Krav Maga experts/instructors that AREN'T widely known

[lennyKRAVitz]

We all know of the major heads of the various Krav orgs (and their top students/instructor teams). I'm looking for people that are the unsung heroes.

Who is the best kept secret in Krav Maga when it comes to pure knowledge, ability and teaching ability?

[KevinMack]

1. Raphy Elgrissy - he was the recipient of the second black belt ever given in Krav Maga. He now works with the Israeli Krav Magen Association K.A.M.I. Read his bio and check out the old photos. http://www.originalkravmaga.com/raphy%20elgrissy.html

2. Alan Feldman - 3rd degree black belt under Imi. One of the original three American instructors trained to introduce KM to the United States along with Darren Levine and Rick Blitsein. Lives in Philadelphia and is my instructor.A few of his black belts..some of whom have been training with him since the 80s teach at my school. Great KM black belts that most will never get a chance to train with. http://atlantickravmaga.com/instructors.htm

3. Rick Blitstein - see above

4. Reuvin Maimon - One of the top Israeli KM black belts. Left the KM world in the 90s but still talked about.

5. Avi Avisidon - Head of K.A.M.I just old school...been around since the 70s.

6. Avital Zeisler - teaches at the IKMA school in NYC. Great female KM fighter. Young in the system but better than some people who have been around for awhile.

7. Dana Ben Kaplan - from Krav Maga San Diego. Been around for a long time but doesnt get a lot of recognition. Old school IKMF.

8. Patrick Lockton - IKMF rep in NYC.

9. Rhon Mizrachi - even though kind of well known he doesnt get as much attention as he should. Been training in KM since his youth. Totally old school style. He also has a number of black belts under him who are really,really good.

10. Katrina Reynolds - black belt under Rhon who just kicks ass.

Those are just the few who stand out to me. All from different associations. I did not mention any KMW instructors as I am sure someone on this board would know them better.

[lennyKRAVitz]

Wow Kevin

That's exactly the purpose of this post!

Thanks for that... It is a great list!

Curious about Reuvin Maimon - Do you know why he left Krav Maga?

Have seen a video of Avital. Totally agree!

[KevinMack]

I dont know the exact reason....but when the original KM association fell apart in the early 90s some people started their own organizations and others just kind of "retired". Some of the top names in KM just kind of stopped being active around that time. People like Reuvin,Shayke Barak and David Ben Asher.
I think I also remember someone telling me that Reuvin got into religion seriously. Reuvin is the instructor with the beard teaching in the first section of this video and later in the middle. Raphy is the instructor in the second training section with the receding hairline. This was filmed in the very early 90s.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mtii...crslJF-_JmfpJQ

[KevinMack]

A few other names:

1. Nir Maman - many of you have heard about him but if you ever get the opportunity to train with him...take it!

2. Guy Cohen - A Haim Zut black belt who was very active in the 80s. He lived in Philly for a short time and trained with Alan F. and his students so I have always heard a lot of great things. Many of the Israeli instructors still talk about him with respect. Considered one of the best KM fighters.

3. Chalacho Balai and Ilon Fadlan - Two Haim Zut black belts that I got the chance to train with last year. Great fighters and instructors. Also very friendly and approachable. My instructor always used to say that Haim Zut made the best fighters.

4.Shachar Klarfeld - used to run the KM program in the IDF for a long time. Now works with Eyals KMG.

5. Miki Asulin - has the distinction of being one of the original 10 who received a black belt from Imi. Was working with the IKMF for awhile. Not sure about now.

6. Ron Rotem - Eli Avikzar student and K.A.M.I instructor. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoJyOHX4cuQ

[KevinMack]

1. David Bluestein - old school Darren Levine black belt who I have heard good things about and saw him teach on video a few times. His clip in the KMW was the best in my opinion.

2. Jarrett Waldman - see above

3. Mitch Kasse - see above

[Metta World Krav Maga]

Question. Who is Catherine F. (Baltimore)? On this website (http://www.fightingarts.com/ubbthrea...00&type=thread), she's listed alongside Rick B. (Miami), Alan F. (Philadelphia), and Darren L. (Los Angeles) as returning from the 1981 instructor course and starting to teach in the US.

