Connecticut woman says Krav Maga can benefit one's physical and mental health
Krav Maga is a type of Israeli martial arts that many use as form of self-defense.
A Connecticut woman, who survived a terrifying encounter, tells News 12 she encourages all women to be prepared if they are involved in a vulnerable situation.
Kimberly Bedoya takes classes of Krav Maga, a type of Israeli martial arts that many use as form of self-defense, at Breakthru Fitness in Stamford, Connecticut.
In 2023, while driving in Trumbull, Bedoya spilled hot coffee and jumped out of her car.
Once she was outside, she dropped her phone and noticed a man in the distance coming towards her.
"I'm just reaching for my phone. He can see I'm alone. He's like 'Miss, do you need any help?' I'm like, 'No, I'm very clear.' I'm like, 'No, I'm OK.' The car is open and that's when he comes up behind me, both arms, both hands. I was like, 'Oh!" Bedoya recalls.
Bedoya says with no time to think, her training helped her determine her next move.
"As soon as this car door was shut, I kicked him in the groin, a kick to the stomach and pushed him. I got in my car and literally U-turned around him and sped off."
"We put people in situations that are just like, 'What would happen?' The techniques just fly from you until the threat is on the ground or running away. She floored this guy. Absolutely floored this guy," says Tom Bacha, of Breakthru Fitness.
Bedoya says prior to taking classes, she would not have had confidence to fend off someone. She says the encounter proved the importance of mental and physical training.
"There's so much to learn, but the little bit I learned was enough to get me out of trouble and I ended up going home safely," Bedoya says.
Bacha says not every situation calls for fighting back. He first teaches students that if they feel threatened, they should leave the area if they can.
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