Krav Maga
Many of you probably recognize the school’s motto. Loosely translated: “If you wish for peace, prepare for war.” Peace through strength is an ancient concept that has held true throughout history. On an individual level, it can be taken literally as a motivation for training as well as an attitude that will help you achieve success in all parts of your life.
“Si vis pacem, para bellum” is a concept that applies quite literally to what we do at Elite Training Center. Students of Krav Maga and other martial arts have already made the decision to learn violent techniques and systems not because they hope to inflict pain on others but to keep violence away from them and those they love. Violence and war between humans is a huge part of our species’ past, present, and future. To deny it and hope it never touches you is ignorant…it’s a risk that people who train have decided is unacceptable. We train so that if we do need to use our skills we are as prepared as possible to preserve our lives and way of life.
On less literal level, I take the motto to mean “always be prepared and proactive in all aspects of your life.” By doing so you will prevent many of life’s curveballs and be ready the ones that do come at you. Too often we become complacent and lazy in one area, and so we are unprepared when we lose our job, fail a class, divorce, or fall short in some way. If you look at everything you do as a challenge or a fight (whether external or within yourself), you will be prepared for what life throws at you. This doesn’t mean constant aggression or manic preparedness! You’ll drive yourself and your loved ones crazy. Rather, stay on top of your life and be proactive. A great example is marriage. So many people see their wedding as the end of their courtship. “I don’t need to pursue my husband/wife any longer…I’ve already got him/her!” And all too often this inattention ends the relationship. It’s the same with work and school as well. Avoid complacency…nothing is certain. Now to be honest, I don’t know anyone who is able to maintain this intensity constantly…I definitely struggle with it at times. What matters is that you keep struggling.
As long as you plan for the worst, it’s great to hope for the best. Complacency and laziness contribute to an “it won’t happen to me” mentality; then we become easy prey for those wishing to do harm…it is the downfall of nations and of individuals. Don’t let it be yours. So train, be healthy, and approach your life with initiative, determination, and courage. Si vis pacem, para bellum!
~Katie
Elite Training Center
1628 South Pacific Coast Highway,
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 543-1600
www.elitetrainingcenter.net