Also, is Kobi Lichtenstein considered well known outside of Krav Maga trivia circles? Of all the Krav Maga masters anywhere in the world, he and Nir Maman are who I'd be most psyched to train under.

Anyway, awesome thread and wicked list! Another name people should know is Tsahi Shemesh, a Gabi Noah black belt from IKM in NYC. Very humble, very helpful, IDF and Wingate background, doesn't look like a UFC fighter, total bad ass.

Finally, here at KMW in Southern California, mostly from what I've been able to observe and research, a few of the special under the radar people seem to be:

-- the aforementioned Jarret Waldman and David Bluestein

-- Kelly Campbell (who I think is the highest ranking female black belt from the various orgs but I could be wrong)

-- Dan Sovetky (an early Darren Levine black belt who's apparently a primer on the evolution of the system)

-- Sean Amerson (Black Belt Masters Hall of Fame "Living Legend" Award Winner)

-- Brent Ambrose (President of the California Association of Force Instructors, early student of Darren Levine and Eyal Yanilov)

I'm sure I'm leaving people off, and will refrain from naming my own teachers, who nonetheless rock.

[KevinMack]

Catherine F. is Catherine Fogarty. She was one of the 20 or so Americans who went over and took the first instructors course in 1981. Darren,Rick and Alan I believe are the only ones who came back with green belts and full instructor certification but the others came back with other rankings. Not 100% sure about how that whole thing played out. Another graduate of that course from the Baltimore area was a guy named Mike Lichter.

Funny bit of history...the person who provided those students with their scholarships and funded the instructor course was a man named S. Daniel Abraham who was the founder of Slim fast.Before the course he brought Imi and his top students to the US for a demonstration tour. That tour group was made up of Imi,Eli Avikzar,Raphy Elgrissi,Eyal Yanilov and Reuvin Maimon. You can see pics of that trip on Raphys site that I linked below. He also put together the first American Krav Maga association but that kind of fell apart after a few years. It was made up of the Western Region(Darren) Eastern Region(Alan) and Central Region(Rick). In some old pics you can still see them wearing shirts that display their region.

[KevinMack]

Here is a pic of Imi visiting Alan's school in the 80s. Both Alan and the student with the white gi pants are wearing "Krav Maga eastern Region" shirts. The design is similar to the KMW "contact combat" design.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...type=3&theater

[JL]

Awesome pic Kevin. It's great to have a guy who is so well educated of the history of the art. As a favor, could you ask Alan F. if he taught (had a seminar)on the University of Florida Campus in 81'. They were having trouble with women getting assaulted and brought in a guy named Mooky and another guy who was younger(possibly Alan F.) It was my first up close look at Krav Maga. I grew up in a military family, so we had a good understanding of the Israeli Defense Forces hand-to-hand program and it's affectiveness. But after seeing these guys and working out with them I knew I had found what I wanted. Problem was back in those days, no instructors around where we we stationed.

[Metta World Krav Maga]

Thanks Kevin! Excellent stuff, really fascinating...

[KevinMack]

Some old pics of printed materials in reference to the original association mentioned below.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...type=3&theater


http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...type=3&theater



http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...type=3&theater



http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...type=3&theater

[Don]

The Architect of Krav Maga:

[img]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA300_.jpg[/img]

[CJs Dad]

Well I don’t know about that Sean Amerson guy, but I’d have to add a few of mine.

Jon Pascal, best Law Enforcement instructor I’ve seen (along with Brent Ambrose)

Amir Perets – Amazing way to break down details, if I have a technique question that’s who I ask for the definitive explanation.

Sam Sade – No BS, straight to the point and brutal.

John Whitman – I always credit him with teaching me how to teach.

I can go on and on with some of the lower (1st, 2nd dan) instructors like;

Kevin Lewis – whose knowledge of the human body and reasoning out techniques has always been instrumental in my learning.

JR Merkle - high energy is great giving new students encouragement.

Mike Burton - as a stand up comedian teachs the most fun class.

