Krav Talk

Decision-making under pressure is one of the most critical skills in life, yet also one of the least understood. When stress hits, most people do not rise to the occasion. They lose access to clarity, communication, and options they normally rely on. Vision narrows, time distorts, emotions feel like facts, and hesitation or freezing becomes the real threat. In this episode, Tsahi Shemesh sits down...

In this episode, we speak with Shahar “Sean” Or, an Israeli security professional and senior Krav Maga instructor with decades of operational experience in personal protection and third-party protection. Sean brings a background in IDF Special Forces, law enforcement command, and executive protection, and specializes in training people to protect themselves and others in real-world situations. The...

In this episode of Krav Talk , Tsahi Shemesh sits down with Hilroy Alfred, a true entrepreneur whose journey embodies resilience and vision. From a setback on the cricket field to launching a fitness empire and founding a Krav Maga school after tragedy, Hilroy turned pain into purpose. He shares how he overcame obstacles, why betting on yourself matters, and how a positive outlook can transform se...

Krav Talk hosting August Ritter. What Is Resilience?  In this episode, Tsahi hosts August Ritter, a dedicated Krav Maga coach and resilience expert. August shares his perspective on resilience—what it truly means, how it’s built, and why it’s essential in both self-defense and everyday life. Together, they explore how facing adversity, training hard, and developing the right mindset can transform...

In this episode of KravTalk , Tsahi breaks down the essentials of learning self-defense, making it accessible for anyone—no matter your experience or background. Self-defense is more than just physical techniques; it’s about building confidence, awareness, and the mindset to handle challenges both on and off the mat. Drawing from the last article on the KME blog, A Step-by-Step Guide to Learn Self...

In this episode, Tsahi sits down with Dr. Oksana, a Cognitive Psychology expert with a PhD specializing in the mechanisms of hypnosis. With over a decade of experience helping individuals through hypnosis, Dr. Oksana brings a wealth of knowledge on the human mind and its ability to heal and transform. As a Borough of Manhattan Community College professor, she teaches courses in Cognitive Psycholog...

In this episode, Tsahi is hosting Eric Dym. A retired NYPD Lieutenant.   Eric shares his view as a law enforcement officer, handling hate speech and finding the difference between what is legally allowed and what isn't. Enjoy!   Background Eric Dym is a fighter. On the mat, he trains in Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, skills that helped him stay safe during his long career of protecting ot...

In this insightful episode of our podcast,  Tsahi Shemesh welcomes back expert Ron Rotem to delve deep into the origins and societal catalysts of Krav Maga. Exploring the disturbing rise of antisemitism during the 1930s—echoes of which are resurfacing in 2024—and how Imi Lichtenfeld, the founder of Krav Maga, responded to these challenges back in the last century. The discussion will cover the rel...

In this episode, Elad Binenfeld & I discuss how Krav Maga serves as a therapeutic tool. Krav Maga, just as Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) involves managing emotions and reactions to help build resilience and prepare for daily situations. Support the show Thank you for tuning in to this episode. If you enjoyed the conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with ot...

In this episode, Tsahi Shemesh and Ron Rotem, two instructors who know their Krav Maga inside and out, delve into the origins of Krav Maga.  They're here to chat about all things Krav Maga - the stuff everyone knows and the juicy secrets that hardly anyone talks about. We'll dive into how Krav Maga got started, why it became such a big deal, and how it spread all over the globe. But that...

In today's episode, Tsahi Shemesh is being interviewed on a show called "Being Jew-ish" By Rabbi David Z Vaisberg.  T Support the show Thank you for tuning in to this episode. If you enjoyed the conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others who might find it valuable. Stay connected with Tsahi and learn more about upcoming episodes by following on...

We are introducing Part 2 of our self-defense podcast with Elad Binenfeld, a Krav Maga Expert with decades on the mat! In this episode, we'll discuss the difference between violence and self-defense, the three reactions that explain a self-defense mindset, how we teach Krav Maga principles on the mat, and how we aim to meet the needs of many different individuals in a group setting. Support t...

In this episode, I am hosting Kristin, is Krav Maga Instructor who also wears the therapist's hat during regular work hours.    Informed, trained, and licensed to help, she helps people heal on the couch and the mat.  In today's talk, we are discussing the effect of trauma on the body and Why and How training on the mat helps change it. Enjoy Support the show Thank you for tuning in to t...

Do I need to be fit to start?  My fitness isn’t like the rest of the group.  Is that a problem?   The optimal frequency of training?  How many hours do I need to train until I am good? Balancing / importance of fitness, and strength training with Krav, to what degree is it necessary? How to be a good partner   How to overcome the fear of hurting others in practice   Cross training - is it good to...

Today, I am hosting Emily, a martial artist, a human weapon, a college professor, and soon-to-be-called Doctor Fitzgerald.      We discussed the differences between the genders and social expectations in the martial arts world,   as well as what one should expect from training. Enjoy Support the show Thank you for tuning in to this episode. If you enjoyed the conversation, don’t forget to subscrib...

In this episode, I'm talking to Ron, one of the most experienced and intelligent Krav Maga instructors I've ever worked with.   Ron has been training Krav Maga for over 25 years, and he's taught soldiers on the front lines and civilians around the world.    He also holds training camps in Israel for students and instructors, where he shares his amazing experience and advice. In this...

Today, I am honored to host my friend Nimrod again.  It was clear we needed to continue our discussion about our training approaches and personal experiences.    Today, Nimrod and I will discuss his approach to teaching combat warriors with PTSD.  The undeniable bond of the mind-body connection. And the instructor's role in the process of the student’s growth Support the show Thank you for tu...

Elad is an Expert in Krav Maga, a fighter, a coach, a guide, and above all, a father of two amazing children. Elad has decades of experience teaching children of all ages and training children with special needs.  His big heart is the key to his success in this field.  He lives by the quote: “It is better to teach a child than fix a broken man”. In this episode, we discuss his unique approach to t...

I have the honor of hosting my dear friend Nimrod Astel.   Nimrod is a Martial artist - a fighter and commander in one of the IDF's elite undercover units, specializing in counter-terrorism.   Nimrod is a 5th dan black belt in the GOJU RYU karate and Trained generations of martial artists.     You probably watched some of his students in action on Netflix as he trained the fighters of Fauda t...

In this episode, Tsahi Shemesh is hosting Major Sagi Dovev— The head training officer for the IDF's elite commando units.  He specializes in Krav Maga & close combat for special ops.  Sagi is the highest-ranked Krav Maga instructor in the IDF.   He is a highly decorated officer but also a  10-time national Jiu-Jitsu champion, 4-time European champion and a pan-America gold medalist!  Supp...