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Mai Zilka is a certified Krav Maga instructor and First Degree Black Belt with over 11 years of experience. She completed her Class A instructor course in 2017 and her Class B instructor course in 2021 at the age of 16. Mai has taught kids’ classes, beginner adult classes, and weekly private lessons for both children and adults, as well as Guardian Self Defense Classes in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. She currently teaches at TKM’s Great Neck location and is interested in furthering her experience through future service in the IDF

Sandy Moheban had always been interested in martial arts and was first introduced to Krav Maga in October 2020 during the heart of the pandemic by her cousin, who was already a TKM student. With the completion of business school, she was excited to try something new and to stay active. In 2024 she earned her Blue Belt, and continues to work toward her goal of a Black Belt. Sandy completed the Class A Instructor Course in 2021 and the Class B Instructor Course in 2024. Over the past year she has focused on teaching women’s and kids’ classes, which has been especially rewarding. Krav Maga has become both a passion and a journey that she is excited to continue pursuing.

Leeor Elias began training Krav Maga in 2016, and after completing his college studies in 2024 returned with full dedication, earning his Blue Belt and Class B Instructor certification. Outside of training, he’s passionate about music - both performing and producing - with piano as the foundation while having the ability to play multiple instruments. Leeor is deeply committed to fitness and health, bringing creativity, discipline, and balance from both music and fitness into his approach as an instructor.

Jared Sapolsky started training Krav Maga in 2018. He received his Class A instructor certification in November 2019 and his Class B instructor certification in November 2021. He earned his Brown Belt in November 2024. Jared is one of the founders and instructors of the GSD program in Crown Heights. In addition to Krav Maga, Jared has trained in both Muay Thai and BJJ.

Yosef Friedman is a proud native of Brooklyn, having lived on both ends of the borough and explored everything in between. He began his training in mixed martial arts in 2018 and soon after, in January 2019, dedicated himself to Krav Maga. Yosef has since completed his Class A and Class B Instructor Certifications (in 2022 and 2024 respectively), and as of the summer of 2025, earned his Brown Belt under TKM, training under Masters Erez Sharabi and Eliran Cohen in both Israel and New York. As a key member of the TKM Instructor Team, Yosef has spent the past several years guiding students of all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. His dedication to ongoing development—including advanced seminars, specialized training, and annual trips to TKM headquarters abroad—continues to expand his expertise and teaching. Beyond training, Yosef is deeply passionate about ...

Tomi Shamash is a Black Belt and certified Class B instructor as of 2024. Tomi’s journey with TKM began at an early age when he was in second grade in the original TKM studio. He achieved his Class A Instructor certification in 2022. Tomi is also an instructor at GSD in Brooklyn. Outside of the studio, Tomi is a certified and active lifeguard at a local pool, and is CPR/AED certified.

Sal Puleo began his Krav Maga journey in 2018 and has been training with the TKM organization since. He holds a Black Belt and is a certified instructor, passionate about helping others achieve their goals. Beyond the Krav Maga studio, Sal is also a dedicated member of a local rifle and pistol club, where he volunteers his time to teach new members about firearms safety. In his professional life, he works full-time as a finance manager. Sal is deeply committed to individual empowerment and dedicated to the success of every one of his students. He believes that with the right training and mindset, anyone can feel more confident and capable.

Paz Wysoki is a Krav Maga Black Belt and instructor at TKM who started Krav Maga when she was ten years old alongside her siblings. The three of them, along with their father, completed the Instructor A course in 2017. Paz became one of the first TKM New York Dan 1 Black Belts (with her sister Noy and cousin Mai) and completed the Class B Instructor Course in November 2022. Ever since, she has been teaching at TKM’s Great Neck location. Paz also teaches in the GSD program in Crown Heights to women of all ages. Apart from Krav Maga, she is a personal trainer and Pilates instructor, working with private clients and in gyms/studios around Long Island and NYC.

Noy Wysoki has been practicing Krav Maga since she was 8 years old. Now a Black Belt, she teaches self-defense courses throughout New York. Noy works with children of all ages, helping them build confidence and learn how to protect themselves, as well as with teenagers preparing for the transition to college. She also offers private lessons for students looking for personalized, one-on-one instruction. In addition, Noy leads classes for women across Brooklyn and Long Island who have experienced violence or intimidation, empowering them with the skills and knowledge to prevent and defend against future attacks.

