Combat training school Krav Maga opens in New Cross

A school that teaches a style of combat training developed by Israeli forces opened today.

A branch of the Krav Maga Associated Combat Schools (KMACS) opened today, August 21, in New Cross.

Krav Maga is a military-style self-defence and fighting system developed for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and Israeli security forces. It is based on techniques taken from boxing, wrestling, aikido, judo, karate and realistic street-fighting situations.

There are three other KMACS schools in Brixton, Herne Hill and West Norwood. Founder Remi Lessore and his team of instructors teach realistic self-defence techniques in a safe environment.

Mr Lessore said: “We are very excited to be launching a school in New Cross.

“Like Brixton, it is an area which is more culturally and ethnically diverse, and it is great to be opening a new school in a community centre where we can remain accessible, and for everyone.

Everyone has a right to the confidence that comes with knowing how to defend yourself if you find yourself involuntarily exposed to violence or threat The style of training was derived from the street-fighting experience of Hungarian-Israeli martial artist Imi Lichtenfeld, who made use of his training as a boxer and wrestler while defending the Jewish quarter against fascist groups in Bratislava.

Mr Lessore, who is a former policeman and former teacher, said: “Funnily enough women often make the best students.

“They tend to arrive with a lot of humility, and don’t come to a first class thinking they already know how to fight. “Whereas a lot of men may not even know how to make a fist right.

This is generalising but regardless of gender or background, it is crucial to my practice to treat individuals as individuals and meet them where they are – then take it from there.

“For some, it is a case of giving them permission and encouragement to be a bit mean and to hit a bit harder.

Others might need a reminder in class that they are training with someone who is less experienced than they are.”

There will be a offers at the Moonshot Centre in Angus Street for punters looking to join the school.