seen just a few miles out, made for some nice additions to my photo album. All that remains is for me to thank Aiden my host and to thank everyone who took part and made it possible. Thanks very much.

Peace L.M

Irish hospitality with beauty to match.