Early Footsteps From Judea
A couple of months ago I got a message from my friend Moshe Katz, founder of Israeli Krav International. He said he was putting out another book; an anthology of his blogs from 2010. It's called Early Footsteps From Judea: Krav Maga Blogs 2010. He asked me if he could include one of my old blogs, as well as write the introduction. I was honored to be asked to contribute and agreed to both of his requests.
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Below is what I wrote for the introduction. If you're wondering about the rest of the book including which of my blog posts he used, well, you'll have to pick up a copy to find that out!
It was a crisp winter day in Northern Michigan, Moshe Katz was speaking to a group of concerned individuals who came to learn how to feel safer, more powerful in their world. People who wanted to have a better understanding of why there are those out there who seem to want to spread fear, hate, and violence upon anyone who doesn’t believe in the same way that they do. A reality that the citizens of Israel are all too accustom, a reality that the people of the United States are beginning to wake up to.
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It was a crisp winter day in Northern Michigan, Moshe Katz was speaking to a group of concerned individuals who came to learn how to feel safer, more powerful in their world. People who wanted to have a better understanding of why there are those out there who seem to want to spread fear, hate, and violence upon anyone who doesn’t believe in the same way that they do. A reality that the citizens of Israel are all too accustom, a reality that the people of the United States are beginning to wake up to.
One
person politely asked Moshe his opinion regarding whether or not the
Middle East would ever be at peace. A question that has been asked by
many others over the course of time, ranging not in weeks, months or
years, but spanning decades, centuries and millennium. The answer that
Moshe gave surprised me. Not only because of its simplicity and honesty.
Not just because of its truth. But, also because of my relationship
with Moshe. I don’t think the Moshe Katz that I first met some ten years
ago, would have given the same answer as the Moshe standing there
before the crowd on that snowy day.
A
decade ago, Moshe was just starting a new organization, Israeli Krav
International (IKI). His mission began simply to teach people how to
defend themselves as well as act as a goodwill ambassador for Israel and
more specifically for Jews. His goal was to help people to defend
themselves, and not live in fear. He did this by simplifying an approach
that was accessible to everyone regardless of their limitations, age or
athletic ability. and to share stories that inspired and taught. In his
pursuit to accomplish this, Moshe travels the world sharing his vision
and in doing so, he faces challenges to his own views and opens himself
up to people and cultures with opposing beliefs that are sometimes much
different from his own. Over this time I have seen him learn to embrace
humanity with a more open heart and rather than fixate on our
differences, focus more on that which connects us: Our humanity and our
desire to protect. I’ve seen a change in Moshe that can only come from
confronting one’s own way of thinking by exposing yourself to the world
and its people. A change that is earned not given. A change that if
embraced can leverage much greater things than merely teaching
self-defense… No, not the same Moshe from ten years ago.
Moshe’s
approach to Krav Maga, much like Judaism, is steeped in magnificent
stories. Simple tales easily communicated to people from all walks of
life. Stories that point to deeper truths. Stories that teach, protect
and inspire. I remember reading his blog posts for the first time and
wondering if the person who wrote them was anything like the words
written on the screen in front of me. He shared his thoughts and
insights very candidly, giving his unique perspective of the world he
travels and of course, his Krav Maga.
Now
you have the ability to read those very stories right here in this
book, to enjoy and learn from. I believe his stories as well as his art
comes from his sincere desire to share accessible tools to help everyone
live a safer life. A life not necessarily free from fear, but rather
one that has embraced fear and chooses to continue on in spite of it.
It
has been exciting to not only witness, but also participate in the
dynamic growth of IKI as well as Moshe, both as a teacher and as a
person. What began as an outreach mainly to college campuses has
developed into an international organization spanning well over 30
countries, hundreds of instructors and thousands of students worldwide.
His dedication to the belief that everyone has the right to defend
themselves comes through in the accessibility of what he teaches as well
as his profound insights written on the pages you are about to read.
Before
I sign off to let you enjoy the stories offered in this book, you may
be wondering how did Moshe answer that question on that cold day in
Michigan? This was his simple yet profound statement that not only
applies to people in the Middle East, but people everywhere,
“Resolution
between Muslim and Jewish people of Israel will not come from political
or government intervention, rather the chance for peace will come one
coffee at a time. Two people getting to know one another, sharing
stories and seeing beyond their differences. One person at a time.”
And now I hope you enjoy sharing in the insightful stories that Moshe Katz has for you in this book!
~ Craig
Follow this link if you want to pick up Moshe's new book, Early Footsteps From Judea: Krav Maga Blogs 2010
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