The 5 Cornerstones of Krav Maga

ImageLearning the Krav Maga technique requires total physical commitment as well as mental toughness that can carry you through challenges of all kinds. In the past 75 years, much has changed since Imi Lichtenfeld first fought for his neighborhood in Slovakia. However, several cornerstones of the technique have held firm. Every Krav Maga fighter of the past and present has learned to approach each of these elements with complete focus.

  1. Self-defense. The key is not meeting strength with strength in Krav Maga. Instead, you are taught to look for weaknesses in a typically larger opponent. Trading blows is inadvisable and dangerous under the circumstances. Try to hit in the throat, the groin or the eyes to put an aggressor on the defensive. You need to be precise when going after these targets or you will be faced with a secondary attack.
  1. Offense. Defense stops the attack of an assailant. You block a punch; stop a kick; deflect a tackle; or avoid a chase. Once you are in the clear, you need to make sure your attacker can’t lodge another assault. React swiftly and pummel your opponent into submission. Unless you move quickly and inflict damage, you are putting yourself in further danger. In Krav Maga, the best defense is a good offense.
  1. Disarming assailants. Taking weapons from opponents is essential to preservation. You might be threatened with knives, guns, bats, chains, sticks, swords or any number of terrifying objects in the course of your defense. Devise a technique with teachers to respond to the deployment of any weapon imaginable. While military operations require this skill, it is useful for civilian defense as well.
  1. Fighting with supreme confidence. Stepping into a sea of enemies and emerging in sound health is a feat that requires the ultimate concentration and supreme confidence. Krav Maga black belts are known for fearlessness and power in the face of high danger. Prepare mentally for the greatest challenges a human being can face and you will be ready to confront the most fearsome challenges that come your way.
  1. Achieving the highest level of stamina. In a fight to the death or during flight from menacing forces, the utmost in stamina is required of Krav Maga masters. As you progress through the different levels of skill, push yourself to train at levels of strength and endurance you never thought possible. Becoming a master at this self-defense technique requires a total physical commitment. There is no telling what type of endurance may be required of a fighter with his back against the wall.

The locations and the type of fighting have changed since Lichtenfeld honed his warrior technique in Bratislava. What hasn’t changed is the fearlessness with which a Krav Maga fighter must approach combat on a daily basis. Keeping your cool and moving from defense to decisive offense is the only way to make a foe submit. Learn from your masters how to become the state-of-the-art fighter you can be with Krav Maga.

Getting Over the MMA Gym Stereotype/DWMMA

“I am not the type of person who could do Martial Arts…”

“I am not a fighter; I just want to get in shape…”

“All the people at MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) gyms are muscle-heads who just like to punch things…”

Have you ever thought these things when asked about taking a program at an Mixed Martial Arts gym?  If so, then you are one of MANY people who have been plagued my MMA stereotyping.  Now, I am not saying that ALL Mixed Martial Arts gyms are right for everybody, because some aren’t.  The key is knowing how to choose the correct academy.

When you walk in…take a deep breath.  Look around and get a feel for the atmosphere.  Are the people there friendly?  Are they ALL big muscle heads screaming and punching things?  If they aren’t then take a deep breath out and let yourself relax; unless, of course, that is the kind of place you are looking for.

A lot of martial arts gyms get branded with a bad name because of the stereotypes.  Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, is a place that is nothing like what you probably have heard.  We offer a friend atmosphere and environment where people of any background and fitness level can train.  Our programs we offer such as: Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ), Filipino Jiu-Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts(MMA) and Children’s Programs, are all taught in a safe, fun and ego-free environment.

Here are some of the testimonials from people who, at one point, thought the same thing about Martial Arts:

I met Dennis in 2002 when he opened Curves for Woman in Salem. I stopped going after a while.

I unexpectedly ran into Dennis in 2006 and was excited to hear that he had opened a new gym called DWMMA. He spoke to me about his Boxing, Thai Kickboxing, MMA, and Self Defense classes that were being offered through his gym. Because of my past experience with Dennis I knew it would be a great workout and excellent opportunity to learn self-defense.

Dennis immediately made me feel comfortable and increased my confidence and motivation level. He pushed me to do my best and always stressed the importance of proper technique. I definitely feel like I have accomplished something for myself by attending DWMMA and my motivation hasn’t wavered. He continuously makes the classes interesting, fun and routines constantly vary. He truly pushes me to believe in myself and to do things that I never thought would be possible. I have been seeing amazing results, increased strength, energy and confidence in myself.

I not only feel better about my physical self but with his help I truly feel better in mind, body, and spirit.

-Ann Blouin

When I started looking at MMA schools to train at it was a little intimidating, as I didn’t know what to expect. What I found at DWMMA was a world-class gym with a staff to match. The students/instructors are all very helpful and make you feel welcomed. It’s an environment where there are no egos. You can challenge yourself while getting a great workout in a safe and friendly environment.

-Jay Sartori

I have been training Thai Kickboxing at DWMMA for a little over two years. I initially signed up because I was bored with the typical workout routines that I was limited to at standard gyms and wanted to try something new and challenging. What I found was a great, intense workout in a fun and supportive environment.

Dennis and the other instructors are great. They really push you to get as much out of each class as possible. At the same breaking down all of the techniques and making sure that you have proper form. They stress the importance of taking drills “alive”, so it’s more than just about memorizing a 15 count or a boxing feed but being able to defend or attack when an opponent is resisting.

