American Krav Maga Radio

This week I am interviewing Avi Abeceedon who is the head and chairman of the Israeli Krav Magen Association (KAMI) and the head of the Martial Arts Department at the Levinsky-Wingate Academic college. My friend Yuri is back to translate and of course continue to help us spread the word of Krav Maga as he has done numerous times in the 11 months, we have been producing this podcast. This one went a little longer than usual, but I think it is worth it,  Avi Abeceedon has been practicing Krav Maga practicing Krav maga since 1978, he is the Head of the Martial Arts Department at the  Levinsky-Wingate Academic College and is also the Head and Chaiman of (KAMI), which is one of if not the largest Krav Maga organization in Israel currently boasting 60 schools and growing. Avi was also part of a documentary called "Fight World: Masters of War" starring Frank Grillo where Krav Maga was the subject of that particular episode.  Yuri Boiarsky has been doing Krav Maga for 40 years and is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Krav Maga through KAMI Krav Maga Association which is the largest Krav Maga association in Isreal. Yuri is an IDF Combat Veteran and is an instructor and the director of international Krav Maga operations at the Levinsky-Wingate Academic College. If you would like to know, more get a hold of us at [email protected]

In 1974 after Imi Sde (Lichtenfeld) 10 years after Imi retired Eyal Yanilov (now the Chief Instructor for Kra Maga Global) began studying Krav Maga under Imi's personal guidance. in the years that Eyal was training he was appointed as Head of the Professional Committee, formed a new curriculum for Krav Maga, was awarded the rank of Master Level 3, was awarded the Founders Diploma of Excellence, and then Imi entrusted Eyal with the task of turning Krav Maga into an integrated, comprehensive, technical and tactical system. In 2010 Eyal along with his trusted team started (KMG) and has been teaching around the world ever since. I had the honor and the pleasure to interview Eyal this past week and I really enjoyed it. I hope you all enjoy it as well. If you want to know more about Eyal is doing, please click on the KMG link KMG - Krav Maga Global. If you would like to get ahold of us you may do so at [email protected].  

As a new school year starts parents like the do every year are sending their kids to college and for the first time these kids are on their own and away from the house they grew up in. Some are equipped to take on the world, and some are not. Either way their safety is a concern. 1 in 5 female and 1 in 16 male college students will experience some form of sexual assault during their college tenure. 80% of these assaults go unreported due to fear of reprisal or embarrassment. 68% of attackers are someone that the person knows. (Sexual Assault On College Campuses: 2026 Verified Stats) Dennis Forleo has a program that he and his wife run for college age students every year at their martial arts school in Billings Montana, it is called "Live Safe".  This program has helped many new and returning college students understand and get through some things that, without this class they may not have been able to see or understand what was happening when the situation presented itself. Dennis runs a martial arts school in Billings, Montana, he holds numerous black belts in different martial arts and holds a 3rd degree black belt in American Krav Maga through USKMA.  [email protected]

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. (https://www.stopbullying.gov/bullying/). Every year there are thousands of kids that are bullied. Bullying even happens in the workplace amongst adults as well. There are three different types of bullying 1) Verbal bullying is saying or writing mean things. 2) Social bullying, sometimes referred to as relational bullying, involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships. 3) Physical bullying involves hurting a person’s body or possessions. There are ways to handle a bully or bullies and that's what Yuri and I talk about in this episode of American Krav Maga Radio. Yuri Boiarsky has been doing Krav Maga for 40 years and is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Krav Maga through KAMI Krav Maga Association which is the largest Krav Maga association in Isreal. Yuri is an IDF Combat Veteran and is an instructor and the director of international Krav Maga operations at the Levinsky-Wingate Academic College. If you would like to know, more get a hold of us at [email protected]

