www.israeliselfdefense.org
ISRAELI SELF DEFENSE
A Nation of Warriors
Moses, King David, Samson, Ehud Ben Gerah the judge, Judah Maccabee and General Shimon Bar Kochba; the ancient people of Israel were a nation of warriors. In modern times that tradition, the warrior nation, has risen again; from the Warsaw ghetto uprising to the Jewish partisans in the forest, to the underground freedom fighters for Israel and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) the Hebrew warrior has returned.
Modern Israeli Self Defense (ISD) began with Jews battling anti-Semitic thugs in Europe and continued with the Hagana, Irgun and FFI (Stern Gang) of pre-state Israel. ISD borrowed techniques from many martial arts and adapted them for use in modern situations. Japanese Jujitsu techniques were adapted to disarm handguns and rifles; Chinese Bo (long staff) techniques were adapted for using the M-16 rifle as a blunt weapon.
ISD is not a fixed, traditional art but a living, evolving, modern system for self-defense. It is based on practicality and efficiency and is applied with aggressiveness. For a technique to be included it needs to meet three criteria; it must be easy to learn, easy to apply under pressure, and easy to remember. It must be applied with fierce aggressiveness. Our enemies deserve no less.
Fun to Learn
Our first time students, lacking any previous training, are often surprised by how easy it is to learn. We use natural body techniques and apply just a few techniques in many different situations. The students are also surprised at how much fun they have learning self defense. Using rubber knives, guns and sticks, we act out realistic scenarios in a safe and fun environment. The students have a good time and walk away feeling proud and more confident.
Our Students
Our students include men and women of all ages, from North American College students to front line Israeli combat troops. Many of our students are currently serving in the Israeli army as paratroopers, tank commanders, Navy and Special Forces. One of our students was recently cited for bravery during the recent Lebanon war, two of our female students are currently instructors in the army. Our American students include members of Special Forces, ROTC and the air force.