One early spring evening I was walking in the "U District," the area around the University of Washington here in Seattle, with my ex-wife and a number of our female friends. A drunk guy wearing a loose army jacket staggered up and asked for money. We politely refused to give him money. Rather than thanking us, the guy got belligerent, foul mouthed and made threatening gestures. At once I found all the women on the other side of me and I was right up face to face with this knucklehead. I thought, "If this guy pulls a knife I am in trouble." Fortunately a little verbal de-escalation worked and the creep moved on.

 

I decided to get some training in self-defense. While checking around for some sort of martial art training, I heard about Krav Maga on Jim Hightower's radio program. He seemed pretty hyped about it, and I figured that if the no-nonsense Israelis use it, I should check it out.

 

I got in touch with Jay and started classes at Krav Maga Seattle. I built up my physical fitness and gained confidence that in a similar situation, I would know better how to defend myself and people with me. This confidence is built on solid skills and practice. Jay does not permit any slacking, so if I get his acknowledgment, I know, with no uncertainties, that I have learned and accomplished the skill level expected of me.

- Rick S, Seattle, WA