before or After
BY MOSHE KATZ 
CEO
ISRAELI KRAV INTERNATIONAL

July 12, 2026, Israel

As a Krav Maga instructor I feel it is very important to study all aspects of crime. This is not only to see what kind of attacks are taking place, the nature of violence, the "techniques" of the assailants, but also to try and understand the trauma of the victims. 

We can train in the dojo all day, upper block, lower block, hi kick, low kick etc... but I do not believe that prepares you for being jumped in a dark alley in East LA or downtown Philadelphia. I don't think that prepares you for the feeling of a blade on your throat and the smelly breath of an assailant on your face. We focus on real crime, real situations and find solutions for real people. We do not start with the technique and try to apply it to real attacks; we start from the real attacks and seek realistic solutions. Solutions that you can implement in real time. 

We need, however, to incorporate the psychological factors, we need to understand what people go through. and this is perhaps the most challenging part. Can we truly understand a rape victim, or is it enough to show them a few ground defense techniques, some jujitsu tournament stuff, some wrestling moves, is that really enough? I think not. 

So I speak with victims, or Survivors, as much as I can. Without crossing boundaries, I try to learn as much about them as possible, and the stories are heartbreaking. 

But the questions is always the same, why now and not earlier?

I try to reach and teach as many people as I can in the best self-defense system that I know, designed for regular people, the Perfect system for Imperfect people, not just champion fighters or SWAT team leaders.  But the tragic question is why can we not reach them before, why is it always after?

And honestly, for most victims, or survivors, even the "after" does not take place. 

I just concluded watching a detailed documentary about victims of human trafficking, truly heartbreaking. The documentary ended with some uplifting stories, of women who after years of abuse, degradation, humiliation and beatings that left them nearly dead, were able to start a new life, get married and start a real career. Several started organizations to teach and warn about human trafficking and the danger of prostitution. Some started organizations to help teach victims how to rehabilitate themselves and start a new life. 

And then I ask - But what about self defense???

These women were living in fear, for years, I am not saying that a self-defense course, Krav Maga training, will enable any woman to escape the clutches of organized crime, but certainly in some cases some basic knowledge will prevent a broken jaw, rape, a broken arm or rib. This is what we are here for, and yet..."God says..,When I came, why was there no one? When I called, why was there no one to answer? Was my arm too short to deliver you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you?" (Isaiah, Chapter 50)

I ask the same question. We devote our lives to teaching, to developing the best techniques, but when do people come? when do they listen? Only "After", (sometimes) but not "Before".

What will it take for good people to wake up? to come to train in the "Before" rather than after the abuse, the beatings, the humiliation, the degradation. Come now! our doors are open. Let us prevent the pain and the shame.  


מַדּוּעַ בָּאתִי וְאֵין אִישׁ קָרָאתִי וְאֵין עוֹנֶה הֲקָצוֹר קָצְרָה יָדִי מִפְּדוּת וְאִם־אֵין־בִּי כֹחַ לְהַצִּיל

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Moshe Katz, 7th dan Black Belt, Israeli Krav Maga. Certified by Wingate Institute. Member Black Belt Hall of fame, USA and Europe.

Understand the Israeli Fighting Mentality - Israel a Nation of Warriors by Moshe Katz

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What is the cultural background of Krav Maga?  What makes it unique? What makes the Israeli military so effective? Why are Israeli security systems used all over the world?

What are the Biblical origins of Krav Maga and who was the first Krav Maga instructor?

What weapons and military strategies did our Biblical ancestors use?

How has Krav Maga developed in Israel and what are its goals?

All that and more in this unique book.

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