Jerrett Arthur like JR teachs an extremely hard high energy class.

I like instructors who give the “why” based on Imi’s principals.

[Don]

RE: that Sean Amerson guy - women want him and men want to be him... nuff said...

[mara_jade]

Originally Posted by Don

RE: that Sean Amerson guy - women want him and men want to be him... nuff said...

Lord, it's getting deep in here..need boots

[lennyKRAVitz]

Kevin

Just re-reading this thread... You should seriously write a book about the history of Krav Maga... Don't know you personally but judging from what I see here I reckon you'd put out an unbiased and definitive history of our beloved system (and it's many families and branches).

[TheDarkKnight]

Good thread!
I'm going to second Lenny's idea. If Kevin decided to write an unbiased book with scans of documents, historical photos, and other information....I'd buy it! It's hard to follow the Krav Maga history without personal opinions.

[Don]

Originally Posted by mara_jade

Lord, it's getting deep in here..need boots

heh heh heh

[stuartf]

Originally Posted by TheDarkKnight

Good thread!
I'm going to second Lenny's idea. If Kevin decided to write an unbiased book with scans of documents, historical photos, and other information....I'd buy it! It's hard to follow the Krav Maga history without personal opinions.

I'd buy one too.

[davidkahn]

Hello Everyone,

I would like to add another instructor to the list: Rinaldo Rossi.

Rinaldo was awarded his brown belt in Israel by Grandmaster Haim Gidon. Rinaldo also trained under Senior American instructors Alan Feldman and Rick Blitstein who also brought krav maga to the United States as classmates of Darren Levine.

With twelve years of training experience, five under the IKMA, Rinaldo, is, in my opinion, one of the most capable and technical instructors in the U.S. If necessary, he is also a most formidable fighter having mastered the IKMA concept of retzev, "continuous combat motion."

Best,

David Kahn

[Ron Rotem]

Hi,
Avi Avisidon (which was mentiond by kevin as "just old school") is the head and chirman of K.A.M.I- the Israeli Krav Magen Association.He currently holds an 8th dan degree (red belt) and he is one of the most senior teachers in Krav Maga history.
Avi coordinates all aspects of Martial Arts at the Wingate Academic college which includes all recognized Martial Arts (With an Emphasis on Krav Maga / Magen).
a few more details about Avi Avisidon can be found in this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYUNj...eature=g-all-u

Another historic Krav Maga figure is Eli Avikzar R.I.P
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-e14W6x4uc

[Eli]

I know Itay isn't in the traditional circles, but both he and Ran Nakash should be on any definitive list, IMHO.

Kevin: I'm not sure what number we're up to, but I believe there'd be a good bit of interest in a "definitive history" of some sorts. You have access to some great interviews, too...

Take care,
-Eli

[TheReverend]

tommy Blom from Sweden. He trains with KMG (Eyal Yanilov's group) and is the highest ranked non-Israeli instructor of that group. He is also an all around bad ass. MMA fighter, RKC insructur and more.
You can see some of his videos here: http://www.youtube.com/user/wwwtenacityse

[CJs Dad]

Originally Posted by Ron Rotem

Another historic Krav Maga figure is Eli Avikzar R.I.P
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-e14W6x4uc

I was training with Darren this morning and he was actually telling a story about Eli so I asked him what he thought of Eli, his direct quote was “Eli was the best actual teacher I’ve ever seen back then or now. The way he broke down techniques and explained them was better than anyone I’ve ever trained with.”

[trainer2max]

I thank you for your time & I please ask that you simply take a few moments & help me clarify & verify a situation that I am trying to find out the facts on.
I would esp. ask Kevin Mack as it seems he is very knowledgeable about the history of Authentic Krav Maga.


I am a cert. KMW licensee & instructor of KMW out of FL. prior to that I studied under Rhon Mizrachi in NYC for over 2 yrs. b4 moving.
I am writing this as I have read much of this thread & would like to ask help in researching & verifying the truth in this matter. I have a friend who has already put down a deposit for this course as he believed it to be legit after doing some research.