Merrill Rosen is a certified Krav Maga instructor with over 9 years of Krav Maga experience. He holds first-degree black belt under TKM Head Instructor and Founder Eliran Cohen (Black Belt, Dan 4). Rosen completed his Class A instructor course in 2019 and earned his Class B instructor certification in 2021. He continues to attend class regularly fine-tuning his skills as well as seminars in self-defense and home invasion. Rosen has added weekly boxing lessons to improve his craft. He strives to provide confidence and motivation along with skills to survive dangerous situations. To this end he offers his time providing self-defense classes at his synagogue in Roslyn.

Guy Rinat began his Krav Maga journey just before turning 40, and he shares that his only regret is not starting as a teenager! After 10 years of hard work and dedication, Guy achieved the Black Belt rank in 2023. Along the way, he became a Class A instructor and has had the privilege of leading several self-defense seminars with TKM for coworkers. For Guy, Krav Maga is more than just a martial art; it's a way of life—a practical and rewarding mantra. It offers immense value for the time and mental commitment invested, whether you're looking to improve your self-defense skills or seeking a transformative lifestyle change.

Maya Levy is a passionate Krav Maga instructor dedicated to empowering her students through self-defense. Practicing Krav Maga since 2017, she currently holds a Black Belt and is a Certified Krav Maga Instructor. Maya's vast experience, combined with her dedication, provides a safe and inclusive environment where students can reach their full potential. She began teaching junior, youth, and adult classes in 2022 and loves helping her students grow stronger and more confident. Beyond Krav Maga, Maya is an EMT Cadet and an active volunteer with the Closter Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Corps. She is also the co-president of the EMT club at NVRHS. Maya is passionate about physical fitness and athletics and is an awarded runner. She is pursuing studies in sports medicine as she works toward her goal of becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy

Haim Levy is an experienced self-defense instructor who has been practicing Krav Maga since 1995. His extensive background is rooted in his time as a combat soldier. He holds a Black Belt from the Traditional Krav Maga (TKM) organization, where he has trained under TKM Head Instructor and Founder Eliran Cohen (Black Belt, Dan 4) since 2020. As the head instructor and school manager of TKM NJ, Haim is passionate about empowering people with valuable self-defense skills. He believes that true empowerment comes from combining skill, knowledge, ability, and confidence with humility and empathy. He is dedicated to teaching dynamic and challenging classes that help students develop the knowledge and mindset to protect themselves.

Josh Isakharov started training Krav Maga at 14 years old in October 2018. He received his Class A instructor certification in November 2019 and his Class B instructor certification in November 2021. He earned his Black Belt in November 2024. He has been teaching the kids classes at TKM since 2023 and has been teaching adults in Brooklyn with the GSD program since 2022. Josh has also taught various seminars to people of all ages and has run after-school Krav Maga programs.

Virginie Cohen is a certified Krav Maga instructor since 2018 and holds a first degree Black Belt (Dan 1) under TKM Head Instructor and Founder Eliran Cohen (Black Belt, Dan 4). With nearly a decade of training, she has completed a First Aid course, and attended seminars in vehicle and home-invasion defense and kidnapping. Virginie has been part of GSD since its creation, teaching an all women’s program held in Brooklyn. Additionally, she teaches privately at the Great Neck Studio. For Virginie, Krav Maga goes beyond self-defense. It is a discipline that builds confidence, resilience, and empowerment. But moreover, it is a gift she has given to herself which she is committed to passing on to others.

Ori Cohen began training Krav Maga in 2016. She completed the Class A Instructor Course in 2021 and the Class B Instructor Course in 2024. In the same year, she earned her Black Belt, Dan 1. She is regularly recertified for CPR & AED as well as First Aid. She is also a GSD Instructor and has completed a Home Invasion Seminar, Krav Maga in Cars Seminar, and multiple UFC seminars led by world recognized UFC fighters.

Ben Cousin began his martial arts journey in 2003, training in boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and MMA, before discovering Krav Maga in Crown Heights. From the very first class, his dedication and drive stood out, and he quickly excelled in his training. Today, Ben holds a Brown Belt and is a certified Class A and Class B Instructor (in 2022 and 2024 respectively) under Traditional Krav Magal. As part of the TKM Instructor Team, Ben leads students with a balance of discipline, motivation, and practical skill, drawing on his years of martial arts experience. His commitment extends beyond the training mat—he is also an active member of the Crown Heights Shomrim, a respected volunteer community safety organization, and the director of GSD, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating practical, affordable, and sustainable self-defense programs nationwide. Guided by his motto, ...

