Self-Protection in DE that Training that Strengthens, Prepares and Empowers
Ever heard of Krav Maga? It has no affiliation with US politics. It is pronounced “krov ma GA” with the accent on the last syllable. It is a self-defense tactic system that focuses on using our body’s natural reflex responses to neutralize a threat.
Krav-Maga is a term in Hebrew, composed of two words; ‘Krav’, which means ‘Combat’, and ‘Maga’, which means ‘Contact’. So, the literal translation of the term is Contact-Combat
Derived from a combination of techniques used in aikido, judo, karate, boxing, and wrestling (Wikipedia), it is known for its focus on real-world situations and its extreme efficiency. Krav Maga is self-protection training methodology where people of all ages and skills learn the same self-defense maneuvers used by the Israeli Defense Forces. The methodology focuses on using the body’s natural reflex responses to neutralize a threat.
Imi Lichtenfeld developed Krav Maga in Czechoslovakia in the 1930s. He grew up in Bratslava during a time of antisemetic unrest and used his expertice as a boxer and wrestler to defend Jewish neighbors from attackers in the mid-late 1930s.
David Kahn is considered the guru of Krav Maga in the U.S. He has trained all five branches of the U.S. military, the Royal Marines, the Italian Marines, as well as Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement agencies in many central training schools such as Marine Corps Martial Arts School of Excellence (MACE), Naval Special Warfare Advanced Training Command (Coronado), and Army School of Combatives (Ft. Benning).
There are Krav Maga programs in more than 40 states and in countries throughout the world. The closest one is available at Seaside Dojo Krav Maga located in Nassau Commons. Seaside Dojo also offers a myriad of martial arts programs for adults and youths as well as special defense clinics for women and private training.
Ted Dabbs is the owner and head instructor at Seaside Dojo. (NOTE: A dojo is a room or hall in which judo and other martial arts are practiced.)
Dabbs has over 30 years of experience in the martial arts and fitness industry. He is a double Black Belt in both Tae Kwon Do and HeiloShin Do Jiu-Jitsu. Dabbs holds a master’s degree in Exercise Science and taught physical education for grades 6-12 in Delaware public schools.
He has owned and taught at Seaside Dojo since 2009. His bread and butter have been martial arts for youths. He had five students when he started and now has 120. In addition to Krav Maga self-protection training, Seaside also has a plethora of programs for adults.
Dabbs is an advocate for personal protection. He believes that martial arts are a proven pathway to self-awareness and physical well-being. Realizing that skills in traditional martial arts may not be as effective for self-defense on the street, he saw Krav Maga as a solution.
“I had always known about Krav Maga and its reputation of being a very practical and effective method for self-defense. So, when I thought about a program to offer adults, it became obvious that this was the way to go,” he said. “It wasn’t until I had the good fortune to connect with Chris Anderheggen that the plan came together.’ Anderheggen had been a Krav Maga instructor in Connecticut for 10 years, had relocated to this area and wanted to start training again. He is Seaside’s head instructor.
Dabbs has some advice. “Listen to your inner voice,” he says. If something doesn’t seem right get away. Be aware of your own personal habits that might make you vulnerable to a predator. Don’t wait for something bad to happen, get trained and have a plan. It’s like your car insurance. You need to have it, but don’t want to have to use it.”
Want to learn a bit more?
- For more information, or to enroll, schedule an appointment for your free introductory lesson
- Come by for a visit: Seaside Dojo is hosting a Women’s Defense Clinic in Krav Maga from 12 noon – 3 pm on Saturday, April 20.
Mary Jo Tarallo spent much of her career in public relations with various non-profits and spent 40 years involved with the ski industry as a journalist, public relations director for a national trade association and as executive director of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard initiative. Prior to her ski industry involvement she worked for the Maryland International Center in Baltimore and United Way of Central Maryland. She won a Gold Award for TV programming for a United Way simulcast that starred Oprah Winfrey. She has been cited for her work by numerous organizations. Mary Jo grew up in Baltimore, attended the University of Maryland and Towson University, lived in Washington, DC for 21 years and has been a full time resident of Rehoboth Beach and Milton since May 2019.