Krav Maga is known for being tough, practical, and straight-to-the-point: qualities that have made it one of the go-to self-defense systems worldwide. But what makes Krav Maga at Tip of Spear different?
In this candid and insightful interview, we get the insider secrets from Dave and Andrea, our leading Krav Maga instructors who are passionate both about the system and the impact it has on their students. Dave is Tip of Spear's Training Director, head Krav Maga instructor, and the IKMF Director of Canada. Andrea is our Lead Instructor, Client Success Director and Program Administrator. Between the two of them, they have decades of experience to draw from and so much to offer their students!
Please share how and why Krav Maga was brought to Tip of Spear?
Dave discovered Krav Maga shortly after he started Tip of Spear. He had taught arrest and control and defensive tactics for security and law enforcement for over 20 years, but realized that the average person was in need of defensive skills too, so he began looking for a practical system. He had heard of Krav Maga and after doing research, he discovered the IKMF (International Krav Maga Federation) had the best reputation, so he started to train with them and eventually became an instructor.
What sets IKMF apart from other Krav Maga gyms? How is Tip of Spear unique as a Self-Defence school?
IKMF is an international federation that is made up of dozens of experts that travel worldwide to train but also to see how the technique works across hundreds of cultures. They are constantly tweaking and making the technique simpler, more intuitive and applicable to use in real-life situations, because under stress, we lose the ability to think and do complex tasks/technique.
Most other schools that offer self-defence actually teach martial arts - we teach a defensive tactics system instead, because it's more true-to-life. Martial arts are: one opponent, same weapon, controlled environment, and rules. That's not real life. Defensive tactics are: one or more attackers, different types of weapons, uncontrolled environment and no rules.
The strategies we use are largely based on the environment we are in. As Dave says, environment dictates tactics. This means that your options for defending yourself are largely based on: how close the danger is to you and how confined in the space you are in (such as a bathroom or elevator), how many people are a threat, what objects can you use in your environment to stop or slow them down, etc.
What are your favourite aspects of Krav?
I love how it's such a physical but mental challenge too. There are always ways to improve. Always. Now that Dave is a G5 and I'm a G3, we are constantly diving deeper and deeper into the why behind even the most basic technique. Krav Maga truly is a brilliant system.
Dave loves it because it's "soup" versus "salad". Before he found Krav Maga he trained in almost every other martial art out there and would take the best of all systems, but it was choppy and disjointed, hence "salad". Krav Maga has already done this - taken the best of all the other systems - but they've combined everything into seamless, consistent technique and principles, "soup"!
What made you decide to offer Kids Krav?
We kept getting requests for it! Plus when Dave worked as the Security Manager for Edmonton Public Schools not long ago, he saw the real dangers that kids were truly facing these days: bullying, and harassment, assaults, murders, gang activity, sexual assaults, kidnappings and child trafficking. Kids deserve to know how to defend themselves in the event of a dangerous situation, just as much as adults! Many teachers and parents are seeing it too and we are getting more and more requests from schools and different kids groups to teach these critical life skills.
The Stay Away women's self-defense seminars were introduced in 2023. Can you describe the response from attendees?
The women have LOVED the Stay Away seminars we have done over the past year! They often come in shy and uncomfortable, but by the end are confident and excited about their newfound knowledge. I have had several people tell me that our seminar is different than any other out there, not just because we teach physical skills, but communication skills, how to listen to your intuition, and we tell stories that connect pieces together.
Who do you believe can benefit from Krav?
Everyone! Anyone! Especially those with a physical limitation, because they are often the most vulnerable. It doesn't matter what your experience is, your past trauma, your physical limitations, we welcome everyone with open arms and we have an incredible safe community that allows you to grow at your own pace!
What can someone expect from a beginner class or seminar?
You can expect to sweat, to have a ton of fun, learn mentality as well as physical skills! There's no way to explain it, you just have to try it!
How far can someone advance in IKMF?
As far as you want! There are 16 levels: 5 Practitioner levels, 5 Graduate levels and 6 Expert levels. Each level focuses on defending against different weapons and attacks and gradually gets more complex. Each level you test for is cumulative, meaning you have to re-test for all previous levels too!
What would you say to individuals who might feel intimidated about starting Krav due to factors such as class size, potential triggers, or feeling self-conscious?
You are not alone! So many people come into class feeling the exact same way as you, us instructors included. We all start somewhere and it's not a competition. You are here for you, and what you need. Speak to an instructor and let them know your concerns so they can encourage you and give you extra attention where needed. If you really feel too intimidated, start with a private lesson or two to get a feel for it and so you can come into group classes feeling more confident.
What is your vision for the future of Krav Maga at Tip of Spear 2025 and beyond?
Now that Dave is the IKMF Director of Canada (congratulations Dave!), his goal is to grow IKMF Krav Maga across Canada. We will be hosting an instructor course next summer for those students who are ready to take their training to the next level!
Is there anything you would like to add?
Come try Krav Maga. I know a lot of people don't think they need self-defence. But I like to think of it this way: you purchase insurance for your home, vehicles and other valuable things. Think of Krav Maga like insurance for your life, your personal safety and way of living. You hope you'll never need insurance/self-defence in real life, but if you do end up needing it, you'll be really glad you have it!
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