TKM New York was founded in January 2014 by Head Instructor Eliran Cohen . Eliran began his Krav Maga training in 1987 under Grand Master Eli Avikzar and since 1992 has been a certified instructor. In 1993, he was awarded his Black Belt Dan 1. He has since accumulated years of teaching experience, both military and civilian. Eliran served in the IDF as a Krav Maga instructor for various units in the Israeli Navy, and has opened and operated several Krav Maga schools while in Israel, passing on the knowledge and skills to hundreds of students. Eliran joined the Traditional Krav Maga (TKM) organization under Grand Master Erez Sharabi from the onset of its establishment and continues to take an active role in operating the organization. He is responsible for the TKM Krav Maga activity in the USA - the organization’s primary mission is to deliver the proven Krav Maga skills of ...

Noy Wysoki has been training at TKM since it opened in 2013. Today, she holds the rank of Black Belt Dan 1 and certified Krav Maga Instructor. Noy teaches both at the TKM school and as part of the program TKM runs in partnership with Guardian Self Defense. Every week, she trains nearly thirty women in Brooklyn as part of Guardian Self Defense, bringing the female perspective to Krav Maga training.

Eathan Wysoki is a certified Krav Maga instructor with more than 12 years of Krav Maga experience. He holds a 2nd degree Black Belt under TKM Head Instructor and Founder Eliran Cohen (Black Belt, Dan 4). Eathan completed his Class A instructor course in 2017 and earned his Class B instructor certification in 2019. Since then, Eathan has been teaching weekly group and private classes at the Great Neck location. He also serves as a lead instructor in the weekly GSD program in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Eathan has completed various seminars on law enforcement tactics, anti-kidnapping, third-party protection, and home invasion defense. Through his instruction, Eathan strives to empower, motivate, and influence the development of a strong and vigilant community.

Adir Cohen began training under TKM Head Instructor and Founder Eliran Cohen (Black Belt, Dan 4) only a few months following TKM’s opening in 2013. Adir completed his Class A instructor course in 2017 and Class B instructor course in 2021. In 2019, Adir earned Black Belt (Dan 1).Throughout his training and following his certification, Adir has participated in law enforcement, anti-kidnapping, and 3rd party protection seminars, among others. Adir’s two daughters and son also train with TKM, holding ranks ranging from Orange Belt to Green Belts. During the week, Adir instructs the Men’s Advanced Course in the Brooklyn GSD program, leading a group of men toward increasing confidence and improved skills.

Ori Kohav has been training under TKM Head Instructor and Founder Eliran Cohen (Black Belt, Dan 4) since the school opened in 2013. Ori completed his Class A instructor course in 2017 and in 2019, completed his Class B instructor certification, followed by earning his Black Belt (Dan 2) in 2021. Throughout his training and following his certification, Ori has participated in law enforcement, anti-kidnapping, and 3rd party protection seminars, among others. Ori brings his own style and perspectives to class, enhancing the TKM experience. Ori has been instructing the men’s and women’s classes at the GSD program in Brooklyn on Sundays, supporting the community initiative.

Haim Wysoki has been training under TKM Head Instructor and Founder Eliran Cohen (Black Belt, Dan 4) since the school opened in 2013. Haim completed his Class A instructor course in 2017 and in 2019, completed his Class B instructor certification and earned his Black Belt (Dan 2) in 2021. Throughout his training and following his certification Haim has participated in law enforcement, anti-kidnapping seminars, and 3rd party protection, among others. Haim is a unique asset on the mat both from instruction and training standpoints. Additionally, all of Haim’s five children train Krav Maga – among his children, three are Black Belts and certified instructors. Together with his children, he also instructs men’s and women’s classes in Brooklyn as part of the growing GSD program.

Kon Klissouras is currently a TKM Black Belt Dan 2 and certified Class B Instructor having completed his testing at TKM headquarters in Israel and the NY TKM branch. He has also completed seminars in Kidnap Prevention & Vehicle Self Defense, 3rd party Protection and Police Tactics in NY as well as the Wingate Institute with the head of TKM and the Senior Instructors of TKM. Prior to TKM Kon was verified as Level 3 instructor with Krav Maga Alliance, has been practicing Krav Maga for over 15 years and has trained with many organizations in several countries. In addition to Krav Maga Kon has experience in Muai Thai, BJJ and Filipino Martial Arts and continues to practice in these arts. Besides Martial Arts Kon is also an advocate of functional fitness training combining cardio, strength, speed and agility routines in a complete regiment that supplements Krav Maga training.

