MPs training in Israeli self defence techniques after Jo Cox murder

FOLLOWING the horrific murder of Labour MP Jo Cox in the tense run-up to the Brexit referendum, Westminster denizens are being trained in unarmed street fighting techniques pioneered by the Israeli Defence Force. 

Krav Maga is a specialised martial art that focuses on self-defence and also results, taking a no-holds barred and practical approach to violence that is essential in guerrilla warfare. It is unlikely that portly MPs will ever find themselves fending off armed assailants but the threat posed by stalkers, extremists and terrorists is clearly real. 

Four out of five MPs claim that they have been the recipients of abusive and aggressive behaviour, largely from disgruntled constituents with an axe to grind, but the killing of the member for Batley and Spen was a watershed moment in British political violence.  

Just a few MP’s and 18 parliamentary assistants are thought to have attended the first Krav Maga course held at Whitehall last week by a company aptly named Parli-training. 

“We are teaching them techniques where if someone comes at them with a knife or a gun, they can disarm the weapons and then run. They are not being taught how to fight,” said owner Mendora Ogbogbo.

“Another technique we are teaching them is the ‘rhino,’ where they know how to cover the vulnerable parts of their heads when someone is punching them. This will give them a vital three or four minutes before someone intervenes.”