As Karate and Taekwondo represent the blend of culture and the significance of self-defense conditioning for Japanese and Koreans respectively, the Jewish heritage-based Krav Maga fighting system epitomizes the same combination for freshman Payvand Natanzi.  Imi Lichtenfeld, Krav Maga founder, originally developed this protection technique as a way to defend Jewish neighbors and himself from anti-Semites, and he later went on to teach Krav Maga to the Israeli Defense Force to help Israel become an independent state.  Natanzi takes pride in her craft largely because of the inspiration that she finds in the story of Lichtenfeld.

“Lichtenfeld’s strength and innovativeness I think played a huge role in the establishment of Israel, so he is definitely someone that I admire and respect a lot,” said Natanzi.  “A huge reason why I fell in love with Krav Maga is that I am so personally invested in my Jewish heritage.”

In addition to Natanzi’s fondness of Krav Maga for cultural reasons, she enjoys the practice from the perspective of an athlete as well.  Though only having started Krav Maga training last year, in a mere four months, Natanzi acquired enough skill to test into the second level at her studio Krav Maga Worldwide.

“In general when students start Krav early and stick with it for a long time they have a large advantage when they become adults as they develop discipline, skill sets and body awareness,” said Christian Medina, Krav Maga Worldwide instructor.  “As an instructor, I constantly see Payvand’s coordination, skills and ability to use her body improve over time.  She’s able to take a punch and defend herself, not that we are sparring in level 2.”

Even during the school year Natanzi makes time for eight to 10 hours of classes each week so that she will advance to level three this coming summer.  Her ultimate goal is to finish the program through level five by the time she is finished with high school.