Does a week go past without hearing about another awful stabbing incident involving a young person? Reading about the death of another teenager is heartbreaking – discovering that he was the friend of friends of my neighbour’s son, as tenuous a link as it is, really brings it home, knife crime can happen anywhere and to anyone.

According to the latest information released by the National Office of Statistics, the number of murders involving a knife or other sharp implement is at its highest since 1946. In the 12 months to March 2022, 282 people lost their lives after being stabbed. 99 were under the age of 25, including 13 aged 16 or under.

In an interview with the CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust, a charity set up after the senseless murder of 16-year-old Ben in 2008, the Evening Standard reports on a link between the increase in knife crime involving teenagers and the pandemic. Issues around drugs and gangs are well documented, mental health issues amongst young people post-pandemic are something we may not understand for years.

What does this have to do with Krav Maga?

Martial arts are often associated with teaching discipline, anger management and teamwork. Over the years there have been many initiatives to use martial arts, and even boxing, as a way of supporting vulnerable young people. In response to legislation that requires schools, hospitals and youth groups to report those at risk of being drawn into knife crime many clubs were set up. Whilst there is evidence that such initiatives can prevent individuals from getting caught up in violence and gang-related activity in their local community, academic research suggests that this kind of approach can alienate young people and increase the problem rather than making it better.

There is a fundamental difference between Krav Maga, boxing and other martial arts. Krav Maga is a self-defence system that is simultaneously defensive and offensive – it’s not about competition, it’s about having the tools in your personal toolbox should you need to defend yourself or someone else. Krav Maga is a practical system that equips students with a vast array of defensive movements against many types of attack – we even teach how to use everyday items, such as a school bag or drinks bottle, to gain an advantage. It’s knowledge and skills that can make all the difference in a threatening situation.

Taking Krav Maga into schools

Who would ever imagine that children as young as 4 can learn Krav Maga! Teaching Krav Maga to children helps to prevent them from becoming violent adults – we help stop aggressive behaviour before it begins. We’ve seen an increase in interest from schools of late – as they look to offer Krav Maga as an extracurricular activity, ask us to give an assembly or run a session as part of their wellbeing events.

Teaching Krav Maga isn’t just about teaching technique. We discuss stranger danger, bullying, situational awareness, confidence, discipline and self-defence. We explore what self-defence means and why we can’t just go up to someone and hit them. We talk about de-escalation and walking away from a confrontation. We look at non-verbal communication and body language. We talk about just how important it is for children to listen to their inner alarm bell and be aware of their personal space – and how to recognise situations that doesn’t feel right. We provide a safe training environment where children can have fun, learn life-saving skills and make great friends.

If only such skills could be embedded into the school curriculum! I’m sure future generations would grow up far more educated and aware – plus it would be accessible for all children, not just those whose parents can afford to pay for clubs. Current government legislation highlights those at risk, often youngsters from deprived backgrounds and the least likely to be able to access training classes. Wouldn’t it be better to educate everyone – the attraction of gangs or thinking that it’s cool to carry a weapon can appeal to anyone, even those from affluent backgrounds. Sadly, such a change in thinking is unlikely to happen any time soon, which is a tragedy. Just imagine how the events of Sunday 23 July might have played out differently – a young man wouldn’t have lost his life, another wouldn’t now be facing life imprisonment.

Krav Maga is not a sport designed to take deprived children off the streets, nor does it glorify violence as a solution to societal problems. It’s a proven self-defence system used around the world with the ability to drive positive change within communities.

Interested in a visit by Krav Generation to your school? Looking to expand your extra-curricular activities? Why not get in touch!