A different defense

Israel's own brand of self-defense comes to MSU with the new Krav Maga club

While many methods of self-defense stress meditation and mental release, Krav Maga calls for the application of defense skills in real-world situations. For the first time in Michigan, the Israeli form of self-defense that stresses conflict avoidance and psychological readiness is being offered in a classroom environment at MSU. The MSU Krav Maga Club held its first class Monday with hopes of teaching students to be prepared for everyday scenarios.

“I just think it’s something really unique. We’re really the only ones in the area to offer this type of training,” said Bryan Stone, club president and co-founder.

The club purpose is two-fold, Stone said. First, to train students about gaining the mental edge over the attacker, and secondly, to bring together students of Jewish and non-Jewish descent to dispel common misconceptions regarding the Jewish community at MSU.

“We want to show that there is a such thing as a tough Jew,” said Stone, who was asked by members of the Jewish Student Union to form a club that would help students gain an accurate insight into Jewish culture.

In an e-mail, Stone said Jews have been portrayed as being physically deficient — especially in the realm of self-defense.

Issac Cohen has been practicing self-defense since he was a four-year-old boy growing up in Israel. He brings 30 years of Krav Maga training experience to the MSU community as the club’s instructor.

“I want to help (MSU students) continue to do what they want to do without feeling jeopardized or put in danger,” said Cohen, whose background includes training Navy SEALS and Green Berets on a one-on-one basis.

The self-defense methods being taught deal with non-violent measures, such as attempting to flee an attacker before using violence, and allow those who learn it to be focused and prepared for any scenario.

Cohen said Krav Maga could be helpful for students in situations at a party or walking home at night because it focuses on mental alertness, so students would be more aware of their surroundings.

According to Cohen, the sessions will cover the philosophy and technique associated with Krav Maga and additionally provide stamina training.

On top of learning self-defense, Cohen said students will learn to apply their training to deal with everyday pressures.

“We do a lot of drilling for stress relief,” Cohen said.

First-time self-defense class attendee Spencer Couturier said he can utilize the training in his field of study.

“I will gain self-discipline which will come in handy with pre-med,” said Couturier, a premedical sophomore.

Monday’s session was held at the Jewish Student Union, but class location will vary depending on the nature of the technique.

“We’ll go out on paths by the library and learn how to defend against multiple attackers,” said Stone, who expects a class size of about 60 people for the first few sessions.

Krav Maga is taught to Israeli students in a similar manner as gym class is required of most American students, Stone said.

It encompasses several different types of defense and teaches situation awareness. Cohen said class participants will learn to develop these skills through the classes on campus.

“The training will be for the mind itself,” Cohen said. “The attacker has a different mindset than you.”

Jeff Kanan can be reached at kananjef@msu.edu.