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The Olympic Swimmer and the Lifeguard
September 2013
I am proud to present an outstanding guest blog from IKI Instructor Craig Gray, Associate Instructor, 2nd dan black belt.
Guest Blog
by Craig Gray
IKI Krav Maga Instructor, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
The other day someone asked me if I would train them to fight in a MMA
match. I explained to him that I had a different view. I told him that I
train people to live, not to fight and although there are many aspects
of class that are physical and involve combat training, that aspect was a
small part of a larger picture. At first he looked a bit confused and
then a look of almost disgust came over him like I was trying to pull
some Kwai Chan Cane philosophical BS on him or some how attempting to
mask that I couldn't fight or that my classes were not practical because
we didn't train to fight in the cage.
So instead of challenging him to a
duel or something crazy like that, I explained it to him another way. I
told him that I train Life Guards, not Olympic Swimmers. Both train to
be good swimmers and although the Olympian could probably win in a
competition against the life guard, that's not how or why the life guard
does what he does.
Lifeguards learn to swim for altogether different
reasons, reasons that out weigh merely personal gain. Yes, both need to
know how to swim and how to swim well, but the life guard also learns
many other things. They learn more than just how to be the best, fastest
swimmer in the water. They learn about saving lives; how to protect and
defend themselves and others. The training is different, they learn
different things and more importantly they have a different focus. It's
not about the competition, it's so much more than that.
It doesn't mean
don't be the best you can be or don't learn functional techniques. It
means look to the larger picture of what you want your training and more
important your life to be. I am not trying to take anything away from
what it is to be an Olympian because I do have a lot of respect for them
and any athlete that pushes their own limits and gives it their all (I
myself have competed numerous times in my day), but a competitor has a
short shelf life and after its all done, win or lose, what's next?? What
is the bigger picture? Is the path your on... the way you train... the
way you live sustainable? Are the things you do today bringing you
closer to being happy, more fulfilled tomorrow? Do your actions bring
you peace of mind and help you with life or is your training just
helping you to win your next competition? How many 55 year old boxers,
wrestlers, or MMA competitors do you see?
Are you a protector/defender
that trains for life, or a competitor that trains for your
next victory. Isn't there always someone a little better? Someone
younger, stronger, faster or in better condition waiting to knock you
off your throne? At one time Muhammad Ali was young, cocky and the best
boxer in the world, where is he today? Do police officers and soldiers
have to be world champions to serve and protect? Do mothers or fathers?
So, I will leave
you with the same thought that I left the young MMA enthusiast with:
You don't have to be the best, fastest swimmer to be a lifeguard.
Although you will have to learn to swim.
Keep going,
~Craig
Krav Maga Defense / Conflict Management Workshop
Krav Maga- Conflict management seminar 2013, Sold out months in advance.
Krav Maga instructor Moshe Katz comes directly from Israel to team up with conflict management expert Craig Gray to bring you a comprehensive program combining the simple, effective hand to hand tactics of the Israeli Defense Force with cutting edge ethical, verbal and emotional conflict management skills being embraced by today's top law enforcement, military and other protective professionals. Both Mr. Katz and Mr. Gray are highly sought after instructors in the field today. Countless civilian, law enforcement and military personnel have benefited from their instruction over the past two and a half decades.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to participate in the user's certification course in Krav Maga (Israeli hand to hand combat) and the PeaceWalker Conflict Management Program. You will be taught the essential of protecting yourself and others. This comprehensive program will address simple steps to identify and deal with a wide spectrum of conflict ranging from bullying and intimidation to verbal and physical assaults. By the end of this users course you will be given the tools to feel more safe and confident in today's sometimes uncertain world.
* You must attend all three (3) days of the course to be awarded an official graduation certificate.
Location: Westside Fitness Center
1618 Leonard NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Space is limited so preregistration is highly recommended
This seminar is open to all adults ages 16 and older. Civilian, law enforcement and military personnel are encouraged and welcome. No experience necessary. All martial arts styles welcome. The seminar will be conducted in a non - competitive, supportive environment.
For more info or to register
616-901-9529