Below is my original message to a contact on the website of the Wingate Institute, Dr. Guy Mor, currently the head of the program & I have included his response....



Hello,
I am an official licensee of KMW in the US & I am asking if you know of any officially registered upcoming course that is being held in the US under Orange County Krav Maga in April of 2013.
I have been told that Orange County Krav Maga in CA. hosted by Yuri Boiravsky will bring Avi Avisidon & another instructor from Israel to teach an 8 day basic instructor course for an authentic Wingate instructor cert. in Krav Maga. Is this a legitimate course & cert. & will it be authenticated by the Israeli Ministry of Sport if say I was to go to Wingate & train in the future. If so, would this course allow me to then train toward an advanced cert. there?


I am including the link for the course of which I speak & the official website of the location. I am asking if Avi Avisidon is &/or was not the head instructor & asst. chairman of the Wingate Institute?
Please verify authenticity…
http://www.kravmagaoc.com/index.asp?...asp&eventid=78
Please respond here or message me personally as well as
email pinellaskravmaga@gmail.com

I will also include some of the responses I have had from both the host of this cert. as well as Dr. Mor of Wingate
Thank you
J

[trainer2max]

hello, I am curious if you saw my recent post on here?
I am inquiring about a specific course that is being offered this April...
http://www.kravmagaoc.com/index.asp?...asp&eventid=78
As you have talked directly about Avi, I wanted to ask if you knew anything about this?
J

[esquire32]

Trainerto max:

I can offer this bit of insight.. I attended a two day seminar ( plus an additional instructors workshop) with Avi and can say he is a top notch practitioner. He is very reminiscent of old school traditional martial art instructors and is quietly humorous, but deadly serious in his training. He is a no nonsense, straight to the point, not afraid to give ya a lil wake up whack, high expectation teacher. That was my experience anyways.

Also, my understanding is he was Eli Avikizars first black belt ( who was Imi's first black) and goes way back. In fact, I think he was part of the first team that came over to the U.S way back. Look up K.A.M.I--Krav Magen. Anways, other insights would be great.

[esquire32]

To the question re: Wingate etc.

My understanding is that there is Wingate Institute ( Dr. Guy Mor head) and then there is the Zinman College for Physical Education and Sport Sciences at the Wingate Institue through which Avi is heading the course and such. He is on their website as well as the fact that the proposed instructor certicifcates will be signed by the leaders of that academic institute. It appears both colleges are sanctioned, licensed schools. My understanding is that Zinman is the more professional (dare say graduate level) of the institutions, but I am no expert. It appears , and I caution to say this, that Avi is most definitely a more direct lineage in Krav than at least what I see as the heads of the martial Arts section on the "Wingate Institute" website.

I also know Mr. Levine posted a high recommendation for Avi recently on the Wingate College facebook page which in my view says alot.

[haimzut]

Originally Posted by KevinMack

A few other names:

1. Nir Maman - many of you have heard about him but if you ever get the opportunity to train with him...take it!

2. Guy Cohen - A Haim Zut black belt who was very active in the 80s. He lived in Philly for a short time and trained with Alan F. and his students so I have always heard a lot of great things. Many of the Israeli instructors still talk about him with respect. Considered one of the best KM fighters.

3. Chalacho Balai and Ilon Fadlan - Two Haim Zut black belts that I got the chance to train with last year. Great fighters and instructors. Also very friendly and approachable. My instructor always used to say that Haim Zut made the best fighters.

4.Shachar Klarfeld - used to run the KM program in the IDF for a long time. Now works with Eyals KMG.

5. Miki Asulin - has the distinction of being one of the original 10 who received a black belt from Imi. Was working with the IKMF for awhile. Not sure about now.

6. Ron Rotem - Eli Avikzar student and K.A.M.I instructor. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoJyOHX4cuQ

I agree with you about Haim Zut and his students. I had an opportunity to train for 5 months with Chalacho and Ilon. They were excellent at teaching technique and they were always willing to help. They also would not hesitate to push you to your limits and beyond. Chalacho just started a company that helps train security, police, and military. There are several videos of it on you tube. I recommend watching them.