Krav Maga India

The Hindu :: Fighting fit (My Original Blog Post: http://vickykapoor.com/delhi/the-hindu-fighting-fit/) Offbeat Krav Maga expert Vicky Kapoor on how he packages the combat technique for specific problems. Combating challenges Vicky Kapoor is driven by three goals. Propagating Krav Maga as a weapon against terrorism, a fitness regimen and a system that is equally good for kids. His organisation has made packages specific to these goals. Besides security personnel attached to Government organisations, Vicky's team works increasingly with the hospitality industry. Vicky considers Krav Maga most relevant to situations in hotels, because it sharpens a practitioner's mind and trains him to size up people. Vicky calls Krav Maga a holistic health solution and is excited by its growing popularity among corporates whose work-force is largely deskbound. His third goal of reaching the system to children often leaves him frustrated. “Krav Maga is not a sport, but a system. Schools don't show interest in anything that does not lend itself to competition.” A fter gruelling drills in the dojo, Vicky Kapoor sits his students down for a talk. With that, the curtains come down on a two-day session of Krav Maga in the city; Vicky is now more of an older friend offering general advice than a coach cracking the whip. He tells his students to be greedy for knowledge. “Knowledge is one thing that can't be stolen from you.” During the free-wheeling interview that follows, he explains how infected he is with this form of greed. “In August, I'll complete 36 years in martial arts,” says 46-year-old Vicky. “I have learnt quite a number of martial arts and done many fitness courses, but I have not lost the appetite for knowledge. Only recently, I completed the Spinning Instructor Certification course offered by the U.S.-based Mad Dogg Athletics.” For Vicky, Krav Maga provides the opportunity to synthesise a diverse range of marital arts and fitness regimens. When Vicky makes Krav Maga packages for specific problems, he consciously or unconsciously runs through techniques of Okinawan gojuryu karate, judo, taekwondo, akido and kubudo. He also draws upon his experience as a fitness trainer. “While devising defence techniques based on Krav Maga, we have to assume that the attacker is trained in all the traditional martial arts. Our techniques must be effective in combating threat from such a person.” Since Krav Maga is a highly flexible combat system, Vicky has licence to constantly innovate and evolve new techniques or refine old ones. Krav Maga India, which Vicky heads, is credited with creating a technique that could be used when an attacker places a knife under the victim's nose. “This technique was shared with the Krav Maga bodies in other countries. A Krav Maga technique evolved in one part of the world is shared with practitioners in other parts,” says Vicky. “Krav Maga is a dynamic system with a wide scope for improvement. A solution to a problem leads to a new problem. There is constant research and learning." Vicky says he has many options in life, but chooses to stay dedicated to Krav Maga because the system constantly challenges the student in him. “Not only Krav Maga, anything that challenges me to keep going further draws me. I can't resist a challenge." Tasks that seem impossible attract him more. As a mountaineer, he has scaled an impressive number of peaks in the Himalayas. He undertakes four-wheel drive expeditions in this massive mountain range. And, he is into power lifting for the sheer difficulty of the sport.

Mr. Kapoor as Head Instructor & Director of China, Nepal, Bhutan, India, Singapore, Sri-Lanka, Australia, New Zealand & Thailand (My Original Blog Post: http://vickykapoor.com/delhi/asia-head-instructor/) It give us great pleasure to announce that Mr. Vikram Kapoor, Director & Chief Instructor of Krav Maga India has been appointed as the Head Instructor and Director of China, Nepal, Bhutan, India, Singapore, Sri-Lanka, Australia, New Zealand and Thailand by International Krav Maga Federation. To add to this rare and hard earned achievement, he has also been appointed the Executive Director for Business Development for International Krav Maga Federation in South Far-east Asia. This is a great day for all Krav Maga practitioners in India and all the students and instructors who have have had the privilege of training under Mr. Kapoor.

Deccan Chronical :: Krav Maga for Health (My Original Blog Post: http://vickykapoor.com/delhi/krav-maga-health/)

Have you ever wondered what’s the secret behind Jennifer Lopez’ slim figure, or speculated about the formula behind Kareena Kapoor’s fit body?

Now you have the answer. It is the popular Israeli combat technique Krav Maga, blended with effective workouts, that is keeping these celebrities fit and trim.

Not only the ladies, suave Abhay Deol has resorted to this combat workout to look fit in his upcoming venture.

Krav Maga, a form of close-range Israeli combat, was once a form of street fighting and has now evolved into a full-fledged workout which is practised across the world.
Vicky Kapoor, director and chief instructor of Krav Maga India, explains, “Krav Maga helps you burn upto 800 calories per hour. Another variation uses various power drills, which help strengthen the joints and muscles. Apart from that, it helps in toning muscles and strengthening bones. In short, it strengthens and tones every part of the body.”

Regular practice of Krav Maga ensures cardio endurance, muscle endurance and improves the natural reflexes. It not only makes you physically strong, it also prepares you mentally.
“This form of combat makes you more confident and ensures that you are capable of handling any situation that may require physical exertion beyond regular usage and also helps in dealing with stress under pressure. It is mainly because you are trained to react beyond the normal,” says Vicky.

As the drill optimises the natural reflexes of the body, one has to be careful about certain factors during the workout. “Make sure that you do it under the guidance of an experienced trainer who takes care of all the safety norms to ensure that there are no injuries. If you have any weakness, don’t hide it from the trainer because as the level progresses the combat exercises become more intense,” explains Vicky.

Like any other workouts, warm-up and cool-down sessions are a must for this form too.

TIPS TO NOTe
Do’s

• Maintain safety during the training ensures an injury-free regime.
• Drills take advantage of natural reflexes
• Learn defence and attack in the minimum time required.
• Use the human body’s vulnerable spots.
• Use the body’s natural weapons as well as ordinary objects that may be close at hand.
• Inform the trainer about any injuries or weakness.

Don’ts

• Wear clothes or footwear that prevents ease in training. For example, don’t wear clothes that are too tight or too loose.
• Train without hydrating the body properly or not drinking. enough water.

Mr Vicky's Training + Test in Bangalore, Chennai & Mumbai (My Original Blog Post: http://vickykapoor.com/news/city-training/)

Mr. Vicky Kapoor, Chief Instructor of Ultimate Krav Maga in India will be visiting three cities to conduct training and test for the Krav Maga practitioners there.  This is a perfect opportunity for freshers and other martial artist to learn from a Indian living legend.  Plus, its grading time for all the senior practitioners, so come and inquire about the workshop details from your city instructors / directors.

Workshops in Bangalore

Dates: 17 Saturday -18 Sunday July 2010
Timing: 8:30 AM  onwards
Location: We meet in Richmond Town center and shift from there to another location.

Workshop in Chennai

Dates: 24-25 July 2010.
Timing: Will be declared soon.
Locations: Will be declared soon.

Workshop in Mumbai

- In August (Dates to be finalized)

Bangalore Mirror :: Auto-cracy (My Original Blog Post: http://vickykapoor.com/bangalore/auto-crazy/)

What do you do when autodrivers abuse you roundly when you refuse to pay one-and-a-half? We get expert suggestions

Use a book as a weapon: Krav Maga

Frank J ‘Wolf’, Krav Maga practitioner: "First, don’t get scared. If you are, don’t show it because that would only encourage the harasser to get more aggressive. The idea is to get out of the spat without hassles. Have numbers of friends and family on speed dial."

"Also make sure that you have something in your hand like a pen or even a magazine, so that you can hit the autodriver if he tries to attack you."

Mahalakshmi Prabhakaran

A couple of days back, one of our reporters was at the receiving end of the infamous rude behaviour of a Bengaluru autodriver. She was verbally abused and physically manhandled because she refused to pay him the exorbitant excess fare he was demanding. Our otherwise brave reporter was shaken a bit though she stood her ground.

This is not an uncommon scene in the city. A dip-stick survey threw up the following, common instances of bad behaviour by autodrivers, as experienced by the passengers.

• Demanding excess fare.
• Hurling profanities on being refused to pay the excess fare.
• When you tell them you will report them to the cops, they retort saying, they are not afraid and continue abusing the passenger.
• Tampering with the meter and refusing to accept that the meter has been tampered with.
• Charging a passenger extra only because he/she happens to be a non-Kannadiga.
• Abusing the passenger for being a non-Kannadiga.
• Making indecent overtures and gestures at women passengers.
• Refusing to ferry the passenger to the destination of his choice.

Sometimes, the passengers are so shell-shocked by an autodriver’s uncouth manners that they don’t react immediately. How does one deal with this menace? What does one do with errant auto drivers?

Bangalore Mirror asked around for suggestions and here’re some of the answers we got:

Shrinivas Murthy, president, Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union, said: “When you board an auto, see if the driver’s got the display card. If you don’t see it, don’t take that auto. Next, if you find that his meter is wrong or he is talking rudely or harassing
you, simply note down the serial number on the display card and report him.

And what does one do when the autorickshaw driver refuses to go where you want to go? "Don’t wait for them to agree to go where you want to. Instead, board the auto, take down the DL number and tell him where you want to go. He will quietly go where you want to, Murthy said.

Call the control room

Girish, Assistant Sub Inspector of Police, said: "Call the control room number in front of the autodriver. All you need to do is give us your name and the auto registration number. We will immediately file a complaint and take action. Not only will he be fined, we will also recover the excess amount he has charged from you."

