Panji, Sep 12 (TNN): Looking to bolster their military training with some tough Israeli street-fighting know-how, the anti-terror squad of the Goa police has also started taking Krav Maga lessons.

Around 50 personnel from the squad attended their first workshop in hand-to-hand combat recently, and the training may extend to other divisions of the state's police force as well, said police officials.

"Being effectively able to defend themselves as well as others without weapons is essential in today's scenario, and they have to keep updating their fighting skills," says police inspector Devendra Gad, who is in charge of the training sessions.

The armed forces in several countries, including Australia, UK, Norway, Sweden and a few South American nations apart from Israel undergo rigorous Krav Maga training.

Elroy Vaz, regional head for Krav Maga Global-India admitted that the squad was found wanting in unarmed combat. "Even though these personnel are always armed, there are situations where they cannot use lethal force or if they are stuck in close-quarters and there is no time or space to use a weapon," explains Vaz.

Krav Maga instructors also taught the squad combat techniques using the butt of the gun, in situations where the policeman cannot use his weapon, but cannot afford to put it down either.

"It is extremely important that they continue practicing these combat techniques. When attacked, the right moves should come to the officer as an involuntary action, and it takes regular training to develop that muscle memory," Vaz explains, recommending a rigorous two-hour practice session at least once a week.

The specially-structured course for law enforcement is taught by highly-trained instructors, who also teach combat techniques for different situations-ranging from riot-control to VIP protection and military combat.