Leadership

We have a new Krav Maga representative in Angola, Africa - Márcio Bainhas! Márcio was born in Portugal and now resides in Angola, Africa. He began his martial arts career in 1985 with Japanese Karate (Goju Ryu) reaching 2nd Dan in 2016. Márcio has extensively studied several different types of Martial Arts and Combat Sports, including: Ninjutsu, Judo, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai. In 1994, in Torre Molinos, Spain, Márcio received his 1st Dan Black Belt in Ruy San Ruy Close Combat from founder Master Rui Mendonça. Márcio began studying Krav Maga and in 2005, traveled to Israel for his first advanced VIP protection course by ISDS – International Security and Defence Systems. With continued training in Portugal 2015, he received an Expert Certificate and Krav Maga Civil Instructor Certificate from the Krav Maga Association – Elite Krav Maga with Israeli Master Matan Bochner.

In 2016, in partnership with the Israeli Embassy in Angola, on behalf of the Ambassador Raphael Singer, Márcio organized the 1st Krav Maga International Seminar with Israeli Instructor Major Doron Balanchen from IKMF (International Krav Maga Federation). Following this seminar, he was invited by Master Avi Moyal to be the Director of IKMF in Angola. The following years Márcio trained several times in Israel with IKMF Crush Camp and graduated G1 by Master Avi Moyal. He also certified in Israel as a Krav Maga Military Instructor (Expert Level 2) and then the VIP Protection Krav Maga Instructor (Expert Level 3) and Graduate 2 level certification by Master Avi Moyal IKMF. During that time Márcio expanded his teaching to include Nigeria where he lead International Krav Maga seminars and became the IKMF Director. He has taught Krav Maga to law enforcement and security in both Nigeria and Angola as the Head Instructor for the Self Defence Module as well as the Shooting Instructor– National Public Order Police School and the 1st CPO (Close Protection Officer) course for the Escorts of the Commissioners of the National Angolan Police. He also teaches courses in Defensive Shooting for Civilians at the National Police School of Angola.

From 2017 to 2020, Márcio served as the Regional IKMF Director for all of Africa. He recently branched off from IKMF, founded and became the Head Instructor and President of the AKMF – African Krav Maga Federation. In addition to his career in Israeli Martial Arts, Márcio is the Safety Director of a Multinational Company of Transports and Logistics. If you are traveling in West Africa and visiting Nigeria or Angola, please drop by (with your FIMA card) and take a free class from Márcio. Welcome to the FIMA Family Márcio Bainhas! Glad to have you on board.
https://www.facebook.com/marcio.bainhas

AUSTRALASIA REGIONAL KM REP - PAUL JOHNSTONE. Paul is  a former Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Federal Agent. He has worked protective security and intelligence; responsible for the protection of the Australian Prime Minister as well as other Australian and International Heads of Government and VIPS. Paul has more degrees, certifications and diplomas then we've ever seen in a resume! Expertise in diverse disciplines such as Risk Management, Organizational Behavior, International Relations, Public Safety, Education and a Paramedic!. He is an instructor in multiple areas including; Defensive Tactics, Close Protection, Tactical Operations, and Firearms. Paul received many awards including the Australian Bravery Award and many citations for outstanding actions as both a soldier (Sargent) and police officer from several different governments and agencies.

In addition to black belts in karate and Bujinkan (ninjitsu - 15th Dan Master Instructor), he has instructor certifications in both Krav Maga (trained with FIMA Board Members Itay Gil and Nir Maman) and Kapap. Master Johnstone is the Founder and Chief Instructor of Street Edge Krav Maga International. 

Western Australia – Dean – Khanh. (KM)

Dean Khanh is the owner of Defensive Kombat / Krav Maga Academy near Perth in Western Australia. Dean has over 38 years involvement and experience in Martial Arts and the Health and Fitness industry.

He has trained in Boxing, including a variety of martial arts such as Hapkido, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Kali, MMA, BJJ and Wing Chun. 

In November 2021 Dean was graded to the rank of 6th Dan Black Belt from the Skornik Israeli Combat Gadi-Kempo Jiu Jitsu academy under the leadership of Doctor Itay Gil (8th Dan) and Grandmaster Guy Skornik (10th Dan)

Dean has a Master Instructor Rank of a 5th Dan in Taekwondo since 2015.

Dean is a Nationally Accredited Edged Weapon Response Instructor, a Kali Instructor under Kali Agol Combat, a Gym Instructor and Fitness Trainer under the Western Australia Fitness Academy, a certified Mix Martial Boxing Instructor under Combat Skills Academy WA. 

He has training qualifications in the Panuntukan and Dumog system which is the Filipino Boxing and Locking Restraint system.

Dean also has certification in the use of Semi-Automatic & Revolver Handgun from Ray Mancini at the Sig Sauer Academy of WA.

In terms of Israeli martial arts, Dean has been actively training and teaching Krav Maga for over 10 years. He is a Certified Master Instructor with a 4th Degree Black Belt under Protect Israeli Security Solutions under FIMA’s Krav Maga Director, Dr. Itay Gil. Dean also has also been certified with a Krav Maga and Self-Defence Diploma from Israel’s Tel Aviv University Sports Centre and is also certified in CPR and Senior First Aid Life Support.

Dean hosts Krav Maga and Tactical Mixed Martial Arts seminars to small groups as well as international and national corporations, such as Chevron and the Saint John Ambulance group. Through his teachings, he empowers his students with the knowledge and confidence to deal with the most common form of physical attacks. He has also taught self-defense to high school students as part of their Fitness and Sporting curriculum in Australia. Dean is certified in VIP Protection Techniques as well as Police Defence Tactics. If you're in Western Australia, head west to Perth in BAYSWATER / MORLEY to train in Protect KRAV MAGA.

https://www.defensivekombatkravmaga.com

Australia – Victoria
AJ Kearns started his martial arts journey in 2000, with Taekwondo (World Taekwondo Federation - 1st Dan Black belt - Kukiwon Certified, South Korea), and then going on to study RyuKyu Kobudo (Okinawa International Kobudo Australia - 1st Dan Black Belt - Certified by Kyoshi Robert Slywa), He began teaching both at the Academy of Martial Arts in Sydney from 2004.
His interest and study of reality-based systems began in 2002, AJ is a certified Instructor in Floro Fighting Systems certified by Raymond Floro, and Level 1 Instructor in Kinetic Fighting - Integrated Combat certified by Paul Cale. In terms of the Israeli Martial Arts, AJ trained with and became certified as an Advanced Civilian Krav Maga Instructor by FIMA Krav Maga Director Dr. Itay Gil of Protect Krav Maga in 2006. AJs interest and passion for Krav Maga lead him to additional certifications as well as traveling to Israel for advanced training. He is certified as Krav Maga Chief Instructor by Tactical Krav Maga, Krav Maga Practical Instructor by Roy Faiga (Shi-Heun Krav Maga, Wingate Institute) Youth Krav Maga Instructor by Lior Offenbach Combat Krav Maga. AJ has also trained with Richard Dimitri (SAFE International, Senshido); Chris Roberts (SAFE International); Dave Pauli (ISR Matrix), David Krstic (Gracie Jiu Jitsu). In Israeli Martial Arts systems, AJ has also trained with Avi Abeceedon (10 Dan Degree, K.A.M.I - Israeli Krav Magen Assoc.); Ran Nakash (former Chief Commander of Krav Maga Instructional Unit within the Israeli Defence Force (IDF)); Danny Netzer (Chief Commander of the Krav Maga Instruction Unit, IDF); Itay Danenberg (KMI), FIMA Board Member and CA representative John Whitman of Krav Maga Alliance; and Roy Elghanayan (Krav Maga LA).
AJ is a certified Personal Trainer and has being called upon many times, as an expert in self-defence for national television, radio, magazines, and newspapers. He operates a school in Melbourne Australia, where he heads up Guardian Krav Maga as Chief Instructor, using his many years of experience to guide and formulate the system and syllabus. He continues his association with Paul Cale (Former Australian Special Forces Sgt, Kinetic Fighting - Integrated Combat) and Dr Gil (former Chief Krav Maga Instructor of the Israeli counter terror and hostage rescue unit YAMAM).
If you find yourself visiting Melbourne, Australia or the Victoria region, please drop by (with your FIMA card) and get your free class from AJ Kearns. It will be well worth the visit. Welcome to the FIMA family, AJ Kearns!
https://guardiandefence.com/meet-the-team
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=AJ+Kearns&&view=detail&mid=6D5C5C1A58581DFBEAFD6D5C5C1A58581DFBEAFD&&FORM=VRDGAR&ru=%2Fvideos%2Fsearch%3Fq%3DAJ%2BKearns%26%26FORM%3DVDVVXX

BENELUX KM - Timo Hennekes. Timo is currently the President and Founder of the Dutch Israeli Krav Maga Federation RetZef Sport & Protect. He was the Dutch Chief Instructor and Representative in The Netherlands for the Israeli Krav Maga Association under GM Haim Gidon. Timo is also a Certified Instructor in MMA as well as a Certified Instructor and 4^th Dan Black Belt in Krav Maga under GM Captain Dr. Itay Gil.

Timo Hennekes RDG holds a PhD in Neurologic & Training Education at the university of Barcelona, has more than 30 years of martial arts and teaching experience with 15 of those years leading Krav Maga in The Netherlands. Master Timo Hennekes RDG is certified in pistol shooting and anti-terror tactics and has taught civilians as well as law enforcement and the Dutch military. Master Hennekes is a coordination specialist, training soccer select and pro teams in functional efficiency such as improving coordination skills and minimizing reaction times. He is bringing these highly sought-after training tactics to Israeli Martial Arts.  More information can be found at www.retzef.com

Brazil - Clesio Mota (KM). Clesio served in the Brazilian army for seven years. He is the owner of Massa-De-Mira Sistemas de Treinamentos Ltd, a safety and training consultant working with public (GCM-SP) and private security (SECULUN/Lorena-SP), a reserve military officer from Armed Forces, and a Weapons and Shooting instructor accredited by SIGMA/Brazilian Army and Federal Police in CONAT/SINARM. Clesio is also an Instructor of Fire Fighting Tactics and MMA Martial Arts Practices, a Master martial artist certified in hand-to-hand combat, Krav Maga, Kapap, Hapkido, and MMA. He is a certified instructor, Black Belt, and international representative of Protect Israeli Security Solutions, based in Israel under CEO and FIMA Krav Maga Director Dr. Itay Gil.

