Matan Gavish: Founder and Chief Instructor

Matan Gavish is a former Krav Maga officer for a special-ops unit in the Israeli Defense Forces in charge of training Krav Maga, Close Combat, and Counter Terrorism to hundreds of Special Ops soldiers. Matan has trained US Navy Seals, US Army Rangers and is actively working with NYPD Tactical Training Unit in design, practice and implementation of Krav Maga to the New York Police Academy (See certificate of appreciation).

Matan has been featured as an expert in various media channels including the British BBC, Shape Magazine, New York Times, Woman’s Day, Washington Post, The Inquisitr, Russian NRS and Player Magazine. With over 15 years of military, law enforcement and civilian training experience in the US and around the globe, Matan Gavish has a solid reputation of being one of the leading Krav Maga experts in the world. In additions to Krav Maga, Matan holds 8 fitness certificates and has a BA from Columbia University in NYC.

Nadaav C:

Born and Raised in Tel Aviv, Nadaav joined Krav Maga Academy after a successful military training career. Nadaav was the Chief Krav Maga Instructor in the Wingate Institute, the only school that certifies Military Krav Maga Instructors for all branches of the Israeli Defense Forces, as well as Chief Krav Maga Instructor for Shayetet 13 –The Israeli Navy SEALS – one of the world’s top Special Forces units. In addition to Krav Maga Nadaav is an avid Muay Thai practitioner and have trained both in Israel and in Thailand.

Omry Bat:

Omry is a 5 year veteran fighter of Shayetet 13 Marine Commandos, The Israeli Navy SEALS, with immense operational experience in the land, air and sea. Omry graduated top of his class from Israel’s Counter Terrorism School as well as from Israel’s Internal Security Agency. Omry represented Shaytet 13 in the Israeli Defense Forces Krav Maga Championship for 3 years in a row and won 1st place in 2007. In addition to Krav Maga Omry is an avid boxer. He received his Krav Maga instructor ranks under Chief Instructor Matan Gavish after 2 years with KMA.

Plinio Cruz:

Pro MMA fighter for M1 and 2 Times World Champion, Plinio is spearheading the academy’s MMA training program. Born and Raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil Plinio is an active fighter who trains daily under the guidance of Pride veteran Jorge Macaco, world class Muay Thai/MMA fighter Chute Boxer Luis Azeredo and Chief Instructor Matan Gavish. Plinio fights regularly against top UFC fighters in Brazil, USA and Russia.

Main Titles:

• Ultimate Combat Grand Prix 2008 Light-Heavyweight Belt
• 2x Naga World Champion 2010/2011 Experts Gi/No Gi
• 2x Grapplers Quest East coast champion 2010 expert
• 3x International BJJ champion – Sao Paulo – Brazil
• 3x Sao Paulo state Champion

Niv Z:

Burn fat, tone up and build your own perfect body with a trainer who walks-the-walk. Heading the Academy’s Combat Conditioning and Personal Fitness Training programs, Niv is a core strength, nutrition and conditioning expert. His energy packed teaching style challenges and motivates his clients to transform their physique as well improve their health and athletic performance.
 

Matan and the team have worked with some of the most elite units in the world including: