Krav Maga Level 1

Saturday afternoon I took my Krav Maga level 1 test.  To say it was intense would be an understatement. It was probably the hardest thing I've ever done personally.  We were so tired within 45 minutes that every movement was a struggle to perform.  The test lasted 2 1/2 hours.  PAINFUL.

I only have a couple of photos from the test.  This one, I'm getting out of a choke hold.  They really could have chosen a cooler time to take a picture, but it's what I have.  A couple of seconds later and my partner that's on top was on her back with me on top of her using combative punches to disable her (in theory only, since we have to do this move about 20 more times).
 

I'm sparring here and it's toward the end of the class.  If we weren't sparring, we were doing endless jumping jacks.  I pretty much wanted to die at this point.

This is the face of a very happy and very empowered woman after learning I passed.  With decent scores too.  I'm so proud of myself.  6 months ago, there is no way I could have endured something like this.  In fact, I almost threw up at my first class and had to sit out the final push to the end.

 There was no choice this time.  I didn't know if I would make it, but I did.  I have some bruises, torn up elbows, a couple of broken blood vessels and sore muscles, but otherwise am unscathed.  
 

My biggest hope is that I can remember some of these moves if I'm ever attacked, so that they will say "I picked the wrong lady"  ♥

If you're interested in finding a Krav Maga class in your area, check out this website.

Linking to:
 Sundae Scoop Party @ I Heart Nap Time