From “Sheep” to Protector: Why Training is No Longer Optional

I want to share a story that reminds us all why we train. I currently teach Krav Maga to three young men from the Satmar community. These individuals are often unfairly viewed by bullies as “easy targets” due to their traditional appearance. One of these students, a 19-year-old, has been training with us for only three months, focusing on the same high-pressure drills we teach in our weekly classes.

During the recent Purim celebrations, a group of six older men attempted to bully and attack him. His father, watching from across the street, witnessed the exact moment the training took over. As the first attacker threw a right hook, my student didn’t freeze—he executed a perfect block and delivered a counter-strike to the throat, dropping the man instantly.

When a second attacker moved in, the student didn’t hesitate. He landed a clean straight punch to the nose followed by a hammer fist, neutralizing the threat. Seeing their friends on the ground, the rest of the group turned and ran.

The Reality of Our Times

We are living in extremely dangerous times. This week alone, there were three synagogue shootings in Canada, an attempted homemade bomb attack in New York, and two Israelis beaten for simply speaking Hebrew. Antisemitism is more open and violent than ever. As fathers and brothers, we have a sacred responsibility to teach our children how to defend themselves.

Breaking the “Sheep Mindset”

It is incredibly frustrating to see hesitation in our community. It is time to break the “sheep mentality” once and for all. We must move from being passive observers to being active protectors. Based on our work with Chai Defense and Guns N Moses, here is why that “convincing” stage is so difficult and how we must frame the conversation:

The “Galut” (Exile) Mentality vs. Empowerment: For generations, survival often depended on laying low. We must remind our community of the Maccabees and the Haganah. Krav Maga founder Imi Lichtenfeld created this system specifically to protect Jews from fascist riots. This isn’t “new”—it’s a return to our roots of self-reliance.

The “Galut” (Exile) Mentality vs. Empowerment: For generations, survival often depended on laying low. We must remind our community of the Maccabees and the Haganah. Krav Maga founder Imi Lichtenfeld created this system specifically to protect Jews from fascist riots. This isn’t “new”—it’s a return to our roots of self-reliance.

The Normalcy Bias: People process news as a tragedy but block the idea that it could happen at their Shul. Think of training like a seatbelt: you don’t wear it because you plan to crash; you wear it because when you need it, it’s too late to put it on.

The Normalcy Bias: People process news as a tragedy but block the idea that it could happen at their Shul. Think of training like a seatbelt: you don’t wear it because you plan to crash; you wear it because when you need it, it’s too late to put it on.

Halakhic Clarity: While some feel a combat mindset “profanes” the Sabbath, Pikuach Nefesh (saving a life) is clear. The sanctity of life supersedes almost every other commandment. Carrying for protection is an act of Chesed (kindness) to ensure everyone gets home safely.

Halakhic Clarity: While some feel a combat mindset “profanes” the Sabbath, Pikuach Nefesh (saving a life) is clear. The sanctity of life supersedes almost every other commandment. Carrying for protection is an act of Chesed (kindness) to ensure everyone gets home safely.

The 3-Minute Rule: Many think, “The police will handle it.” But most attacks are over in 2 to 5 minutes. The police, as fast as they are, usually arrive at minute 6. You are the first responder.

The 3-Minute Rule: Many think, “The police will handle it.” But most attacks are over in 2 to 5 minutes. The police, as fast as they are, usually arrive at minute 6. You are the first responder.

Knowledge vs. Training

A hammer in a toolbox doesn’t make you a craftsman. You might own the tool, but if you haven’t picked it up in years, you won’t be effective when the pressure is on.

Knowledge tells you what the tool is.

Knowledge tells you what the tool is.

Training gives you the muscle memory to use it when your heart rate is 150 beats per minute.

Training gives you the muscle memory to use it when your heart rate is 150 beats per minute.

Violence doesn’t wait for you to be “ready.” In just 90 days, a 19-year-old student transformed himself. If you would like to host a speaker or a safety assessment at your Shul or community center, Chai Defense and Guns N Moses would be honored to visit.

We spend so much time teaching our kids to be proud Jews; shouldn’t we spend a fraction of that time learning how to keep them safe Jews?

Stay on the mats, stay on the range, and keep your tools sharp. You never know when you’ll be called upon to use them.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)