Krav Maga Federation

[racerx]

Okay, it's pretty late here in Israel (man it's weird to be able to write that), so if I made some glaring or not-so-glaring errors, please forgive me.

For those who want to get straight to the photos, here’s the link:
http://picasaweb.google.com/joshtutors/IsraelDay1?authkey=2CQLpRaV2TU


I arrived in Israel on Thursday morning and spent the rest of the day being subjected to relentless hospitality by Rhon and his family, Chalacho and his family, and Grandmaster Haim Zut and his family. People were incredibly nice and welcoming, and all seemed armed with a never-ending supply of food and coffee. I’ll definitely write more about that day at a later date, but right now I’m sure people want to hear about Friday, the group’s first day here.

Obviously I wasn’t on the flight over, but the consensus seems to be that it was a bit lacking in the comfortable seat, food and sleep department. I’ve also been informed that Eddie and Neal kept everyone in their vicinity awake by chatting away like a couple of old biddies, but I have been unable to confirm that rumor. I can however confidently say that the airline is seriously reconsidering its “unlimited bread roll” policy thanks to those two.

After clearing customs the group, 50 strong led by instructors Dror Bikel (President of the Krav Maga Federation) and Katrina Reynolds, marched into the arrivals area holding up a giant banner and proceeded over to Grandmaster Zut who was waiting with Rhon and Meni Mehabad, a 3rd Dan black belt who has studied and instructed under Grandmaster Zut. I knew something was planned, but it was pretty cool seeing the group come in all wearing black KMF t-shirts and unfurl the banner, which totally took me by surprise. After introductions the students and instructors made their way to a bus waiting to transport them to the training area in Caesarea.

Less than an hour later, we were there. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the facilities, but the site exceeded anything I envisioned. The location can’t be beat – it’s right on an amazing beach on the Mediterranean Sea, complete with ridiculously warm water, waves suitable for bodysurfing, kayakers, windsurfers, beautiful shells (hey, just because we like hitting things doesn’t mean we’re not sensitive aesthetes), and a snackbar. The rooms are just a stone’s throw from the beach and are basic but comfortable. They’ve got fridges and air-conditioning and a location that can’t be beat, so what’s not to like?

After a brief orientation led by Meni, we made our way to lunch, which is served in a communal dining room. I should mention that the training facilities are owned by a kibbutz, so the beach and everything else on the premises are open to members and paying guests. So there are a lot of other people around, mainly families, though I believe some sports teams are expected later in the week.

The group was understandably pretty jet lagged, but managed to get together at 4 pm (still blazingly hot) for a cobweb-clearing walk down the beach. By this time people had thoroughly explored the area to the extent of being invited to some of the Friday afternoon parties being held on the beach. Before starting out, the group was introduced to Uri Refaeli, an 8th Dan black belt who was one of Grandmaster Zut’s first students. Uri promptly went for a run on the beach in what, as far as we could tell, was still the heat of the day.

Meeting an 8th Dan black belt wasn’t the only unique thing about the walk. The outing started at the snack bar and ended among 2000-year-old Roman ruins, including an amphitheatre, just a relatively short jaunt down the beach. Rhon led the group, which included Uri, Meni, and Chalacho, and proved quite an able tour guide. He grew up in the area so he knows a lot about it, but his passion and interest in the subject matter were obvious as he pointed out features. The city has quite an interesting history, having been controlled at various points in history by Jews, Romans, Muslims, and Crusaders, but I’m not going into it here, not least because I’d have to research it first! Let’s just say it was pretty mind boggling to fly 10 hours, arrive in a time zone 7 hours ahead of the one you left and wind up centuries in the past.

There was more to the day – dinner, more swimming, hanging out, etc. but I think that covers the unique aspects. As people headed off to their rooms they were obviously looking forward to sleep but also wondering what training, which starts at 6 or 6:30 tomorrow (Saturday) morning – I don’t have my schedule handy - would bring. As first days go though, this one was pretty flawless. It’s looking to be a challenging but excellent week of training with amazingly qualified and talented instructors in an absolutely beautiful historic location. The schedule is pretty full and includes several outings in addition to training, but there should be ample time to enjoy the surroundings.

If you made it this far – congratulations and thanks. Hope you enjoyed it - don't forget to check out the photos! If anybody has specific questions about what’ s going on out here, feel free to ask and I’ll try to address them.

[RR]

Josh... Cecilia and I love the descriptions and photos. Thank you.
_________________
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

Groucho Marx

[Terry C]

That sounds like an awesome start!

That's an experience of a lifetime, congratulations. I wish I were there with you all.

I'm glad I can enjoy it thru your writing.