Use a book as a weapon: Krav Maga

Frank J ‘Wolf’, Krav Maga practitioner: "First, don’t get scared. If you are, don’t show it because that would only encourage the harasser to get more aggressive. The idea is to get out of the spat without hassles. Have numbers of friends and family on speed dial."

"Also make sure that you have something in your hand like a pen or even a magazine, so that you can hit the autodriver if he tries to attack you."

Assaulting a woman is serious

Demanding additional fare is a violation under road transport laws but harassing a woman and grabbing her hand is a more serious offence punishable under the IPC. In this instance, you should immediately note down the vehicle number and report it to the nearest police station. We are planning and are in talks to have low-cost cab drivers so that we can control the autodriver menace.
— Bhaskar Rao, Commissioner for Transport & Road  Safety, Bangalore

Don’t panic: You don’t have to pay more than what the meter shows. And you shouldn’t get scared. Note the details on the display card so that you can complain to the police. You can also take help from another autodriver.
Parameshwar, autodriver for 20 years

Just keep going
If he demands more, just sit in the auto and ask him to keep driving (no matter how far you’ve to go for this) till you sight a traffic cop or a police station. (And then report him).
Nazir Hussain, auto driver for 12 years

Helplines
Central Traffic Control Room: 2294 3663. They register complaints for Vidhana Soudha, Cubbon Park, Vyalikaval, High Grounds areas
Traffic Control Room West: 22943030.
Traffic Control Room East: 2294 3131. They register complaints for Madivala, Indiranagar, Koramangala, M G Road areas.
Easy Auto: 9844112233. Save this number right away. Call to register complaints and also to ask for an auto between 7 am to 10 pm. You need to give them  the auto registration number, driver's name and your name and number.

September 2010, New Delhi, Civilian Instructor (Part 1-3), & other Courses (My Original Blog Post: http://vickykapoor.com/courses/cic1/)

If you are interested in 1) Learning and teaching Krav Maga to civilians for self defence or 2) Want to learn for your own protection or 3) Train with instructors from Israel in an intensive course and increase your knowledge of this system, given below is the information on the Civilian Instructor Course and other useful courses. Please read the whole post.

Sign-up, Learn n' Train with living legends of Krav-Maga.

IMPORTANT: To join please submit the total fees (non-refundable) to booking a place for the course.

To book a seat, remit 100% of the fee immediately. (This fee will be non-refundable).

This schedule, place & prices may change without prior notice. Please call us before coming over to confirm the iternary.

Course: Civilian Instructor Course (Part I, II, III)

Note: For all freshers & practitioners
Dates: September 2010
Time: Will inform
Fee: Rs. 23,000/- + Rs. 2369/- (10.3% service tax) = Rs. 25,369/- per part
Prices & time may change without notice.

Course: Children Self Defense Instructor Course

Note: Only for registered Krav Maga Instructors
Dates: September 2010
Time: Will inform
Fee: Rs. 5,000/- inclusive of 10.3% service tax
Prices & time may change without notice.

Course: (VIP) Third Party Protection Workshop

Note: For all freshers & practitioners
Dates: September 2010
Time: Will inform
Fee: Rs. 5,000/- inclusive of 10.3% service tax
Prices & time may change without notice.

Refresher Course

Note: Only for registered Krav Maga Instructors
Dates: Any three days of the course
Time: 9 AM - 5 PM
Fee: Rs. Rs. 3000/- + Rs. 309/- (10.3% service tax) = Rs. 3,309
Prices & time may change without notice.

Photo Gallery of past courses:

15 Aug. 09 :: Civilian Instructor Course New Delhi
26, April 09 :: Krav Maga Civilian Instructor Course in New Delhi by Krav Maga India
16 Nov. 08 :: Krav Maga Civilian Instructor Course, New Delhi
25 July 08 :: Civilian Instructor Course in New Delhi by Krav Maga India

How to pay and bank details:

100% advance payment, on cancellation this is non-refundable.

You can pay the fee is payable either by DD/ cheque or bank transfer.

Name of Company: Ultimate Tactical & Combat Pvt Ltd.
Name of Bank: Standard Chartered Bank
Address of Bank: E-26, Saket, New Delhi – 110017
Account Number: 533-0-500452-7
Swift Code: SCBLINBB
MICR Code: 110036018 
IFSC Code: SCBL0036001 (RTGS) / SCBL0036042 (NEFT)

Outstation candidates will need to make their own board and lodging arrangements.

Those of you, who would like to join us for the first time and have little or no martial art background, please write to us immediately.

For the new trainees, we shall need the following documents as well, to be sent with the fee (not required for those who have already trained with us before- we already have these documents for you)-

1. 4 pp size photos
2. A character certificate from a gazetted officer
3. A certificate from the Police that you have no criminal record
4. Copy of ID proof (please carry the original when you come for the training)
5. Copy of proof of residence (please carry the original when you come for the training)

At the end of each part of CIC, you will receive level rank according to your skill and receive certification for the courses.

Spread the word around to your family and friends too, to avail of this wonderful opportunity. Krav Maga is gaining appeal in India by leaps and bounds and we are looking forward to more and more people joining CIC to train as instructors and take up teaching Krav Maga part-time or full time. We have inquiries everyday from all over India, asking for instructors in their cities/ towns.

If there are any queries, feel free to write in.

Be involved in the hottest fitness and Self Defence system now sweeping the nation. Whether you are looking to add the Krav-Maga Self Defence program to your martial arts personal skill set or to your schedule in your studio or health club, or develop your own Krav-Maga training facility, we can certify and license your business as a Official International Krav-Maga Federation India's Training Center.

We take great care to train your or your instructors staff how to properly and effectively teach Krav-Maga Self Defence and fighting techniques, using the same approach and high standards we have utilized in our own military past.

This course is open for all.

• You will be provided with the course writing material.
• In case of need, basic first aid will also be provided.
• Necessary protective equipment like Groin guard needs to be with the participants during training.
• All training gear can also be bought from the training venue during the course.

Contact Mr. Vicky Kapoor
(Regional Director & Chief Instructor)
International Krav-Maga Federation, India HQs:

Address:
M-6 (LGF), Saket,
Near Marriott Welcome Hotel
and Next to Saket Sports Complex
New Delhi, India Pin: 110017
Mobile: +91-9810412442
Phone: +91-11-41764207

To Enter Our Instructors Program:

• Background in the martial arts, preferably in striking arts. You do not need to have trained in Krav-Maga for a number of years, although knowledge of the system is desirable. The amount of background in martial arts are could vary. We would like to see this as one component. It is not the number of year, but the proficiency in the art that is important.
• Age - over 20;
• Good physical condition / fitness;
• Recommendation from one of the following people - Martial Art's Instructor / Officer.
• No Criminal record
• The desire to teach. The program is not recommended for people who only want to train.

Subject of Training:

• Combative's: Counter Attack and defences.
• Attacking with the Hands and Legs
• Defences against Punches and Kicks
• Releases from Grabs, Chokes & Holds with implementation to Weapon Retention.
• Defending attacks involving a Stick / Club.
• Defending attacks or threats involving Edged Weapons (Knives).
• Defending threats involving different Firearms (Guns).
• Defending Multiple Attackers and related subjects.
• Mental training, the elevation of Determination, Aggressiveness and Persistence.
• Simulations and Scenarios, training and analysing. Functioning under Stressful Conditions.
• And lots more.....

Accommodation

There are two accommodations close to the training center.

1. Hotel Palm Greens

J-295, Opposite J Block Market, Saket, New Delhi, Delhi 110017 
011 29555457
www.palgroups.com
Tariff per day: Rs.2200/- per day + tax for a single room (meals excluded)

1. Resident Welfare Association Guest House,

M-81, Saket, New Delhi-110017  
+91-9650484758
Tariff per day: Rs.350-400/- per day (meals included) on sharing basis.
Bringing your own sheets and covers for bedding is recommended.

Word from Mr. Vicky Kapoor, Chief Instructor

Dear Student,

We are currently looking for people interested in becoming IKMF certified instructors. The following letter reviews the minimum requirements and has answers to some questions our offices have been asked in the past.

Become an Instructor...

Our basic Krav Maga instructor course is 200 hours in duration and is taught by only the best. Learn Krav Maga from Senior IKMF Instructor and members of the Global Instructor Team - experienced Krav Maga practitioners and instructors directly from Israel. The length and quality of our Civilian Instructor Course (CIC) ensures that you are equipped with all the tools you need to be an excellent Krav Maga instructor and create a successful Krav Maga program.

Our Krav Maga instructor course is for Martial Arts schools that want to capitalize on the popularity of Krav Maga - it is for those interested in learning and teaching self defense to students of all ages and backgrounds. Don't just take any Krav Maga course - invest in a course that can offer you the best Krav Maga training, afterall how can you expect your students to invest in their training when you have not invested in your own?

Become part of an organization that can offer you and your students the highest level of Krav Maga training - become an IKMF certified instructor.

Civilian Instructor Course (CIC)

Minimum entry level:

• Background - 4 years in another fighting system such as Boxing or Kick-boxing, with good punching and kicking abilities.
• Good physical condition / fitness with a recommendation from one of the following people - a teacher / MA instructor / police officer.
• Candidates should be approved by the local IKMF director
• No Criminal record
• Teaching or instructing background

Recommended qualities for Krav Maga students:

• At least P3 level experience
• Good communication skills
• A friendly and approachable personality

Meet these requirements? Take the next step. Submit your CIC application (for applications contact  " info(@)kravmagaindia.in "

CIC FAQs

Am I good enough to take the instructor course?
We can't know unless we see you train - so email us a video of yourself training and let us decide.

