Choke! Gouge! Smash!

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In an age in which fads blossom and wither within nanoseconds, some physical trainers remain skeptics. "There's nothing new under the sun, and that goes for Krav Maga," asserts Emil Farkas, a karate instructor. "They're simply using the Israeli angle as a sales tool to pitch basic self-defense."

Levine responds that most martial arts take years to master and are steeped in choreographed moves and ritualistic practices, none of which is likely to be much help against a mugger. The fundamentals of Krav Maga, on the other hand, can be learned in a matter of months. "I'm convinced Krav Maga is hands-down the best system going," says Detective Brian Arnspiger, defensive-tactics trainer of the Burbank police department. "It's saving lives and decreasing injuries to both officers and suspects by providing us with quick, simple ways of subduing suspects without having to resort to a weapon or excessive force."

Besides, it's a gas. "There's nothing like it," says Siegel, the nurse with the black belt. "I leave [class] feeling like I can take on anyone."