Thanks

[Mary Ann]

Racerx,

Thanks for your well written updates and the wonderful photos. I enjoyed them very much. Keep them coming for all of us who are left behind. Glad to know they arrived safely.
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Mary Ann (Orange Belt)

[racerx]

Thanks for the kind words - I appreciate it!

Another late night here in Israel. Actually, I think the proper term is "early morning." It was an action-packed day with three(!) separate workouts. I suspect everybody else is sleeping quite soundly right now. I’m running a bit late because one of Rhon’s sisters invited Katrina Reynolds (Kat) and me to take a trip into a nearby town after dinner. We strolled around for a bit enjoying the Mediterranean atmosphere, eventually grabbing some caffeine (so I could stay up to write this) at an outdoor café surrounded by olive trees. While it was only the three of us, it’s the sort of event that’s kind of emblematic of the trip: we’re being treated as family and shown more than just the inside of a gym. The whole group is going to be treated to a foray into Israeli culture and our instructor's past on Sunday (in just a few short hours) when we’re treated to a tour of the kibbutz on which Rhon grew up.

That’s for tomorrow’s blog of course. Let’s get back to today, but first, here’s the link to the new photos. Since they involve training, let’s get the disclaimer out of the way: the photos are there to illustrate training, not to illustrate the perfect execution of techniques. Some photos may even show an instructor demonstrating a common mistake. So please enjoy them for what they are. And of course, I alone am to blame for any attempts at humor. http://picasaweb.google.com/joshtutors/IsraelTripDay2?authkey=5Z5l2Sim8UQ

We’re staying right on the water, so what better way to start the day than with an hour’s worth of aerobic activity on the beach with Chalacho starting at 7am? Given the location, it reminded me a little of that exercise program “Bodies in motion with Gilad.” Chalacho wasn’t using one of those wireless microphones though. (Hopefully someone out there will understand the reference.)

Chalacho had the group running, jumping, doing a few combos, and generally sweating in the early morning heat. It looked like a pretty intense way to being the workout portion of the trip, especially the crawling push-ups. Sometimes it’s nice to be able to hide behind the camera! The group was joined by the occasional stray dog and a woman who decided to stretch on the outskirts of the group. One small dog looked to be enjoying himself as he romped on the grass by the group until he found himself in the path of a large mass of people following Chalacho’s exhortations to sprint. However he executed a deft defense against stampede and intelligently remained out of the way after that. The session ended with the group heading into the water for a brief respite before eating.

After breakfast, which oddly enough is the only meal so far to feature dessert, it was on to the gym for the first indoor workout. On the way over, Rhon introduced some of the group to Dennis Hanover, a martial arts legend, who is good friends with Grandmaster Haim Zut. I can’t claim (at least not accurately) to be a huge martial arts buff, so I can’t tell you that much about his extensive background in martial arts which goes back over 40 years and includes founding the fighting system known as Hisardut. I knew Rhon respected Dr. Hannover, which obviously goes a long way, but even if I didn’t know that, it’s easy to tell that he is the real deal. Meni introduced him to the group and he gave a short inspirational talk. He spoke a little bit about his background and discussed the importance of the right philosophy of self-defense. Like I said, it’s late right now, but if I remember right, he has served in five wars in addition to teaching thousands of students, so his words carry a lot of weight. I’ll try to get some video of his speech up later in the week.

The beginning of the morning workout featured a lot of technique review after the students broke into smaller groups based on belt levels. Somewhere along the way Uri Refaeli came in, as did 3rd Dan black belt Avivit Cohen, accompanied by a few of her students. After a couple of hours everybody gathered in a huge gym (they had been practicing in a smaller gym) for a black belt presentation ceremony for three Israeli students, including Chalacho, who had tested to black belt but had not officially received their belts yet.

The ceremony was pretty impressive, though relatively simple. The emphasis was on the people present and the achievement being honored rather than on pomp and circumstance for its own sake. All the practitioners present (including the visiting Krav Maga students) lined up, stretching across the wide expanse of gym. The line-up of black belts represented three generations of Krav Maga experts who collectively possess incalculable fighting, teaching and life experience. They and everybody in the room understood what the three students being honored had endured and accomplished so the applause and congratulatory hugs and greetings were heartfelt. You might notice in the photos that Chalacho’s “new” black belt looks a bit worn. It is because it was: Grandmaster Zut passed his first black belt on to Chalacho.

Next, Uri Refaeli took center stage . He soon created a whirlwind of motion within the gym, putting the students through the paces with light sparring exercises. I’m sure lunch couldn’t come too soon. Did I mention that someone told us we’re in the middle of a mini-heatwave so it’s more humid than normal?

