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Unimpressed
BY MOSHE KATZ
CEO
ISRAELI KRAV INTERNATIONAL
July 1, 2025, Israel
Mark Twain, actually Samuel Clemens, was very proud to be an American, but that was not a sentiment shared by all at that time. Many Americans viewed the "Old Country" as the better country. Many Americans had somewhat of an inferiority complex regarding Europe, the original home country of most Americans at that time.
In 1867 Twain along with a group of devout Church members embarked on a trip of Europe and the Holy Land (Israel). He was a journalist and composed articles along the way to be read by his followers back home. His observations about Europe were insightful, critical, honest, and... educational for us as Krav Maga practitioners.
While everyone fully expected to impressed, and wowed, by the great European civilization, Clemens/Twain came with an open mind. After all he was a journalist, and the job of a journalist is to find the Truth. If you come with an agenda, or a preexisting view about something, you are unlikely to uncover the truth.
The others were duly impressed, both in Europe and in the Holy Land of Israel. When they were informed that a certain church, or location, or artifact was a holy relic, the good believers burst in tears, as was fully expected. As if on cue, they displayed the "correct" emotions that a good Christian was expected to have. But Twain, did not, not at all.
What he saw were old shabby buildings that did not live up to his expectations. The Last Supper of Leonardo da Vinci was faded and badly damaged, hardly a work of art in his opinion. He described horrible living conditions, "Fat monks alongside poor people starving". He remarked that he believed there was a "God for the rich, but not for the poor". He noted the hypocrisy and corruption in the religious institutions he was raised to believe in by his dear mother.
As for the European culture, he saw fake class. He noted his "constant disappointment". In a word, he was unimpressed. He was willing to see Europe with his own eyes, rather than with the expectations of what was perceived at the time. Most Americans at the time felt that if they acted unimpressed with European culture they would be seen as what was called in those days "Philistines", i.e. uneducated, uncultured brute. (Amazing how that term has changed since those days.)
Krav Maga Application
What distinguished Sam Clemens from the other travelers was his ability to see things in a Zen manner, i.e. without any preconceived notions, without expectations of what he was "supposed to feel and think". He was an honest journalist and was able to see things from a fresh perspective, with a fresh pair of eyes, unshaped by expectations, unconcerned with what others might think of his views. And that is exactly how we should view Krav Maga, or any self-defense system.
Too many people see a "master" (usually self-proclaimed), or someone who served in the IDF (Israel Defense Forces), or anyone who makes claims of heroism or counter-terror activities, and they feel, they know, that they must be impressed. For if they are not impressed, they will be viewed as "Philistines". I see very poor techniques being accepted as an act of faith. Even when I am able to successfully debunk these techniques, and demonstrate step by step the shortcomings, the Faithful never waver, just as like the companions of Sam Clemens. Facts, evidence, will not stand in the way of Faith.
Clemens, a.k.a. Mark Twain became one of greatest American writers, nay, one of the greatest Americans, while his companions are all forgotten. Late in life when visiting Vienna, he was asked, "Are you an American?", he proudly responded, "No, I am THE American!"
What made him great, unique, special, was his willingness to see things with a fresh eye, not prejudiced by preconceptions or the ideas of others. He was an original, which is one of those qualities which characterizes true Americans, and as Krav Maga practitioners, there is a lot we should learn from him.
No preconceived ideas.
Truth, Honesty, Originality.
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
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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