Master Mota is the founder and President of the FEDERAÇÃO PAULISTA DE KRAV-MAGA E KAPAP, the only one legally approved in the state of São Paulo with 300 active students across the state of São Paulo, with a total of 500 students and daily classes. He holds several seminars per year both locally in Brazil and internationally. Clesio is always looking for visitors to Sao Paulo, come on out and train.

Canada   Laurent Mougeot

Laurent Mougeot was born in France in 1971 and grew up in a small industrial town where violence ran rampant. Laurent had to fight his way through his entire youth, almost losing an eye to a knife attack at age 13. The need to survive his environment prompted him to start learning Karate, but even after achieving a black belt Laurent found that his skills gave him no edge in street fights.

In 1989, Laurent discovered Krav Maga through one of his Karate Instructors, Jean-Marie Araez, who was travelling to Israel for training. It was a revelation; Laurent understood the difference between martial arts and practical self-defense and fell in love with the brutally simple system. However, when he moved to Canada in 1992, there was no Krav Maga and Laurent resumed training in traditional martial arts such as Tae Kwon Do and Karate. He achieved a second black belt and successfully participated in many competitions, although always disappointed with the lack of realism in his training. In 2003, Laurent finally departed from traditional martial arts and started teaching a reality-based self-defense class in Ottawa, immediately finding followers. In 2005 Laurent invited Philip Kaddouch to come train him and his students in Ottawa. The same year, Thierry Cimkauskas moved to Montreal and opened the first branch of IKMF in Canada. Laurent started to train with him intensely and participated in the very first Canadian Civilian Instructor Course (CIC) in Vancouver in 2006. Laurent opened Krav Maga Ottawa upon completing his training and has never stopped progressing and growing his school to this day.

In 2010, Avi Moyal, Chair of IKMF, appointed Laurent National Director for Canada. Laurent travelled to Israel in 2012, 2015 and 2018 for Expert training. He is an Expert Level 3, one of the highest level Krav Maga Instructor in North America. In 2018, Laurent was inducted into the Expert Instructors Team (EIT), an elite team of Experts in charge of training Instructors and running events all around the world.

Since 2006 Laurent has trained thousands of civilians as well as police officers, the RCMP, armed and unarmed security guards, diplomats posted in high-risk countries, mental health workers and bodyguards. He is recognized as one of Canada’s authority on security and combat tactics. Ottawa is the capital of Canada and a city well worth visiting.

Canada   Laurian Lapadatu (KM)

Master Lapadatu is a very well-rounded martial artist with a wealth of knowledge and experience. 

He is trained in Karate, Judo, Boxing, Krav Maga, Sambo, Systema and Kickboxing. 

Master Lapadatu has: Purple Belt in both Jiu Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu, Brown Belt in Judo, 2^nd Dan Black Belt in Kyokushinkai Karate, 2^nd Dan Black Belt ITF Taekwondo, 3^rd Dan Black Belt Karate in the Chuck Norris System , 3^rd Dan Black Belt WTF Taekwondo, 4th Dan Black Belt CMA, 4th Dan Black Belt Krav Maga, 6th Dan Black Belt in both Okinawan and Shotokan Karate. 

Laurian Lapadatu is Certified Instructor in Kali/Escrima (ICSU), Taekwon-Do, Karate and in 5 Different Krav Maga Organizations and also he is a Close Quarter Combat Fire Arms Certified Instructor (Pistol and Carabine).

Laurian it is also a certified Bodyguard for Low and High Risk Zones by the IBA (international Bodyguard Association). He is and is the IBA Regional Director in Western Canada. 

He served in the military and he is trained in Close Combat Shooting (Romania, France, Canada and USA), hostage rescue, Advanced Driving and Tactical Procedures, H2H Combat, Arresting Techniques and Weapons.

He has an impressive experience working with Military, Law Enforcement Agencies and Civilians in Europe, North and South America. 

In the Film Industry Master Lapadatu worked on set as Military Advisor and helps with the fight choreography different stunts teams. 

Laurian is Co-Founder and The Chief Instructor for Krav Maga Force, and the Co-Founder and former Chief Instructor of UFAF Krav Maga Force under GM Chuck Norris. 

In addition to martial arts and self-defense, Laurian has a Level C First Aid and it is Certified Member of the Coaching Association of Canada, Certified Crossfit Instructor, and Certified Olympic Lifting Instructor. In his spare time he is a graduate of Accounting College and Sport Trainers College. 

kravmagaforce.com

LaurianLapadatu@gmail.com

Canada   Vitor Ferreira (KM)

Troy Ostapiw. Master Ostapiw has an amazing resume. He has extensively studied several martial arts including Bujinkahn Jiu-Tai-Jitsu (5th Dan Black Belt), Natural Spirit Combatives (5th Dan Black Belt), Modern Arnis (1st Dan Black Belt), Jeet Kune Do (Guro Instructor status under Kru Daniel Sullivan, Warrior Arts Alliance based on the Lacoste-Inosanto Method of Dirty Boxing), Kali (Instructor Special Ops) and Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (2nd degree Blue Belt). Master Ostapiw is also a Certified NCCP Boxing Coach and a Certified Kettlebell Instructor. Troy has an extensive law enforcement background and experience teaching H2H and combat tactics to Law Enforcement and Military. He is a certified Close Protection Officer for Hostile Environments. He has also worked as a Contract Weapons Specialist trainer for the Canadian Armed Forces and is a former Police Defensive Tactics Instructor of the Saskatchewan Police College as well as Defensive Tactics Trainer for RCMP – Royal Canadian Mounted Police at (F) division training centre at Depot in Regina. Troy is currently a Government contractor for Justice teaching Defensive Tactics, Officer Safety & Leadership to Law enforcement personnel. He is also an Arrest and Control Instructor, Certified Security Specialist, and Certified in Executive Protection High Risk Operations. In addition to teaching martial arts and self-defense, Troy also teaches by writing – he is a published author on self-defense and Officer Safety Tactics for Blue Line Magazine.
In terms of Israeli Martial Arts, Troy has trained with three different Krav Maga organizations over more than 17 years. He holds a Second Degree Black Belt under FIMA’s Canadian Representative @Laurian Lapadatu. Troy has travelled the world extensively learning and teaching Self Defense and Personal
Protection from some of the world’s most elite Instructors of Krav Maga, Self-Defense & Personal Protection. Troy is the founder and CEO of Integrated Fighting Concepts, and currently the
Canadian National Director of Krav Maga Force, KMF. Troy Ostapiw has taught thousands of people interested in learning real functional self-defense and fitness KRAV MAGA to get in shape and empower them. He teaches group classes and seminars through Canada. This includes beginners, intermediates, as well as Train the Trainer Workshops.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=367678956972466
https://www.facebook.com/kmfsaskatoon/videos/1863039170661782/
https://www.facebook.com/kmfsaskatoon/videos/1863039170661782/
https://www.facebook.com/kmfsaskatoon/

Ricardo Guevara (KM). Ricardo has more than 20 years of experience in martial arts and more than 10 years in Krav Maga. He is a 3^rd Dan Black Belt in Japanese Jiu Jitsu, and Black Belt in Professional Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts – Cage Fighting, He has trained with a variety of Krav Maga organizations and achieved a 3^rd Degree Black Belt and Instructor certification from Brazilian Full Contact Krav Maga, the World Krav Maga Association and Israeli Krav International. He has been working in the area of police tactics and security (certified by International Association for Professional Security & Counter-Terrorism of Germany) and VIP security. He has trained police forces, municipal police, institutional escorts, private escorts, special forces and a variety of civil security forces - training more than 2000 people in the security field and more than 5000 civilians.

Ricardo is the director of Krav Maga Panama Academy (@kravmagafc), the largest fitness and Krav Maga academy in Panama, and has representation in other Central American countries such as: Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. Ricardo has more than 40 years in martial arts, starting with the path of BUDO from the early age of 5 years. Today he focuses on developing and instructing a Close Combat indoctrination and training program specialized in the Use of Force Program which has been introduced through Workshops, Seminars and Courses based on Krav Maga, Japanese Jiu Jitsu and Kavanah.

Ricardo Guevara through his training center, CECADES (Defense and Security Training and Training Center) has trained the National Border Service, National Aero Naval Service, Institutional Protection Service and the National Immigration Service, which are 4 of the 5 security establishments of Panama.  

FB: https://www.facebook.com/kravmagafc

www.PanamaKravMaga.com 

Czech Republic - Lukas Pesta
Lukas has been practicing Taekwon-Do (ITF) martial arts for 33 years. He is the head instructor of a very successful Taekwon-Do school, where he teaches children martial arts and survival skills, first aid and civil defence education. He is a former member of the national representation where he acquired 3 titles of European grandmaster, 5 titles of European Master Instructor (Vice-Master) and 12 titles of Czech Republic grandmaster. He leads armed forces training in close-handed combat, combat shooting, and strategies. Lukas also directs CQB for elite units and members of special forces. He has trained soldiers for foreign operations in Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and Mali as well as Law Enforcement, penitentiary staff and members of the Municipal police force. He was a member of Airdropping Special Forces; participating in foreign operations, as well as Exploratory Special Forces for which he leads their training in close-handed combat and CQB.
Lukas has been practicing Krav Maga intensely for 12 years, and the past 9 years with FIMA Krav Maga Director, Dr. Itay Gil. In 2016 he became an International Instructor for Protect Israeli Security Solutions and the Representative of Protect company for the Czech Republic. Lukas has also taken the advanced step of completing trainings with instructors from Israeli special forces such as Duvdevan, Yamam, Israeli Navy Seals and Sayaret Matkal. Lukas owns and operates three successful branches of Protect Krav Maga in the Czech Republic with approximately 50 students. Lukas is one of the most dedicated Kravists that you will meet. Practicing and perfecting his defense skills are not just his job, it’s his mission and way of life. He describes his life vision as being able to help, protect and educate his students to make a better and safer world. Lukas is an awesome Krav Maga instructor. If you live in the Czech Republic, there is no better place to learn Krav Maga than with Lukas Pesta. If you’re visiting, remember to bring your FIMA membership card for a FREE lesson with Lukas.
https://www.facebook.com/lukas.pesta.94

Sanjeev Mehta is our FIMA Representative in Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes, UK, and has been practicing martial arts for almost 40 years. He started his journey into martial arts at the age of 15, initially in Taekwondo in North London. His journey continued from there into Shotokan Karate and furthermore training in Aikido. Sanjeev’s training in Krav Maga began in 2012 and qualified as an instructor in 2014. He founded KMDT in 2016 and has classes across Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes.

