Krav Maga Experts Training & Self Defense Classes in New York City
Your krav maga self-defense experts in new york
So you can protect what you love
krav maga experts Mission Statement
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to make a positive impact on the life of every student who walks through our doors. We redefine the way that Krav Maga is taught. We instruct the individual, not the crowd. Our approach is free from ego, competition, or rigid tradition. Instead we are about inner strength, learning from each other, and knowing where Krav Maga came from and where it is headed.
Our goal is to witness people grow and stand an inch taller every time they leave our doors.
So that one may walk in peace
Build Confidence, Strength, and Resilience
At Krav Maga Experts, we believe self-defense is a fundamental right and vital life skill. Our number one goal is to empower individuals with the confidence, strength, and resilience to handle life’s challenges, combining physical techniques with a mindset of preparedness and self-assurance
Our guiding values
“I've developed an unshakeable sense of self-confidence. It's more than just learning how to fight; it's about discovering inner strength I never knew I had.”
Tammy B.
Where intelligence meets power!
At Krav Maga Experts, we believe self-defense is an essential life skill. Each of us has a responsibility to keep ourselves safe and strong.
Led by Tsahi Shemesh, a respected leader in global Krav Maga training, we are more than just a self-defense school—we are a community dedicated to teaching practical, real-world skills. Whether it’s your first time on the mat or you’re refining advanced techniques, you’ll be guided by instructors who are not only highly skilled but also deeply invested in your growth.
However, we’re not solely focused on self-defense. We place a strong emphasis on self-improvement as a team. We train, learn, and evolve together so that we can provide you with the best possible guidance and support.
Our approach goes beyond fighting techniques. We integrate trauma awareness, mobility training, injury prevention, and various health-focused teaching styles into our classes.
Everyone who enters our doors brings their own story, and we’re here to help YOU write the next chapter in your life story in a stronger tone!
The KrAv maga experts studio
Krav Maga Experts is not just a martial arts studio – it’s a place of transformation and empowerment.
We understand that true self-defense starts with self-love and respect. By focusing on the individual, we create a personalized journey that goes beyond physical training. Our students learn to harness their inner strength, build resilience, walk in peace, and achieve true freedom. We are a community of strong-minded individuals who support each other in becoming the best versions of ourselves. Our approach is unique, rooted in respect, empowerment, and continuous improvement.
our instructors
Meet the Team
Tsahi Shemesh
Tsahi Shemesh, founder and chief instructor, began his Krav Maga journey in Israel, 1988, where he trained under Imi Lichtenfeld’s (the creator of Krav Maga) very first students. During his three-years in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Tsahi served in the paratrooper’s brigade, trained in dignitary protection at the School of Counterterrorism, completed the commander’s course, VIP protection program and civilians instructor’s training. He served in the West Bank and holds a Sergeant First Class rank. In 2007, Tsahi obtained his Krav Maga Instructor certification at the Wingate Institute – Israel’s National Center for Education and Sports. He also completed the Krav Maga Instructors course certified by the International Krav Maga Federation and held the positions of USA Director and Instructor Course Trainer in Gabi Noah’s top-team. In 2010, Tsahi established the first Krav Maga Experts (KME) flagship location in New York City. He certified dozens of instructors and trained thousands of students from all over the world – both domestically and overseas. Besides KME’s full-time program, Tsahi and his team also lead various initiatives including the Columbia University Club, Pace University, NYU, EMTs, NYPD’s police officers and contributory workshops at domestic violence organizations. Tsahi’s national television appearances as a self defense and personal safety expert have featured his signature Rape Prevention Series and Counter Terror workshops.
Elaine
Elaine began her training with Krav Maga experts in 2015 and since that time she has accrued almost 1000 hours on the mat under the instruction of KME’s exceptional team of certified experts. She completed the instructor training course under the direct guidance of chief expert Tsahi Shemesh in 2021. In her own teaching, Elaine draws upon principles she has learned from cross-training in various martial arts including Muay Thai, Boxing, and her extensive Yoga practice. Beyond the mat, she holds a Ph.D in Slavic Languages from Columbia University. Her pedagogical training in the academy informs her work at KME; she espouses and practices inclusive teaching and views every classroom as a space of dialogue and empowerment.
David
Even though he practiced martial arts all along his childhood (mostly judo), David considers that his true martial arts journey started in 2003. After a couple of years of Aikido and kick boxing, he discovered Shorinji Kempo, a Japanese martial art he consistently got involved in until 2019. Over the years, he won the french Taikai (annual SK tournament) three consecutive years, ended two times at the fourth place in European and World competitions, and participated in numerous international events, as a demonstration performer (Embu). After a two-year break due to the COVID crisis, and an expatriation to New York City, he started a fresh new curriculum in Krav Maga with Tsahi Shemesh and earned his instructor certification. David firmly believes that martial arts changed his life for the better and expect now to give back to others what was given to him years ago: technical knowledge and self-defense skills of course, but also increased self-confidence, and rigor.
