top of page
Gopal Raghavan

The Curious Case of Krav Maga Self-Defence Instructors and Their Combat Cosplay

Camouflaged Army Uniform
Camouflaged Army Uniform

There is a peculiar phenomenon in the fascinating world of Krav Maga, where the essence of self-defence is distilled into every punch, kick, and grapple. It's not the high-intensity training or the practical self-defence techniques that catch the eye—no, it's the instructors who look like they've just stepped off the set of an action movie, complete with camouflaged pants and, believe it or not, dummy AK-47s in hand. And before you ask, no, we're not in the midst of a covert operation in the dense jungles of India. So, why the full combat gear? Let's dive into this amusing enigma.

Dressing for the Job You Want?

Perhaps these instructors take the old adage "dress for the job you want, not the job you have" a little too seriously. After all, if you spend your days teaching people how to disarm attackers, you might start to feel like a one-person army. Or maybe they're just really enthusiastic about theme parties and thought, "Why not make every day a commando-themed day?"

AK-47s: Preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse

While training to disarm weapons is a crucial aspect of Krav Maga, one might wonder about the choice of weaponry. An AK-47 in India seems as out of place as a snowman in the Sahara. Unless there's a zombie apocalypse we don't know about, and these instructors are just way ahead of the curve, preparing us for the ultimate test of survival. In that case, carry on, noble warriors!

Instagram: Where Fantasy Meets Reality

Then there's the Instagram phenomenon. Scrolling through the profiles of some Krav Maga instructors might leave you wondering if you've accidentally stumbled into a special forces reunion. These action-packed photos, complete with tactical gear and fierce expressions, could give Hollywood action heroes a run for their money. It's like they're saying, "Who needs a movie set when you've got a smartphone and a dream?"

Marketing or Misdirection?

On a more serious note, it could all boil down to marketing. In a world where social media presence can make or break a business, perhaps the combat-ready look is just a way to stand out from the crowd. After all, nothing says "serious about self-defence", like a photo of you wielding a military-grade weapon (even if it's just a replica). But let's not forget the heart of Krav Maga—it's about practicality, not theatrics.

The Questionable Designations

Adding to the intrigue are some instructors who adorn themselves with titles like "Head of Krav Maga." It's a bit like a Yoga instructor declaring themselves the "Head of Yoga." What's really amusing is that they themselves seem puzzled about what such a designation entails. Unless you're Imi Lichtenfeld, the founder of Krav Maga, proclaiming yourself the head of this martial art is as presumptuous as claiming to be Sage Maharshi Patanjali for Yoga enthusiasts. It's a title that demands not just expertise but a foundational role in the discipline's development, something most can't genuinely claim.

A Gentle Reminder

To our beloved instructors decked out in combat gear, we salute your passion and commitment to teaching self-defence. However, let's remember that the essence of Krav Maga lies in its practicality and applicability to real-life situations. While Krav Maga was initially developed for the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), it has since evolved to teach civilians as well. Therefore, it might be wiser to dress in regular, comfortable attire rather than trying to channel Arnold Schwarzenegger in 'Commando'. The true power of Krav Maga is in empowering ordinary people to protect themselves, with or without the Hollywood flair.


In Conclusion

As we navigate the intriguing world of Krav Maga, let's not lose sight of its core principles in the smoke and mirrors of social media and marketing. After all, the true measure of a Krav Maga instructor isn't in their ability to look the part of a combat-ready warrior but in their skill to teach real people the art of survival. And to those instructors who keep it real—thank you for reminding us that, sometimes, our most powerful weapon is our knowledge and courage.


7 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page