THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY FOR MOTHER AND DAUGHTER
In November, the first class of the 9-part Krav Maga Women Only course started. During this course, women of different ages and backgrounds learn to deal with dangerous and intimidating situations they may face in everyday life. In the group, we see that many women have different motivations for joining. Where some are keen to learn to defend themselves, others are looking to develop more self-confidence. More information on the Krav Maga Women Only course can be found at here.
One special duo taking part in the course are mother and daughter Renate (49) and Nikki (12). Nikki is in the bridge class, which means she will become a lot more independent this year. Although Renate is very proud, this obviously also brings concerns. We asked Nikki and Renate a few questions about choosing to take the Krav Maga Women Only course, and how it contributes to their sense of security as mothers and daughters.
First of all, could you tell us something about yourselves?
Nikki (12): “I am now in the 1e from high school, have a great time there and have a fun and nice daily life. I am super fan of Netflix and especially series like Stranger Things.”
Renate (49): “Among other things, I sell gemstone jewellery and teach WYO. This is a combination of various forms of movement, such as Qi Gong / workout.”
The two of us live together. We have a great time and do a lot together. We love watching films and series, eating good food, cuddling with our cats and going on holiday to Greece.”
What prompted you to join Women Only Krav Maga classes together?
Renate: “Nikki went to the bridge class this year. That means a lot more independence for her and also that I have to let go of her more as a mother again. Because there are also people with wrong intentions walking around, I want Nikki to feel stronger and be more alert. I also hope that, if necessary, she knows how to extricate herself from dangerous situations.
I myself have experienced a lot in terms of insecurity, both physical and emotional, and wanted to learn to deal more consciously and healthily with survival reactions that have arisen as a result. I find that it does me good to set my boundaries in such a strong physical way and to find that I can and may trust my body and instinct.”
How do you experience practising Krav Maga in a women-only group?
Renate: “Very nice and safe. In the role of attacker, you immediately notice the impact a physically weaker person has on you through certain techniques. This makes me, in relation to my daughter, a lot more at ease.
There is a lot of respect among ourselves and from the trainer. I would love it if one day we could practise with (real) men instead of pads and then be allowed to go wild as if we were actually in a threat situation. We now practise with pads and without further protection so you hold back.”
What have you learned so far? Do you think you can apply this if necessary?
Renate: “We learnt various techniques to free ourselves from someone's grip, such as being dragged along, being pulled by your hair, being grabbed by wrists, being pressed against the wall, when your throat is squeezed, being pinched.
What I really like about this course is that it is not about technique/beautiful execution but about how to survive as efficiently as possible should the need arise. We also learn that your limit is your limit and is never up for discussion. If someone has a problem with it then he should leave. If they don't while you make your boundaries very clear and the person in question gets physical, then you can physically defend yourself and your loved ones. You can do this with Krav Maga techniques, even if the other person is physically dominant.
I do think we need to train and especially repeat even more to be able to react with all these techniques if needed. Because some reactions are reflexively already good, but some reflexes like choking are different. These you will have to change.
And you have to teach yourself a new reflex: the ‘get the fuck away’ with a statement in the crotch. I think I already have that one in my system now because we repeat it with all the techniques ?”
Are there things in everyday life that you run into?
Renate: “For me, powerlessness does become a theme, for example due to people's ignorance, unreliability or even malice, while I myself have often proved too trusting. I cannot stand injustice against anyone or anything, a trait that makes me vulnerable in a harsh and ego-centric society.”
Nikki: “I have to cycle to Oisterwijk from Tilburg (Uni) in spring/summer. It takes me over 45 minutes to do so and I sometimes see people I don't trust too much. Also, my mother likes the idea that I can defend myself in case of an emergency and hopefully this will also give me more self-confidence.”
Do you think Krav Maga classes can help you with these challenges?
Renate: “It definitely has a positive and important impact to literally experience (physically) being able to free yourself from someone's grip, even if the alarms go off at all levels in your system. By training this you also develop your cognitive skills while under pressure, with this you also learn to deal better with other types of violence than the purely physical ones.”
Nikki: “Definitely, as I am already much more confident and not at all afraid to go shopping alone or stand on the platform alone.”
As a mother, what is the experience like practising a self-defence sport with your daughter?
Renate: “It is a constructive, direct yet light-hearted way to engage with the serious reality of dangers you can face as a girl/woman. I really enjoy doing this with my daughter and it also relieves me to experience how strong she is. In the role of attacker towards her, I quickly put it on a run at least ?”
As a daughter, what is the experience like practising a self-defence sport with your mother?
Nikki: “I really enjoy practising techniques together with my mum. It's also great that we can practice together at home. Because of this, we also see with each other that it's not about how strong you are but really about getting it into your system and so you don't panic when the moment has unfortunately arrived anyway.”
Are you also curious about the Women Only Krav Maga course? From 27 January to 30 March, we will start a new course. Prefer a free trial lesson first? We host these on 6 and 13 January. Register now for the trial lesson or the entire course via this page. (Sign up before 13 January, or with someone else, for a big discount!)
By: Nomi van Dun
