Ask a trainer #4 with Umberto Ansaldo

Umberto Ansaldo is our Regional Manager in Hong Kong and also one of our instructors in the region. He has been practicing Krav Maga for 5 years and has a background in martial arts practice of 20 years.

Matt asks:

Hey guys, I have a question! This is for those who are juggling work and family commitments. Is there any recommended method a student can learn Krav through distance education (e.g DVDs, online tutorials etc)?

Umberto answers:

There is quite a bit you can do by training solo.

1. You can work on your striking, speed and power, heavy bag work is particularly good for that. If your strikes are not accurate and powerful a lot of the defences we learn will not be as efficient, it is essential to reduce the resistance and determination of your attacker with that initial punch/kick. You can also work on your endurance, explosiveness and general condition, for example by running, ideally up and downhill, and varying between slow, long runs and short bursts of sprinting.

2. Krav Maga Systems is developing online materials including tutorials which can teach you basic techniques, though of course you cannot completely replace training with one/ more partners.

3. Join special seminars where you get to learn intensively over 1/2 or 1 day, as often as you can.

Louis asks:

A common question I know people would want an answer to. Training in a controlled environment means that all actions are controlled. How does Krav Maga take realistic scenarios that in real life would be pressure filled and make them a tool to apply under duress?

Umberto answers:

Controlled environment is necessary for safety and the reality of everyday life. But in Krav Maga we train to react more realistically by practicing our techniques under stress, fatigue, pressure from multiple attackers. This is a big and fundamental part of our training, which makes us different from many traditional martial arts or competitive combat sports. The most unique element is of course the high gear scenario, where you wear a full protective outfit including a helmet and can fight full contact.

Sophie asks:

How long does it take to learn the basic techniques used in Krav Maga?

Umberto answers:

Krav Maga is designed to be simple, all basic techniques should be learnt within the first 1/2 year of training. In Krav Maga Systems all basic ‘combatives’ are taught in the first, yellow level, which includes hand and leg strikes, as well as basic escapes from common holds.