Sanjeev is a dedicated individual whose life revolves around the fusion of martial arts and psychology. With extensive training in Taekwondo, Shotokan Karate, and Aikido, he has honed his skills in various disciplines of self-defense. He has a 2^nd Dan black belt in Krav Maga and is a Kavanah/Krav Maga instructor, and Kavanah Target System instructor.

While pursuing his academic journey, Sanjeev studied psychology at Roehampton University in London, delving deep into the intricacies of the human mind. This unique combination of martial arts and psychology led him to become a certified NLP Practitioner, enabling him to apply psychological principles to the field of martial arts and self-defense.

Sanjeev’s achievements in the field have earned him a prestigious induction into the London Hall of Fame in 2023. His accolades extend beyond his personal achievements. The martial arts school he  founded, KMDT - Krav Maga Defensive Tactics, has received numerous awards for being the best in its class, a testament to his teaching skills and dedication to his students. Always looking to develop students to the best of their abilities they have an instructor team of 18, including Assistant Instructors. Sanjeev is driven by a profound passion for teaching, fostering personal development, and assisting individuals in their growth journey.

With his mission firmly in mind, Sanjeev aspires to help people feel safe and secure and empowers individuals to navigate their surroundings with confidence and self-assurance. 

https://www.kmdt.co.uk/our-team

South America and Ecuador (KM)

Marko Eckert is the FIMA KRAV MAGA Representative for Ecuador. Marko Eckert was born in Germany. Throughout his life he has practiced several martial arts such as Kickboxing, Judo, K1, and Aikido. In 1999 he started Krav Maga training and since 2000 he has been studying with FIMA Krav Maga Director, Dr. Itay Gil. Eckert has been certified in Israel, the United States of America and different countries in Europe. He is now a Black Belt IV DAN Master Instructor in Krav Maga. Master Eckert was the pioneer of Krav Maga in Ecuador when he relocated there in 2011. He also founded the First High Level School called Krav Maga Elite Latino América with 19 Instructors and representatives in different countries.  He regularly provides training and consulting services to the most important private and public companies of Ecuador and has been the Instructor of the Presidential Protection Service for several years; training more than 1600 soldiers and receiving direct congratulations from the President of the Republic of Ecuador.

For several years Master Eckert been an Instructor of VIP Protection of the Intelligence Military School. He has trained Special Forces such as: GOE, GEO, GIR, Military and Police Training Schools and given seminars for civilians. In addition to training bodyguards for High Dignitaries (he and Dr. Itay Gil have trained and certified hundreds of bodyguards), Eckert has more than 25 years of experience as a bodyguard for world famous personalities.  He had the honor of being invited as an Instructor at the National Meeting of Instructors of Krav Maga in Mexico and the World Event of Living Legends of Krav Maga in Madrid in November 2019. He is currently the Chief Instructor of Protect Israeli Security Solutions for Latin America. We are honored to have Marko in the FIMA Family.

Fiji KM - Russ Rasiga. Russ is a martial artist, fighter and former Special Operations Forces Operator, US Government DoD Contractor in Iraq protecting US Military Generals and High Level US Government Officials. Close Protection Team Leader to Israeli Government Diplomats while traveling overseas and Personal Bodyguard to US Navy SEAL’s second in Command Admiral EGW during one of his visits in Iraq. Proud of his Jewish heritage, Russ was born in Fiji and is the Founder/Chief Instructor of Krav Maga Fiji, Russ Tactics Special Operations Combative’s, and Chief Instructor of Russ Krav Maga N.C.D in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Russ is also a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt from Bauru São Paulo, Brazil. 

Rasiga is currently the Chief Instructor/Grand Master of Associação Brasileira de Krav Maga (Association of Brazilian Krav Maga) and awarded the rank of Krav Maga 6th Dan. Chief Instructor of Russ Tactics ABKM with Affiliates in states and cities in Brazil, USA, Argentina, Morocco, Ireland, Spain, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Island and Mexico. Other Martial Arts achievements includes 8th Dan Jujitsu, 3rd Dan Hapkido, Freestyle Karate Black Belt, World Martial Arts Organization C.B Self Defense 8th Dan Grand Master. Rasiga is a hand-to-hand combat and Blade Tactics Instructor to Special Forces units, Military, Law Enforcement, Close Protection Teams and Security Professionals in several countries around the world. He has trained in Thailand and fought professionally in Muay Thai (5 fights:4 wins 1 draw) and MMA. To train with or contact Russ 
Website: www.russtactics.com 
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/RUSSRASIGA

FINLAND KM - TOMMI NYSTROM

Tommi Nystrom is a Finnish self-defense and personal security expert. Tommi has been training martial arts and self-defense for over 30 years, starting with Hokutoryu ju-jutsu under Soke Auvo Niiniketo. Tommi studied Karate, Judo, and kick boxing for years before turning to Krav Maga when it came to Finland in 1996. For the past 25 years he has focused on training and developing Israeli Krav Maga in Finland while coaching actively in kick boxing and training in other combatives. He completed the IKMF Instructor course in 2000 and gained his expert 1 level in 2003 from Eyal Yanilov. Tommi worked in private security in 1992, served in the Finnish Defence from 1995 until 2001 (currently holding the rank of senior lieutenant, reserves). He served in the Guard Jaeger Regiment, the presidential guard unit (military police, counter terrorism, and urban warfare) as an instructor and platoon leader. He was also the regimental head instructor of the Military Police Use of Force and CQB training. He is a licensed use of force instructor and firearms instructor (from the Finnish Police).

In 2001, he started a private security company Prime Sec Ltd which grew to employ over 500 security professionals before the company was acquired in 2010. He also founded the Prime Fighters School of Self Defense teaching Krav Maga and other combatives.

After 2010 Tommi has focused his energy in helping individuals and organizations in developing operational and strategic resilience & security programs. He is one of the key experts in matters of VIP security, threat management and close protection in Finland. Tommi is the Chairman of the Finnish Krav Maga Federation, overseeing the training curriculum and grading system.

Tommi has trained with many high-level Krav Maga experts such as Eyal Yanilov, Gabi Noah, Avi Moyal, Tamir Gilad, Guy Rafaeli, and Ron Rotem.Tommi holds the rank of 4th Dan and a Specialist Diploma in Coaching. He developed the world’s first online training platform, www.kravmagacoach.com to use neural network AI technology giving instant feedback, allowing everyone to have access to high-class coaching anytime and anyplace. There are 20 Krav Maga schools within the Finnish Krav Maga Federation with about 1000 active members and 20 Instructors. Tommi runs an active school in Helsinki, Finland with almost 200 students teaching Krav Maga. He also teaches security studies including personal security, threat management, risk management, and security guard/officer licensing. A visit to Helsinki won’t be complete without dropping in for a class.

www.kravmagafinland.com

www.kravmagacoach.com

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsivQBDwX5FuWT3wNwAN5SQ

GERMANY KM  - SEJOSCHA AGIRI. Agiri has been practicing martial arts for almost 40 years, starting in Tae Kwon Do (Black Belt) than kickboxing. Sifu Agiri has over 30 years experience in Wing Chun Kung Fu and in currently the owner of one of Germany’s biggest martial arts schools – THE BASE www.at-the-base.de with approx. 800 students. Sejoscha has been involved with Security for 20 years with high profile clients such as German celebrities, Franco Nero, and the Klitschkos). He participated in the first German Krav Maga Instructors Course in 2005 under Eyal Yanilov, Avi Moyal, Amnon Darsa and Tamir Gilad and has done IDF training in Israel under Ran Nakash and Danny Netzer as well as Law Enforcement Course in Israel in 2012.  Sifu Agiri has trained and studied with FIMA Director Dr. Itay Gil since 2008 achieving the rank of Master Instructor and 4^th Dan Black Belt. He is an Executive Member of Protect/Israeli Security Solutions and involved with producing and releasing 7 Krav Maga DVDs.

Agiri has worked for several German companies as a Law Enforcement Instructor, responsible for unarmed Security training as well as training the German Police Academy and various Police units in his hometown. He is certified by the German Government as a shooting Instructor as well as an Instructor for Sports and Marketing. Agiri is the founder/owner of the GERMAN KRAV MAGA FEDERATION with about 4000 students www.gkmf.de!.  He is building up to 150 coaches and Instructors in over 100 martial arts/Krav Maga schools! Agiri is a sought-after speaker for martial arts, an Inflight Security Officer (Protect Israeli Security Solutions) and an Active Shooter-Defense Instructor (USA / Ryan Hoover). Sifu Agiri is currently developing an online training and certification platform. To contact Sifu Agiri and find out more about his training programs. https://www.facebook.com/sejoscha

https://www.facebook.com/German-Krav-Maga-Federation-270608786390623/

https://www.facebook.com/kravmagage/ https://www.facebook.com/Spo

Michael Rüppel is the newest member of the FIMA Board of Directors and joins Yoshi Agiri as a FIMA Krav Maga representative for Germany. Rüppel is well-known throughout Europe and in Israel. He began working in security in 1992 as a bodyguard for such notables as Gerhard Schröder, Dr. Ben Weider, Jean-Claude van Damme and many others. While Rüppel trains in other martial arts (purple belt in BJJ), since 1998 he has focused on Israeli Martial Arts. His first instructor in Krav Maga was Amnon Maor, the former chief instructor of the Israeli border patrol. Rueppel has excelled in both Hisardut and Krav Maga. In 1999, he became one of the first Krav Maga Instructors in Germany. Rüppel has trained extensively in Israel to attain this level of expertise. He was awarded a 6th Dan Black Belt in Krav Maga by a delegation from Israel and Dr. Dennis Hanover, the founder of Hisardut, personally promoted Rüppel to 5th Dan Black Belt in Hisardut. In 2009 he was given a special honor by Dr. Dennis Hanover to recognize his contributions to International relations between Germany and Israel and was inducted into the prestigious Museum of Israeli Martial Ats Hall of Fame which hosts important personalities of Israeli Martial Arts.
Michael Rüppel has taken his knowledge of Krav Maga and Hisardut to develop his own style of Israeli-based self-defense, incorporating highly effective techniques for hand-to-hand, firearms, knives, and ground fighting. In addition, he gives his students an understanding of the psychological aspects of real-world self-protection as well as important aspects in criminal law. He offers workshops all around the world, and is also an International Instructor for multiple Law Enforcement Agencies including: German Police, Israeli Police, IDF Lotar, Homeland Security, Miami Dade Special Response Team and Police, Police Combat and Expert Group China, and San Diego police. Last year, he was invited to the United States (Miami Dade Police and SWAT), China (Police Combat Expert Group – responsible for training police force and special forces throughout China), Panama (Comando Fuerzas Especiales) and Israel to teach and train police and special forces.
Rüppel has received several international awards in martial arts. In 2011, he was inducted into the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame, he was invited by the LOTAR - Counter Terrorism Tactical Training School. In 2011 and 2014 he won a gold medal in Israel at the Dennis Hisardut Championships; held in honor of the fallen soldiers of Israel. In 2017, Rüppel was invited by the United States Department of Homeland Security to present his Law Enforcement Program C.O.P.S (Close Operation Protection System) to a SRT (Special Response Team) of Homeland Security. He has been featured on television on Pro7 (Das Höllencamp) as one of the trainers in 5 episodes, he has choreographed (and acted in) a fight scene for the actor Henning Baum in the movie Der letzte Bulle”.
Rüppel has established his Street Defence schools in Europe, Central and South America as well as the United States. He has trained with many of the greatest names in Israeli Martial Arts and we look forward to having him as a representative and member of the FIMA Board of Directors to help train and promote FIMA throughout the world.

