Moni, you have been rapidly expanding Commando Krav Maga all over the world. How many CKM Instructors do you have?

Presently, we have over 250 Commando Krav Maga Instructors in over 22 countries worldwide and are still growing at a rapid rate. We are one of the fastest growing reality-based systems in the world. We've accomplished these staggering numbers within four years since I released CKM to the public. I'm happy to say that the growth has exceeded my expectations and we plan on continuing this forward momentum.

World-renowned reality-based instructor Jim Wagner, who recently visited Australia, gives you a good rap on your web site. What is his connection with you and where did you meet?

We met over in Israel when Jim came over for some training. Since that time, we've become good friends and have mutual professional respect for one another.

There seems to be a lot of in-fighting and politicking between various Krav Maga organisations. In your opinion, why is that?

Before I answer, I want to ask you, “How many martial artists does it take to screw in a light bulb?” The answer is ONE because the rest are all arguing about who's qualified.

Success breeds jealousy. If you look at some of the most successful people or organisations in the world, there are always people fighting against them or trying to bad-mouth them. It's a tactic that people turn to when they don't know what else to do. CKM has experienced tremendous success in the last few years with many quality instructors that have joined our organisation because they see value. Although other organizations may resort to dirty tactics, I always emphasize to the CKM community that we never want to put any other system down. Instead, we should focus our energy in our training and progression.

For the Australian and New Zealand readers who may not know you as well as they do elsewhere in the world, please give the readers a brief background about your martial arts history and military history? You started in judo and jujitsu, is that correct?

Yes, I started training in judo and jujitsu at the age of eight and was the National Israeli Champion seven times. I later served in one of the most elite commando units in Israel. Upon leaving the military, I opened a martial arts school and had some extremely successful students who became European champions, Olympic Champions, Shooto Champions and UFC Champions.

Being that CKM is very much aimed at survival in real situations, and MMA by contrast is a combat sport with rules and thus quite different techniques and approaches, what sort of things do you teach sport-fighters?

Due to the explosive growth of Commando Krav Maga, my focus is primarily on reality based systems and not so much on sport based systems at the moment. However, at the time when I was coaching combat sports, I pushed my athletes to be technically sound and mentally strong instead of having to rely solely on their physical strength. I put them through some extremely gruelling workouts to push them beyond their mental and physical barriers. I challenged them to be complete fighters and to extend beyond their perceived limitations.

We hear that you were a surviving Commando from the 1973 Yom Kippur war in the Middle East. How was that significant in the formation of Commando Krav Maga?

In order to survive, I needed to be innovative, adaptable and mentally tough. The war made me think outside the box, which is one of the significant underlying concepts in Commando Krav Maga. In CKM, we can't just accept everything the way it is. The tactics and techniques must be tested with non-co-operative opponents. We encourage CKM practitioners to question techniques that they are unsure of and to present the ‘what ifs'. In CKM, practitioners undergo pressure and stress tests that are unique to us.

Can you give some examples of what these tests entail?

In Commando Krav Maga, we emphasize practitioners to expect the unexpected. In the street, all confrontations are unpredictable. Unlike tournaments, there are no rules and no referee stoppages. Attacks are random and there is no preset knowledge on what will happen. During CKM pressure drills, we try to simulate street attacks as realistically as possible but in a safe enough environment. Practitioners are attacked at random from various multiple attackers. These attacks may involve gun, knives, grappling, striking, chairs, etc. For added reality, practice may take place without lights, loud noises, clutter all over the ground or even outdoors. Training knives marked with red paint can simulate cuts and slashes. We want CKM practitioners to be as prepared as possible for any type of attack scenario.

What will be involved in the CKM ‘boot camps' you'll be conducting in Australia and New Zealand in November?

We teach the most evolved tactics and techniques during the boot camps. Participants must undergo intensive training that will challenge them both mentally and physically. They are presented with the CKM curriculum for their appropriate level(s) with a detailed explanation and are put through rigorous practice sessions. Many innovative drills are also presented which will enhance their training and teaching experience. Essentially, the participants are given the necessary tools to survive a confrontation.

We have been asked by our readers about Instructors being certified in 3 to 4 days. How is that possible?