When is the right time to become an IKMF instructor?
If you meet the above requirements, the time is now. Although there are no strict territories with IKMF, we give priority to the first instructors in their area. So if you're waiting until the right moment to become certified, be aware that the longer you wait, the greater the chance that someone will start a Krav Maga program in your area - and then it will be too late.
Still have more questions about becoming an instructor? Email us with your questions. And if you're not ready to become an instructor, at least you know now what it takes and hope when you choose your training, you choose to train with an IKMF certified instructor.

Sincerely,

Mr. Vicky Kapoor
International Krav Maga Federation India Director

September 10, New Delhi, Civilian Instructor (Part 1-3), Children and VIP protection Courses (My Original Blog Post: http://vickykapoor.com/courses/cic1/)

If you are interested in 1) Learning and teaching Krav Maga to civilians for self defence or 2) Want to learn for your own protection or 3) Train with instructors from Israel in an intensive course and increase your knowledge of this system, given below is the information on the Civilian Instructor Course and other useful courses. Please read the whole post.

Sign-up, Learn n' Train with living legends of Krav-Maga.

IMPORTANT: To join please submit the total fees (non-refundable) to booking a place for the course.

To book a seat, remit 100% of the fee immediately. (This fee will be non-refundable).

This schedule, place & prices may change without prior notice. Please call us before coming over to confirm the iternary.

Course: Civilian Instructor Course (Part I, II, III)

Note: For all freshers & practitioners
Dates: September 2010
Time: Will inform
Fee: Rs. 23,000/- + Rs. 2369/- (10.3% service tax) = Rs. 25,369/- per part
Prices & time may change without notice.

Course: Children Self Defense Instructor Course

Note: Only for registered Krav Maga Instructors
Dates: September 2010
Time: Will inform
Fee: Rs. 5,000/- inclusive of 10.3% service tax
Prices & time may change without notice.

Course: (VIP) Third Party Protection Workshop

Note: For all freshers & practitioners
Dates: September 2010
Time: Will inform
Fee: Rs. 5,000/- inclusive of 10.3% service tax
Prices & time may change without notice.

Refresher Course

Note: Only for registered Krav Maga Instructors
Dates: Any three days of the course
Time: 9 AM - 5 PM
Fee: Rs. Rs. 3000/- + Rs. 309/- (10.3% service tax) = Rs. 3,309
Prices & time may change without notice.

Photo Gallery of past courses:

15 Aug. 09 :: Civilian Instructor Course New Delhi
26, April 09 :: Krav Maga Civilian Instructor Course in New Delhi by Krav Maga India
16 Nov. 08 :: Krav Maga Civilian Instructor Course, New Delhi
25 July 08 :: Civilian Instructor Course in New Delhi by Krav Maga India

How to pay and bank details:

100% advance payment, on cancellation this is non-refundable.

You can pay the fee is payable either by DD/ cheque or bank transfer.

Name of Company: Ultimate Tactical & Combat Pvt Ltd.
Name of Bank: Standard Chartered Bank
Address of Bank: E-26, Saket, New Delhi – 110017
Account Number: 533-0-500452-7
Swift Code: SCBLINBB
MICR Code: 110036018 
IFSC Code: SCBL0036001 (RTGS) / SCBL0036042 (NEFT)

Outstation candidates will need to make their own board and lodging arrangements.

Those of you, who would like to join us for the first time and have little or no martial art background, please write to us immediately.

For the new trainees, we shall need the following documents as well, to be sent with the fee (not required for those who have already trained with us before- we already have these documents for you)-

1. 4 pp size photos
2. A character certificate from a gazetted officer
3. A certificate from the Police that you have no criminal record
4. Copy of ID proof (please carry the original when you come for the training)
5. Copy of proof of residence (please carry the original when you come for the training)

At the end of each part of CIC, you will receive level rank according to your skill and receive certification for the courses.

Spread the word around to your family and friends too, to avail of this wonderful opportunity. Krav Maga is gaining appeal in India by leaps and bounds and we are looking forward to more and more people joining CIC to train as instructors and take up teaching Krav Maga part-time or full time. We have inquiries everyday from all over India, asking for instructors in their cities/ towns.

If there are any queries, feel free to write in.

Be involved in the hottest fitness and Self Defence system now sweeping the nation. Whether you are looking to add the Krav-Maga Self Defence program to your martial arts personal skill set or to your schedule in your studio or health club, or develop your own Krav-Maga training facility, we can certify and license your business as a Official International Krav-Maga Federation India's Training Center.

We take great care to train your or your instructors staff how to properly and effectively teach Krav-Maga Self Defence and fighting techniques, using the same approach and high standards we have utilized in our own military past.

This course is open for all.

• You will be provided with the course writing material.
• In case of need, basic first aid will also be provided.
• Necessary protective equipment like Groin guard needs to be with the participants during training.
• All training gear can also be bought from the training venue during the course.

Contact Mr. Vicky Kapoor
(Regional Director & Chief Instructor)
International Krav-Maga Federation, India HQs:

Address:
M-6 (LGF), Saket,
Near Marriott Welcome Hotel
and Next to Saket Sports Complex
New Delhi, India Pin: 110017
Mobile: +91-9810412442
Phone: +91-11-41764207

To Enter Our Instructors Program:

• Background in the martial arts, preferably in striking arts. You do not need to have trained in Krav-Maga for a number of years, although knowledge of the system is desirable. The amount of background in martial arts are could vary. We would like to see this as one component. It is not the number of year, but the proficiency in the art that is important.
• Age - over 20;
• Good physical condition / fitness;
• Recommendation from one of the following people - Martial Art's Instructor / Officer.
• No Criminal record
• The desire to teach. The program is not recommended for people who only want to train.

Subject of Training:

• Combative's: Counter Attack and defences.
• Attacking with the Hands and Legs
• Defences against Punches and Kicks
• Releases from Grabs, Chokes & Holds with implementation to Weapon Retention.
• Defending attacks involving a Stick / Club.
• Defending attacks or threats involving Edged Weapons (Knives).
• Defending threats involving different Firearms (Guns).
• Defending Multiple Attackers and related subjects.
• Mental training, the elevation of Determination, Aggressiveness and Persistence.
• Simulations and Scenarios, training and analysing. Functioning under Stressful Conditions.
• And lots more.....

Accommodation

There are two accommodations close to the training center.

1. Hotel Palm Greens

J-295, Opposite J Block Market, Saket, New Delhi, Delhi 110017 
011 29555457
www.palgroups.com
Tariff per day: Rs.2200/- per day + tax for a single room (meals excluded)

1. Resident Welfare Association Guest House,

M-81, Saket, New Delhi-110017  
+91-9650484758
Tariff per day: Rs.350-400/- per day (meals included) on sharing basis.
Bringing your own sheets and covers for bedding is recommended.

Word from Mr. Vicky Kapoor, Chief Instructor

Dear Student,

We are currently looking for people interested in becoming IKMF certified instructors. The following letter reviews the minimum requirements and has answers to some questions our offices have been asked in the past.

Become an Instructor...

Our basic Krav Maga instructor course is 200 hours in duration and is taught by only the best. Learn Krav Maga from Senior IKMF Instructor and members of the Global Instructor Team - experienced Krav Maga practitioners and instructors directly from Israel. The length and quality of our Civilian Instructor Course (CIC) ensures that you are equipped with all the tools you need to be an excellent Krav Maga instructor and create a successful Krav Maga program.

Our Krav Maga instructor course is for Martial Arts schools that want to capitalize on the popularity of Krav Maga - it is for those interested in learning and teaching self defense to students of all ages and backgrounds. Don't just take any Krav Maga course - invest in a course that can offer you the best Krav Maga training, afterall how can you expect your students to invest in their training when you have not invested in your own?

Become part of an organization that can offer you and your students the highest level of Krav Maga training - become an IKMF certified instructor.

Civilian Instructor Course (CIC)

Minimum entry level:

• Background - 4 years in another fighting system such as Boxing or Kick-boxing, with good punching and kicking abilities.
• Good physical condition / fitness with a recommendation from one of the following people - a teacher / MA instructor / police officer.
• Candidates should be approved by the local IKMF director
• No Criminal record
• Teaching or instructing background

Recommended qualities for Krav Maga students:

• At least P3 level experience
• Good communication skills
• A friendly and approachable personality

Meet these requirements? Take the next step. Submit your CIC application (for applications contact  " info(@)kravmagaindia.in "

CIC FAQs

Am I good enough to take the instructor course?
We can't know unless we see you train - so email us a video of yourself training and let us decide.

When is the right time to become an IKMF instructor?
If you meet the above requirements, the time is now. Although there are no strict territories with IKMF, we give priority to the first instructors in their area. So if you're waiting until the right moment to become certified, be aware that the longer you wait, the greater the chance that someone will start a Krav Maga program in your area - and then it will be too late.
Still have more questions about becoming an instructor? Email us with your questions. And if you're not ready to become an instructor, at least you know now what it takes and hope when you choose your training, you choose to train with an IKMF certified instructor.

Sincerely,

Mr. Vicky Kapoor
International Krav Maga Federation India Director

Become a Krav Maga India Instructor (My Original Blog Post: http://vickykapoor.com/courses/kmi-instructor/)

If you are interested in

1) Learning and teaching Krav Maga to civilians for self defence or

2) Want to learn for your own protection or

3) Train with instructors from Israel in an intensive course and increase your knowledge of this system, contact us for information on the Civilian Instructor Course and other useful courses.

