Your Ego Is Getting You Killed (and Other Fun Truths About Trying Krav Maga)

By Steve Woolridge, Your Favorite Discomfort Dealer

You ever seen a grown man strut into the gym with that “I’ve got this” look, only to get wrecked by a 5'2" mom of three who’s been training six months longer than him?

I have. It’s my favorite part of the job.

And before you think I’m just roasting people for sport (okay, maybe a little), let me drop something heavy on you—straight from James Clear, the habit wizard himself:

“In many cases, you'll find the only thing preventing you from learning is your ego... Learning demands the willingness to live in a brief state of discomfort. You must believe that looking like a fool for an hour will not ruin your reputation for life.”

Boom. That right there? That’s real. And it smacks hard, especially in self-defense training.

Look, I get it. Nobody wants to look like a confused toddler throwing a tantrum while trying to block a punch. But if your ego’s too big to take a hit—literally and metaphorically—you’re gonna stay soft. You’re gonna stay vulnerable. And in the real world, that gets people hurt.

Let’s break this down:

1. You’re Gonna Suck. At First. Good.

Day one of Krav Maga? You might throw a punch that looks more like you’re reaching for snacks on the top shelf. And guess what? That’s fine. There’s no magic shortcut. You have to look awkward, feel stupid, and move through that fire to get anywhere. You have to be willing to feel like an idiot before you become a weapon.

You think I came out of the womb with a black belt and a six-pack? Hell no. I got choked out in front of people. I slipped and fell mid-kick. I bled. I bruised. I learned. You can’t skip that.

2. Ego Is the Real Attacker

Your ego’s telling you not to show weakness. Not to ask questions. Not to partner with someone smaller, faster, better. Your ego is the guy in the hoodie lurking in the shadows—except he’s inside your own head, sabotaging your growth.

Newsflash: Every single person in our gym has looked like a clown at some point. The only difference is, some stayed to become lions, and others walked out trying to save face.

Don’t let your ego be louder than your desire to grow.

3. Discomfort Is the Currency of Confidence

Want to walk into a parking garage at night without your heart rate spiking? Want your kid to know you’re not just the snack-bringer but the line-in-the-sand protector?

Cool. Pay up.

And the price is discomfort. You’ve got to sweat, flail, struggle, and fight through the awkward reps. We’ll coach you, guide you, and yeah—yell at you a bit if needed. But it’s all love. Because the version of you on the other side of that awkward hour? That version walks taller. Thinks faster. Hits harder.

So, what’s it gonna be?

You gonna let your ego keep you safe in your comfort zone, where nothing changes and TikTok self-defense hacks are your security plan?

Or you gonna show up, take the hit, and train like your life depends on it?

Because someday—it just might.