Protect yourself.
Defend others.

Coach Ben is a Krav Maga Israel Black Belt and Level 3 Coach who has trained directly under KMDI founder Ron Engelman since arriving in Australia in 2014, earning his Black Belt in 2024.

His coaching is grounded in 16 years of military service, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy and completed multiple deployments across Africa and the Middle East. His experience spanned maritime security; Visit, Board, Search and Seizure operations (VBSS); operations-centre supervision; and multinational coordination in support of U.S. embassies. Most applicable to his role as a Krav Maga coach, Ben served as a VBSS Boarding Officer and Non-Lethal Weapons Instructor aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin, where he certified all shipboard security personnel in non-lethal tactics and reasonable use of force before deployment to Iraq.

Since 2015, Ben has built a career in private security, specialising in security risk management, security systems engineering, and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. He also spent a year working frontline security at a prominent Sydney venue, where he became known for remaining calm under pressure, repeatedly de-escalating confrontations and helping reduce physical assaults.

Ben teaches adults from complete beginners through to advanced students, children from three years old, teens, instructors, security personnel and women-only programs. His specialist areas include instructor development, anti-bullying, trauma-informed training and reasonable use of force. He has led self-defence workshops for as many as 215 participants at one time.

His wider martial arts background includes Kenpo Karate competition as a teenager, followed by boxing, Karate and Taekwondo at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Outside Krav Maga, he continues to train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, boxing and Muay Thai.

More than anything, Ben is known for his mentorship, practical wisdom and ability to develop capable, resilient people—not simply better fighters.

Alan is the Lead Instructor at Krav Maga Northern Beaches and KMDI’s most experienced coach. Originally from England, he began training in his early teens and has dedicated more than 20 years exclusively to Krav Maga, earning the advanced rank of Expert 1. A qualified General Instructor and Kids Instructor through Krav Maga Global, Alan brings exceptional technical depth, infectious enthusiasm and unmistakable energy to every class. He is equally skilled at commanding a packed training floor, developing children through purposeful games, and delivering focused private coaching. Beyond teaching, Alan oversees student progression, monthly gradings and the development of KMDI’s assistant instructors. His experience is immense—but it is his passion for helping every student improve that truly defines him.

Giacomo is a Brown Belt under Ron Engelman, and he is the most experienced instructor of the Surry Hills coaching team, having trained there since 2016. Originally from Italy, he brings unmistakable passion, energy and heart to everything he does—whether he is teaching on the mats or managing the gym’s day-to-day operations as Operations Manager and 2IC. Giacomo cares deeply about his students and takes genuine pride in helping each person grow in skill, confidence and resilience. His classes combine high standards with warmth, encouragement and a love of Krav Maga that is impossible to miss. More than an instructor, Giacomo is one of the people who gives KMDI Surry Hills its character, community and soul.

Tegan is a Level 2 Krav Maga instructor whose journey began in 2008 and reignited when she joined KMDI in 2023. Raised in country Victoria with brothers—and a dad who taught her how to throw a solid punch—she brings grit, warmth and infectious energy to the mats. Tegan is especially passionate about empowering women to become stronger, more confident and better prepared to protect themselves. Whether developing her skills alongside her husband, Ryan, or guiding students through their own journey, she leads with dedication, humour and heart.

Ryan is a Level 1 instructor who began training alongside his wife, Tegan, in 2023 after attending one of Ron Engelman’s workshops. A lifelong believer in the lessons sport teaches—discipline, teamwork, commitment and character—he found that Krav Maga challenged him physically while building confidence in every area of his life. Ryan loves that on the mats, everyone is equal: whether it’s Day 1 or Day 10,001, every student is welcomed, respected and encouraged. As an instructor, he takes genuine pride in helping others discover their strength and watching their confidence grow. His advice? Make today your Day 1—not “one day.”

Margarita is a Level 2 instructor who has trained in Krav Maga since 2014. Known for her high energy, infectious sense of fun and genuine encouragement, she has a gift for making every student feel seen, supported and capable. A personal trainer since 2011 and massage therapist since 2019, Margarita also runs a bodywork practice for combat athletes, specialising in sports massage, trigger-point therapy, cupping, assisted stretching, and strength and conditioning. With qualifications in training and assessment and first aid, she brings a deep understanding of movement, recovery and performance to every class—helping people train harder, move better and enjoy the journey.

Jorge is a Level 2 instructor who has trained in Krav Maga since 2018. A seasoned hospitality leader with experience across Mexico, Dubai and Sydney, he knows how to bring people together and help them perform at their best. On the mats, Jorge is pure positive energy—always smiling, always laughing and genuinely delighted to see every student who walks through the door. He combines high standards with warmth and fun, creating classes where people train hard, feel welcome and leave stronger than they arrived.

Shahmar is a Level 1 instructor who began training Krav Maga in 2022, drawn to its simplicity, efficiency and real-world effectiveness. Of Malaysian and Filipino heritage, he brings experience in Silat, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing and kickboxing—and an endless appetite for discussing, testing and refining technique. Known on the mats as “Hollywood,” Shahmar has a huge, dynamic presence: always laughing, experimenting and making training fun. An assistant chef by trade, he’s also handy with knives—mostly when vegetables are involved. His philosophy is simple: keep moving, explore your options and flow rather than freeze.