So far, headlocks make me the most furious. The idea of someone wrapping their arms around my head, trying to get me down to the ground… What is that potential attacker trying to take or accomplish? A headlock doesn’t seem like a purse-snatching sort of maneuver. It’s more personal than that. And to be quite frank with you, the thought of someone wanting to take something so private pisses me off.

Sometimes, it’s hard to recognize the implications behind the defenses when they’re in a controlled environment. Especially when your “attacker” is a middle-aged woman who looks more likely to bake you a fresh batch of cookies than put you in a headlock. But once you adjust your thinking and employ your imagination, it’s easy to become furious.

I think my partner can always tell when this connection happens inside my brain. I’ll often hear “Woah!” or ” Wow, you hit hard!”

I think their reaction says more about the energy I put towards Krav Maga, because I allow myself the right to become angry. Anyone can learn this. In fact, learning the defenses are shockingly easy once you get the hang of it.

You just have to want to learn it and be willing to put all your energy into it. But mostly, and I think this is key for women, you have to allow yourself to get mad.

So, go on. Get angry!