Aside from the Thai Kickboxing I also participate in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA classes at DWMMA. I have found that all of the classes really compliment each other and help to make you more well-rounded when it comes to self-defense.

If you are looking for a great workout and a way to get in shape and relieve stress all while learning self-defense techniques at the same time I would highly recommend coming in and checking out a class at DWMMA.

-Keith Doty

So, if you’re not sure if Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, is the right choice for you; call, email or stop by and relieve that stigma of what you thought Mixed Martial Arts was and experience what a great Martial Arts academy can offer you!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

WWW.DWMMA.COM

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for Massachusetts and North Shore Area including:

Peabody MA, Salem MA, Beverly MA, Lynn MA, Marblehead MA, Danvers MA

Self Defense: Knowledge is Key/ @DWMMA

In a “perfect world”  the best way to defend yourself would be to avoid dangerous situations all together.  Unfortunately, that will only work to a certain point.  It’s almost impossible to avoid risk all together; since dangerous situations can develop with little to no warning and could be from the people whom you would least likely expect.  I know the facts are scary: but they are true.   Knowledge on how to protect you, and your loved ones, in virtually any situation is key to feeling safe-no matter where you go.

When looking for the correct program to learn self-defense; tradition martial arts won’t work as well as combative martial arts.  At Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA,  our Filipino Jiu-Jitsu program is our most practical and realistic form of self-defense.  In Filipino Jiu-Jitsu, we teach a reality based self-defense curriculum, incorporating an extensive variety of strikes, low line kicks, joint locks, trapping, clinch fighting, take downs, grappling/ground fighting and weapons training; making it a realistic form of self-defense.  A lot of the concepts are similar to those in Krav Maga, in regards to the realistic and street based form of street self-defense.

Filipino Jiu-Jitsu is well suited for men, and women of all ages, fitness and experience levels because physical strength and athletic abilities are not essential. Only the core techniques have been taken from these combative arts and organized into an easy to learn curriculum that can benefit the beginner as well as the advanced practitioner.

In addition to learning effective self-defense, Filipino Jiu-Jitsu also provides the student with the means to improve their physical fitness, awareness, flexibility and self-confidence. Combining the best of many styles into a blended system gives our students the advantage they need to protect themselves in virtually any situation.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.DWMMA.com

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for the North Shore Area including, Peabody, Salem, Beverly, Lynn, Marblehead, Danvers

Martial Arts and Fitness/ at DWMMA

Regular exercise is an important part of a healthy life-style.  People who engage in physical activities, on top of a healthy diet, live longer and generally feel better than those who don’t.  Exercising at least 30 minutes a day can reduce your chances of developing diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.  The key is finding the right activity for you.

For those of you who have never taken a martial art, or have an opposed attitude to learning one; the idea of learning something like Thai Kickboxing, will surprise you on how beneficial it can be for your over all health.

In Thai Kickboxing, you get an overall body workout and conditioning.  Unlike some forms of fitness training that neglect certain areas of the body or leave out cardio training, Thai Kickboxing covers it all.

Our Thai program, at Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, is safe and fun, as well as physically and mentally challenging. It is a unique and extremely effective blend of Muay Thai Kickboxing, Western Boxing and American Kickboxing. Students will learn fundamental punches, kicks, knees and elbows. You will be trained like a professional kick boxer with techniques and conditioning drills to get you into the best shape of your life. Not to mention, the added bonus of learning self-defense.

Visit our Website!

www.DWMMA.com

Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts, Salem MA, provides the most realistic and practical self-defense programs for the North Shore Area including, Peabody, Salem, Beverly, Lynn, Marblehead, Danvers

Benefits of Martial Arts for Children/ at DWMMA

Benefits of Martial Arts for Children

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training helps a child develop self-discipline, respect and humility.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a martial art discipline that uses grappling and ground-fighting techniques similar to judo and jiu-jitsu.  It can teach kids to be stronger, more confident and less prone to bullying.  Many children face the problem of being bullied and are vulnerable to various anti-social elements. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can help a child tackle this problem.  The fundamentals of Brazilian jiu-jitsu focus on how a smaller, weaker person can defend against a larger opponent through the use of leverage and flexibility.  It equips the child with the knowledge and skills to intelligently cope with bullying and the skills to protect himself.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be a good way to stay fit. These days, children have an easy access to internet games and TV which can lead to a sedentary life-style. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/Martial Arts can be an interesting way for the child to stay in shape.  Both physically and mentally.

Here at Dragon Within Mixed Martial Art, Salem MA, kids enjoy learning a practical and healthy martial art that is truly effective. Our martial arts curriculum will give your child confidence, discipline and real self-defense skills.

Visit our Website!

Strength in One – Women’s Self Defense Workshop

DWMMA will be holding its first Strength in One – Women’s Self Defense Workshop Sunday, February 13th 10am to 12.

 

Women ages 13 yrs old and older are invited for $30 a person.  All proceeds will be donated to HAWK in Salem MA.

 

Reserve your space TODAY at DWMMA located at 11 Franklin Street, Salem MA

Space is reserved when payment is collected. Payments can be made at the front desk of DWMMA.

 

DWMMA is also accepting donations for HAWK.