Janine T. Hambleton (Jani) is our Representative in Berlin, Germany. Jani has been practicing Martial Arts for almost 30 years, starting with Karate (Brown Belt). She fought for several years on the German Karate National Team from 1994-1998, during which time she was two times Berlin champion and once national champion. She received two awards from Berlin for excellent sporting achievements. Jani has studied other Martial Arts and self-defense styles over the years including Boxing, Kickboxing and JiuJitsu. In 2010 she completed a Krav Maga Instructor course under FIMA Representative Sejoscha Agiri and passed the exam in the presence of the former IDF Chief Instructor Ran Nakash.

In 2014 she founded the Berlin company Krav Maga Instinct. Over the years she trained with Branimir Tudjan and FIMA Krav Maga Director Dr. Itay Gil. Jani received her 1st degree Black Belt and instructor license in Krav Maga from Dr. Gil and became a Member of Protect/Israeli Security Solutions.

In addition to her expertise in Krav Maga, she is also a Certified Fitness Instructor, Licensed Expert and Trainer for Face Reading and Body Language (Castrian/Ekman/Navarro) and current studies in Psychology - Bachelor of Science. In addition to teaching basic Krav Maga techniques, she teaches her students how to read body language and critical, but often overlooked psychological aspects of perpetrator behavior. Jani conducts Krav Maga Instructor Education and has developed her own program especially for this.

Jani has 25 years of practical experience as a high-ranking police officer where she worked in special units and received 2 commendations during her police service. She is an Official Cooperation Partner of German Authorities and Security Companies. As a personal trainer, she counts prominent entrepreneurs among her clients. Among her talents, Jani has choreographed Krav Maga fight scenes for German actors - recently for an actress from the series Tatort.

She owns one of the biggest Krav Maga schools in Berlin - INSTINCT ACADEMY BERLIN which she opened in 2017. Her academy was named the Best School in Berlin in 2019 and now has approximately 350 members. Jani teaches classes regularly and leads Krav Maga training courses, gives lectures and seminars on special topics of self-protection. She conducts management workshops and special coachings for potentially security-endangered families and instructs employees of large companies like Mozilla Firefox and Zalando. She holds seminars across Germany and accompanies clients around the world, most recently to Malibu, California. In 2017, she organized together with Branimir Tudjan the biggest German anti-terror seminar on an area of 6000 square meters in the Berlin station.

www.kmi.berlin

www.instinct-academy.de

Aggelos Syrmos is a lifelong martial artist. He began his training at the age of 7 years old. He has a 6 Khan in Muay Thai and is just completing his Muay Thai instructor course – the first in Greece with the PMF (Panhellenic Muay Thai Federation). Aggelos also has a 1st Dan in Korean Tang Soo Do and a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Kickboxing. He has been a competitive fighter in both Kickboxing and Muay Thai, winning the European WAKO Championship (World Association of Kickboxing Organizations). He has also won Gold Medals in Greek Championships and tournaments such as “Golden Gloves” and “Gods of War.”

He is a certified Kickboxing instructor with both WAKO and the International Kickboxing Association WPKA (World Pan-Professional Kickboxing Association). He also has instructor diplomas from ISDO (International Self-Defense Organization), EOA (Greek Federation of Self-Defense) and is certified as a Martial Arts Instructor for Children.

In terms of Israeli Martial Arts, Aggelos has been practicing Krav Maga for over 10 years. He has studied and trained with FIMA UK Representative Gheorghe Husar and FIMA Krav Maga Director Dr. Itay Gil achieving the rank of Expert 1 and becoming a certified Krav Maga Instructor. He is a member of Krav Maga Mentality – a Greek affiliate with Krav Maga United Kingdom Mentality.

Aggelos is the owner and chief instructor of Gruppo Victorum a gym and martial arts training center in the city of Agrinio in central Greece. He currently has about 150 students and teaches classes for both adults and children. Of all the martial arts he has studied throughout his life, the techniques that he uses, teaches most often and appreciates the most are those in Krav Maga that he learned from Master Gheorghe Husar.

He also has university degrees in both electronics and electrical engineering from West Attica (Athens).

We are honored to have him on our leadership team!
https://www.gruppovictorum.com
https://www.facebook.com/KravMagaAgrino/
https;//www.facebook.com/GruppoVictorum/

Alain Cohen - FIMA Board of Directors and Krav Maga Representative in Ashdod Israel

Alain Cohen was born in France and began training in martial arts when he was 6 years old and emigrated to Israel with his family when he was quite young. During his time in France, Alain experienced antisemitism which influenced his desire to be learn how to defend himself when he moved to Israel. Alain studied Krav Maga in Israel under Master Raphy Elgrissy who was one of Imi Lichtentenfeld’s first students and Black Belts.

Alain excelled in Krav Maga and ascended up the ranks, eventually attaining a 6th Dan in Krav Maga awarded by Grandmaster Elgrissy and certified by the Wingate Institute. He is an Official Martial Arts Instructor and Certified Krav Maga coach, authorized by the prestigious Wingate Sport Institute in Israel.

Alain has done much more than teach Krav Maga, he became an Official member of the Israeli Krav Maga Commission of the Israeli National Sport Center for which he served from 2013 to 2017. This was the Official Wingate Teaching Team under Doctor Guy Mor. In this capacity, he helped teach and test the future Israeli Martial Arts Instructors and coaches. He is a Certified (authorized by the Israeli Sport Ministry) Martial Arts Fitness Instructor and an Official Israeli Ministry of Defense Supplier.

Alain has focused on and has specialized in aviation security and has provided education and workshops for several aviation companies. In fact, he is an Air Marshall Instructor for both team units and crews. He is also a Counter-Terrorism instructor and a Close Protection Instructor. In addition to Krav Maga, Alain has an extensive background in Thai Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In fact, he is a Certified Instructor in all those systems. He became a Certified Thai Boxing Instructor by the Thailand Defense Ministry and a BJJ and MMA Instructor by the Israeli College of Sport (ICS).

Master Alain used his knowledge of BJJ, Thai Boxing, MMA, Close-Protection and Counter-terrorism to improve his Krav Maga as he created his brand of Krav Maga called Krav Maga Force – Alain Cohen (KMF-AC). He is the founder and Head Instructor of the system. Alain now lives in Ashdod, Israel and travels regularly around the globe teaching seminars, workshops and Instructor courses to civilians, law enforcement, military, aviation companies and special units around the world including the United States, France, and South Korea.  Alain has 26 affiliated Krav Maga Schools around the world. He has taught hundreds of Krav Maga courses and instructed thousands of students.

In addition to hands-on teaching, Alain trains and has competed in BJJ competitions in both Israel and the United States winning the IJJI ultra-heavy weight division. He is a student of Professor Alan Surmont one of the best BJJ fighter in Israel. Alain has written four highly successful books on Krav Maga and has produced 26 different Krav Maga DVDs. Three years ago he launched the first Krav Maga Online training website with Krav Maga video courses in 10 different languages covering all of his Krav Maga program, the pedagogy of teaching, Krav Maga philosophy and more. Alain continues to train, learn and enhance his Krav Maga system. You can check out more about Alain Cohen and the KMF-AC by opening up the website link below.

www.krav-security.com

Haim Gidon: FIMA Announcement! FIMA is proud and honored to have Grandmaster Israeli Krav Maga Association Gidon System -Grand Master Haim Gidon".Haim Gidon join our Honorary Grandmaster Advisory Council!! This is the highest Council offered by FIMA. We look forward to promoting the Gidon System of Krav Maga. GM Gidon was born on June 27, 1944 in Istanbul, Turkey. He trained in Greco-Roman wrestling and boxing. At 17 he emigrated to Israel and joined a youth society on a kibbutz until he joined the IDF armored corps in 1962 – serving as a tank driver. In 1965, he restarted his boxing training until 1967 when he served in the Six Day War. In 1969, Haim joined Imi Lichtenfeld’s Krav Maga course and then advanced course. In this class were notable figures like Eli Avigzar, Haim Zut, and Oskar Klein. The training involved Judo, boxing, and knife fighting. In 1973 Haim was again called to help defend Israel on the Syrian front in the Yom Kippur war. He was given an award for his service and returned home in 1974. Haim continued his training with Imi and in 1977 became an instructor. In 1978 Imi, along with Haim Gidon, formed the world’s first Krav Maga association, Israeli Krav Maga Association (IKMA). Haim served as the head of the grading committee and lead instructor for instructor courses sponsored in cooperation with Wingate Institute while running his full-time diamond business in Netanya.
In 1980, Haim Gidon received his black belt from Imi. From 1981 to 1983, Haim instructed at Eli Avigzar’s school. In 1985 Haim opened a Krav Maga school with Imi as a frequent visitor. In 1986, after 17 years of training, Imi awarded Haim a 4th Dan Black Belt making him one of the highest senior ranking instructors in the world. He continued to teach and conduct instructor courses along with Imi and Haim Zut. In 1993, Haim opened a studio in the Ben Zion suburb of Netanya (still current location) and was designated by Imi as the Head of the Belt Ranking Committee. In 1994, Haim became the IKMA lead management, and in ’95 the Chairman and Head of the Grading and Exam Committee (Imi remained the president). Together they continued to develop Krav Maga including Retzev, 360 defense, more ground fighting, and knife vs knife. By 1996, Haim Gidon was one of two 8th Dan Krav Maga black belts given by Imi. Haim, along with his sons who trained in Krav Maga for many years, continued to develop and document new Krav Maga materials, including ground survival techniques, firearm defense, defense from multiple attackers, applications while driving, specialized materials for army and police, and mental training. From 1998 - 2003, Haim joined Wingate’s martial arts committee as the Krav Maga representative.
Following Imi’s passing in 1998, Haim was elected president of the IKMA for life. In 1997, IKMA instructor Rick Blitstein, recommended David Kahnfor training in a letter to Imi. David made frequent visits to Israel and trained intensively in the Gidon system, eventually becoming the USA Head Instructor, and now a member of FIMA’s Board of Directors and the Director of The Israeli Combative Tactics Association (ICTA). Haim Gidon and his instructors made many trips to the United States. The Israeli Krav Maga Gidon System is highly appreciated and respected by the US Navy Seals, Green Berets, Marine Corps, Special Ops Command, DEA, US Marshals, Air Marshals, along with more than 250 American law enforcement agencies. For the last 30 yrs, Grandmaster Gidon has continued to improve Krav Maga. Welcome to the FIMA Family!
https://www.facebook.com/gidonsystemkravmaga