Most people would have been justifiably proud of the day’s work so far, but it wasn’t close to being over. The afternoon session again focused on belt material with Meni, Rhon and Chalacho each taking a group. It seemed hotter than ever in the smaller gym and indeed it might have been since one of the fans no longer worked. Students were constantly urged to drink water (luckily Eve had gone on a water run and we were well stocked) and the pace was a bit slower but it was most definitely a tough session.

The weather outside the gym had cooled off a little by the time the afternoon session ended. In fact, one student proclaimed that it was “perfect streaking weather.” I’ll leave you to guess who that was. (No, it wasn’t me.)

[AshkeNasty]

Josh-

Excellent images and reporting.

The images of you all walking through the gate with the banner flying, everyone wearing their colors, the looks on Haim and Rhon's faces, and the images of you all training has me sick with jealousy.

Everyones pride radiates from the photos.

I am guessing that as I type this you're all probably mid way through your first work out.

Awesome.

Anyway- You guys (and gals) are all fantastic and badly missed.

Thank you again for the excellent write up. I'll check in again tomorrow.

All the best!
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- Jeremy

"God doesn't play dice" - Albert Einstein

[Cory]

The blog, and especially the photos, are awesome! Thanks for making me even more jealous!

[RR]

Who are the little people with blue and green belts? They appear really young but they look fierce just like their American classmates.
_________________
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

Groucho Marx

[racerx]

It was quite a day out here. In fact, so much happened that I may have to break the day into 2 posts. Well, ok, the truth is I’m kind of tired and will probably have to go to sleep before I finish, but a lot did go on today. [I probably should have gone to sleep, but I finished instead. See how much I care about you?] Here’s the links to the photos:
Part 1: http://picasaweb.google.com/joshtutors/SundayPart1?authkey=CaWBKT1ceMI
Part 2: http://picasaweb.google.com/joshtutors/SundayPart2?authkey=FhsQDYsJsJw

Before I write about that though, I should mention something I forgot to write about yesterday (Saturday). When we first got to the training facilities we were warned in no uncertain terms that the waters here could be dangerous due to riptides and the like so we should use basic safety procedures like never going in alone. Grandmaster Haim Zut, who used to be a lifeguard, was especially emphatic in his warnings to us. We paid attention and everybody here is fine (in fact, better than fine) and lots of us are enjoying the water. But, as if there wasn’t already reason to be proud of the way the visiting students have been conducting themselves, a few students actually ended up saving a couple of children from the water sometime during the day Saturday. I still haven’t heard the definitive story, but apparently they noticed some kids who were literally and figuratively in over their heads and acted quickly to save them. Amazing.

This morning the entire class plunged into the surf. Well, not necessarily plunged, but they did train in it during the opening workout. After a run along the beach, Chalacho and Meni led the class into the water to perform some striking drills and then do interesting things like push-ups and sit-ups right on the shoreline. Too bad I was too busy taking video to join in. You can see some photos of the fun though thanks to Rhon who grabbed my camera and snapped away. (Rhon, who is an excellent photographer, is usually too busy here to take many shots with his own camera, so it was cool that he got the opportunity to shoot for a while.) I was impressed by the way everybody seemed to be holding up after yesterday’s triple workout.

Most of us ate breakfast overlooking the water on the patio of the dining room thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the guy who runs it. (For some reason the guy, who I’ll randomly name Mr. Personality, doesn’t seem too charmed by us. And we’re so lovable!) Usually we’re not trusted outside, so maybe he’s warming up to us. Or maybe he was hoping we’d melt as it as already getting hot at 8:30.

A brief date with air conditioning awaited us as we got on a bus right after breakfast for the short trip to Gan Shmuel, the kibbutz where Rhon grew up and where his family still lives. Now Rhon’s family had already been showing us a lot of kindness – I was lucky enough to receive a lot of it, having arrived here a day before the group – but they really pulled out all the stops for the kibbutz tour.

The kibbutz (whose name means Samuel’s Garden and has a story behind it), has a rich and interesting history. It was founded in 1921, well before the establishment of the state of Israel, and seems to be a flourishing example of communal living. It’s currently the third largest kibbutz in Israel, and one of the most financially successful. I always pictured a kibbutz as a bunch of fields with a big wooden community center. There might be some out there that are like that, but Gan Shmuel isn’t one of them. Its properties are occupied by, among other things, a very successful fishery that breeds ornamental koi fish for export, and an award-winning citrus-processing factory that exports hundreds of millions of dollars worth of goods.