Contact Delhi Headquaters : Mr. Shashi Dharani +91.11.41764207

Outstation candidates will need to make their own board and lodging arrangements.

Those of you, who would like to join us for the first time and have little or no martial art background, please write to us immediately.

For the new trainees, we shall need the following documents as well, to be sent with the fee (not required for those who have already trained with us before- we already have these documents for you)-

1. 4 pp size photos
2. A character certificate from a gazetted officer
3. A certificate from the Police that you have no criminal record
4. Copy of ID proof (please carry the original when you come for the training)
5. Copy of proof of residence (please carry the original when you come for the training)

At the end of each part of CIC, you will receive level rank according to your skill and receive certification for the courses.

Spread the word around to your family and friends too, to avail of this wonderful opportunity. Krav Maga is gaining appeal in India by leaps and bounds and we are looking forward to more and more people joining CIC to train as instructors and take up teaching Krav Maga part-time or full time. We have inquiries everyday from all over India, asking for instructors in their cities/ towns.

If there are any queries, feel free to write in.

Be involved in the hottest fitness and Self Defence system now sweeping the nation. Whether you are looking to add the Krav-Maga Self Defence program to your martial arts personal skill set or to your schedule in your studio or health club, or develop your own Krav-Maga training facility, we can certify and license your business as a Official International Krav-Maga Federation India's Training Center.

We take great care to train your or your instructors staff how to properly and effectively teach Krav-Maga Self Defence and fighting techniques, using the same approach and high standards we have utilized in our own military past.

This course is open for all.

• You will be provided with the course writing material.
• In case of need, basic first aid will also be provided.
• Necessary protective equipment like Groin guard needs to be with the participants during training.
• All training gear can also be bought from the training venue during the course.

Contact Mr. Vicky Kapoor
(Regional Director & Chief Instructor)
International Krav-Maga Federation, India HQs:

Address:
M-6 (LGF), Saket,
Near Marriott Welcome Hotel
and Next to Saket Sports Complex
New Delhi, India Pin: 110017
Mobile: +91-9810412442
Phone: +91-11-41764207

To Enter Our Instructors Program:

• Background in the martial arts, preferably in striking arts. You do not need to have trained in Krav-Maga for a number of years, although knowledge of the system is desirable. The amount of background in martial arts are could vary. We would like to see this as one component. It is not the number of year, but the proficiency in the art that is important.
• Age - over 20;
• Good physical condition / fitness;
• Recommendation from one of the following people - Martial Art's Instructor / Officer.
• No Criminal record
• The desire to teach. The program is not recommended for people who only want to train.

Subject of Training:

• Combative's: Counter Attack and defences.
• Attacking with the Hands and Legs
• Defences against Punches and Kicks
• Releases from Grabs, Chokes & Holds with implementation to Weapon Retention.
• Defending attacks involving a Stick / Club.
• Defending attacks or threats involving Edged Weapons (Knives).
• Defending threats involving different Firearms (Guns).
• Defending Multiple Attackers and related subjects.
• Mental training, the elevation of Determination, Aggressiveness and Persistence.
• Simulations and Scenarios, training and analysing. Functioning under Stressful Conditions.
• And lots more.....

Accommodation

There are two accommodations close to the training center.

1. Hotel Palm Greens

J-295, Opposite J Block Market, Saket, New Delhi, Delhi 110017 
011 29555457
www.palgroups.com
Tariff per day: Rs.2200/- per day + tax for a single room (meals excluded)

1. Resident Welfare Association Guest House,

M-81, Saket, New Delhi-110017  
+91-9650484758
Tariff per day: Rs.350-400/- per day (meals included) on sharing basis.
Bringing your own sheets and covers for bedding is recommended.

Word from Mr. Vicky Kapoor, Chief Instructor

Dear Student,

We are currently looking for people interested in becoming IKMF certified instructors. The following letter reviews the minimum requirements and has answers to some questions our offices have been asked in the past.

Become an Instructor...

Our basic Krav Maga instructor course is 200 hours in duration and is taught by only the best. Learn Krav Maga from Senior IKMF Instructor and members of the Global Instructor Team - experienced Krav Maga practitioners and instructors directly from Israel. The length and quality of our Civilian Instructor Course (CIC) ensures that you are equipped with all the tools you need to be an excellent Krav Maga instructor and create a successful Krav Maga program.

Our Krav Maga instructor course is for Martial Arts schools that want to capitalize on the popularity of Krav Maga - it is for those interested in learning and teaching self defense to students of all ages and backgrounds. Don't just take any Krav Maga course - invest in a course that can offer you the best Krav Maga training, afterall how can you expect your students to invest in their training when you have not invested in your own?

Become part of an organization that can offer you and your students the highest level of Krav Maga training - become an IKMF certified instructor.

Civilian Instructor Course (CIC)

Minimum entry level:

• Background - 4 years in another fighting system such as Boxing or Kick-boxing, with good punching and kicking abilities.
• Good physical condition / fitness with a recommendation from one of the following people - a teacher / MA instructor / police officer.
• Candidates should be approved by the local IKMF director
• No Criminal record
• Teaching or instructing background

Recommended qualities for Krav Maga students:

• At least P3 level experience
• Good communication skills
• A friendly and approachable personality

Meet these requirements? Take the next step. Submit your CIC application (for applications contact  " info(@)kravmagaindia.in "

CIC FAQs

Am I good enough to take the instructor course?
We can't know unless we see you train - so email us a video of yourself training and let us decide.

When is the right time to become an IKMF instructor?
If you meet the above requirements, the time is now. Although there are no strict territories with IKMF, we give priority to the first instructors in their area. So if you're waiting until the right moment to become certified, be aware that the longer you wait, the greater the chance that someone will start a Krav Maga program in your area - and then it will be too late.
Still have more questions about becoming an instructor? Email us with your questions. And if you're not ready to become an instructor, at least you know now what it takes and hope when you choose your training, you choose to train with an IKMF certified instructor.

Sincerely,

Mr. Vicky Kapoor
International Krav Maga Federation India Director

Hindustan Times :: Fighting fit (My Original Blog Post: http://vickykapoor.com/delhi/fighting-fit-2/)

Hindustan Times

Krav-Maga

Less a martial art and more a system of hand-to-hand combat devised by the Israeli defence forces, Krav Maga isn't for the weak-willed. The system combines grappling and wrestling techniques with street fighting skills. You learn how to break the stranglehold of an attacker by going for his groin, face or knee. Unlike in martial arts where certain moves are not permissible, the focus of Krav Maga is crystal clear: be aware of threats and deal with them as effectively as possible.

Trust us, this ends up giving you as good a workout as any. "Krav Maga improves your cardiovascular strength to the highest level," says Vicky Kapoor, chief instructor of Krav Maga India. "It also increases your muscular strength." Apart from improving your coordination and flexibility, Krav Maga also helps you burn calories. "Each workout is an hour-long and can help you burn nearly 800 calories," he says. A stress busting workout that makes you think on your feet? Now that's what we'd call a win-win situation.

Interested in learning?

Delhi: Krav Maga India, 011-41764207

Let's face it it is easy to tire of workouts. Running on the treadmill every day or following the same weight-training routine for a few months can become boring. It also ceases being challenging when your body gets used to it.

To mix things up a bit, take up a martial art. It's a great workout that tones your body, jogs your mind, and also sharpens your reflexes, keeping you safe on the streets. Not only are there plenty of options to choose from, but you'll also never have a dull moment in your workout.

Whether you pick a "soft" martial art like t'ai chi chuan, which focuses less on combat and more on holistic health, or a "harder" martial art like karate that teaches you how to protect yourself in everyday situations, you are certain to reap health benefits.

Apart from offering a vigorous cardiovascular workout, most martial arts also increase your muscle strength, improve flexibility and strengthen the core. Thanks to the complex interplay of muscles involved in a martial art, you get a thorough full-body workout.

As Arjuna Awardee and Olympian judoka Cawas Billimoria says, "A martial art demands so much of you that you can't really get bored of it."

Karate

Most of us likely took karate classes in school. One of the most widely practiced martial arts worldwide, karate is not just a way to stay safe, but is also a great overall workout.

While there are slight variations in the katas or sequence of movements taught by the different schools of karate, they all emphasise the use of punches, kicks, locks and throws.

Since karate mainly involves striking and sparring with the hands, it makes for a great upper body workout. "Every punch and lock requires different sets of muscle groups," says Rajeev Sabharwal, founder of the School of Shotokan Karate-Do in Delhi. "With time, your whole body becomes conditioned."

Some styles like the gojuryu incorporate specific weight-training techniques called hojo undo that strengthen the wrists and forearms.

Most styles incorporate stretching exercises and breathing techniques. "You start with stretches and move on to punches and kicks," says Sabharwal. "You don't get bound to one kind of workout."

Judo

For a martial art that means "the gentle way" in Japanese, judo features a lot of grappling, wrestling and knocking opponents to the ground. But the Olympic sport is safe enough for people of all ages to practice.

Unlike other martial arts which focus on using force to strike or spar with an opponent, judo hinges on using the opponent's own strength to dislodge or topple him.

