Physical Emotional Krav Maga
BY MOSHE KATZ 
CEO
ISRAELI KRAV INTERNATIONAL

July 28, 2025, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

In my early years of martial arts, it was all physical. I trained hard and earned the nickname, Animal. "You are an animal Moshe, an animal", I was called that because I trained so hard, continued training and fighting despite many injuries. Was in the hospital one day, back at the dojo in the morning. Up every day at the crack of dawn, long train ride, walk to the dojo, hot, cold, snow, rain.

There was no talking in class. Our teacher did not speak English as a first language, but rather Japanese, and perhaps it was a cultural thing as well. Occasionally he would say a few words about how Japanese work hard while Americans are lazy. Japanese train in the snow while Americans take elevators, but other than that there was little talking.

There was certainly no talk about real self-defense, that was not even an issue, and there were never any discussions about the psychological aspects of violence. 

Even when I returned to Israel and trained in Israeli Kickboxing and Krav Maga/Survival, there was also no time devoted to talking, to the psychological aspects of violence, of fear. In hindsight I find this remarkable; Krav Maga is about survival, it is not a fitness program, why was this crucial element ignored?

And for the most part, it still is ignored, but not by us. 

I am in South Africa to teach, but also to learn. I drive around with our members, see where violent attacks took place, hear stories of brutality and crime, and I listen, and I learn. 

But we must focus more on the psychological effects of fear, trauma, rape, pain, shock, this must be, and is, a crucial part of our training. The physical alone is certainly not enough, and yet it is ignored. It is more fun to train, to kick and punch, then to incorporate the devastating effects of personal violation.

Here in South Africa, we have not only expert martial artists on our team, MMA champions, police and military, martial arts masters. We also have crime experts, therapists, psychologists, trauma experts. In fact, several of our sessions take place in such a ward. We see the effects of addiction and crime. Sadly, many of those who come to train with us have experienced such personal violation firsthand, home invasions, gang rape, muggings and so forth, we must hear the individual, not only read crime reports. We listen, and we learn from them.

IKI Krav Maga is a simplified, effective, street proven, easy to learn physical system, but it also focuses on the mind, the soul, the heart, the humanity that defines us all and the individuality that makes us unique. 

Comments

Thank you for your insightful blog and for so generously sharing your wisdom.

When I first began Krav Maga, my primary goal was to learn an effective method of self-defence. I could never have imagined that this decision would become a turning point in my life—one that would help me confront and begin to heal from the deep wounds of past trauma and PTSD. The journey has been profoundly transformative, offering not only physical empowerment but also emotional restoration and a renewed sense of wholeness.

Now, it is my privilege to pay it forward.

To anyone navigating the aftermath of trauma, I wholeheartedly recommend joining Israeli Krav International (IKI). It is more than a system of self-defence—it is a path to healing, resilience, and personal empowerment.

With deepest gratitude to my instructors, Moshe Katz and Alan Mann, for the invaluable role you’ve played—and continue to play—in my journey. Your guidance and support mean more than words can express.

Much love and respect.

I’d also like to add that we’ve observed how many of our male counterparts often feel embarrassed or consider the subject of trauma taboo. Please know that there is assistance and healing available through the practice of Krav Maga. It is a safe and empowering space for all who seek it.

Anel Fleming, IKI South Africa

IKI Krav Maga is a simplified, effective, street proven, easy to learn physical system, but it also focuses on the mind, the soul, the heart, the humanity that defines us all and the individuality that makes us unique.

Dhaval Vora, IKI India

MosheKatz2024

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

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