Itay Gil - KM: Dr. Itay Gil is an IDF Captain. He served in Israel’s special forces paratroops brigade. He was chosen to join Israel’s elite counter-terror and hostage rescue commando unit, “Yamam”, where he became an operative and then chief close-quarter combat instructor. He served with them for 6 years as a combat fighter and another 5 years as chief trainer for all special and tactical forces plus all undercover agencies. He participated in up to 3 missions each day with many being classified across the globe. Capt. Gil was the executive director of all training programs for the Israel Border Police as well as the undercover police intelligence unit. He continues to serve in the IDF reserves where he is senior combat instructor and strategic mission planner for an elite undercover counter-terrorism team. He was responsible for the training for the security of the Israeli President for 10 years and has trained the security of the Ukrainian President on several occasions, as well as HRT, FBI, SWAT, Spetsnaz Alpha Group among others. Itay has been featured on History Channels’ “Human Weapon” series, BBC Special Forces “Ultimate Hell Week” and is recognized by Al Jazeera as a world leading aviation security expert. He has a Master’s Degree in Sports and Science and a PhD in Security. Dr. Gil is a Wingate-Certified Instructor Trainer in Physical Training and Martial Arts and a 8th Dan Black Belt in Krav Maga. Dr. Gil is recognized as one of the greatest Krav Maga experts in the world and FIMA is honored to have Dr. Itay Gil as the International Krav Maga Director and Director of the International Military Combatives Organization (IMCO). Dr. Itay Gil is founder and CEO of PROTECT - one of the top Security Training Companies in the World. Itay is also an author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, motivational life coach and actor. He gets the audience thinking, engaged, and with just the right amount of laughter he presents in a way that everyone can relate to and believe in. A recognized authority on human behavior, resilience and performance under stress, he has served as an advisor to leaders around the world for more than 20 years.

Itay Gil has starred in numerous TV programs around the world, including “Ultimate Hell Week” and “The Human Weapon”. Itay is a natural in front of the camera and it was only a matter of time before he ventured into the movies. “Levelling The Score” (2019) is his latest screen role as a tough undercover agent. He is able to bring his real-life experiences to this role which make it all the more exciting and engaging.

Moshe-Hai Galisko began studying martial arts from a very young age. He started in Judo and Karate. In 1972, with help from his father, Haviv Galisko Moshe opened the first Kapap and Karate Training Club. Haviv Galisko was one of the original Kapap instructors in the Haganah (IDF). After the transition of Kapap to Krav Maga, Haviv Galisko reinvented Modern Kapap. From 1979 to 1981, Kapap was taught in the city of Yamit in the Gaza strip. Moshe Galisko has been practicing martial arts for the last 47 years.

GM Galisko is the Successor and Developer of Modern Kapap style and the President of the International Kapap Association (IKA) which is recognized by the Israeli Ministry of Sport. GM Galisko is the Chairman of the Israeli and European Karate Organization (8th Dan Shotokan) and Head of the Center for Martial Arts in Israel (Beer Sheva). He is a Senior trainer of martial arts: Karate, Kapap, Krav-Maga and Kobudo and a former coach of the Israeli Special Forces team and instructor of CQB defensive tactics. Galisko is a highly proficient and respected martial artist. He teaches the military elite and works with high level anti-terrorist agencies around the world. GM Galisko speaks four languages and has Kapap practitioners all over the world. He is a resident of the western Negev in Israel.

Haim Gozali -Director of IGDA and Board of Directors
Haim Gozali is an Israeli and IDF veteran who has dedicated his life and career post-service to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and representing Israel on the world’s most important stages. From Madison Square Garden in New York to record-breaking events in Tel Aviv, and at The Forum in Los Angeles. Gozali represents Israel with pride around the world and is the Head of the Renzo Gracie Academy in BatYam, Israel. Haim holds a 4th Dan Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Renzo Gracie. In 2017, Gozali scored the 2nd fastest submission in Bellator’s Welterweight division, ending the fight in just 45 seconds of the first round. He is known as the Israeli Batman. His record includes 12 wins – with 11 of those coming by way of submission. Haim has also worked in security and has been knifed 5 times in the line of duty. Haim Gozali will be using his extensive grappling knowledge in his role as the Director of the International Grappling Defense Association - IGDA.
https://www.haimgozali.com/israel-news-video
https://youtu.be/ECUMV8h1Eyw
https://youtu.be/1sIPC74ie28

Guy Rafaeli was born in Israel in a military/security oriented family around guns and with a warrior spirit. His father was in the secret service and was a co-founder of the YAMAM (anti-terror unit). Guy began training in Krav Maga and martial arts at the age of 12 under GM Dennis Hanover. Guy got his black belt with Dennis a tthe age of 18 when he joined the IDF, after finishing 2nd place in the Israeli full-contact championships. In the army, he was in military intelligence unit 504 recon, mainly based in Lebanon for 5 years and continued as a reserve until 2006 and specialized in CQB/personal protection, Krav Maga/pistol/knife/baton. After his army service, he traveled to Japan from 1989-90 to train in Karate and Jiu Jitsu with GM Mas Oyama (Karate) and Master Takeda (Jiu Jitsu). Guy also trained with Moshe Galisko and Chaim Peer in Kapap and Jiu Jitsu.

Guy attended and graduated from Tel Aviv University with a BA in Political Science and from Wingate Institute for martial arts trainers. In the1990s, Rafaeli was invited to join the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) as a Krav Maga instructor. He spent several years teaching soldiers in the IDF. During this time, he continued to develop his skills and deepen his knowledge of Krav Maga. He also worked closely with other leading instructors, and helped to refine and improve the training methods used by the IDF. Guy has continued to study and train in a variety of martial arts. He has a 3rd Dan Black Belt with Dennis survival Jiu Jitsu, and a 7th Dan Black Belt in Krav Maga with Yaron Hanover. Guy added Filipino martial arts, studying with James Keating and Bram Frank and later with GM Romell Tortal of Pekiti-Tersia Kali in which Guy has a 5th Dan Black Belt. Guy also trained for several years in BJJ with Ido Pariente and Flavio Bhering and has a purple belt in BJJ.

In 2005, Guy started his own system, ICS – Israeli Combat System – a hybrid of Krav Maga and Filipino MA for close quarters combat for tactical teams and civilians. He emphasizes the practical application of the martial arts and focuses on teaching students how to effectively defend themselves in real-world situations. ICS has schools in Poland, Germany, USA and Israel. In 2012, Rafaeli and the late Yaron Hanover formed Ultimate Krav Maga and have many schools around the world. In the last 20 years, he has been working as a security consultant in the private sector, and trained world wide military-police-Government agencies and private security and many martial art schools. Guy is the designer of the warrior combat knife for Spyderco Inc and is a Masters Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee.

Rafaeli gained a reputation as one of the leading instructors and foremost experts in Krav Maga. He has traveled extensively, conducting seminars and workshops in many different countries. He is a sought-after instructor and consultant. He is also involved in the development of new techniques and training methods and is dedicated to helping others learn and improve their skills in Krav Maga. Rafaeli’s skills, experience, and dedication to the martial arts make him an inspiration to practitioners around the world. As a leader in the field, Rafaeli has helped to bring Krav Maga to the forefront of the martial arts world, and has helped to ensure that the art remains relevant and effective for generations to come.

https://www.facebook.com/guy.rafaeli.7

Ron Rotem - Hathiya Hod HaSharon, Israel

Ron Rotem is a Top Israeli Krav Maga Instructor and 5^th degree Black Belt and has been training in Krav Maga since 1996.  His start in Krav Maga was very much like something out of a Hong Kong Fight movie where a would-be street fight ended up in a pursuit where Ron chased his opponent and wound up in his Krav Maga Gym. The then Instructor told them to put gloves on and fight. Though the fight did not happen, Ron was intrigued and wound up staying at the gym to train and ended up moving up the ranks.

He eventually became an assistant instructor under Eli Avikzar one of Imi's top students. This led him to be a Black Belt prior to his IDF Service where he served in an Anti-Guerilla Unit. There he was introduced to Military style Krav Maga which was quite different than his Civilian Experience. From there he became the head of the training for the Israeli Prison System which was also quite different. These differences lead Ron to begin researching the history of Krav Maga and which is now his lifelong passion. Ron is the Admin of the Facebook group Krav Maga History and culture which has well over 10,000 members.

He is a Wingate certified instructor since 1999 and is also a Wingate certified martial arts trainer since 2009. Ron has served as security personnel in a variety of national organizations and has taught in all aspects in Israeli life from the IDF, Prison system and civilians.  He is also a 1^st dan Black Belt in Japanese Ju Jitsu.

