Krav Maga has been a consistent part of my life since early 2019 and has changed me in ways I didn’t think possible when I signed up for my first trial class with the Women Only group. Starting a new skill, in a new club, surrounded by new people was daunting at first. I was embarrassed by my lack of physical fitness and thought that I wouldn’t be able to keep up however any fear I had was quickly dispelled as soon as I met instructor Emma and the other students. Everyone was welcoming and encouraging, and I quickly realised that this was a club I wanted to be a part of. I signed up as soon as I could and made sure my Wednesday evenings were always free. My confidence grew with each class, as did my fitness. I started to find things in the world which would have threatened me before became less significant, and when people did push my boundaries I had the voice to stop them.
When the pandemic came along my life changed again. I was at home with no structure, isolated from loved ones and friends, and had no real reason to get out of bed. AR Krav Maga supported me then too. While classes couldn’t take place in person, I made sure to attend the Zoom sessions and took note of Instructor Tony’s wisdom about creating a routine even when there isn’t one. Krav Maga gave me a routine and kept me grounded throughout every lockdown that came our way.
As soon as we were able to start training together as normal, I passed my P1 grading. It was the most physically and mentally demanding challenge I had ever undertaken, but the euphoria at completing it was one of the best feelings in the world and it remains one of my most treasured achievements. I continued to train and passed my P2 grading just over six months later. Now, I train a minimum of three times a week, more if I can; I’ve created strong bonds and friendships within the club that I will cherish for years to come, and I’m learning a skill that continues to stimulate and excite me.
There isn’t a single negative about learning Krav Maga (as long as you don’t mind bruises) and to be able to do so in such a welcoming and supportive club is an absolute privilege. In the future, I hope to continue training and pass a few more grades. It would be my ultimate dream to go to a training camp in Israel to learn from the source and experience training alongside people from Krav Maga schools across the world. For now, though, I’m happy every time I step on the mat, every time I learn a new skill, and every time I’m reminded of what an amazing club I’m a part of.
Grace White
AR Krav Maga Student for Life
