Airmen learn Krav Maga self-defense

Krav Maga instructors, 1st Lt. Benjamin Skee, 2nd Range Operations Squadron control officer and 2nd Lt. William Tanner, 30th Operations Support Squadron range control officer, demonstrate proper self-defense technique here, March 5. Due to its practical approach and simplistic techniques, Krav Maga is globally renowned and utilized by various armed forces and law enforcement agencies. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Shane Phipps)

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Airmen learn Krav Maga self-defense

Published March 6, 2014
By Senior Airman Shane M. Phipps
30th Space Wing Public Affairs

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Imagine enjoying a peaceful stroll after an eventful night on the town. Suddenly a knife-wielding stranger emerges from nearby shrubbery and you realize all that's standing between you and the aggressor is - a set of bare hands.

In today's society, this scene is all too common. Fortunately, self-defense training for such untimely incidents is being offered to members of VAFB, in the form of Krav Maga.

"The training consists of close quarters combat training including hand-to-hand, knife-defense fighting, weapon retention, hand-gun disarming, rifle disarming and third party protection," explained 1st Lt. Benjamin Skee, 2nd Range Operations Squadron control officer.

For some participants, this training is simply another weapon in their vast arsenal of combative techniques.

"We receive security forces combative, less-lethal and weapons training, but this is another skill we can use," said Tech. Sgt. Carmine Androsiglio, 30th Security Forces Squadron unit trainer. "Some members choose to box, some do mixed-martial-arts - it's just another outlet to work out while experiencing new ways to defend yourself."

Airmen are encouraged to participate in any of the classes held by Skee, however, those deploying may find additional incentives.

"Krav Maga focuses on the tools a member deploys with and how to utilize them in an unconventional way to save theirs and others' lives, if necessary," said Skee.

Although highly deployable security forces personnel profit from the program, anyone eager to learn, inevitably will as well.

"Any member of the Air Force can use this training," said Androsiglio. "You don't need to be in a job that works with suspects. Previously, I have studied Japanese and Korean martial arts and I hope to meld this into those forms to learn a new discipline. It's really more than just fighting, its learning about yourself and what you're capable of, through new challenges."

The instructors hope this kind of training will have a long-lasting impact on participants.

"I hope to train the members in such a way that, should the need arise, they will be able to use the training to keep themselves and any other innocents safe," explained 2nd Lt. William Tanner, 30th Operations Support Squadron range control officer.

Due to its practical approach and simplistic techniques, Krav Maga is globally renowned and utilized by various armed forces and law enforcement agencies.

"It's a self-defense system anyone can use regardless of size, strength or fitness level," said Skee. "It's not a 'clean' fighting style. It's dirty, rough and aggressive yet controlled, making it the ideal self-defense system for use on the street - a place where no rules exist."

There will also be an anti-sexual assault and kidnaping seminar on April 26. For more information on classes, contact 1st Lt. Benjamin Skee at 805-606-2382, or 575-680-0805.