Ron is the owner and head instructor of the Israeli Krav Maga Institute in Israel, and is a FIMA Representative in Israel, and is on our Board of Directors.

https://www.facebook.com/IsraeliKravMagaInstitute

Guy Skornik
FIMA Announcement! Grandmaster Guy SKORNIK has joined the FIMA leadership team and will sit on the Honorary Grandmaster Advisory Council.
The name Skornik in Israel is associated with the best in martial arts. Starting with Gadi Skornik who the Jerusalem post called “the greatest warrior of them all, the masters’ master.” Gadi was really the first Israeli Martial Arts champion. Gadi was born in France and grew up in an orphanage, after his parents passed away and he lost his two brothers in the Holocaust. Gadi learned to be tough on the street. He spent several years training in Japan and moved permanently to Israel where he became the national Judo champion for many years as well as an expert in Karate, Jiu Jitsu and an authority on ninja swords. Everyone knows the name Imi Lichtenfeld as the head of the military Krav Maga branch and the founder of Civilian Krav Maga. Gadi Skornik was the one who actually gave Imi his first black belt! As a Lieutenant Colonel, Gadi worked with the army’s most elite units.
Gadi was also well known for being extremely tough on his children to foster their resilience. His son Guy SKORNIK trained with his father, the Master’s Master in the Skornik Combat System since he was extremely young and now carries on the torch. As the Jerusalem Post has written about Guy Skornik, “There wasn’t an ounce of nepotism in that choice. Guy is simply the BEST! And if anyone has any doubts, they’re invited to take him on. Guy is as lethal as his father.” Guy Skornik is now a 10th Dan Grandmaster in Jiu Jitsu and the Skornik סקורניק- לוחמה ישראלית Skornik Combat System. GM Skornik has worked closely with Grandmaster Arieh Cohen for many years to develop a highly effective combat system that incorporates Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and Karate. Skornik Israeli Combat was showcased at the International Martial Arts Federation where it became recognized internationally as an effective combat style. In addition, their Israeli Martial Art is also recognized as an international style of martial arts by the Wingate Academic College in Israel.
GM Skornik is well connected in Israel and is friends with many FIMA Directors including Haim Gozali - Director of IGDA (Grappling Association) and Dr. Itay Gil - Director of IMCO (Military Organization). Last year, Guy Skornik awarded, Dr. Itay Gil with his 8th Dan in Krav Maga. Despite his awesome accomplishments, GM Skornik is a very humble and gracious man. He has appeared on television and major media as one of the leading experts in Israeli Martial Arts. We are grateful that GM Guy Skornik has joined FIMA and will sit on the Honorary Grandmasters Advisory Council. Welcome to the FIMA Family.
https://www.facebook.com/SkornikGuy/
https://www.facebook.com/SkornikGuy/videos/1029071957486479/

GM Arieh Cohen began martial arts training at age 10 under GM Dennis Hannover the founder of Hisardut and Dennis Survival Jujitsu. GM Cohen excelled in the Survival System and received his 1st Dan Black Belt at the young age of 17 from Dennis Survival Jujitsu. Anyone training in Hisardut, knows how difficult a task this is. From 1979 to 1982 Cohen served in the Israeli Defense Forces, first in the Navy and then 2 years in the Artillery. Later as a member of the Army reserve, he guided a contact battle in a Border Police Unit in Tel Aviv. This unit was annexed to the police in Jaffa and engaged in fighting crime in the late 80s. He started teaching martial arts at the age of 23 and in 1984 he opened his first dojo in Tel Aviv. In 1988 he taught an Instructors course with Dennis Survival, Jiu-Jitsu at the prestigious Israeli sports center - Wingate Academic College and the following year was promoted to 3rd Dan from Dennis Survival Jiu-Jitsu. During this time, Cohen was also training in Kenpo-Jitsu as well as Kyokushin Karate and was also awarded his 3rd Dan from Kancho Gadi Skornik (Skornik Israeli Combat). For those not familiar, Gadi Skornik was also an icon in Israeli Martial Arts History – he actually gave Imi Lichtenfeld his first Dan Black Belt in Judo. After intensive study, GM Cohen earned his martial arts coaching degree in 1990 from Wingate Academic College.

In addition to being an awesome martial artist, instructor and real-world combatant, Cohen also had a very successful career in Martial Arts Competitions. From 1983 to 1990, he competed in the Israeli Championships Full Contact mixed martial arts and SIX TIMES WON FIRST PLACE! He also traveled internationally, and was invited to compete in the Open Belgium Kyokushin Championships. In 1992, GM Cohen was promoted to 3rd Dan in Kyokushin Karate from Hanshi Steve Arnil, the head of the IFK (International Federation of Karate).

In 1985, alongside Kancho Gadi Skornik’s son Guy, GM Cohen built the new martial arts style – Skornik Israeli Combat - and put together it’s guidelines and syllabus. GMs Skornik and Cohen’s unique style, like many Israeli styles, is an eclectic blend of Judo, Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, Israeli Krav Maga and Muay Thai. GM Cohen was able to do this as he has not only studied all of these styles, but has been tested at the 5th Dan level to be an expert in all of these various styles.
Skornik Israeli Combat was showcased at the International Martial Arts Federation where it became recognized internationally as an effective combat style. In addition, their Israeli Martial Art is now recognized as an international style of martial arts by the Wingate Academic College in Israel. Cohen has continued to excel, train, and teach Gadi Kenpo Jitsu over many years. He was promoted to Grandmaster Status in 2016 and in May, 2018 he received the highest award, 9th DAN in Gadi Kenpo Jitsu. GM Cohen has also been awarded his 9th Dan Black Belt from the International Budo Academy. For over 20 years, GM Cohen has run a very successful martial arts school in Raanana, Israel and teaches both civilians, instructors as well as members of the Israeli Police Force and Israeli Defense Forces.

Facebook page link: https://www.facebook.com/acfightclub/

Noah was a visionary and was able to combine his passions for history and for martial arts. He began doing serious research into the history of Israeli martial arts in 1998 after meeting and interviewing Maishel Hurwitz who was 78 years old at the time. Maishel had been a member of the Hagana and Palmach before the foundation of the state of Israel and in 1940 had developed and taught a fighting method with a short stick. Noah was puzzled to learn that long before the name Krav Maga had ever been used, there was a system of hand to hand combat called Kapap and it was what the defense forces of the Jewish community in Israel used in the 1940’s. This meeting was pivotal in Noah's path and set him off on a journey of over 20 years that continues to this day. Noah asked the question, "what happened that Kapap had died out and was replaced by Krav Maga"?

It has taken many years to find the answer. Noah published a book in 2010 titled, “Kapap from the field to the battlefiield” (in Hebrew) which covers the development of hand to hand fighting in Palestine and Israel from 1880 to 1948. Noah has been continuously researching this topic for many years and is probably the most knowledgeable person and greatest expert in the world on the subject of Israeli Martial Arts and Defense history. Noah has read thousands of original transcripts from the IDF/Haganah/and Palmach and compiled an awesome history. He believes that through knowing our history we come to understand better what we do and that only when we have an accurate understanding of the process by which Israeli martial arts developed can we truly appreciate and honor those who contributed to it including Imi Lichtenfeld.

We are proud and honored that Noah Gross is the Official FIMA Historian. He contributes to our members-only portal on our website,

https://www.facebook.com/noah.gross
https://www.facebook.com/אומנות-לחימה-בכלי-נשק-וטקטיקה-574691229226430/
https://a-c-t.co.il

ITALY KM - PIER "SPARTAN" GIAMBANCO.  Pier "Spartan" Giambanco Spartan Academy IFS  Master Pier Giambanco has more than 30 years experience in martial arts. Starting in Karate, he received his black belt in Yoseikan Budo and began competing in full contact kickboxing and then armed combat arts. Pier has trained in Israeli systems since 1998. He has trained with multiple high level instructors both in Israel and abroad. What we like most about Pier, besides being a very likable person, is that he has trained and has certifications in every major Israeli martial art style (as well as Combat Shooting). He is passionate about learning as much as he can without limiting himself to one style. 

He was one of the first six instructors in the world to reach the highest level of CKM. He has trained with Grandmaster Haim Zut and FIMA Board Member Master Itay Gil Krav Maga Expert, Actor, Military & Close Protection in Krav Maga, as well as in Kapap, and Hisardut. Pier travels twice a year to Israel for training and exemplifies what FIMA is looking for in representatives - dedication to Israel and to Israeli Martial Arts! Pier is involved in promoting Israeli MA through fundraisers and charitable events to bring all Israeli MA practitioners with diverse backgrounds together. He is the head Instructor for the Spartan Academy Israeli Fighting Systems and the Technical Lead Representative for Italy.

Paolo Bertozzi:  Paolo has been involved in martial arts and combat sports (karate, boxing, kickboxing, ju-jitsu) for FORTY years. In the last 20 years he has specialized in self-defense primarily studying Israeli systems with top national and international instructors like Alain Cohen, Peter Sciarra, Itay Gil, Tom Madsen, and Jaroslaw Rogoski. He is currently the Chief Instructor in Italy for Evolution Krav Maga, He is a member of the Martial Arts Coordination of MSP-Italia and L-1 Instructor of the Global Krav Maga Academy (organization based in Poland).

Paolo works as an instructor for national and international security societies like P.S.A. Group (Firenze) and E.P.T.S.(Livorno), He has also collaborated with the I.P.A. (International Police Association). He teaches in several locations, in EKM / MSP-Italy Instructor Training Courses and special seminars for Police and security staff throughout the national territory.

KENYA KPP - JEAN BRUNEAU LAURETTE. Jean Bruneau is a Sea Marshall, close protection leader, NRA firearms instructor and range safety officer. He is also a maritime security team leader against Somalian piracy in the horn of Africa. Maestro Laurette has been active in Kapap Krav Maga at instructor level with FIMA Board member Avi Nardia for more than 10 years. Laurette is the leading instructor in Kapap for Mauritius, Indian Ocean and Africa.

Darko Gocevski. Darko has 18 years of martial arts experience including traditional Judo and Japanese Karate. He is a certified instructor in karate, krav maga and kickboxing, Darko trained under several KM instructors throughout Europe and certified with Karli Zaniug from Krav Maga Academy of Slovenia. Darko was the first Krav Maga instructor in Macedonia and is the founder of Krav Maga Macedonia. He currently operates the largest Krav Maga program in Macedonia.
https://www.facebook.com/323638934852947/videos/356073945275266/

MAURITIUS - Kesseven Armoogum (KPP). Kesseven has been training in several martial arts including Muay Thai and Taekwondo. He has trained and certified as a Kapap / Krav Maga instructor under @Master Jean Bruneau Laurette – FIMA Representative for East Africa. Kesseven is also completing a WABBA fitness coach training course to encompass overall health and wellness into his Kapap/Krav Maga program and teaching. He has completed a Level 2 Kapap Instructor Course and is currently teaching in Mauritius – which is in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa. If you’re in the neighborhood, come and visit Kesseven!