During the course, participants are presented with all the tactics and techniques for their levels. This material is considered to be their “homework” that they will need to work on over the next year. They are tested at the end of the course to show that they understand the concepts, principles, tactics and techniques for their appropriate level. After the course, they are responsible to keep up their training so that they do not forget the CKM techniques.

It's often said that knowledge is power, and for this reason the anti-terrorist tactics and training undertaken at military and law-enforcement academies are generally kept closely guarded from the public. What about these courses, which include civilians? Could material that you teach to military and law-enforcement as the basis for their procedures be potentially exposed to undesirable elements through such courses, or are participants carefully vetted?

I personally screen and interview all applicants to the best of my ability. We may also conduct criminal background checks (as noted on the application and agreement forms). I have had to refuse applicants and also remove applicants whose character was questionable. That being said, most applicants are decent and honest individuals with the desire to better their knowledge in reality based systems with the purpose of bringing self protection skills to their community.

In addition, any specialized content that I teach to the military is not revealed in CKM instructor courses for the general public. All sensitive and privileged tactics and techniques are kept in strict confidence. However, the mind set and ability to execute under stress is emphasized in any curriculum I teach for military and civilians.

Moni, what is your personal vision for Commando Krav Maga?

To take the world by storm. I love what I do, believe in what I teach and want to make a difference in the lives of everyone that is involved in CKM.

We noticed that you are now starting to offer CKM for Law Enforcement courses in the USA, Canada and the UK. Will this also be available in Australia and New Zealand? If so, how do you think it will be received?

We conducted some very successful law-enforcement seminars in the United States. The amount of positive feedback we received was tremendous. Most recently, we conducted a Law Enforcement seminar in Florida where we received the highest feedback score. This meant a lot, especially because of some of the other well-know combatives instructors that presented seminars there. Due to popular demand, we developed the CKM for Law Enforcement Instructor Certification courses which will launch at the end of 2008. I do see it eventually reaching Australia and New Zealand, and I believe it will be well received.

How does Commando Krav Maga fit in with other martial arts systems? Does CKM clash with existing martial arts systems?

Commando Krav Maga is not a traditional martial art nor is it a sport-based martial art. Instead, CKM is a reality based system designed for street survival. There are no tournaments, patterns or belts. None of the techniques are flashy or complex. Everything in CKM is geared towards simplistic moves that can be utilized under extreme pressure. Many traditional martial arts instructors are adding CKM to their existing programs which, for their members, have added value in their clubs.

What makes Commando Krav Maga different from the other Krav Maga systems? Aren't they all the same just different names?

CKM is a constantly evolving system led by trial and error. In CKM, we do not focus on techniques born in the 50s but instead, strive to make enhancements so that the system is modern. The techniques are simple and effective so that they may be performed under stress. More importantly, we do not believe in punishing attackers. The main concept is to disengage as quickly as possible. In a confrontation, we engage only if we must, create maximal damage as quickly as possible so that we may disengage and get home alive. 

Moni, you have a very busy global schedule and a very impressive work ethic. Is there anything in particular that you would like to say to the Australian and New Zealand reading audience, or to anyone contemplating joining Commando Krav Maga or completing the November boot camps this year?

I look forward to seeing all of you in the South Pacific. If you are thinking about the CKM course, just do it! It will change your life.

How would you describe your teaching style? Do you bring that military drill instructor element to it, or do you teach civilians and military/LE personnel with a different approach?

I am a very approachable instructor and believe in two way communications. When teaching the CKM Instructor course/Intensive Boot Camp, I don't take the drill sergeant approach. Instead, I want participants to raise questions so that they can enhance their knowledge. I believe that patience and care is important so that I can produce quality CKM instructors for the future. I want my CKM instructors to be respectful of their students and for their students to get the best quality instruction from the system. What I do believe in is trying to push people to the best of their abilities…and a little further beyond.

How is the first generation of CKM Instructors doing from your Nov 07 boot camp?

My first generation CKM Instructors are doing excellent! I am extremely pleased with all the hard work and effort that my CKM Director for Australia, Mr. Graham Healy, is doing. I predict that we will have huge growth in the South Pacific over this next year.