Naturally, judo both demands and contributes to a high level of physical fitness. "It is one of the most complicated sports to practice because it requires both power and muscular endurance," says Billimoria. "Normally, when your power increases, your endurance decreases and vice versa. This training makes you very strong mentally and physically."

T'ai chi

T'ai chi is for those who prefer a steady, unhurried pace of exercise, as it is made up of a slow sequence of movements that emphasise correct posture, better balance and coordination. Infused with balletic grace, these movements are also said to improve lymph and blood circulation. Since the movements focus on using the full range of motion of your joints, you can avoid creaky joints as you age.

Although t'ai chi does have a basis in self-defence, it is mainly practiced for its numerous physical and mental health benefits. "T'ai chi conditions your heart, liver, kidneys, lungs and spleen," says Rakesh Menon, director of Flowing Wheel, an institute that offers training in t'ai chi."It is also a very good stress buster," adds Menon.

Interested in learning?

Capoeira

At first glance, capoeira looks like an infectious combination of catchy beats and freestyle dance with a bit of football thrown in for good measure. There doesn't seem to be anything aggressive about this fluid martial art that originated in Brazil. But once you start swaying to the rhythm too you simply can't resist you will realise that capoeira is an efficient yet engaging way to stay fit.

All the elements of capoeira are geared towards strengthening your core and making you faster on your feet. Take the basic side to side movement or the ginga. According to Mumbai based capoeira instructor Reza Massah, "That movement itself is like doing a 1000 situps". The 72 basic moves of capoeira incorporate dance moves, stretches and breathing exercises. Since most of these moves are done standing, you're sure to get a great workout for your legs. In addition, the back flips and high kicks will improve your balance.

More than combat, reacting fast and avoiding injury is the focus of capoeira. "Capoeira teaches you to outsmart your opponent. You learn to protect your face, avert blows and fall better, without any strain on your knees and ankles," says Massah.

Taekwondo

The Korean martial art taekwondo is one of only two martial art forms that features in the Olympics, the other being judo. In Taekwondo, the leg is the most important weapon of combat. You learn a number of kicks, including jumping, spinning, skipping and sliding kicks.

Apart from being an excellent lower body workout, taekwondo also improves your agility, speed, balance and stamina. It is both an aerobic and anaerobic workout, and stretching exercises on the ground form an important part of the training. Even if you don't want to break wooden boards a test of prowess and mental discipline used in advanced training taekwondo is sure to give your fitness regime a kick-start.

19-23 May, Ultimate Survival Summer Camp 2010 (My Original Blog Post: http://vickykapoor.com/adventure/ultimate-survival-camp/)

Ultimate Survival Summer Camp 2010 is here first time for all.  We will go to Manali from 19 to 23 May, 2010, traveling to and fro in a AC bus, all meals and logging included in Rs 62000 per head.

For enrolling please contact our Delhi headquarters at +91.11.41764207

Download the Itinerary

Ultimate Survival Camp

Top Ten Special Forces in the world (My Original Blog Post: http://vickykapoor.com/articles/top10-special-forces/)

Here are top ten special forces in the world listed in a article. Interesting part is out of ten of these forces, the top first and third units officially mentioned Krav Maga training. :)

In honor of a recent list of cheesy 80's actioners, here is a list for us James Bond wannabes. This list looks at 10 of the special forces from around the world that have the honor of being the most elite and – consequently – badass. Feel free to mention your own favorites in the comments which will no doubt include a lot that are not listed here.

1 . British SAS

The Special Air Service is trained to perform equally well in all the fields listed for the SEALs, but is also trained by MI-5 and MI-6 for in-depth counter-espionage, more so than the SEALs. Physical competency must be of equal stature to the SEALs, to the degree that both special forces work closely together when necessary (Iraq and Afghanistan) and have good camaraderie.

They wear a tan beret, just as the U. S. Army Rangers, and both the SAS and SEALs are trained in knife fighting by experts in Apache Indian knife techniques, as well as Sayoc Kali, Krav Maga, Jeet Kune Do, and for the last 3 years or so, the Keysi Fighting Method, made famous by the Chris Nolan "Batman" films.

They have the distinction of being the model on which almost all national commando units are based today, including every other entry on this list.

2. Navy SEAL

You might think there are a lot of them, given the number of action movies dedicated to the plot device of an invincible warrior, but there are only about 2,000 of them. They are the Unites States’s most elite special warfare combatants. They are trained in all the fields in which the other U. S. special forces are trained, but to an even higher degree of competency.

SEAL training lasts over a year, and requires an age of between 17 and 28 years, male, incorrect vision no worse than 20/200 in either eye, and correctable to 20/20, and the physical screening test, which is beyond belief.

500 yd (460 m) swim using breast or combat sidestroke in under 12:30 with a competitive time of under 10:30.
At least 42 push-ups in 2 minutes with a competitive count of 79 or more.
At least 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes with a competitive count of 79 or more.
At least 6 pull-ups from a dead hang (no time limit) with a competitive count of 11 or more.
Run 1.5 mi (2.4 km) in boots and trousers in under 11:30 with a competitive time of 10:20 or less

Then training begins. Physical conditioning, diving, land warfare, for 24 weeks, then 26 more weeks of SEAL qualification training. Then specialization in whatever fields a SEAL team needs expertise in: anything from sniper to language specialist, rope climbing, diving, jumpmaster, surreptitious entry, dynamic entry (door breacher), etc.

3. Shayetet 13

The name means "Flotilla 13," and their official motto is the same as the Israeli military: "Never Again," in reference to the Holocaust. Their unofficial motto, as they like to joke, is "When the going gets tough, the Jews get pissed."

They are 1 of the 3 most elite Israeli special forces units, but Shayetet 13 is the unit most similar to the Delta Force. They specialize in hostage rescue and counter-terrorism, and because they live so close to a host of nations that seem bent on eradicating them, they are at all times ready in an instant to travel abroad and kill. They are very secretive, but of their missions publicized, the most notable include Operation Spring of Youth, in which they hunted down members of Black September in Beirut Lebanon and killed them, in revenge for the 1972 Munich massacre.

Apart from their firearms and heavy weapons training, they train extensively in Krav Maga, the national martial art of Israel, to which they endearingly refer as "Jew-jitsu." It’s philosophy is based on the principle that in a real street fight no quarter will be asked or given. Fight to kill. Groin strikes are quite prevalent.

4. The Delta Force

The only official United States counter-terrorism unit, dedicated to hostage rescues, counter-insurgency, and general counter-terrorism. They’re full name is 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, managed by the Army. Selection is done according to a physical fitness test: situps, pushups, followed by a 3-mile run, in an undisclosed time limit.

Then an all-night, 18-mile hike over mountainous terrain with a 35 lb backpack and a compass, no map. This finally culminated with a 40-mile hike with a 45 lb backpack, in a shorter time limit.

Then psychologists conduct a grueling battery of mental exams on the recruit to try to break him into confusion. If he passes this, he actually gets to begin Delta Force training, for 6 months. Firearms, heavy weaponry, elite hand-to-hand training.

5. U. S. Army Green Berets

That’s their nickname. Technically they are the U. S. Army Special Forces, as opposed to the special forces of other countries, many of which also wear green berets.

Typically, the Green Berets are trained to administer "unconventional warfare," which entails infiltrating a hostile area in anticipation of a large-scale military engagement, and training the local resistance populations to fight back against the enemy. This was done in South Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, among others.

In the event that there is no local resistance to the enemy, the Green Berets infiltrate and soften up the enemy by "neutralizing" as many of its officers as possible. This usually involved sniping and throat cutting.

Training is very extensive and begins with the Army’s assessment of the recruit’s possession of 12 attributes: intelligence, physical fitness, motivation, trustworthiness, accountability, maturity, stability, judgment, decisiveness, teamwork, influence, and communications. 40% of applicants satisfy the Army that they have these attributes.

Final training consists of various endurance courses, carrying heavy backpacks over 40 miles of rugged terrain, with nothing but a live chicken and a knife, day and night. If the recruit can make a fire, he can eat the chicken cooked. He is not given matches or a lighter. He is allowed only a compass and his own hand-drawn map, completed from earlier reconnaissance courses.

6. U. S. Army Rangers

After basic Army training, voluntary enlistment into the 75th Ranger Regiment will train the recruit for the HALO parachute jump, Hari ini i-dus.com bertemakan tentang" Update : 10 Pasukan Elite Terbaik Di Dunia SERE, languages, elite combatives expert, mountain warfare, combat diving, in addition to all the weapons qualification training.

After nine weeks of this, they enroll in Advanced Individual Training, to become masters of their chosen fields, then immediately enroll in the Army Airborne School, then in Ranger Indoctrination or Orientation Programs.

By the time they’ve graduated, they’re so well trained that members have reported waking up screaming from nightmares about Ranger school to be relieved that they are only in Vietnam.

But then, they lose a few points for an incident a Ranger told me about: he was the captain of a tank regiment on maneuvers in the Amazon jungle. Just an exercise, but because of the sweltering heat, they had to open their tank hatches. This captain, who shall remain nameless, heard a thump behind him, and turned to see a Goliath Bird-eating Spider crawling toward him, raising its front legs and hissing.

He admits to screaming like a girl, knifing the tarantula, jumping out of the tank and running off into the jungle for a mile and a half. His buddies still rib him about it.

7. MI-6

The closest thing to James Bond can be found in the personnel of the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service, or Security Service, section 6. It works in close partnership with section 5 (MI-5), the latter which is more of a pure spy agency, dedicated to counter-intelligence and counter-espionage.

