Join Amy for an insightful interview with Leah, Tip of Spear Krav Maga Instructor and the developer of our NEW Empowered Self-Defence seminar.
"If we were all the same, life would be boring.
No one can be you, but you.
Kill them with kindness.
Love is love.
Live YOUR life, for you."
-Leah
Leah began her Krav Maga training in 2017, determined to confront and overcome the abuse she endured as a young person. She wanted to empower herself to no longer be a victim but a victor in her own life. Now a teacher by day, and Krav Maga instructor by night- Leah demonstrates an ongoing commitment to helping others overcome their own obstacles, discover their own strength, and achieve their goals.
As a bisexual, neurodivergent female with polyamorous tendencies, Leah brings a unique perspective shaped by her personal experiences with trauma, including resurfaced childhood memories, mental health challenges, C-PTSD, and chronic pain. She serves as a powerful advocate for others facing similar struggles and is our resident expert in working with LGBTQ+ communities.
Leah is a level G2 and certified in the following IKMF Instructor courses:
· Civilian Instructor Course (CIC) June 26, 2022
· Women's Instructor Course (WIC) July 9, 2023
· Kids Instructor Course (KIC) August 23, 2024
A Path to Victory: Leah’s Krav Maga Journey
Can you share with us how your training became part of your personal healing journey? It seems as though the two are closely connected.
Yes, they are very closely connected. Krav Maga has been, and still is, an integral part of my ongoing healing journey. It’s important to recognize that there is no magical solution, healing is not linear and requires time and effort. Facing the past and choosing to heal must be a personal decision. No one can do it for you, and you must commit to it, even when knowing things will likely get worse before they get better.
When I started Krav Maga, I was very nervous. I had always been physically active over the years, but not having a conventionally socially accepted body type, it felt risky. From the beginning, training challenged me in ways that I wasn’t familiar with- being told to hit something, to use my voice and not giggle, to move my body in a way where it became a coordinated weapon.
As a child, I remember being very shy, quiet, and anxious, and always walking on eggshells. I struggled to connect with people and felt invisible, like I was living in a cage. In hindsight, it’s evident I was suffering from depression and C-PTSD.
By the time I turned 19, I had reached a breaking point and was tired of hiding and being scared all the time. I broke out of my prison (which could be considered coming out of the closet) and started figuring out who the real me was, that I knew was inside. However, once I started interacting and engaging with more people, it became clear that the past was negatively affecting my relationships and would continue to do so, unless something changed.
I had to decide. Ignore the trauma and let it dysfunction everyone and everything around me, or face it- and be the best version of me, that I can be.
I spent the next seven years working through past trauma and resurfacing memories; traditional forms of therapy were not helpful in my situation, and often reinforced feelings of shame and doubt. Realizing I had to figure it out on my own, I ended up doing a lot of talking, writing, and choice exposure therapy. Using these methods enabled me to get to the critical point of addressing how the trauma was stored in my body. While my brain protected me in some ways by repressing hundreds of memories, these memories were causing irreversible damage in other ways. Nevertheless, I was ready to start incorporating body work.
I needed to be able to protect myself. I knew a lot of martial arts were not great for real life. I NEEDED real life. My research brought me to Tip of Spear, and Krav Maga. I called my sister and told her “We’re going to a Krav Maga class!”
Which brings us back to my early days in training. Trying to learn how to hold my body, move quickly, be aware, focus on reality… was a very different experience. Performance anxiety was a big challenge. I could practice techniques perfectly on my own but would become paralyzed the moment I knew someone was watching. Sparring was terrifying. I had been conditioned to freeze, and my body instinctually reacted in ways that didn’t make sense. It took time, trust and connection with others in class to work through that. While it still shows up occasionally, practice, muscle memory and confidence have helped tremendously.
As I connected more with my body and learned to do things I never thought I could, something shifted. I began to feel stronger- not just physically, but mentally. Not only did it help with movement, coordination, and awareness, but it provided an understanding that I had tools, and I could fight for myself. I felt more balanced and in control. It gave me an outlet and the regular routine of class became a lifeline. No matter how I felt- exhausted, overwhelmed, breaking inside- I showed up every Tuesday and Thursday. I can’t express how beneficial that was to my health in every aspect.
You have spoken about experiencing trauma, and shared that when you began Krav Maga, you didn’t know how to fight for yourself. Seeing where you are today- at a point where you now teach others how to fight for themselves- it indicates profound transformation.
Can you give us a description of your professional background, and how you transitioned from Krav Maga student to Krav Maga instructor?