 Nick Yamov a USKMA brown belt practitioner lives in Venice Florida and trains with our own Jeff Liddel out of Krav Maga Defense & Fitness. Nick has been training Krav Maga for seven years (2019 to the present). He grew up in a small village in northern Russia and the only way he and his friends could train in martial arts was to mimic what they saw in martial arts movies starring Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. Recently Nick had the opportunity to go to Israel and train at the Levinsky-Wingate Academic College to participate in the sought-after instructor certification taught at this fine institution. I asked Nick what the best part of the training was, and he said that it was when he was able to reach "A point of humbleness" about himself and his training. If you want to get ahold of us, you can do so at [email protected]

Harry Palmer is a 79-year-old blue belt with Krav Maga of Orange County (Krav Maga OC). Harry joined the Marine Corps. in 1965 and learned the traditional WWII Judo/ Karate hand to hand combat system of the then Marine Corps. that was what Harry was taught in boot camp before going off to Viet Nam. After life in the Marine Corps. Harry dabbled in Kung Fu for a while which didn't seem to appeal to him. in September of 2020 Harry walked into Krav Maga OC for a trial session and was hooked. Oh, I failed to mention Harry was 73 when he started Krav Maga. Harry is now 79 and is a blue belt with Krav Maga OC and is Certified Wingate instructor. He continues to train as much as he can and is also an inspiration to us all. Harry has the Krav Spirit and the tenacity of a Marine to keep going on his Krav journey.  If you want to get ahold of us, you can do so at [email protected]

We have quite a few veterans and first responders who use Krav Maga and other martial arts not only in their jobs or former jobs as the case may be but also as a way to help work things out on a mental level to help get through tough times when they happen. This will be a two-part series talking to veterans and we will have future episodes with some first responders as well. Ben Webdell is former Marine (2004-2013) and has 28 months in a combat zone in both the Iraq and Afghan theaters. Ben has been a USKMA practitioner since 2021 to the present and has achieved the rank of black belt through Krav Elite in Plainfield Illinois. John Vitale is a 20-year veteran of the NYPD where he spent 14 weeks working what was called "the mound" during 9/11. John is also a military veteran where he spent 16 years in the Navy Reserves and 12 years in the Airforce Reserve where he did a combat rotation in Afghanistan in 2007. John has dabbled in the martial arts where he wrestled while in school and then switched to Japanese Goshin Ryu JuJutsu and over the last ten years added Kodakan Judo to his resume where he has attained the rank of brown belt. If you want to get ahold of us at American Krav Maga Radio you can do so at [email protected]

We have quite a few veterans and first responders who use Krav Maga and other martial arts not only in their jobs or former jobs as the case may be but also as a way to help work things out on a mental level to help get through tough times when they happen. This will be a two-part series talking to veterans and we will have future episodes with some first responders as well. Donny Chaney owns and runs 10 Snakes Krav Maga in St. Ignatius Montana, he is a USKMA 2nd degree black belt and a US Army combat Veteran who spent he from 2006 to 2019 on active duty and spent 22 months in combat during his 13 years in service. Donny teaches self-defense on the Flathead Reservation where he supports and works with an organization called Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) which helps families and provides resources to these families in the search of missing indigenous adult relatives. Michael Jozwiak has been the USKMA Chief Training Instructor along with his wife Megan who is the Chief Operations Officer for USKMA since 2024.  He is a 4th degree black belt in USKMA Krav Maga. He spent from 2002 to 2010 on active duty in the US Army and spent 23 months in combat.  Josh Becker is USKMA black belt. Josh spent from 1992 to 2002 in the Illinois National Guard and has been working in law enforcement since 1995. Along with his many other talents Josh also has an Masters in Psychology. If you want to get ahold of us at American Krav Maga Radio you can do so at [email protected]  

Today we talk to Tony Adlesperger from Sheep Dogs Krav Maga in Wascilla Alaska. This school is the northern most Krav Maga school in the USKMA federation. I am pretty sure I heard some reindeer in the background. Tony has been a Krav Maga practitioner for 15 yrs and just recently was promoted to 2nd degree black belt. Tony has been a police officer for 19 years and when given the chance he passes off his knowledge of Krav Maga to his fellow officers. Michael Jozwiack also makes a guest appearance supposedly in Alaska training level 2 instructors but all I saw was pictures of mountains and rivers. If you want to get ahold of us at American Krav Maga Radio, you may do so at [email protected]  