MI-6, however, is the unit which deploys its agents all over the world to detect international intelligence threats and "neutralize" them before they become truly dangerous. Their headquarters is at Vauxhall Cross, London, and they will be quick to tell you there that there is no James Bond among them, and that their assignments and missions are quite boring.

They do, however, have an agent very similar to "Q," who is in charge of all equipment and weaponry deployed for each operation. They also have indoor firing ranges, dojos, and a gym.

8. MARSOC

Currently, only men are allowed to try out for the U. S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. It’s primary missions are typically special reconnaissance, direct action, and internal defense within foreign nations.

Their training regimen is comprised of 4 phases, increasing in strenuousness. Phase 1 is SERE training, survival, evasion, resistance, escape. They are trained to make fire by friction, fire by mirrors, even fire by ice, depending on the location to which they are deployed. You mold the ice with the heat of your hands into the shape of a lens, which works just like a magnifying glass.

Of course, they take matches and Zippos with them. After this, they begin physical fitness training, and hand-to-hand combat, practicing a hybrid of the most functional martial arts: Jeet Kune Do, Wing Chun, Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, even Pankration. Then, Sayoc Kali, which is Filipino knife fighting.

This is just phase 1. Phase 2 is marksmanship, amphibious demolitions, reconnaissance. Phase 3 is a contrinuation of 2, but with the addition of field radioes and satellite data-uplink systems. Phase 4 is "irregular warfare" instruction, which is a euphemism for "anything goes." This phase consists primarily of the Derna Bridge operation, which forces the recruits to use all skills acquired during the course.

9. French Naval Commandos

They call themselves "berets verts," or "green berets," and consist of 6 units: Hubert, Trepel, de Montfort, de Penfentenyo, Jaubert, and Kieffer. Each unit is trained for special tasks, whether combat diving, close quarters sea combat, exfiltration, canine units, or long range fire support, including snipers and missile launchers. They were established much at the behest of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, who was a naval officer in WWII.

10. Spetsnaz

Whereas most of the training regimens of militaries around the world are designed to teach, Russia’s Special Purpose Regiments, equivalent to the U. S. Green Berets, endure punishment daily throughout their training. They may quit anytime they want. The Spetsnaz want only the best, pain-hardened, battle-loving killers.

They spar with the express goal of injuring each other, breaking ribs, fingers, vertebrae, healing only long enough to get back on their feet and complete the training. They are typically deployed for reconnaissance or house-to-house close quarters combat, but are also employed as extremely formidable bodyguards for high-ranking politicians.

They claim that they are not taught to ignore pain, since that is impossible. They are instead taught to enjoy it.

Source: http://www.chrocodile.co.cc

Time Out Bangaluru :: Health and Fitness :: Heart catalogue (My Original Blog Post: http://vickykapoor.com/bangalore/heart_catalogue/)

A group of Bangaloreans wants to make the city the Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation capital of India, finds Arati Rao.

Frank J, who conducts Krav Maga classes in Richmond Town, offered a different perspective. He usually delivers a five minute talk on how to deal with bullet wounds and shrapnel gashes, and also attempts to include a session by a doctor every two-three months. "Today, the war isn’t happening on the borders. If a car bomb goes off at a mall and your family’s injured, what do you do?" he asked. All of it may be rather grim talk for a city in which a pint is considered more a measure of beer than of blood, but, as Chatterjee said, "Everyone must know what to do in an emergency."

There are many sobriquets our fair city has earned itself over the years – Bean Town, Garden City, Pub Capital and Silicon City. A rather strange one may soon join the list, going by a meeting of determined committee members of Nightingales Lifesaving Services on a Saturday evening. The group resolutely switched off the first match of the Indian Premier League between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to thrash out marketing strategies which would make Bangalore the Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation capital of India.

BV Murali Mohan, the project’s co-ordinator, and a pulmonologist and physician at Narayana Hrudayalaya, said, "It takes six minutes for the brain to die once the heart stops in the event of a cardiac arrest. Administering CPR helps to restart the heart, pump blood and keep the brain alive till emergency medical services get there, which would definitely take longer than six minutes in Bangalore."

Mohan cited the case of New Zealand tailender Ewan Chatfield to illustrate how an accident could happen to anyone, not just the elderly. In a match against England in 1974-75, Chatfield was seriously injured by a short delivery by Peter Lever. It took quick action in the form of a heart massage and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation by England’s physiotherapist Bernard Thomas to save his life. "One of our main challenges is to convince youngsters that they need to know CPR, because it could save someone’s life," Mohan explained.

Another proponent of the importance of Basic Life Support courses is Somnath Chatterjee, a consultant at the intensive care unit at Manipal Hospital. "An emergency is what it is," he stated firmly. "It could happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere." Like at NLS, the BLS programme at Manipal Hospital (which includes CPR training) is carried out for corporates and groups comprising about 20-30 people, say from a particular housing colony. The classes are a mix of theory and practicals on mannequins, at the end of which a certificate is given to students who can confidently carry out the procedure.

Aysha H, a project engineer with the Quality, Safety and Technology department at Sobha Developers, attended the Manipal Hospital session in August 2008. "There are lots of accidents at construction sites," she said. "We felt just auditing safety shouldn’t be our job, we should know how to have control over situations."

R Jayachandran, a physical fitness instructor at Fitness First, joined the NLS programme in April this year, out of curiosity. He said, "There are so many accidents that happen in Indira Nagar and the outskirts. This way, I can at least try to save someone’s life."

The Telegraph :: Fitting in more (My Original Blog Post: http://vickykapoor.com/kolkata/fitting-in-more/)

Keeping in Shape

At Solace, a 20,000-sq-ft gym in Calcutta, members can choose from yoga, body balancing, Krav Maga and salsa.

Is it a gym? Or a dance studio? Or is it a spa? Or salon? Well, it’s all these and more. Welcome to the exciting world of new-age gyms that are springing up across India.

Fitness centres, once upon a time, were places where you worked out and walked out. Now they are turning into holistic wellness centres, where members are totally spoilt for choice.

Leading the change are international chains like Fitness First, True Fitness and Celebrity Fitness, which have set up shop here, hoping to turn India into a fitness zone. Others like F. Chisel, a gym-plus-spa set up by fashion channel FTV, too are redefining the concept of gyms.

These new temples of fitness have more high-tech exercise machines than ever before — for every imaginable body part. There are private exercise rooms for celebrity guests, and group exercise studios too. And you can chart your way through an exhaustive menu of workouts ranging from famed yoga guru Bikram Choudhary’s Hot Yoga — yes, he of the Madonna and Sharon Stone following — to Les Mills workouts like BodyPump and BodyJam.

There’s more. Wet areas or saunas now look more like spas than utilitarian gyms. And some gyms even have full-fledged spas as an integral part of their services. They’re also revving up service standards by bringing in internationally certified trainers and offering personalised training. They want to offer a complete lifestyle — that means swank interiors with juice bars, cafeterias and recreation lounges.

"We offer the best in yoga, fitness, spa and beauty treatments," says Nicholas Kraal, assistant business development manager, True Fitness. The Singapore chain’s first centre in India, launched in Mumbai recently, includes a gym, the first Hot Yoga centre in India and its True Spa. By March, it will take a snip at a new business and open Hakim’s Aalim Hair Lounge.

Or take F. Chisel, a partnership between FTV and fitness consultant Satya Sinha, which is spreading the fitness gospel in Bangalore and Delhi. "Ours is a lifestyle product. We want to combine everything under one roof," says managing director Sinha.

Adds Sanjay Mani, head, licensing and merchandising, FTV Channel: "As a lifestyle channel, F. Chisel was a natural transition for us. Our approach is pretty holistic. We want to cater to the hard-working urban youngster, who also loves to take care of his or her body."

Indeed, actor Milind Soman, who just opened his gym, Breathe, in South Delhi feels, "The way we work-out has changed. People are constantly looking for new ways of working out."

Fit to lead

The push in the new direction is being led by a clutch of international chains that have set up shop in India, bringing with them, the latest in international gym trends.

So, you have Fitness First India which exists in 17 countries and which has already opened four centres and plans to add three more over the next eight months. "The indicators were right to start our chain here," says Vikram Aditya Bhatia, managing director, Fitness First India.

Putting in a range of facilities can be expensive, so you have gyms like True Fitness planning to spend Rs 40 crore in India and which is looking at moving to Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore. And Celebrity Fitness’ managing director Steve Franklin says he wants to take international-standard gyms to small-town India.

And yes, size matters. True Fitness’ Mumbai centre is spread over two floors — or 60,000sq ft — of an Andheri mall. Celebrity First’s Gurgaon centre too occupies a huge 38,000sq ft.

So what are the five things to look out for in these new age gyms? Read on.

An exhaustive menu

Walk into True Fitness’ Mumbai centre and you’ll see two large expanses on either side of the reception packed with exercise equipment. There are over 250 machines including 140 cardio machines like cross-trainers and cardio-wave machines (which simulate the skiing motion) and 110 Signature Series resistance machines for different body parts. On one side is a beginner’s station where 10 machines are laid out in a circuit for the chest, back, abs, arms, shoulders and legs. At the far end is a spinning studio and just outside it True Fitness even has 22 cardio-wave machines set in a circle for a high-intensity group workout.

That’s not all. Further down are two private training rooms for celebrity clients. Each has a treadmill, cardio wave and Power Plate machine. Plus, there’s a new cable-based machine, Kinesis, for pulley-based workouts of the upper and lower body and legs.

