Krav Maga Worldwide Official Podcast

Krav Maga Worldwide OG Kevin Lewis joins host Joel Ellenbecker for a deep, wide-ranging conversation—from Kevin’s first exposure to Krav Maga in the Navy (on a beach with Finnish commandos), to the early days of training at the National Training Center alongside legendary instructors, to refining teaching through Kaizen and principle-based decision making. They unpack what gets lost online when “K...

Situational awareness is one of the most talked-about—and most misunderstood—concepts in personal safety. Too often it gets reduced to vague advice like “pay attention” or “trust your intuition.” In this episode, the conversation reframes situational awareness as a structured, trainable system built for civilians. From preserving optionality and “escaping relevance,” to stress physiology, responsi...

In this episode of the Krav Maga Worldwide Podcast, Joel Ellenbecker sits down with Yuri Boiarsky , lifelong Krav Maga practitioner, Israeli-trained instructor, and managing partner of Krav Maga Orange County, to explore a powerful reconnection to Krav Maga’s roots. Together, they unpack the history and significance of the Wingate Institute (now Levinsky–Wingate Academic College), the premier acad...

In this episode, Joel Ellenbecker sits down with CJ Kirk to answer a question many people wrestle with: How do I know which martial art or self-defense system is right for me—and how do I choose a school I can trust? CJ breaks down the three broad categories of martial arts, why context and mission matter more than flash, and how modern threats demand principle-driven, architecture-based training...

In this episode, Joel Ellenbecker steps out of the host’s chair and into the spotlight to share his journey through Krav Maga. From childhood karate lessons inspired by Power Rangers, to discovering the realism of Krav Maga, to testing for his black belts and overcoming the setback of a torn ACL, Joel’s story weaves together lineage, lessons, and leadership. Now serving as Deputy Chief Instructor...

In this episode, Joel sits down with Diego, a martial artist from Uruguay who transitioned from Taekwondo to Krav Maga—and ultimately to Krav Maga Worldwide. Diego shares his journey from discovering Krav Maga in 2008 to becoming a full-time instructor, highlighting the challenges of retraining muscle memory, the importance of small details, and his vision for growing Krav Maga in Uruguay. Key Hig...

What starts as a required law-enforcement course becomes a life mission. In this episode, Joel Ellenbecker talks with Tonna Thomas—Krav Maga Worldwide’s first licensee in Wyoming and the first graduate of KMW’s Reservation Program. Tonna shares how “training for life” reignited her during a hard season, why humility and fundamentals trump tactics alone, and how failing Phase A the first time resha...

In this episode, Joel Ellenbecker interviews KMW Deputy Chief Instructor CJ Kirk—4th Dan Krav Maga black belt, coach, and author of Conquer Culture: How Warriors and Winners Lead and Succeed . Together they unpack the real-life experiences, training philosophies, and hard-won insights behind the book, showing how Krav Maga principles can shape a life of meaning and momentum. Key Highlights: The ar...

In our latest episode of the Krav Maga Worldwide Podcast, we sit down with Gerwin Kranenburg—European Licensing Director, 4th Dan Black Belt Instructor, coach, and entrepreneur—for a conversation that goes far beyond technique. From his first martial arts class at age five to becoming one of the most respected leaders in the Krav Maga Worldwide community, Gerwin’s story is packed with insight, hum...

Joel Ellenbecker sits down with Krav Maga Black Belt Instructor Matt Roberts to unpack lessons from the recent Krav Maga Worldwide Black Belt Training Weekend . The two reflect on how seasons of boredom and burnout are often overcome through deeper training, a renewed sense of purpose, and the power of vertical learning —the idea that instead of branching out to new systems, you can dig deeper int...

In this episode, Joel Ellenbecker and 4th Dan CJ Kirk dive deep into the Krav Maga Masterclass framework—how it began, what makes it different, and why it’s transforming the way advanced students and instructors train. From the critical importance of motor skill development to the dangers of “beating the drill,” this conversation unpacks the mindset, mechanics, and mission behind a truly system-fi...