It started off as "Spring Camp", then it was called "Affiliates Weekend", It is now called "KRAV CON". A weekend where Krav Maga practitioners can learn from one another about Krav Maga, business practices that work, or just meet new and exciting people from around the world. This year Krav Con will be in Norwich, Connecticut at 360 Defense 2-4 October 2026 which is run by Charlie McShane who will be hosting Krav Con this year. My Guests on this podcast are Charlie McShane, Will Schneider, Mark Slane, Michael Jozswiak, and Matt Kissel.  Charlie McShane started training in martial arts in early 90's and opened his martial arts school in 2002. He has a black belt in BJJ from Marcio Stambowsky and a 2nd degree black belt in American Krav Maga from Mark Slane. His school is called 360 Defense which has four locations in Connecticut. Will Schneider USKMA Practitioner and affiliate out of Richmond Kentucky has been studying martial arts since he was five years old (38 years). He is one of the original USKMA affiliates along with being a USKMA 5th degree black belt. Mark Slane is the founder of USKMA started Krav Maga 1999 and was one of the first American of Non-Israeli descent. Mark has written 6 books ranging from Krav Maga to Weapons Defenses. Mark holds a 5th Degree Black Belt USKMA, 4th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. Mark is also a retired Fire Fighter/Paramedic and has made it his life's work to teach people how to be safe. Michael Jozwiak who is a 4th degree black belt and Chief Instructor for USKMA. He and his wife Megan run USKMA together and teach at their school in Bowlingbrook IL. Matt Kissel is a recently retired police Lt. of 30 yrs. from Gahanna, Ohio. Matt holds a 4th Degree Black Belt under USKMA and volunteers his time teaching weapons defenses at Buckeye Krav Maga in Gahanna. Matt holds a Law Enforcement Instructor Certification with Worldwide, an ASP Instructor Course Certification and the Defensive Tactics Instructor Course Certification through the Ohio Police Training Academy. If you would like to get ahold of us, you can do so at [email protected]    

Mindset. What is it? What does it mean? What do people do when someone grabs their arm? How does one handle day to day stress? My friend Yuri Boiarsky and I go over MINDSET and how it applies to Krav Maga practitioners and to people in everyday life. Yuri Boiarsky has been doing Krav Maga for 40 years and is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Krav Maga through KAMI Krav Maga Association which is the largest Krav Maga association in Isreal. Yuri is an IDF Combat Veteran and is an instructor and the director of international Krav Maga operations at the Levinsky-Wingate Academic College.  James Mahurin, a retired Green Beret who, 5 years before retirement, found American Krav Maga and the United States Krav Maga Association (USKMA). he has attained a 3rd degree black belt through USKMA. a brown belt in Shio Karano Ryu Ju Jitsu and is the Muay Thai Champion of Northern Afghanistan by default.  If you would like to get ahold of us, please do so [email protected]

I had the chance to help run a USKMA Level 5 (Brown Belt) test and blackbelt train up. At the end of Day 3, I sat down with the three Brown belt candidates and talked to them about what the weekend was like and what it means to them to test for brown belt. If you would like to get a hold of us, feel free to send us an email at [email protected]

Our first episode will introduce you to your host, James Mahurin, and the founder of the United States Krav Maga Association (USKMA), Mark Slane. Mark and James will talk about American Krav Maga and how it came to be. James owns a small school in North Carolina and has earned a 2nd-degree black belt with USKMA. If you want to get a hold of us, please email us [email protected]

In this podcast Matt Kissel and I talk about self-defense and when self-defense could become assault. This is actually the first time I have had someone tell me, "In order to defend yourself, you have to assault someone." Huh?  Matt Kissel is a recently retired police Lt. of 30 yrs. from Gahanna, Ohio. Matt holds a 4th Degree Black Belt under USKMA and volunteers his time teaching weapons defenses at Buckeye Krav Maga in Gahanna. Matt holds a Law Enforcement Instructor Certification with Worldwide, an ASP Instructor Course Certification and the Defensive Tactics Instructor Course Certification through the Ohio Police Training Academy. If you have questions for either Matt or myself, you can reach us at [email protected] 

