Stress not only affects one’s mood, its effects are particularly harsh on the skin

Keeping the peace is not enough these days; it’s also important to know how to protect ourselves from a perilous situation, should it arise.

Dindo de Jesus, a Filipino expert on the Israeli combat system called Krav Maga, knows this all too well. He’s the regional director of the International Krav Maga Federation for Asia and chief instructor for IKMF Philippines (www.kravmaga-ikmf.ph).

Krav Maga was originally used as the hand-to-hand combat system of the Israeli Defense Forces. All the movements are natural, designed to be learned and applied in a brief period of time.

With all the strenuous activity, close contact and grappling, it’s vital to be armed with the right hygiene tools. A peek into Dindo’s lifestyle and gym bag reveals more than just a master of martial arts.

Dindo on Krav Maga

Krav Maga is a great form of self-defense because… it is designed for short-term training. The fighting system of Krav focuses on techniques based on instinctive movements, so they are easy to learn and easy to remember under stress; it is not dependent on size, strength or special physical ability. Krav Maga techniques can be used effectively by men and women of all ages.

For film, I’ve been training… Judy Ann Santos to prepare her for the new ABS-CBN TV series “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala.” Intense siya mag-train and she really wants to learn. I’m training Judy Ann because she plays the role of a wife who learns how to fight back against her abusive husband, portrayed by Sam Milby.

In Hollywood, techniques from Krav Maga have been used in a number of films such as “Enough” starring Jennifer Lopez, and the TV series “Alias” featuring Jennifer Garner.

A fun fact about Krav Maga is that… it’s for everybody. You don’t need any special talent, ability or skill. We have to make self-defense much easier and practical. In fact, kicking the groin and poking the eyes are part of Krav Maga training.

Training gear

My essentials for training sessions and seminars are…Merrell Hiking boots for my outdoor training, and Saga Tactical for my pistol gear. Puma socks are very good. I own pairs that are three years old. They don’t even sag. For everyday regular training shoes, Merrell. For my apparel, No Fear.

Personal care

Because I sweat a lot during training… I sometimes shower two to three times a day. The best soap I’ve used is Safeguard germicidal soap. I’ve tried the blue, white and green variants, they’re all okay.

For deodorant, it’s Old Spice Dry Cream Antiperspirant. I find it more effective than the stick or roll-on. Having the right deodorant is important because, during training, there is close contact. We do bear hugs, ground fighting.

I use Schick disposable shavers and Gillette Foam, the red variant, then Old Spice After Shave. For toothpaste, just Colgate.

For my perfumes… I have three that I like: CK One, Bulgari Black, Ralph Lauren Blue.

My best-buy product is…  Personal Care foot powder spray. You can buy it in American goods stores. I spray it on in the morning and it still smells good in the afternoon. It’s really the best and I buy it in bulk. Inuubos ko ’yung stock.

For my outdoor training, I use Beach Hut 36 SPF Clear Spray Sun Block. It’s very effective and non-sticky.

Protecting the skin

Dindo de Jesus’ regular practice for Krav Maga keeps him fit and stress-free. Studies show that virtually any form of exercise, from lifting weights to yoga, can act as a stress-reliever. Unfortunately, stress not only affects your mood, its effects are particularly harsh on the skin.

One product to consider would be Kiehl’s Skin Rescuer (P1,700). This facial moisturizer actively works to minimize the visible signs of stress with key ingredients that limit the release of stress signals and promote a healthy, strong skin barrier.

In the short term, Kiehl’s Skin Rescuer minimizes stress reactions including redness; in the long term, it protects the skin, making it less vulnerable to the visible signs of stress and premature aging. (Available at Kiehl’s stores.)

Dindo’s choice products are available at Rustan’s, Watsons and supermarkets nationwide.