We often read about heroines throwing punches, hurting the bad guys and generally kicking ass. Sometimes we get to read about their training — like all that running Rose Hathaway really hated in Vampire Academy. Today, I put myself in the shoes of an urban fantasy heroine and took my first Krav Maga class.
Krav Maga is a self defense system developed in Israel. It’s used by the Israeli Defense Force, and within the United States by the C.I.A., F.B.I. and Navy Seals. In other words, it’s real fighting with real purpose.
I talked a brave friend into attending the first class with me. Having her there was smart, as we walked in to a room full of big guys who looked like they knew what they were doing. As someone who had not thrown a punch since fourth grade, this was, as you may have gathered, a bit disconcerting.
Worrying was unnecessary, though, within ten minutes I was in a fighting stance and learning to use the heel of my palm to drive back attackers. It was incredibly fun, and may have included my friend saying, “Finish him!” in that voice from Mortal Kombat. See? Fun.
In addition to learning how to break someone’s nose and be sneaky in a fight, I discovered all our favorite heroines must have great upper body strength. Hours later, my triceps are burning, but I must admit, fighting like a urban fantasy heroine feels pretty fantastic. It doesn’t hurt to know I throw a mean right cross.
I’ll go back again, and slowly become a real-life UF heroine. Better a regular gym routine than 6 a.m. jogging in the cold a la Rose Hathaway.
People get murdered in my books. They also make out. Not necessarily in that order. Up next: PROM HOUSE (May 2021, Underlined) She/her. Rep’d by Naomi Davis at Bookends Literary. 
I must admit some jealousy here! I would LOVE to take Krav Maga classes. Epic fun, not a bad skill to have and hella good for the bod.
You should try it, Ash. I’m going back again this week. I figure if I do it regularly, my shoulders and arms won’t hurt so badly the next day.
I walked out of that place feeling like a badass.
I first need money, then knees that work. Lol
I always wanted to learn that stick-fighting thing Riddick does in Pitch Black, but Krav Maga would be a close second. Just because it is also cool to say.
(What was your finishing move, by the way?)
Ooh, yes. I have no idea what that stick-fighting thing is called, but that, too, would be fun.
As for a finishing move, I’m still just learning so it was always the cross palm heel strike. Instructor put it this way, my left hand = hospital, right = morgue. (Even the instructors speak like they’re in a good UF novel.)
That sounds incredibly fun! And also incredibly useful when writing fight scenes! Makes me consider taking classes to write better fight scenes. Don´t know though if they will take kindly to an awkward writer in their class who is mostly using them as research material 😛
What fun, Chelsea! My husband has been doing Krav Maga for years and loves it. It’s very practical. You learn how to defend yourself under many circumstances.
*palms up* “I don’t want any trouble.” (He and my brother in law laugh and say that to each other all the time.)
He helps me when I’m writing the fight scenes in my books.
Haha. Yes, my instructor emphasized the “look like you don’t want to fight.” Sneaky.
I like sneaky. Bet your husband does, too!
I have heard about this class for a while but haven’t been brave enough to take the class.
Must put on my Kick Butt shoes and take the class.
I was nervous, but really happy I did it. Going back tomorrow for more. Also, I can confirm it was a full-body workout. Achy all over the next day.
Chelsea!!! *whistles loudly and obnoxiously* You are my superhero!! *pulls on newly made #TeamChelsea tshirt and shakes pom poms* You are so totally badass, now!
Great post, really enjoyed it!
— Delta