Choosing Strength: The Purpose of Teaching Krav Maga
When I tell people what I do for a living, the response is almost always the same: “You can probably kill me with your finger” or “You must be dangerous.” The assumption is immediate—aggression over empathy, intimidation over empowerment.
Then comes the inevitable question: “Do you even like what you do?” Most people imagine my days are spent beating people up. My answer surprises them: “I don’t like it. I love it.”
Krav Maga wasn’t something I chose—it chose me. I vividly remember telling my friends I would never pursue it as a profession, only as a passion. But life had other plans, and I found myself teaching for a living.
So how did I get here? How did a self-declared “never” turn into a mission, a career, and a purpose?
From Self-Defense to the Protection of Others
When I first began training in Krav Maga in 1988, it was about me—building my own strength and confidence. My parents wanted me to have the tools to defend myself, and I embraced the challenge. Back then, it was a personal journey. But over time, it evolved into something far greater.
As I matured, my perspective shifted. I began to see that Krav Maga was more than self-defense—it was a way to help others discover their own strength and confidence. Watching someone overcome fear, build resilience, and grow into themselves was deeply rewarding. Their transformation wasn’t just physical; it was emotional and mental. Seeing a student stand taller, speak louder, and move with purpose wasn’t just inspiring—it was life-changing.
From Training to Teaching
At some point, my role as a student transitioned into that of a teacher. Teaching wasn’t just about showing techniques—it was about understanding people. No two students are alike. Each one comes with a unique story, a different set of strengths and challenges.
To help someone grow, you have to meet them where they are. That doesn’t mean settling for where they’re at—it means recognizing their starting point and helping them move forward. I see teaching as a puzzle, with some pieces clearly visible and others hidden until the right moment. Building a fighter isn’t just about teaching moves; it’s about understanding the person.
Teaching forced me to rethink rigid systems and embrace flexibility. It deepened my understanding of Krav Maga—not just as a physical discipline, but as a tool for transformation.
Movement Over Medication
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned through teaching is the healing power of movement. Fighting crafts often carry a reputation for aggression, but in reality, they can be deeply healing. Movement, when practiced with intention, is therapeutic, expressive, and transformative.
I’ve seen students shed more than just physical weight—they’ve let go of fear, self-doubt, and limitations they thought were permanent. Many came to the mat seeking strength and left finding so much more. For some, training became the alternative to medication, offering them the clarity, focus, and calm they had been searching for.
Movement, I’ve realized, can do what pills can’t: it reconnects people to their inner strength and resilience. It allows them to face their struggles head-on and come out stronger on the other side.
Strength Is a Choice
Strength isn’t a gift—it’s a decision, earned through effort and hard work. Weakness, on the other hand, is the natural consequence of neglect.
The truth is, we all neglect something in our lives. Some sacrifice sleep for socializing, while others trade their health for career ambitions. Neglect is inevitable, but the real question is what we’re willing to pay for those choices.
Choosing strength means taking control, facing challenges, and refusing to be a victim of circumstance. I’ve seen firsthand how that choice ripples outward. When people grow stronger, they don’t just transform themselves—they elevate their families, their communities, and the people around them.
Watching students become sources of strength and resilience for others is humbling. It all starts with one decision: to step onto the mat and take control of your journey.
Why I Built Krav Maga Experts
I didn’t build Krav Maga Experts to create a business—I built it to create a platform. I wanted a way to share the lessons I’ve learned on a larger scale, to influence and empower as many people as possible.
Through this platform, I’ve been able to reach individuals from all walks of life—children, adults, civilians, and law enforcement—each with their own goals but united by a desire to grow stronger. My vision wasn’t just to teach self-defense but to build a community of empowered individuals who inspire one another to be better, stronger, and more confident.
So One Can Protect What They Love
Krav Maga has a reputation—I’m well aware of it. People see it as violent, aggressive, and confrontational. But the truth is, it’s not about violence; it’s about the ability to choose peace.
Peace, however, is not automatic. It’s a choice you can only make if you’re prepared.
Without practice, that choice is no longer yours to make. Training equips people with the tools they need to walk through life without fear, to face challenges with calm and clarity, and to protect what matters most.
Lighting the Path Forward
I do what I do because I’ve seen how it changes lives. I’ve watched students transform themselves and, in doing so, transform the lives of those around them. Strength isn’t just personal—it radiates outward, creating a ripple effect that touches families, communities, and beyond.
Krav Maga is more than a physical system of defense. It’s a mindset, a way of life, and a tool for resilience and empowerment. It’s about standing tall, living boldly, and walking through life with peace and confidence.
Every day, I’m reminded why this path chose me. Seeing people discover their strength, protect what they love, and face life with courage is a privilege I never take lightly.
This is what I teach, why I built Krav Maga Experts, and why I’ll keep going. Because when you choose strength, you don’t just change your own life—you light the way for others to follow.
Do something amazing,
Tsahi Shemesh
Founder & CEO
Krav Maga Experts
Inspiring words by a fearless leader. Thank you for all of your work, Tsahi.
I believe I speak on behalf of all of your students – You are a true expert at what you do.