I've always had a passion for teaching. I hold a degree in education and am a certified teacher. I've taught people of various ages, diverse backgrounds and abilities, including teaching swimming, first aid, violin, literacy, math, ESL, FSL, GED/CAEC, and Krav Maga. Discovering my passion for Krav Maga naturally led me to become an instructor.
Would you like to share any personal experiences or stories that shaped your approach when developing this program?
Figuring out how I fit into society has always been a challenge. When people would use the term “think outside the box” … I could never find the box let alone fit in the box. I have always thought differently, had a body that did not do what it was supposed to do, and I would run into weird barriers and challenges. Being where I am now, I understand a lot more about myself, why things are different, and I have vocabulary which helps me relate to others. A lot of things I struggle with daily are connected to trauma with some genetics. Trauma of any kind affects a person more than we will ever know. It affects the body, the brain, development, how we interact with others, how we process information, how we view the world and ourselves.
As someone who identifies as queer, is neurodivergent, and has severe trauma history… navigating the world can be complicated. However, this also gives me a unique perspective on things. When I started Krav Maga, I could not use my voice, I had little body awareness, I didn’t realize how disconnected I was to being in my body. I had been conditioned not to fight. I would freeze, shut down, and give in. I didn’t know how to fight for myself.
As I began building this program, I looked at it from a non-conventional community point of view. I asked myself questions like, why is there a need for a class like this? What makes it different from conventional self-defence needs? What makes the attacks different, and therefore the approach different?
Empowering Others: Inclusive Training and Community Resilience
Can you tell us why you chose the umbrella as the perfect symbol for this class?
The umbrella is a powerful symbol of inclusion. Many non-conventional communities use it to represent self-identification and demonstrate different areas of identity such as gender and sexuality- with each part of the umbrella encompassing unique yet interconnected experiences. It allows for inclusion without exclusion, and you can have multiple groups within a larger umbrella.
What makes this self-defence seminar different from a standard Krav Maga seminar? How did you tailor the training to address specific threats or concerns that these individuals may face?
When we look at the needs and the challenges people face in a world that is often viewed in black and white, all or nothing, people are this or that… they don’t fit. People are not simple or one-sided, and unless we view things as if on a spectrum, that will continue to be a challenge.
When looking at the types of attacks these individuals experience, a lot of it comes down to the motivations behind the attacks being different. The approach, therefore, must be adjusted. The way to evaluate, respond, and address a situation is not the same as it might be for a more traditional attack where the motivation is simpler.
Navigating situations that are unique to these individuals requires different approaches depending on their proximity to their attacker. This means knowing when to be subtle, polite, have boundaries, how to prevent, de-escalate, and be assertive. Knowing which tools to use for different situations and knowing when the only goal is to survive.
What can you tell us about the methods you use to ensure the class feels inclusive and empowering for everyone?
Everything is adaptable, this is about building a personal toolbox. If a tool doesn’t work for you, then it shouldn’t go in your toolbox. My goal is for each person to walk away with usable skills, knowing they have value, and they deserve to be fought for. I want to know that they will do whatever they can to fight for themselves if the need arises.
How do you believe self-defence training can contribute to community resilience, particularly for marginalized groups?
I think self-defence training can help individuals figure out their boundaries, it provides vocabulary, knowledge, connection and unity, which can support self-worth, self-confidence, and an ability to choose how to respond instead of reacting emotionally. It also provides different perspectives and communication options. It teaches tools and opens new ways to approach a situation.
What do you wish more people understood about the challenges the queer community faces regarding personal safety?
Love is love; you don’t get to choose how you are wired. Having someone hate you for simply existing, who you love, how you identify, or personal preferences, is a very personal attack on everything that you are inside and out.
“You are not good enough.” “There is something wrong with you.” “You should be ashamed of who you are.” “You are not worthy.” “You are a waste of space.” “You are simultaneously too much and not enough.”
These are the types of messages queer community members face every single day.
And yet, in the face of these extremely harmful messages, the queer community shows incredible strength and tenacity. That’s what makes a class like this so powerful- it’s not just about self-defence; it’s about coming together with others who understand your experiences, building each other up, and creating a space where everyone feels supported and valued.
For someone who may feel hesitant about joining, what would you like them to know?
Just show up, even if that is all you do. I am a huge supporter of self-selection when it comes to participation. If you are nervous, you will not be the only one. Worried about what your body can do… everything is adaptable, and if it still does not work, we can figure out another tool.
This class is about you. I want you to feel safe and welcome, it is about supporting your needs, finding tools that will work for you, and knowing you are not alone.
Some good reflection questions to come with are:
What is your motivation for attending?
What do you want to learn or take away from today?
What do you need help with?
Ready to register for the EMPOWERED Self-Defence seminar? Let's get started!
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