Roey Zivan has been training in Krav Maga since 2012 under TKM Head Instructor and Founder Eliran Cohen (Black Belt, Dan 4). In 2016, he earned his Krav Maga Instructor certification, licensed by the Ministry of Culture and Sport of the State of Israel, and is certified to teach in both Israel and the United States. Over the course of his training, Roey has participated in advanced seminars and sessions led by TKM Founder and Head Instructor Erez Sharabi (Black Belt, Dan 7), covering areas such as anti-kidnapping, third-party protection, and high-stress combat scenarios. Roey earned his Black Belt (Dan 1) in 2018 and his Black Belt (Dan 2) in 2021. He has several years of experience teaching students of all ages and backgrounds, as well as leading specialized programs including GSD in Brooklyn.

Erez Sharabi – Head instructor and founder of TKM (Traditional Krav Maga)               Dan 6 Black Belt (Red White Belt) Erez has been training in Krav Maga since 1987 in Netanya ,  and was a senior student under Eli Avikzar – the principal student of the founder of Krav Maga, Imi Lichtenfeld (Sde-Or) Z”L. He kept training under Eli for 17 years until his death. In 1992  He became a certified Krav Maga Instructor. In 1993 he earned his Krav Maga Black Belt given to him by Eli. Erez had the honor of being one of the very few handpicked students to train in Eli’s senior student training sessions. Shortly after receiving his Black belt Erez opened a Krav Maga school in Even Yehuda, Israel, which became one of biggest and best known schools in the country. Erez was appointed by Eli as a KAMI (Krav Magen Israel i ) Board Member, the organization ...

Krav Magen Israeli Eli Avikzar Z”L (June 16, 1947-May 16, 2004)     Eli Avikzar was born in Casablanca, Morocco and made his Aliyah to Israel in 1963. Fighting between the youth was very common in Eli’s daily routine; he was often involved in street fights against one or more people. This gave him both practical experience as well as an extraordinary talent to identify and understand human body movement. His talent, experience, stubbornness and consistent work ethic helped him achieve great heights in his life. In November 1964 in Netanya, Eli began training with Imi Lichtenfeld and became his senior student. In those days there were no uniforms or belt ranking systems; the students trained in military uniforms. In 1965 Eli added Judo training as part of Krav Maga. Both Gadi Skornick (the founder of the Gadi Kompojistu method) and Amos Greenshpan trained ...

Imre "Imi" Lichtenfeld (Sde’Or) Z”L (May 26, 1910-January 9,1998) Imi, the founder of Krav Maga, was born in Budapest, Hungary and grew up in Bratislava Slovenia. Imi’s father, Shmeul Lichtenfeld - who was both an athlete and the Chief Inspector for the local police detective - was a great inspiration to him. Imi excelled in swimming, gymnastics, wrestling and boxing. In 1928, Imi won the Slovakia youth national wrestling title and in 1929 won the overall Slovakian national wrestling championship, as well as the national boxing and gymnastics championships. In the 1930’s there was widespread anti-Semitism in Europe. His high profile as both a trainer and athlete made him a target of the anti-Semite gangs who specifically wanted to harm Jews. In 1940 Imi fled from Europe via boat to Palestine, which was then under control of the British. The boat was caught by the ...

The environment for learning – and practicing – Krav Maga is at an established school; the established schools are structured for teaching the basic (and advanced) skills in a controlled environment under the guidance of qualified and skilled instructors. Such an establishment offers: Training by experienced teachers on a regular (scheduled) basis to introduce the discipline and hone the abilities of the student. This provides the best results and will improve the skill level/abilities of the student consistently over time. Regular, consistent training that will allow the student to maintain a high level of preparedness and develop the ability defend themselves against different types of attacks under a variety of situations. An established process of development and achievement through an organized rank system based on the TKM material handbook ...

TKM conducts several seminars in Israel over the course of the year; some are open to the public. The seminars usually focus on specific situations, including defense against knives and sticks, weapons such as guns and rifles, defense against multiple attackers, improving personal security and more. In addition, we hold seminars in the U.S. and other countries. These sessions are based on requested training topics and include coverage for Krav Maga for Civilians, Police and Military as well as other subjects. Interested in hosting a tailored seminar? Contact us for more information.

