Krav Maga Nigeria advances self-defence training in Lagos

Krav Maga Nigeria is strengthening its self-defence training programme with its first seminar on Lagos Island, bringing together professional martial artists and fitness enthusiasts for a practical session at Pinefield Schools, Lekki, on Saturday.

Krav Maga is an Israeli self-defence system developed by Imi Lichtenfeld, which focuses on practical techniques for dealing with real-life threats.

Established in Nigeria in 2018, Krav Maga Nigeria is a member of the International Krav Maga Federation, with Adebola Otubushin serving as its director and the IKMF Director for Africa since 2020.

Tagged ‘From Threat to Attack’ and facilitated by Otubushin, the seminar was designed to help participants recognise developing danger, make sound decisions, protect themselves when necessary and disengage safely.

The drills covered protective stance, movement and voice, defence-to-counterattack, grab and choke release essentials, as well as knife threat and attack.

Otubushin expressed delight at the turnout, saying participants were eager to continue training despite many encountering the system for the first time.

“The turnout was fantastic, considering the fact that it’s the first time and people are always sceptical about things they are seeing for the first time. They must have seen it on YouTube, but it’s impressive to see that people didn’t want to stop; they wanted to keep training.

“Self-defence is important, and we all need to think in that direction right now. Krav Maga is the solution to our self-defence questions.”

Before the Lagos Island seminar, three international seminars featuring foreign instructors had been held in Lagos, alongside other national seminars in different parts of the state.

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On the expansion of Krav Maga in Nigeria, Otubushin said the federation was adopting a strategic approach to its growth across the country.

“When it comes to online presence, once a month we have a Zoom seminar where we have people all over the country participating, but for now we are more in Lagos than in any other place.

“There are people in Abuja who want us to come, and we will expand from there as soon as they are ready. Nigeria is a very big country, and your growth has to be strategic. If not, you go to so many states, and you say you have Krav Maga, but eventually nothing is working.”

Professional fitness coach Maje Ayida was among the participants and praised the seminar for combining physical and mental development.

“Apart from the cardio engagement and everything, I think it is great for your mindset, great for your physicality and movement. It’s good for mental health because you’re learning something, and it’s always good to learn to defend yourself.”

Taekwondo athlete Sherifah Hassan also said the techniques could complement her sporting background while providing practical self-defence skills.

“It’s easy to incorporate, but you still need to learn Krav Maga on its own. Personally, I don’t do taekwondo for self-defence; I do it as a professional sport, but it is good to know what to do when you come under attack.”

According to Otubushin, Nigeria currently has nine certified Krav Maga instructors who are continuing to develop their skills through regular training and academic exercises.

He added that the monthly online sessions remain open to participants, while there are established pathways for those interested in becoming certified instructors.