INSTRUCTOR - CHERIE WATTS

Cherie is a doctor specialising in Emergency Medicine, and has been working in the Health Industry since 2002.

1. How did you get started in Krav Maga?
I received an email with details of a women’s self-defence seminar run by Eyal Yanilov. I had never heard of Krav Maga before, but attended the seminar and thoroughly enjoyed it. I had been considering doing some form of self-defence due to a workplace incident, and after attending a few classes realised that Krav exactly what I was looking for.

2. What were your initial impressions of the training?
It was different to anything I had ever done before so initially I felt like a fish out of water - but the instructors were very supportive, as were the other students, so it wasn’t long before I felt part of the club. It was a great stress release to be hitting and kicking the punching pads after a day at work, I loved the games and drills, and found that my confidence improved so much as I learned techniques that I could use if ever I was threatened in my day-to-day activities.

3. How long have you been training in Krav Maga?
Since 2004 - my shiftwork dictates how often I attend class, but it is good that Krav is so flexible as to allow shift-workers to still attend when they can.

4. What other experience do you bring to Krav Maga?
Anatomy and Physiology! My medical training gives me a greater appreciation of the strengths and vulnerabilities of the human body; my experience at work gives me insight into the vast range of injuries that can result from assault of various types.

5. Have you trained in any other combative systems/martial arts type systems?
Exclusively Krav Maga - it meets the needs that I have.

6. What advice would you give to anyone wanting to start Krav Maga?
Come and try it! It’s a great way to learn new skills, develop confidence, improve your fitness - all while expanding your circle of friends.

7. What are your goals for Krav Maga?
One of the things that makes me angry at work is when ordinary people who are just minding their own business are injured in a violent confrontation. I believe that training in Krav Maga will give a person effective skills so that their risk of serious injury is minimised. My goal for Krav Maga is to teach these skills to our community, and to change people’s thinking from “It will probably never happen to me, so I won’t worry about it” to “I’m going to take some positive steps now and learn to defend myself and my loved ones, should the need ever arise.