Master Fjeld has been a Martial Arts Instructor for 32 years, At the age of 12, Master Fjeld, became fatally ill and the doctors gave him little hope for recovery. Watching Grandmaster Chuck Norris on the big screen inspired Kenneth to fight his way back to recovery and motivated him to get stronger and fully invest in the study of Martial Arts. Fast forward many years later, Kenneth not only met Chuck Norris, but became a Master Instructor and 5th Degree Black Belt in the Chuck Norris System! He has trained directly with GM Chuck Norris, GM Aaron Norris, and GM Ken Gallacher, In addition to studying Tang Soo Do, Master Fjeld also has a Black Belt in Shotokan Karate under Shihan Tetsuhiko Asai, is a Guro level and certified instructor in Pambuan Arnis (Black Belt) and Pambuan Tactical and a Purple belt in Brazilian JiuJitsu (under Professor John Will - Will/Machado BJJ).

Kenneth started training in Israeli Martial Arts in 2008 initially under Moni Aizik and Commando Krav Maga. After 3 years of training in CKM, he switched over to UFAF Krav Maga and continued his training with FIMA Representatives Master Ed Saenz, Master Rick Prieto, Master Stephen Hammersley and Master Laurian Lapadatu. Kenneth has earned his 1st Degree Black Belt in UFAF Krav Maga Force and his 2nd Degree in Krav Maga Force. Master Fjeld has a broad and realistic perspective in teaching and practicing Krav Maga as he is also a retired veteran from the Norwegian Air Force.

Kenneth co-owns an award-winning school, AESIR Academy, with his wife, Loida Arano Fjeld, who is also a 3rd degree Black Belt). AESIR Academy also serves as United Fighting Arts Federations (UFAF) European HQ, currently holds approximately 200 students and won an award as the UFAF 2019 school of the year! Kenneth has certified 48 Black Belts in the Chuck Norris System from 1st Degree to 4th Degree and is the current Regional Chair of UFAFs Region Europe and is the European Director of UFAF Krav Maga Force and UFAF Krav Maga Developmental board member.

In addition to teaching over 200 students at his academy in Norway, Kenneth has a diploma as a Certified Security Guard and has been involved in the security field, including security work at a hospital and a school in Norway and working as a bodyguard for several VIP clients. He is also a highly valued consultant for Norwegian television and has worked as a Professional Martial Arts TV-Commentator for Eurosport on numerous occasions. Master Fjeld is an award-winning martial artist who has been inducted into the Who’s Who Legends and Pioneers of Martial Arts Hall of Fame with the American Martial Arts Alliance Foundation in 2020. He holds seminars throughout Europe and welcomes all FIMA members to come to Norway and visit his school just as GM Chuck Norris did in 2019 (https://www.vgtv.no/.../chuck-norris-besoekte-norge-han...)

https://www.facebook.com/kenneth.fjeld.5

Wilson W. Sze is the founder and head instructor of Tactical Survival Academy in New Zealand. He has 20 years of instructing and presenting experience including working internationally in Asia, UK, Europe and USA. While on extended periods of travel in his previous role, Wil saw the need for better real-world tactical training for civilians and security professionals alike. Since starting Tactical Survival Academy, he has trained members of the NZ Defence Force (NZ Army and NZ Air Force personnel), medical staff, emergency nurses, government diplomats, private security operators, bouncers and members of the NZ Police including STG Special Tactics Group (counter-terror unit), and DPS Diplomatic Protection Squad (executive protection). Wil began training in martial arts in 2006, starting with Eyal Yanilov's original Krav Maga organisation (IKMF) in Australia, under an expert-level Australian instructor within that association. When Wil relocated to New Zealand, he began training in other martial arts including Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, encompassing boxing, kickboxing, and jujitsu. In Krav Maga he re-trained through the high-pressured Tactical Krav Maga (TKM) system completing Level 10, and became a certified instructor through Australian Chief Instructor Carl Halley - under the technical expertise of Dr. Itay Gil. This experience gave Wil a wake-up call and opened his eyes to the knowledge gap between certain self-defence techniques available in the marketplace, versus criminal/terrorist behaviour and the intense physical and mental demand of a real-life fight. Now having experienced different variants of Israeli Krav Maga, he brings a broad knowledge and aims to inform and equip his clients and students with the same knowledge, experience and preparedness

Since going fulltime in 2014, Tactical Survival Academy has grown in New Zealand to hundreds of students training each week in Wellington through 4x locations. Tactical Survival also offers the annual Summer Intensive Course (5 Days) for those outside Wellington to attend, giving students an opportunity to experience ‘hard-core’ Krav Maga in a military-style no-holds-barred course. In addition, Wil ran many seminars such as ‘Surviving a Knife Attack’, ‘Held Hostage with an Edged Weapon ’, ‘Public Safety and Counter Terror Awareness’, ‘Women’s Counter Assault’, ‘Anti-Car Jacking and Road Rage’, ‘Workplace Self Defence’, ‘Workplace Control and Restraint’, and ‘Workplace Weapons Defence’. He has also hosted expert instructors such as Dr Itay Gil (CEO of Protect Israeli Security Solutions, Israel), Omer Duchovny (Combat Works, California, USA), and Damien Halforty (Tactical Pekiti Tirsia Kali, NZ rep) during 2016-2019 at his school. In 2019, Wil travelled to Jerusalem in Israel to undergo 40 hours of Krav Maga and Counter-Terror Awareness testing and training, and was awarded the new rank and title of MASTER INSTRUCTOR by Dr. Gil.

Wil is also a qualified range officer and member of the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) where he competes in timed stages and 3 Gun competitions (Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun). He also contracts to the Film/Tv industry as a stunt professional. As a lifelong student, he believes no one ever stops being a student and is always on the lookout for quality training opportunities. Tactical Survival Academy in New Zealand is supported by several assistant instructors working under Wil’s oversight. Your next trip to New Zealand will not be complete without taking your free class from Master Instructor, Wilson Sze (bring your FIMA card). Welcome to the FIMA family!
https://tinyurl.com/y8jrhh26
https://tinyurl.com/y9wpfrkx

Panama - Ricardo Guevara (KM). Ricardo has more than 20 years of experience in martial arts and more than 10 years in Krav Maga. Ricardo is a 3^rd Dan Black Belt in Japanese Jiu Jitsu, and Black Belt in Professional Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts – Cage Fighting, He has trained with a variety of Krav Maga organizations and achieved a 3^rd Degree Black Belt and Instructor certification from Brazilian Full Contact Krav Maga, the World Krav Maga Association and Israeli Krav International with Moshe Katz. He has been working in the area of police tactics and security (certified by International Association for Professional Security & Counter-Terrorism of Germany) and VIP security. He has trained police forces, municipal police, institutional escorts, private escorts, special forces and a variety of civil security forces - training more than 2000 people in the security field and more than 5000 civilians.

Ricardo is President of the Krav Maga Academy Panama and founder of the Krav Maga Fitness Center, the largest Krav Maga and Fitness Academy in Panama and Central America. Ricardo is one of the pioneers in Krav Maga in Panama. He runs four schools in Panama as well as Krav Maga programs in other Central American countries like Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Guatemala.

Panama - Wai Kit Cheung (KM). Master Wai Kit has more than 40 years of experience in martial arts. He has studied a variety of martial arts such as karate (2^nd Dan), taekwondo, jiujitsu (6^th Dan), hapkido and professional kickboxing. Wai Kit has received multiple awards including inductions into several martial arts Hall of Fames such as Golden Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Federation of Martial Arts, Jiu Jitsu Achievement Awards in Peru and Nicaragua and awards in Shorin Ryu Shindo Kan Karate Do & Kobudo.

In addition to martial arts, he has attended the Advanced Instructor Law Enforcement School of Criminal Survival of Puerto Rico. In 2008, Instructor Wai Kit Cheung founded the first Krav Maga personal defense instruction academy in Panama. He is the General Director and Chief Instructor of the KRAV MAGA PANAMÁ CLOSE COMBAT Organization. Wai Kit has traveled to train, including to Israel. He obtained the Martial Arts Instructor Diploma in Krav Maga and Krav Maga Advanced Instructor at the Zinman College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences of the Wingate Institute in Israel. He teaches Operational Personal Defense to national police, LINCE motor police, escort of the Mayor of Panama, SPI Presidential Escort Presidential protection service, special air force, special force Senafront jungle, eagle force, special force anti-narcotics and first brigade military special force and infantry school of Peru.

Wai Kit is a Personal Defense Instructor of the Protection and Surveillance Division of the Panama Canal Authority ACP. He is Master of Martial Arts and Self Defense and a former competitor recognized nationally and internationally. Wai Kit has completed multiple Krav Maga courses with a variety of associations including the International Krav Maga Federation (IKMF) Civilian Instructor Course. Commando Krav Maga, International Krav Maga Elite Latin America and Krav Maga Israeli Method. He is a well-trained and highly qualified Krav Maga instructor.

PORTUGAL KM - VITOR MARTINS. Vitor Martins is currently the President of the Portuguese Israeli Martial Arts Federation (FPAMI). Was the Portuguese Chief Instructor and Representative in Europe for the Israeli Krav Maga Association under GM Haim Gidon. Vitor is a Certified Master Instructor in Krav Maga under GM Captain Dr. Itay Gil and is in charge of Dr. Gil’s Protect Portugal Division (https://protect.expert/the-protect-team/#GlobalOffices).

Dr. Martins also holds a PhD in Sports and Physical Education, more than 20 years of martial arts teaching experience with 15 of those years leading Krav Maga in Portugal. Master Martins has taught civilians, law enforcement and also the Air Force Academy where he was close-quarter combat/ Krav Maga Chief Instructor for 5 years. Vitor is currently the technical director for the FPAMI which is the only Portuguese organization recognized by the government to legally certify Krav Maga instructors.

SINGAPORE KM - ONG GUANLONG. Coach G.L has trained in 13 different styles of martial arts such as Muay Thai, Boxing, Taekwondo, Sanda, and Karate. He has achieved much in almost every field he has explored and is currently a World Muay Thai Council Senior Muay Thai Instructor, Taekwondo 4th Dan Instructor, Sanda Trainer, Combat Kickboxing Instructor and Master Instructor of Protect Krav Maga. Coach G.L has a total of 36 Pro & Amateur competition record in Muay Thai/Sanda/Full-Contact Kickboxing/Taekwondo/Karate. 

