Krav Maga Nigeria advances self-defence training in Lagos

Krav Maga Nigeria is expanding its self-defence training initiatives with a seminar on Lagos Island, gathering martial artists and fitness enthusiasts at Pinefield Schools, Lekki, on Saturday. The Israeli self-defence system, created by Imi Lichtenfeld, emphasizes practical techniques for handling real-life threats. Krav Maga Nigeria, a member of the International Krav Maga Federation, has Adebola Otubushin as its director and IKMF Director for Africa since 2020.

The seminar, titled 'From Threat to Attack', aimed to help participants identify potential danger, make informed decisions, protect themselves when needed, and safely disengage. The session covered critical aspects such as protective stance, movement, voice, defence-to-counterattack, grab and choke release essentials, as well as knife threat and attack.

Otubushin expressed satisfaction with the high attendance, noting the participants' eagerness to continue training, despite some being first-time learners. He emphasized the importance of self-defence in the current climate and highlighted Krav Maga as a solution to self-defence concerns. Before the Lagos Island seminar, three international seminars with foreign instructors and other national seminars across Nigeria had taken place.

Otubushin outlined Krav Maga Nigeria's strategic approach to growth, with online monthly seminars and plans to expand to other regions as demand arises. The federation currently has nine certified instructors, with regular training and academic development ongoing.

Participants, including professional fitness coach Maje Ayida and taekwondo athlete Sherifah Hassan, praised the seminar for its physical and mental benefits, with Ayida highlighting its impact on mindset, physicality, and movement. Hassan noted that the techniques could complement her sporting background while offering practical self-defence skills. As of now, there are nine certified Krav Maga instructors in Nigeria, with monthly online sessions available for those interested in certification.