We were given tours of both facilities by knowledgeable workers who took time out of their workdays to serve as gracious hosts. We even scored free juice and hats. The factory tour reminded me of a tour I had in fourth grade of a GM auto plant. I remember being impressed by the machinery and writing that the factory was “boss.” The Gan Shmuel plant was filled with interesting machines and was definitely, uh, cool. My vocabulary has definitely progressed a lot since 4th grade. (The factory has a website at ganshmuel.com if you want to learn more about it.)

Rhon’s family then led us around the kibbutz where we got a glimpse into the life of the people who live there. Stops included the sobering tranquility of a holocaust memorial for relatives of kibbutz residents (Rhon’s mother was instrumental in designing and establishing it. It adjoins the kibbutz cemetery, and if you look at the photos you can see the deliberately designed differences in their appearance) and the entertaining chaos of young kids in their schoolroom. After being treated to lunch in the dining room, we were stuffed with coffee and cake after learning a bit about the history of the kibbutz.

It was a pretty informative morning and an opportunity to see some of the locales that feature in some of Rhon’s stories. A lot of people commented on not just the superb hospitality but also on how nice it was to be able to experience something that not many people get to see. As one student put it, it was nice to do something non-touristy and get a look at how people live. I was very happy because, I must confess, one of my “worries” about the trip was that it could be a bunch of training at a gym that might as well be anywhere in the world, followed by sightseeing that would leave me wishing I had seen more of the country. Well any fears I had were completely groundless. The Federation is doing a great job of utilizing the location for all it’s worth, whether it’s exploiting the training possibilities offered by the beach, or bringing in an impressive array of instructors and guest instructors. Just as importantly, I think, they’re doing a great job of making sure we get to really experience the country and that the trip isn’t neatly divided into a “training” segment and a “touring” segment.

After leaving the kibbutz, it was back to the facilities for more training. Not immediately though – training was pushed back a little so we could digest our food (thank goodness – I didn’t want to risk a cramp while taking photos). Speaking of which, this would be a good time to mention that a lot of the candid shots taken at the coffee and cake gathering at the kibbutz were taken by Hanna, who borrowed my camera. Hanna is one of the young students pictured in the photos that some of you may have been wondering about. Grandmaster Zut has taken a lot of children under his wing, including some of those in the photos. They train hard at Krav Maga, and are some of the nicest kids you’d want to meet. Hanna wanted to use my camera and, as you’ll see I hope, quickly became a threat to replace me.

Afternoon training again concentrated on techniques, with good reason. Some people at the lower belt levels may begin testing tomorrow.

Everybody is focusing on polishing moves – it was particularly interesting seeing black belts Dror and Kat work on grenade disarms. The end of the session was pretty wild – students formed four circles with everybody extending their gloves toward the center, then, on command, a student would enter the circle and begin punching gloves as if surrounded by attackers. It was pretty intense. Then Meni announced, “ok, let’s do it again, but this time fast.” Of course everybody thought the first time had been fast, but somehow managed to step it up a notch for the second go-round. Then there were some sprints, straightforward ones that ran the length of the mat, followed by a cringe-inducing exercise where the four groups were stationed at the corners of the mat and then had to diagonally cross the mats quickly without doing grievous bodily harm to their fellow students. It looked like a defense against rush hour traffic as the four groups inevitably got snarled in the middle.

It was great emerging into the fresh evening air (and if I found it refreshing I can only imagine how nice it must have been for everybody who had just sweated for a few hours). It was on to dinner and then chilling out in preparation of another day of training.

[Mary Ann]

Racerx,

Another enjoyable photos, and excellent reporting. The photos really captured the intensity of the work out, everyone looked great. It was good to finally see you in one of the photos. And, you tend to catched a lot of Eddie's relaxing mode.

I'm wondering why Haim gave his belt to Chalacho during their black belt ceremony? Will Chalacho get his own black belt eventually? Just curious.
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Mary Ann (Orange Belt)

[gmshow]

great job on the posts. Keep them coming
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Greg From Jersey

[ben]

Great photos and very informative and entertaining writing - kind of like "on the road" with pictures - thanks for all the hard work and late hours spent doing this.

[Heath G]

Man am I jealous! Looks like you guys are sharing an incredible experience. Keep the blog and the pictures coming so we unlucky ones can live vicariously.

-Heath

[KM_G]

As everyone else said, I wish I could be there with you.

Great photos and write-ups. I'm sure everyone is having an amazing time and I wish all those that will be testing the best of luck!

[RR]

Some of those photos could be on postcards! I am very proud of all of you and am NOT at all surprised to hear of the help some of our members provided to the children that were drowning... that's the way we roll at the Krav Maga Federation. Josh, I would love to hear more about this incident.
The food looks good! Is it mostly hummus? Vegetarian?
Cecilia and I can't wait til the next days blog and photos.
_________________
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

Groucho Marx