Some people say Krav Maga is violent. What do you think of that?
Megan: “I disagree. Looking after yourself is not violence. Someone attacks you, and you use appropriate force to defend yourself. The elbow of a baby is stronger than the balls of Muhammad Ali. Women must exploit the vulnerable parts of an assailant’s body. Austin Self Defense teaches you how to survive a fight by being able to engage the attacker. Psychologically, women often won’t defend themselves, but they’ll fight to the death for their child. Take care of the immediate danger then take care of the person who’s the source of it. Someone attacks me, I’ll use everything at my disposal to win. I didn’t start the fight, but I’m going to finish it so I can go home to my children.”
Should there be a different form of Krav Maga for women?
Megan: “No, I don’t think there should be a different form of Krav Maga, because it’s already built for the weaker person in a conflict. And women are usually physically weaker than men. Krav Maga is not based on strength, but on reflexes. And women have the same reflexes as men. I also think women should always train with men, simply because if they’re going to be attacked, it’s probably going to be a man.”
Do you have an example?
Megan: “An example is the choke from the front. It’s very easy to push your hand into your opponents face and eyes. It can confuse an attacker. That’s more of a woman’s perspective, very simple to use.”
Do you have any final words of advice?
Megan: “If you really want something, go and do it. Not just Krav Maga, everything in your life. Just do it!”