Kayla Stomberg is a 360 Defense owner and operator in Middletown Connecticut. She has been studying martial arts since the age of 4 and has the martial arts pedigree to prove it. Kayala was just recently promoted to 5 Degree blackbelt under 360 Defense Hybrid System, and 1st Degree black belt in USKMA. Kayla also holds a black belt in Tang Soo Do. If you are in Middletown CT and would like to contact Kayala, you can do so at [email protected] Leslie Dunaway is a mother of three who started Krav Maga with USKMA in 2015. This mother of three currently holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt with USKMA and is the Lead Women's Self Defense and Kids Krav Maga Instructor for Shepard-Warrior Martial Arts. In Billings, Montana. If you want to get ahold Leslie, you may do so at, [email protected]  If you want to get ahold of us, you may do so at [email protected]

Kayla Stomberg is a 360 Defense owner and operator in Middletown Connecticut. She has been studying martial arts since the age of 4 and has the martial arts pedigree to prove it. Kayala was just recently promoted to 5 Degree blackbelt under 360 Defense Hybrid System, and 1st Degree black belt in USKMA. Kayla also holds a black belt in Tang Soo Do. Kayala brought on a special guest whom you will hear during her interview. He had some interesting things to say. If you are in Middletown CT and would like to contact Kayala you can do so at 360defensemiddletown.com. If you would like to get ahold of us at American Krav Maga Radio, you can do so at [email protected].  

Mark Slane is the founder of USKMA started Krav Maga 1999 and was one of the first American of Non-Israeli descent. Mark has written 6 books ranging from Krav Maga to Weapons Defenses. Mark holds a 5th Degree Black Belt USKMA, 4th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. Mark is also a retired Fire Fighter/Paramedic and has made it his life's work to teach people how to be safe. Mark has been a great friend and instructor over the years to all of the American Krava Maga practitioners. Matt Kissel is a recently retired police Lt. of 30 yrs. from Gahanna, Ohio. Matt holds a 4th Degree Black Belt under USKMA and volunteers his time teaching weapons defenses at Buckeye Krav Maga in Gahanna. Matt holds a Law Enforcement Instructor Certification with Worldwide, an ASP Instructor Course Certification and the Defensive Tactics Instructor Course Certification through the Ohio Police Training Academy.

Josh Hesser owns and operates a 360 Defense school out of Colchester Connecticut. Josh holds is a 1st degree black belt under USKMA, a 3rd degree black belt in Tang Soo Do and a BJJ practitioner. [email protected].   

Jack Gabalski is the owner and operator of Buckeye Self-defense in Gahana Ohio. Along with being a successful real estate agent Jack holds a 2nd Kyu in Shotokan Karate and a 2nd degree black belt in American Krav Maga (USKMA). If you would like to get ahold of us at you can do so at [email protected]

Ron Rotem is one of the foremost experts on Krav Maga history and we here at American Radio were fortunate enough to be able interview him. Ron holds a 6th degree black belt in Krav Maga and is the head instructor at the Israeli Krav Maga Institute along with being a Wingate Instructor along with being the former head of Krav Maga for the IDF and the Israeli Prison System. Make sure that after you listen to Rons interview you get on Face Book and follow his Krav Maga History page. If you would like to get ahold of us at American Krav Maga Radio, you can do so at [email protected] 

Jeff "Don't Hire Me to Be Your IT Guy" Liddle is a American Krav Maga (USKMA) 3rd degree Black Belt. Jeff started Krav Maga in 2012 at 270 lbs. at the Florida Fit Factory. He has worked with instructors in USKMA like our founder Mark Slane, Alexis and Juan Acosta, Will Schneider, Mike Jozwiak just to name a few. Jeff now co-owner and instructor at Defense & Fitness in North Venice, Florida. Don't forget Krav Con October 2-4, 2026, in Connecticut at 360 Self-defense. [email protected]