In this episode of the Krav Maga Worldwide Podcast, Joel Ellenbecker interviews Marc Stoltz, founder of Krav Maga Center by Kick Your Fit in Luxembourg. Marc shares his journey from military and police service to pioneering Krav Maga in his country and building one of the largest facilities in Europe. This conversation explores what it means to lead with purpose, grow through adversity, and impact...

In this episode, CJ Kirk and Joel Ellenbecker explore how rhythm acts as the underlying force that unlocks speed, power, and balance —both in Krav Maga and in life. Drawing from decades of teaching, real-world training scenarios, and movement analysis, they reveal a powerful shift in how these core elements should be taught and understood. Rather than isolating each piece, CJ proposes a specific t...

Dr. Micky wears a lot of hats—pediatrician, author, martial artist, and KMW Student Black Belt now a Krav Maga Worldwide Blue Belt Instructor. In this episode, Joel and Dr. Micky dive into what it means to start over, stay humble, and keep growing—on the mat and in life. From judo in Germany to Krav Maga in Los Angeles, she shares how martial arts shaped her mindset, why women need visible role mo...

In this episode, CJ Kirk and Joel Ellenbecker unpack the critical difference between vertical growth —going deeper into the Krav Maga system—and horizontal growth —chasing new skills and techniques that may not serve you under stress. Drawing on real conversations from recent seminars, handgun certifications, and years of system-level training, they explain why Krav Maga’s system-first architectur...

What does it take to go from student to instructor—and then to 4th Dan Black Belt? In the latest episode of the Krav Maga Worldwide Podcast, we sit down with Christian Medina, a 4th Dan Black Belt instructor, to talk about his journey through Krav Maga, the mindset required for growth, and what it really takes to teach at the highest level. Christian shares: How he got started in Krav Maga and why...

In this episode of the Krav Maga Worldwide Podcast , host Joel Ellenbecker sits down with Deputy Chief Instructor CJ Kirk to dive into Krav Maga’s principle-based approach to self-defense. Key highlights include: The inspiration behind CJ’s Kravology article, Krav Maga’s Blueprint: Operating in Chaos Through Simplicity . Why principle-driven training is more effective than memorizing techniques. T...

In this episode of the Krav Maga Worldwide Podcast, host Joel Ellenbecker is joined by Ken Richstad, owner and head instructor of Krav Maga Raleigh, to explore his incredible journey within the Krav Maga community. From his early inspiration sparked by the Ninja Turtles to founding a thriving school in Raleigh, North Carolina, Ken shares how his path unfolded in unexpected ways. Key highlights inc...

Join Joel Ellenbecker and CJ Kirk as they delve into goal setting and preparation for 2025. This episode unpacks the importance of aligning your goals with your values, understanding the "why" behind them, and leveraging strategies like SMART and "SMARTy" goals for success. Joel and CJ also explore how these concepts apply to Krav Maga instructors, students, and school owners, emphasizing personal...

In this episode of the Krav Maga Worldwide Podcast, Joel Ellenbecker and CJ Kirk explore the art and science of teaching Krav Maga, touching on what sets Krav Maga Worldwide apart and the unique approach needed to train and empower effective instructors. Key Highlights: The Path to Becoming an Instructor: Discussing the process from student to teacher and the challenges in learning to effectively...

Join us with this episode's guest and youth program expert, Trea Drake.

Join us with Kelly Campbell as our guest for this episode, diving into concepts like learning philosophy and the process of effective training.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of The Krav Maga Worldwide Podcast, your ultimate destination for everything Krav Maga! In our inaugural episode, we proudly introduce the latest additions to the leadership team at Krav Maga Worldwide (KMW), Joel Ellenbecker and CJ Kirk. These dynamic leaders bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and passion to the Krav Maga community. In this episode, yo...