Troy Krav Maga Blog - Krav Maga Detroit

31 Jul 2025
Could Our Instincts Be Wrong Pt. 4

n a self-defense situation, several natural human reactions to a threat can be less useful or even counterproductive. These reactions are often instinctive, driven by the body’s fight-flight-freeze-fawn response to stress or danger. Here's another one - OVERREACTING/BLIND AGGRESSION • What it is: The “fight” response can manifest as uncontrolled, impulsive aggression, such as flailing, screaming uncontrollably, or attacking without strategy. • Why it’s not useful: Blind aggression often lacks precision, wasting energy and leaving you open to counterattacks. For example, swinging wildly at an attacker might miss or expose you to a takedown. It can also ....
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4 Jul 2025
Could Our Instincts Be Wrong Pt. 3

Could our instincts be wrong? pt. 3 In a self-defense situation, several natural human reactions to a threat can be less useful or even counterproductive. These reactions are often instinctive, driven by the body’s fight-flight-freeze-fawn response to stress or danger. Here's another one - PANIC. 3. Uncontrolled Panic or Hyperventilation • What it is: Panic involves a surge of adrenaline leading to rapid breathing, trembling, or disorganized thinking. Hyperventilation can cause dizziness, reduced coordination, or even fainting. • Why it’s not useful: Panic impairs your ability to think clearly, assess threats, or execute defensive techniques. For example, if ....
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17 Jun 2025
Could Our Instincts Be Wrong Pt. 2

In a self-defense situation, several natural human reactions to a threat can be less useful or even counterproductive. These reactions are often instinctive, driven by the body’s fight-flight-freeze-fawn response to stress or danger. Last week we covered Freeze, today let’s take a closer look at… 2. Fawning • What it is: The “fawn” response involves trying to appease or placate the aggressor to avoid harm, often through submission, compliance, or excessive deference (e.g., begging or pleading). • Why it’s not useful: While fawning might de-escalate some situations, it can backfire in self-defense scenarios where the attacker is intent on ....
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27 May 2025
Could Our Instincts Be Wrong Pt. 1

A student at Krav Maga Detroit asked a very interesting question: Are there any human instincts or reactions that are counterproductive in self defense? I immediately thought of one - freeze. Pretty obvious, right? But I kept thinking about it. Could it be that it’s wrong all the time? If it is, why do we even have it? I was intrigued and wanted to dig deeper. What I have found I’ll share with you over the next few weeks. In a self-defense situation, several natural human reactions to a threat can be less useful or even counterproductive. These reactions are often instinctive, driven by the body’s fight-flight-freeze-fawn response to stress or danger. ....
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12 May 2025
Marcus Kowal - A Look Back by Pawel Cichowlas

I guess back in the day we didn’t take many pictures. We trained all day, ate a whole chicken for dinner and went to bed to get up early the next day and do it all over again. But I did find this one picture taken right after my Black Belt test sixteen years ago. On the right is Jeff from Krav Maga Indy, my Brother and my partner for most of the high level training and all our tests. On the left is Marcus. That day he was one of the “hired guns” or MMA fighters who showed up to help us in our quest. Marcus was awesome! We all knew him, as at that time he was running the Krav Maga Worldwide National Training Center in LA and he trained with us every time we were there. We ....
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14 Apr 2025
The Fastest 3 Hours

I love teaching Krav Maga and don’t remember a single class the dragged, that I would keep looking at the clock counting seconds till the end. Usually when the class is over students are surprised an hour went by that fast. But then there are days like last Friday. I was teaching a three hour Krav Maga Workshop at Krav Maga Detroit. As usual we quickly reviewed the list of the techniques and selected the ones students wanted to focus on. My goal is always to answer all their questions and cover as much material as possible so we started right away. No pushups or jumping jacks for a warmup. Instead we started with the Inside Defenses. Slowly and methodically, focusing on details ....
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2 Apr 2025
KM 2 Workshop - Building on the Foundation

Advance Your Skills at the KM 2 Workshop with Pawel Cichowlas – Friday, April 11, 6-9 PM Are you ready to elevate your Krav Maga training? Join us at Krav Maga Detroit for an exclusive KM 2 Workshop on Friday, April 11th , from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM , led by our founder and lead instructor, Pawel Cichowlas . This workshop is designed for those who have mastered the basics and are eager to tackle advanced self-defense techniques. Whether you’re a current member aiming to sharpen your skills or a prospect with prior experience looking to dive deeper, this event is your chance to train with one of Michigan’s ....
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17 Mar 2025
WOW! What an Epic Weekend at KMD

What a weekend!!! Nineteen students took on the challenge and all earned their promotions this weekend in Troy. First, last Friday night, nine KM1 students crushed their Pi Day Krav Maga test where they not only crushed the physical part but also managed to keep their wits about them. Some of the evolutions lasted 3 minutes and 14 seconds and others paid homage to the brilliance of mathematics. They were having so much fun that the time just flew by and even though it would’ve been cool to wrap it up in 3 hours and 14 minutes I just didn’t have the heart to stop the fun that early. The following day, ten KMD Young Warriors stepped up to the challenge and absolutely crushed ....
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10 Mar 2025
Instinctual Self-Defense in Troy

Krav Maga is a comprehensive self-defense system that integrates elements from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, and judo. It borrows ground fighting and submission techniques from BJJ, fundamental striking and defense moves from boxing, and throws and balance disruption from judo. These elements are combined into a practical, no-nonsense approach focused on quickly neutralizing threats. Krav Maga adapts these techniques for real-world scenarios in Detroit, emphasizing simultaneous defense and attack, training under stress, and using any means necessary for survival, without the constraints of sport rules. Redirect & Control Krav Maga's weapon defense training in Troy for civilians ....
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27 Feb 2025
Kettlebell Training + Krav Maga: The Ultimate Power Duo for Strength & Endurance

At Krav Maga Detroit, we’re all about real-world readiness—building the kind of strength and endurance that doesn’t just look good on paper but keeps you sharp when it counts. That’s why we’re obsessed with pairing Krav Maga with kettlebell training. Together, they’re a match made in fitness heaven, forging a physique and mindset that’s tough, adaptable, and ready for anything. Why These Two Work So Well Together Krav Maga is street-smart self-defense. It’s explosive, practical, and teaches you to react under pressure. Kettlebell training? It’s the no-nonsense tool that amplifies your power and stamina. Combine them, and ....
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Could Our Instincts Be Wrong Pt. 4

Could Our Instincts Be Wrong Pt. 3

Could Our Instincts Be Wrong Pt. 2

Could Our Instincts Be Wrong Pt. 1

Marcus Kowal - A Look Back by Pawel Cichowlas

The Fastest 3 Hours

KM 2 Workshop - Building on the Foundation

WOW! What an Epic Weekend at KMD

Instinctual Self-Defense in Troy

Kettlebell Training + Krav Maga: The Ultimate Power Duo for Strength & Endurance

Doug R.

Jason G.

Kevin J.

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