Donny Chaney owns and runs 10 Snakes Krav Maga in St. Ignatius Montana, he is a USKMA black belt and an Army combat Veteran. Donny teaches self-defense on the Flathead Reservation where he supports and works with an organization called Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) which helps families and provides resources to these families in the search of missing indigenous adult relatives. [email protected]

Yuri Boiarsky has been doing Krav Maga for 40 years and is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Krav Maga through KAMI Krav Maga Association which is the largest Krav Maga association in Isreal. Yuri is an IDF Combat Veteran and is an instructor and the director of international Krav Maga operations at the Levinsky-Wingate Academic College.  [email protected]

Tony Matias a USKMA 2nd degree black belt and runs Conquer Self Defense in Brentwood New Hampshire. Tony started training, in Martial arts when he was 9 years old. Started boxing at the age of 14 with two of his friends Derek and Jeff and in the mid 90’s fought Golden Gloves before joining the Army. After getting out of the Army while working in Paraguay Tony was introduced to Krav Maga by some Israeli body guards and was hooked. While living in Redondo Beach California, Tony learned and trained with Brian Rauchbach learning as much Krav Maga as he could. In 2013 Tony met Mark Slane the Head of USKMA (American Krav Maga)where he became a USKMA instructor and earned his black belt in American Krav Maga. If you want to get ahold of as American Krav Maga Radio you can do so by emailing us at [email protected]   

Dutch Hemker is a Navy veteran and Krav Maga Black belt. He has studied many different martial arts but like the rest of us found Krav Maga. Dutch is the first Krav Maga practitioner I have had on the podcast outside of the USKMA federation and has been a longtime friend of mine. [email protected]

Charlie McShane started training in martial arts in early 90's and opened his martial arts school in 2002. He has a black belt in BJJ from Marcio Stambowsky and a 2nd degree black belt in American Krav Maga from Mark Slane. His school is called 360 Defense which has four locations in Connecticut. He also has a Golden Girls Tattoo. If you want to reach us, email us at [email protected]

Megan and Michael Jozwiak are USKMA Black belts and the new owners of USKMA. They have been studying American Krav Maga since 2013. Michael is a US Army Combat Veteran and Megan along with raising their two kids run the Krav gym and National training center in Boilingbrook Il together. If you have questions for us, please get a hold of us at [email protected]

 Will Schneider USKMA Practitioner and affiliate out of Richmond Kentucky has been studying martial arts since he was five years old (38 years). He is one of the original USKMA affiliates along with being a USKMA 5th degree black belt. Will has studied a plethora of martial arts and his experience in these arts helps him to coach, teach and mentor the rest of us as Krav Maga practitioners and school owners.

Kurtis Hall has been studying American Krav Maga for 11 years and has been teaching in Pinehurst, North Carolina for the last 6 years. This Idaho native and former law enforcement officer has a 2nd degree black belt in Okinawan Karate and a 1st degree black belt in American Krav Maga.

Mark Slane talks to American Krav Maga (USKMA) practitioner James Mahurin. James and his wife run a small gym and martial arts school in Raeford, North Carolina. James holds a 2nd-degree black belt from USKMA, a black belt in Jeet Kune Do, is a 1st Kyu in Japanese Ju Jitsu (Shiho Karano Ryu), and is the Muay Thai Champion of Northern Afghanistan by default. James and Mark will discuss American Krav Maga, James's 31-year military career and how American Krav Maga compares to traditional martial arts, and other self-defense systems.  [email protected]

In this episode, I talk to Dennis Forleo. Dennis runs a martial arts school in Billings, Montana, he holds numerous black belts in different martial arts and holds a 3rd degree black belt in American Krav Maga through USKMA. Dennis and I will talk about American Krav Maga and how he got into it. Along with how it compares to different Krav Maga styles, other Martial arts, and self-defense systems. [email protected]