What to Ask When to Ask
BY MOSHE KATZ 
CEO
ISRAELI KRAV INTERNATIONAL

September 23, 2026, Israel

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The teacher student relationship involves trust, but you must first make sure you choose the correct teacher for your needs. 

In the Karate Kid film, the wise Mr. Miyagi makes a condition with the young Danial San, Mr. Miyagi: "First make sacred pact. I promise teach karate. That my part. You promise learn. I say, you do, no questions. That your part. Deal?"

On the other hand, we have the Jewish tradition where every question is answered with another question. So which is the better approach? Both are. But how can both be correct? That too is a valid question. As the Talmud would say both can be correct at the same time, each for its appropriate circumstances. 

When you are a prospective student, you must ask questions. There are questions you should ask to make sure that you are signing up for the correct program. Not every martial arts program is a true self-defense program, some are for sport, some are for fitness, some are for health. If you are looking for true self-defense and you sign up for a sport program and then you train for years waiting for the "real stuff", well, you have dug yourself into a difficult hole, you are on the wrong track. The time to clarify this is by asking the correct questions before you sign up. Once you sign up, then then the "no questions" period begins; allow your teacher to teach without being constantly interrupted by questions that will answer themselves in due time. Allow the process to unfold. Don't stump the progress with constant questions. 

And then, when you have reached a certain level, the questions can return. Bruce Lee referred to this as the Child-Man-Child paradigm. 

You must know What to ask, and When to ask. You begin with questions before you sign up. Then you hand over control to your trusted chosen instructor. When you reach a certain level of mastery the questions can begin again. Of course you can always ask for help, for guidance along the way. You can always ask for clarification. But leave the questioning to when you are ready, let the process take its natural course and the results will come faster. 

Let the learning begin.

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Moshe Katz, 8th dan Black Belt, Israeli Krav Maga. Certified by Wingate Institute. Member Black Belt Hall of fame, USA and Europe. Published author, international speaker on self-defense. 

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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