A universally beneficial seminar focusing on basic self-defense – this seminar is great for team work and team building. Topics include: General training, including safety measures and actions to prevent the risks of violence Hand strikes, kicks and the use of common objects as defensive weapons Defense from knife, and blunt object threats and assaults Group self-defense simulations to train team members how to coordinate response to a threat/assault situation Contact us for more information.

With much of the violence in the world, such as rape, robbery, physical abuse, and so on) aimed at women of all ages and backgrounds, it has become imperative for women to know how to judge a potential threat and react to protect themselves. For this reason, we have set up specific workshops geared towards girls and women. General training including safety measures and precautions to prevent and address the risks of violence. Topics include: Hand strikes, kicks and the use of common objects as defensive weapons Basic defenses Escape from attacks on the ground Release from grabs Bear hugs and choke holds Defense from knife and blunt object threats and assaults. Contact us for more information.

In today’s day and age, many of us find ourselves very busy, going from one thing to the next. Whether we're preoccupied with work, school, family, or life in general, attending fixed weekly classes may not fit into your schedule. But that shouldn't be an obstacle to training Krav Maga! Benefits of Private Lessons include: Schedule Flexibility: You have a busy schedule and our class times don’t match up with your free time. TKM instructors will be happy to work with you to schedule private lessons that are convenient for you. Little Time, Big Results:  Some of us just don’t have the time to consistently train. You can be traveling year round for work. Your children may be going off to college and you want to provide them with some self-defense tools before they leave. Private lessons are great for these types of situations.  Get effective Krav Maga training, ...

Prerequisite: Instructor Course (Class A) The TKM Krav Maga Instructor course is the second and final step to becoming a certified TKM Krav Maga instructor.  The course in the designed to developed and test the practitioner’s ability to: Provide TKM students with effective high-level training and the best learning experience possible Perform TKM techniques and train at a high level of proficiency  Master and teach: build and tailor lessons which are challenging and motivating, as well as guide students through the TKM syllabus Understand and pass on the TKM principles and knowledge  TKM, in cooperation with the accredited governing body in charge of certification and instruction, certifies new Krav Maga instructors annually. Throughout the course, the trainees undergo significant training and practice as part of their ...

The TKM Class A instructor course is the first step of skill and instruction development for the next generation of TKM Instructors. We hold an annual Assistant Instructor Course. This 35-hour course provides the basic tools for teaching. It includes hands-on practical guidance and is the preliminary course to Instructor Training .  Topics Covered: How to teach Yellow and Orange Belt Material per the TKM Syllabus Warmup theory Working with pads The history of Krav Maga & Krav Maga principles Student Safety Basic anatomy and physiology Additional enrichment topics The course culminates with an in-person instructor test, physical test, and a written test. Contact us to learn about when our next course will be held.

Krav Maga  has developed a unique method for maximizing the use of readily available everyday objects for self-defense and other combat purposes . The use of different objects to achieve desirable outcomes is an important element of human development in various areas of life, and this should include self-defense. At any given moment, our immediate surroundings are abundant with different objects which can be employed in a combat situation - sand, clods, rocks, sticks, chairs, and more. Wise use of such objects can more often than not decide the outcome of a violent conflict. This article describes how to turn a pen, bag, keys and other everyday objects that are available to anyone, into tools that can be used for self-defense purposes . _______________________________ Many say that the origins of the use of available objects for the purpose of self-defense, ...

Does exercising distance us from dying?   Intuitively, there is no doubt. But does is really it ensure a longer life? It is still unclear. We will review the medical studies accumulated, examining the relationship between fitness and mortality, and additionally, life expectancy and quality of life. by Baruch Weinshelboym One result of the advancement of technology, which began with the Industrial Revolution, is that people in general enjoy higher standards of living and have longer life expectancies. But this so-called progress has also been accompanied by an increase in frequency of "hypokinetic" diseases (lessened movement) that ironically lead to accelerated characteristics of aging and possible faster wear of the organs and tissues in the body. The main systems that would be adversely affected as a direct result of lessened movement are the cardiovascular, ...

In February 2021, Amnon Levi of Israeli Channel 13 News interviewed TKM NY Founder and Head Instructor, Eliran Cohen , on TKM’s partnership with  Guardian Self Defense , a non-profit movement focused on connecting communities that seek training with quality security experts. Click below to hear Eliran and Amnon discuss the importance of our Krav Maga instruction, particularly in the face of surging antisemitism.