Marco
Marco’s experience in the world of martial arts and self defense spans over more than three decades. Starting in 1985, Marco achieved a 4th degree black belt in Karate,a brown belt in Judo and a KMMA 2nd Degree Black Belt. He joined the KME family in 2018 and has trained and progressed under Tsahi Shemesh, achieving a G2 level certification. Among Marco's accomplishments are: a 5:1 Kickboxing Record (1997-2001); competition in Top Kick Championship; competition in Super Heavyweight and Ring of Combat; Final/Semi-finalist in Bare Knuckle Knockout Kyukushin Karate; Ultimate Test, Mas Oyama Gold Cup, and 2nd North American Kyokushin US Open 2020.
Kristin
Kristin’s love of fighting started when she discovered kickboxing back in high school. In 2013, a couple of years after moving to NYC, she took up Krav Maga and found an even greater passion for this area of the fighting world. She became an instructor and spent 6 years teaching Krav before coming to KME, achieving her G4 rank along the way. Kristin also enjoys cross training in Boxing, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and she credits her lifelong training as a dancer for aiding in her exploration of the wide world of martial arts, which she likens to a form of dance where people hit each other. Off the mat, Kristin holds Masters degrees in Social Work and Public Health and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She specializes in trauma and works in a mental health clinic at a child welfare agency for children with special needs, while running a private therapy practice on the side. Kristin incorporates a trauma-informed lens in her style of instruction and understands how empowering and healing Krav Maga can be.
Breo
Breo has been training in Krav Maga since 2006 and is a Certified Instructor under Tsahi Shemesh. He started training in martial arts in 1984 (teaching since 1992) and, additionally, holds a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Tang Soo Do, a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, and Brown Belts in Shotokan and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. During his competitive days, he competed and medaled in a significant number of Karate and Tae Kwon Do tournaments; and refereed several competitions. After a successful career in Wall Street, Breo retired from the financial world of hedge funds in 2019 and now focuses his time on his teaching passion, volunteering his time as a Krav Maga, Karate and Tae Kwon Do instructor. Additionally, he is a Part-Time Professor at Rutgers Business School, a frequent guest lecturer at a number of MBA programs, and a recurrent newspaper article contributor.
Eliran
Eliran Meimis started on his Krav Maga journey in Israel under the mentorship of Ami-Niv in 1992. By the age of 14, he was already passing the discipline to kids and youth, igniting their confidence and resilience. In 2001, he completed an intensive instructor course led by Rony Kluger and Dennis Hanover, sponsored by the Institute of Fitness - America - Israel. During his three years in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Eliran served in the Haruv regiment, an elite infantry division. He dedicated himself to bridging the gap between civilian and military Krav Maga, emphasizing techniques that go beyond mere aggression. He offered weekly training sessions to his platoon, advancing to the rank of First Class Sergeant while serving in the West Bank. With over a decade of experience in the high-tech industry, Eliran consistently seizes opportunities to participate in training camps and teach individuals of all ages. His passion for teaching Krav Maga invigorates him, reflecting his core values of giving, love, and joy. Since 2015, in response to rising security concerns, including the "Knife Terror Wave" and the impact of COVID-19, Eliran has sought innovative ways to impart the principles of Krav Maga. He offers private lessons tailored to those who need them most, empowering individuals with essential self-defense skills while remaining true to his core values. Eliran's teaching is infused with heart and passion for the subject. His lessons are a true delight, making each class an enriching experience.
Kevin
Kevin, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt recognized by Renzo Gracie Academy, began his BJJ journey in 2012. By 2019, he started teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to children, and shortly after, expanded his instruction to include adults and larger groups of advanced practitioners. In 2020, Kevin played a key role in developing a comprehensive kids' program and a fundamentals curriculum for students as young as 3 years old. Additionally, he launched an adult competition class aimed at refining techniques and strategies for high-level performance. At the start of 2023, Kevin embarked on an international teaching tour, conducting small group seminars in Lisbon and Porto (Portugal), Madrid (Spain), Belo Horizonte and Garanhuns (Brazil), Phuket (Thailand), and Bali (Indonesia). His teaching approach emphasizes a structured learning progression, combining technical skill development with practical application, making his classes beneficial for both beginners and seasoned competitors.
Harrison
Harrison is a martial arts instructor and personal trainer. He has been training in martial arts for over 15 years. Included in his experience are MMA, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and Western Boxing. He holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do. He loves to try new systems and arts and has spent time cross-training in other full-contact arts, including Brazilian Jiujitsu, Historical German Martial Arts, Filipino Martial Arts and boxing.
Sam
Sam is an experienced combat sports athlete with a diverse background in wrestling, MMA, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He currently trains at Renzo Gracie Academy in New York, further refining his skills under world-class instructors. His athletic journey began with the USAF World Class Athlete Program, where he competed on the USAF wrestling team and trained at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. This experience shaped his understanding of high-level athletic discipline, mental toughness, and the importance of strategic thinking. After transitioning into mixed martial arts, Sam spent four years training at Randy Couture's MMA Gym in Las Vegas. Under the guidance of UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture, he developed his expertise in striking, wrestling, and cage control. Beyond his athletic pursuits, Sam is a passionate writer and a dedicated student at Columbia University, balancing his academic endeavors with his commitment to martial arts. With a strong foundation in wrestling, MMA, and BJJ, Sam brings a comprehensive approach to teaching Krav Maga. He integrates effective self-defense techniques with the physical conditioning and mindset honed through years of competitive training. Sam is driven by a love for sharing his knowledge and experience, helping others build confidence, improve physical skills, and master practical self-defense strategies.
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