Then, there’s a 2,500-sq-ft group exercise studio. A floor below is a 2,800-sq-ft women’s workout room, and a Bikram Yoga centre, which has a 2,800-sq-ft heated room for group classes and a smaller one for private lessons.

Move over to Celebrity First in Delhi and Gurgaon and here the activity chart reads like a menu card. With over 150 group classes a week from yoga to spinning, you can literally hop from one class to another all day. Again, there are separate yoga and personal training studios. "The idea is to make workouts fun," says Franklin.

It’s the same at Fitness First, which first introduced Les Mills formats like RPM (spinning) and BodyPump (a group weights class) in India.

Now, others like True Fitness are offering these too. Its members too can choose from over 100 group classes a week including Bikram Yoga. "The response to our Bikram Yoga classes has been fantastic," says Rowena Ooi, who has moved here from Choudhary’s Australia centre.

A 90-minute Bikram Yoga class entails 26 asanas done at 43°C. "There are a lot of benefits of exercising under heated conditions. It improves the immune system, breaks down fat faster and releases more toxins too," says Ooi.

At Solace, a 20,000-sq-ft gym in Calcutta, members can choose from yoga, body balancing, Krav Maga and salsa.

The new gyms are bringing in the latest machines too. Amatraa Spa has two Advanced Human Performance Studios with high-tech VibroGym machines. Unlike Power Plate, which has a single motor and so doesn’t vibrate the entire body, the VibroGym has two motors for whole body vibration. "The VibryoGym is used by ultra-busy people as you expend more energy in a shorter time," says Shilpi Tandon, a trainer here.

Tailor-made and personal too

These facilities are backed by world-class service and personalised care. At Fitness First, it starts even before you join. Members undergo several tests and consultations first. The gym assesses their fitness on five parameters: resting heart rate, body composition, flexibility, lung capacity and blood pressure. It accordingly prescribes an exercise regimen.

On joining, there’s a structured assessment programme. At least 15 of the gym’s 25 instructors are always on call. And every member gets two free personal training sessions. "We’re raising the standard and delivering it with consistency," says Jeremy Cheong, head of fitness, who has relocated from Fitness First’s Malaysia centre.

True Fitness too offers personalised training. Under its basic membership package (Rs 50,000 per annum excluding Bikram Yoga), members get 12 free personal training sessions. There are 48 free sessions under the Rs 5 lakh package (for a couple, for five years).

Celebrity Fitness’s Rapid Result Training personalised workout is based on five elements: aerobic exercise, resistance training, diet, professional assistance and correct protein and vitamin intake. "We follow these elements strictly to ensure maximum results in the shortest time," says Franklin.

World-class trainers

The new gyms are ensuring they have the best qualified trainers too. For instance, 50 per cent of Fitness First’s instructors have undergone the Les Mills training programme.

"We fly in master trainers from Dubai and Philippines for training, and keep investing in such things to ensure quality," says Cheong.

Celebrity Fitness puts its level one Rapid Results trainers alone through six weeks’intensive training. And it has got instructors from Malaysia like Kris Malhotra, who takes the spinning class.

True Fitness too brought a four-member team from Thailand to train its local trainers. Its current fitness manager is from Malaysia too.

And at Breathe, Soman and his partner Rahul Dev have handpicked instructors certified by the American College of Sports Medicine. "The more fit the instructors, the more enthusiastic they are," says Soman.

Wet and cool

At Amatraa gym, you feel like a VVIP whenever you enter the wet room. For as you sit in the sauna or Jacuzzi, an attendant waits on you offering herbal tea, fresh lime sodas and fruits. The gym has one wet area for women and two for men, stocked with specially-made Amatraa body scrubs and oils.

Meanwhile, F. Chisel, True Fitness and Solace have full-fledged spas. F. Chisel offers varied treatments like Javanese, Balinese and hot stone massages, and hydro treatments too. It has eight luxurious treatment rooms manned by international therapists.

True Fitness’s True Spa has nine massage and two facial rooms. The two VIP massage rooms have Jacuzzis for hydrobath treatments in chocolate or milk. Again, there are various treatments like the Balinese deep tissue massage and Royal Sports massage.

F. Chisel’s Delhi centre even offers body sculpting and makeovers. It has an in-house team of nutritionists and beauty therapists. "We’re committed to transforming the total image of our clients," says Sinha.

Even older players like Gold’s Gym are beefing up their offering. Its Calcutta outlet has two 900-sq-ft wet areas for men and women, where it offers spa treatments. It has a swanky juice bar too.

Lounge about

The 1,400-sq-ft lounge at Celebrity Fitness could well house your neighbourhood gym. But it’s not just a large space — it has all the features of a pub with its swank décor, psychedelic lights and pulsating music. Plus it has a fresh juice bar. "We’re creating a club atmosphere. You hear the music and immediately feel like dancing. We want people to feel energised here," says Franklin.

The members’ lounge at Amatraa too resembles a plush bar with leather-and-wood interiors, and a juice bar. "We keep investing on the upkeep as we have high-profile members," says Amatraa’s Vandana Uberoi.

Meanwhile, Fitness First too has a member’s lounge with coffee machines. It even plans to start a DVD library. True Fitness has a live DJ on the exercise floor and it will open a cafeteria soon. And Solace has a juice bar-cum-lounge.

Clearly, then, the new gyms are ensuring that their members get the best in fitness and that they have a good time exercising too.

Additional inputs by Aarti Dua and Tania Bhattacharya;
Photographs by Jagan Negi, Rupinder Sharma, Rashbehari Das, Gajanan Dudhalkar

Source: The Telegraph

IloveKolkata :: Group Therapy (My Original Blog Post: http://vickykapoor.com/kolkata/ilovekolkata-group-therapy/)

Krav Maga

It might have been developed as hand-to-hand combat for the Israeli military, but Krav Maga today has morphed into a popular group activity with team building at its core. There are different programmes for civilians and for the military. And bite this: there are defence programmes for women and children too.

Ultimate Tactical and Combat, a private outfit of Krav Maga practitioners in Delhi, teaches the discipline at various locations like Radisson Hotel, Noida, Club Excel and its own studio in Saket. In Kolkata, Solace gym holds special classes for children twice a week.

Krav Maga trainer Udit Bagga, who conducts classes at Ozone in Delhi at least three days a week, says: "Apart from burning some 800 calories an hour, the highest in any group activity, it is about combat in a real-life situation."

Exercising alone can be drop dead boring. So how do you get back your zest for burning that fat without letting the monotony of it kill you? Well, just go social.

Social workouts or group exercises are all the rage today. And the news gets better as group sessions — encompassing a wide spectrum from cardio workouts to body conditioning and flexibility routines — come free with membership at most savvy gyms across the country.

"A feeling of bonhomie pervades such sessions. If the person next to you is executing the same steps as you and an instructor is keeping up the tempo to peppy music, you are likely to exercise better," says Devashish Singh of Fitness First.

According to fitness consultant Preetom Mukherjee-Roy, a good gym should offer at least four to five different group activities. He adds: "The routines are changed frequently which is also why group fitness is never monotonous."

Les Mills Group Fitness

Group exercises conceived and formatted by Les Mills (a former athlete from New Zealand who developed a series of pre-choreographed fitness-to-music classes) are a rage internationally. At present they are available only at Fitness First and Celebrity Fitness — the two international health club chains in the country.

A typical session may include Body Combat that packs in a power-punching cardio session inspired by martial art disciplines, or Body Balance that incorporates yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates to improve flexibility and strength. For body sculpting there’s Body Pump that includes working out with weights.

"To keep the surprise element going the music is changed and the steps improvised once in three months," says Singh of Fitness First.

Yoga

Yoga is the magic word in the world of fitness. While some go for the basic traditional yoga classes three times a week, others fit power yoga into their schedules.

If at Wildflower Hall, an Oberoi property in Shimla, group yoga is part of its wellness programme, at Fitness First, traditional yoga is on the schedule three times a week. Meanwhile there are yoga experts like Meera Bhagnani in Kolkata, who conduct classes in their studios.

At Vins, a fitness club in Gurgaon, power yoga is on the menu but only if members pass the flexibility test run by club-owner Vinodini Gupta.

Says Gupta: "If a little bit of power is added to it, yoga transforms into a cardio vascular activity that also helps one to lose weight. Depending upon your target, you can do it three times a week or more."

Spinning

Non-stop cycling on a stationary bike for almost an hour at a stretch is a big hit too. With an instructor egging you on at intervals ("You are climbing a hill right now, don’t give up now") and fellow spinners going at it with all they’ve got, it’s not hard to get into the swing of things.

Spinning tops popularity charts everywhere — at Gold’s Gym on AJC Bose Road, Ozone and Fitness First in Delhi.

Says Mukherjee-Roy: "Spinning came into being as off-season cycling. High-octane energy with the right kind of lighting, upbeat music and an instructor acting as motivator makes all the difference."

Aqua Exercises

In Ballygunge, the heart of Kolkata, Solace Gym and Spa offers exercises in water. You can choose between sessions of aqua yoga, aqua therapy and aqua aerobics.

The deal: one burns more calories in water than otherwise because working out in water is very strenuous. The hydrostatic pressure of the water massages and refreshes you even as you exercise.