He is the Chief Instructor of Protect Krav Maga Training Centre in Singapore (since 2010).
Coach GL came from a very rough background and experienced much violence and life-threatening situations during his lifetime in school, on the street and working in security. His expertise in self-defense, use of weapons and dealing with multiple attackers, comes both from his high level of training as well as his real-life experiences. Coach G.L is a certified Krav Maga Instructor and has been serving as the Chief Instructor of Protect Krav Maga Training Centre in Singapore since 2010. In 2017, he was certified as Protect Krav Maga Master Instructor under FIMA International Director Dr. Itay Gil. Welcome to the FIMA family!
https://protect-sg.com/ 
facebook.com/protectsg/
https://youtu.be/XRbqSsg5jKo
https://youtu.be/aJNnE7y_tjA

South America (KM)

Marko Eckert is the FIMA Regional KRAV MAGA Representative for South America! Marko Eckert was born in Germany. Throughout his life he has practiced several martial arts such as Kickboxing, Judo, K1, and Aikido. In 1999 he started Krav Maga training and since 2000 he has been studying with FIMA Krav Maga Director, Dr. Itay Gil. Eckert has been certified in Israel, the United States of America and different countries in Europe. He is now a Black Belt IV DAN Master Instructor in Krav Maga. Master Eckert was the pioneer of Krav Maga in Ecuador when he relocated there in 2011. He also founded the First High Level School called Krav Maga Elite Latino América with 19 Instructors and representatives in different countries.  He regularly provides training and consulting services to the most important private and public companies of Ecuador and has been the Instructor of the Presidential Protection Service for several years; training more than 1600 soldiers and receiving direct congratulations from the President of the Republic of Ecuador.

For several years Master Eckert been an Instructor of VIP Protection of the Intelligence Military School. He has trained Special Forces such as: GOE, GEO, GIR, Military and Police Training Schools and given seminars for civilians. In addition to training bodyguards for High Dignitaries (he and Dr. Itay Gil have trained and certified hundreds of bodyguards), Eckert has more than 25 years of experience as a bodyguard for world famous personalities.  He had the honor of being invited as an Instructor at the National Meeting of Instructors of Krav Maga in Mexico and the World Event of Living Legends of Krav Maga in Madrid in November 2019. He is currently the Chief Instructor of Protect Israeli Security Solutions for Latin America. We are honored to have Marko in the FIMA Family.

KAPAP REPRESENTATIVE FOR SOUTH AMERICA - TBA

Spain and France - Patrick Bittan

PATRICK BITTAN is now on the Board of Directors for FIMA and will be a Representative for Krav Maga in Spain and France!!

Master Patrick Bittan is only 47 years old but his life could already fill several volumes of a literary work. At the edge of the romantic, at the heart of everyday life, Patrick Bittan has contributed to the history of European and World martial arts. Patrick was born in France and has lived in Israel, the United States and is currently residing in Spain. Nurtured in Judo since the age of 6 (black belt in 1992), forged in Krav Maga (black belt in 1991) training since the age of 12 with former Israeli commando Joseph Kalfa, educated in Mixed Martial Arts including Thai Boxing (instructor certificate 2009), it is in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (black belt 5th dan) and the incorporating this into his own system (FFMI) of realistic, practical self-defense that 'he finds his fullness and touches the essence of art. He is one of the pioneers of the discipline in France. In 1997, he took part in the second Championships in history. He regularly travels to Brazil to train with the biggest names in BJJ.

At the end of the 90s, he went into exile in the United States and became a student of the legendary Rickson Gracie for almost two years, where he officially became a member of his competitive team. In the early 2000s, he worked with Grand Master Flavio Behring and became the first French black belt to win medals at the World BJJ Championships. Today, with his 5th Degree, he is the highest non-Brazilian officer living in Europe. He is considered the pioneer of BJJ in Israel, being the first Black Belt to teach a course there in 2001. Above all, he is one of the most brilliant teachers in the discipline. Founder of the Bittan Academy in 1997, he teaches his art to some 1,500 students in his French clubs and 1,000 students around the world. Recognized for his pedagogical qualities, he is called upon to deliver his expertise in different countries.

Teaching BJJ in Israel to and with members of security forces, both police and army inspired Patrick to develop and reinvent his Krav Maga. He trained with legendary instructors such as Eyal Yanilov, Zeev Cohen, Denis Hisardut, and FIMA Krav Maga Director, Dr. Master Itay Gil Krav Maga Expert, Actor, Military & Close Protection Itay Gil, and others. Patrick has also trained and worked with FIMA President Moti Horenstein's Krav-Maga MMA, and Directors David Kahn, Shuki Drai, and Haim Gozali. Basically, he has worked with almost everyone in the business!!

Since 2001, he has been training special elite units in Israel such as Shabak, Yamam, Shaetet 13, Duvdevan, Masada, and Magave. From 2003, he also worked with prestigious units, the GIGN (Groupe d'Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale) in France where he is the Chief Reserve Officer and Trainer and ERIS (Regional Prison Intervention and Security Team) in France, SWAT, CIA, and many others.

A few highlights

• Member of the French National Commission on Krav Maga
• European Grappling Champion
• Security for French President
• National Coach for the French Jiu Jitsu team
• 2001-2021 – training IDF soldiers
• Counter-terrorism training for Israeli Prime Minister’s team
• Trained Foreign Legion in France
• Trained police, security and elite military forces in Holland, Australia, Israel, Spain, France, USA, Romania, Netherlands, Gibraltar, French Guyana, Greece, and more
• Taught martial arts at Wingate Academy, Israel
• Hosted a successful Netflix show directed at BJJ 4 Change

The list goes on for several more pages...

Patrick is still an active and winning competitor in BJJ (Vice European Champion in 2020), highly sought-after Krav Maga instructor (5th DAN Black Belt) internationally and dedicates much of his time to traveling the globe, making sure that Jewish communities around the world are safe.

Patrick Bittan dedicates his life to martial arts, lives his passion for Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, MMA on a daily basis. He does not practice martial arts. He embodies it!

We gratefully welcome Master Patrick Bittan to the FIMA Board of Directors and as a Representative for both France and Spain.

USA Kapap - Shihan Jacov Bresler (KPP)

Shihan Bresler began martial arts training in Shotokan Karate at age 15 (attained brown belt after 2 years) in Israel working as a Merchant Marine. He also studied Okinawan Goju Ryu for 4 years achieving Black Belt. While a teenager, he trained and worked out with Shihan Moshe Galisko, the Israeli head of the Japanese Karate Associate, the head instructor in the Israeli style KAPAP and FIMA Kapap Director. At age eighteen, in 1970, Jacov joined the Navy Special Unit in the Israeli Defense Forces. In 1973, Jacov saw action while he served in the front lines for 119 days in the Yom Kippur War. After completing his military obligations, he continued training and worked as security for an Israeli Airline and for various clubs as a bouncer while performing martial arts showcases in front of crowds of thousands.

Upon moving to the United States, Shihan Bresler began training with Benny “The Jet” Urquidez in Kickboxing and the Ukidokan style, eventually earning a Black Belt and teaching at the Jet Center for 10 years. He attained 5^th Dan Black Belt in Ninjitsu with Frank Dukes and studied with Mr. Ed Parker, participating in Mr. Parker’s “by invitation only” high ranking black belt class. Jacov trained with many different schools specializing in a variety of diverse martial arts styles. He often refereed and judged in most of the major Southern California tournaments, earning him the nickname “The Ambassador of Martial Arts”. His “other” martial arts include training with Shihan Mark Para (co-established “House of Champions”), Doce Pares Eskrima (Black Belt) with Filipino GM Cacoy Canente, and the Australian style of Arjukenpo (7^th Dan) under Master Vince Palermo. Jacov also trains in Hawaiian Kempo Karate (7^th Dan) with Grand Master Bill Ryusaki.

In Israeli martial arts, Shihan Bresler is a 7^th Dan in Israeli karate and a 3^rd Top Grade Kapap Instructor. In addition to having his own system of Street-Smart Survival System, he is the Chief Instructor of Kapap with Director Moshe Galisko. Shihan Bresler is a 3rd Top Grade Master KAPAP instructor and has been appointed by the Israeli association as the West Coast Head Instructor for KAPAP for the International KAPAP Association (IKA).

Jacov has successfully combined his martial arts discipline and knowledge with a career in the motion picture industry. He has been a film action director, producer and stunt coordinator for 40 years in Hollywood with over 157 films and 500 commercials including: Astro (2018), Eight Days Carlo (2016), and Memphis Rising: Elvis Returns (2011). Over the past 30 years, Jacov has worked with such notables as Sylvester Stallone, Steven Segal, Lorenzo Lamas, Olivier Gruner, and many other well-known action stars. Jacov Bresler remains extremely active in teaching, training, and continues to enthusiastically exchange ideas by encouraging students and friends in the martial arts community to do the same. Whether you practice Krav Maga, Kapap or any other martial art, if you’re in California you need to train with Shihan Bresler; a true master in Israeli Martial Arts, an awesome instructor and an amazing person.
https://youtu.be/6eRNewKVxiA

Uruguay

Francel Acosta Torres was born in Cuba. He has been involved in martial arts for thirty years. He has been practicing a variety of Martial arts such as Wushu, Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, kick boxing, Karate – Wado Ryu (1^st Dan) and Hawaiin Kajukembo (2^nd Dan) for many years. He became a Cuban champion in kumite in 1998. He joined the military and has a very successful military career for ten years. After leaving the military as a lieutenant, he worked in the security industry for several different companies and worked as VIP security for several celebrity clients. He began teaching martial arts and self-defense full-time in 2009. Since that time, he trained many champions in fighting competitions.

He began practicing Krav Maga as well as Kapap and in 2014 he was awarded his 1st Dan Black Belt. He co-owned and operated a successful Krav Maga school in Cuba. In 2017 Francel moved to Uruguay where he opened an international Krav Maga school. In 2021 he was promoted to 3^nd Dan Krav Maga and continues to teach seminars, workshops as well as run classes at his school. Throughout the years, Francel was involved in several Krav Maga organizations such as KMG and WKMF. Since 2018, Francel has trained under John Qu, a student of Yehuda Avikzar. Francel has created “MODERNO KRAV MAGA” organization which has been endorsed by JRJ security company. Moderno Krav Maga currently has schools/representatives throughout Cuba (9 schools), Argentina, Mexico and Uruguay. Francel was awarded the Israeli Martial Arts 2022 Hall of Fame "Best Krav Maga School in Uruguay".  They are in the process of opening a Krav Maga program in Uruguay focusing on children. Francel lives in Montevideo, Uruguay and is always looking for new opportunities and new students. If you’re in Uruguay, come train with one of the top Krav Maga experts in the country.

https://www.facebook.com/francelkmcombatsystem/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geNfJMAokMo