In Mumbai, fitness expert Deepali Jain takes classes of aqua aerobics with the help of equipment like aqua pumps, aqua balls, aqua resistance tubing and more. Her main focus is to strengthen the core muscles and the back.

Says Jain: "You cannot cheat the water. You’ve got to work yourself once you are in it."

Source: I love Kolkata

Times of India :: Belly bounces back as men tire of six-pack (My Original Blog Post: http://vickykapoor.com/delhi/belly-bounces/)

Men with bellies are back. The ‘Return of the Pot Belly’ is being touted as a repulsion of the super-flat six-pack and eight-pack washboard abs.

Suddenly, men with bellies are as acceptable as they were in the days when Sanjeev Kumar and Shammi Kapoor were sexy. Jackie Shroff and Govinda are currently seen happily sporting their bellies!

The ‘Bouncing Belly’ it would seem, indicates an ennui with the metrosexual man, who was chiselled to perfection. Even the New York Times reports on how men with shredded abdominals are getting rarer in 2009. We’ve got headlines screaming: ‘It’s Hip to be Round Again’ and ‘Pot-bellies are the new six-pack for men’.

In India, until recently, a man with a belly was regarded as a symbol of prosperity. Then came the super six-pack generation, thanks to Shah Rukh Khan, who altered the body definition of Indian men. Well, that was so last year!

Blame it on the fitness fatigue; the belly has changed its shape again. Now, it’s hip to be round at the belly. Meet India’s first male belly dancer, Queen Harish. He’s done his bit: going to the gym, working out for hours and being on a rigid diet. But, now he has given it all up. He says, “I don’t mind having a round belly. Flat stomachs are so artificial. The six-pack obsession got to me. I just wanted a normal body.

I have a round belly. When I move while dancing, I think it’s sexy. A lot of people look at my round belly when I dance. It’s sensual. When I’m not dancing, I’m happy being myself. Having a belly is sexy again.” 
Perhaps manscaping has been hit by the recession, which has made men go easy on their body image. Crushing and challenging fitness rituals have taken a backseat as laziness creeps in. Fitness experts blame it on the six-pack, flat-abs obsession.

Leena Mogre, Mumbai’s leading fitness guru says, “It’s abnormal to have eight-pack abs. I’ve seen celebrities go without water and food for days before a photo-shoot. It’s extremely unhealthy. Such body definition is difficult to maintain. The minimum workout is three hours. Nobody can continue this fitness regimen for too long. That’s when you let go, after which, you’re okay with the round belly. The moment you stop working out, your body definition changes. Maybe, we’re witnessing a fitness fatigue, which makes it quite okay to have a paunch.”

Actor Rahul Dev, who also owns a gym says, “Most men, after they’ve achieved their six-pack abs target, guzzle down bottles of beer. After a point, men don’t care too much about their bouncing bellies. Especially after years of deprivation.” He adds, “You need endurance, patience and concentration for a perfect body. It’s a punishing regimen. Most men lack the endurance to continue tough schedules to get washboard abs. We’re not saying pot-bellies are acceptable.

But there’s no running away from them either. So, after a strict fitness craze, you’ll have a letting go phase and pot-bellies will be okay.”

So, thin is not so in and belly bumps on men are fine. The look is overall thin, with some extra flab in the middle. In Hollywood, Mathew Perry lost his slim physique for a rather portly shape; singer Robbie Williams has become robust; John Travolta has a bit of a belly and Kurt Russell looks good with a belly. While in Bollywood, Sanjay Dutt has an expanded belly. In fact, websites are flooded with reports of how Salman’s six-pack abs are now replaced by a paunch. Ditto for Emraan Hashmi.

Says Vicky Kapoor, fitness expert and owner of Ultimate gym in Delhi, “The psychology isn’t about being paunchy and slouchy. Till recently, men with pot-bellies looked so middle-aged. They had a complex about their growing bellies. Now, we’re just saying looking good shouldn’t be a stress. Neither should having a pot-belly give you anxiety.” That’s something stylist Sylvie agrees with, “Men are much more conscious about their bodies. But there’s a lack of consistency. Men get bored with fitness regimes, like they do with everything else in life. Especially, after marriage, men develop a paunch. Until recently, it triggered off a fierce reaction. This year, I guess I am seeing men who’ve been working out, have let go. But they don’t look ugly with pot-bellies. That’s the new body definition. A fit body is taking a holiday, that’s how I would interpret it.”

We’re witnessing the rise of real, super macho men, not metro sexualised, starved men with washboard abs. So, the “burgeoning potbelly,” as Guy Trebay writes in the New York Times, may be here to stay with men not trying too hard to battle the bulge. Says Gurpreet Kaull, of Clubxcell in Delhi, “We’ve reached a burnout stage. The hurrah of six-abs has whimpered away. Men don’t want to try too hard. They seem to be at ease with their belly bulge.”

10-16 April :: Children Self Defense Instructor Course & VIP Third Party Protection Workshop (My Original Blog Post: http://vickykapoor.com/courses/special/)

Course: Children Self Defense Instructor Course

Note: Only for registered Krav Maga Instructors
Dates: 13-16 April, 2010
Time: 5 PM - 9 PM
Fee: Rs. 5,000/- inclusive of 10.3% service tax
Prices & time may change without notice.

Course: (VIP) Third Party Protection Workshop

Note: For all freshers & practitioners
Dates: 10-12 April, 2010
Time: 5 PM - 9 PM
Fee: Rs. 5,000/- inclusive of 10.3% service tax
Prices & time may change without notice.

Krav Maga Kolkata :: Photos of first P1 level Exams passouts (My Original Blog Post: http://vickykapoor.com/kolkata/p1photos/)

How Krav Maga saved my life (My Original Blog Post: http://vickykapoor.com/quotes/how-krav-maga-saved-my-life/)

Krav Maga Practitioner Sree Ram

The Krav Maga training, we have done to improve our reflex in a crisis, saved me today..

I would have lost my right arm and right knee to an out of control 3 wheeler which hit my bike's handle bar & footrest.

Not only in a split second i moved my arm and leg inside, but managed to retain my balance with the left hand.

Just drove away without a jolt or a scratch... and smiling to myself - I felt that was pretty good for a guy who is touching 50.

Thanks to Krav Maga and its intense reflex training. :)

DNA Newspaper :: Get your defence in place (My Original Blog Post: http://vickykapoor.com/bangalore/dna-defense/)

DNA Newspaper, Bangalore

It’s never too late to learn a how to defend yourself — after all, the streets aren’t getting any safer

You could be petite or small-built, but never underestimate what your body can actually do. And that goes even for the women. The world isn’t getting any safer and one of the best ways to protect oneself is to learn a form of art that will come handy when you’re in trouble. From judo, karate, kick-boxing, kalari — there are plenty of options. Even a form that has its roots far away in Israel like Krav Maga is fast-gaining popularity in Bangalore.

Krav Maga enables you to defend yourself without having to use a weapon.

Frank, a certified instruction, has been training 200 people and most of his students are women. "It is important for women to learn this more than the men as they can defend themselves better during a blind-attack situation as they kick and punch their way through the brawl. This form of martial art also instills confidence and improves a person’s body language," he says.

Many women have secured themselves from the fear of being attacked and harassed by kicking and punching away in Krav Maga style. Frank has been trained by Vicky Kapoor, chief instructor, Krav Maga, India, who has also trained Abhay Deol for his upcoming film.

"My tryst with Krav Maga began while I was living alone in Delhi, since it was an unsafe city. It was when I met a few army officers who told me about this martial art that I developed a passion towards it and finally turned into my profession," says Frank.

There is no specific criterion required to learn Krav Maga and Frank says, "There is no strength factor involved in this form.  Krav Maga does not mean getting into a fight. Instead, it works as a stress buster that helps you get away from it."

Times of India :: Krav Maga: Women execs' new weapon for self defence (My Original Blog Post: http://vickykapoor.com/press/women-new-weapon/)

Times of India Newspaper

[caption id="attachment_2625" align="alignright" width="180" caption="Krav Maga: Women execs' new weapon for self defence"][/caption]

Mumbai: "Twist and turn ...straight punch" — an instructor barks out these orders in a room full of women learning to kick and punch their way out of trouble.

It's a place where young female professionals are undergoing training in Krav Maga, the lethal Israeli martial art. With an alarming rise in crime against women professionals, many firms have started offering self-defence training courses to their female employees.

The trend is more pronounced in the BPO industry where women often have to work on the graveyard shift. As more and more women swipe into offices, harassment is one of the issues they encounter as they step out of their homes.

Manisha Bedi (name changed), a 24-year-old executive, is thrilled about a session organised by her employer where she discovered the technique of how to kick, strike a blow and get out of an attacker's grip.

Crimes against women, including sexual harassment and rape, have gone up 93% and 40%, respectively, in 2007 compared to 1996, according to National Crime Records Bureau and Home Ministry. A significant number of women are employed in the services sector — IT-BPO, airlines, hospitality, hospitals and retail.

Over 35% women comprise the workforce of the $60 billion IT BPO sector. A few years ago, the rape and murder of a call centre executive had rocked the industry, underscoring the lapses and loopholes in corporate security practices. To safeguard women's interests, companies are conducting self-defence workshops on the campus.

A power-to-telecom corporate has arranged a post-lunch 90-minute session for its women employees to practise fist-to-face moves. Such initiatives help in promoting women empowerment and gender inclusiveness, said industry observers. At these  workshops, women are not only given training in the physical aspects of warding off an attack but are also taught to be mentally alert.