Dana Ben Kaplan, Lead Instructor:
Dana has been with Krav Maga continuously for over 20 years, training here in San Diego, as well as Los Angeles, other locations in the USA/Canada, throughout Europe, and in Israel (primarily with the International Krav Maga Federation). Rank: Expert 2

Certified Krav Maga Instructor for:
Military
Law Enforcement
Civilians
Children

 

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Benjamin Halcewicz:

Co-Lead Instructor KMSD Poway
Benjamin started training in Shotokan in Paris when he was 5 years old, under the instruction of his father, Thadee Halcewicz, a 6th degree black belt. Thadee was certified as an Instructor by the French government (a national legal requirement to teach martial arts there). 10 years later, at the age of 15, Benjamin started training in boxing to supplement his skills. After also becoming certified by the French government as a Shotokan Instructor, he moved to San Diego at the age of 22 to pursue karate training with Sensei Nishiyama, the highest ranked Shotokan practitioner worldwide, an original student of the founder of the style, Sensei Gichin Funakoshi. Looking for a system that included more weapons defenses and ground skills, and while his father was visiting from France, they both attended a Krav Maga seminar with KMSD taught by Eyal Yanilov. Benjamin and his father were so
impressed with the system that they continued to train, Thadee visiting San Diego for periods of time from France to train. Eventually, together, they
were certified as IKMF Instructors in Paris, attending a course taught by Gabi Noah. Benjamin continues to train as a student (current ranking of
Graduate 1). Benjamin specializes in Private Training, and working with children.

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Nancy Urbina:
Nancy Urbina began her training with Korean martial arts, including Tae Kwon Do and Soo Bahk Do, and in 2003 earned her 1st Degree Black Belt in Soo Bahk Do. However, she also felt a need for simple self-defense techniques, and began training with Krav Maga San Diego in 2002. Enjoying the beauty and traditions of martial arts and the natural instincts and more explosive fighting techniques from Krav Maga, she continued to cross train in both systems until 2006 when she earned her Civilian Instructor's Certification through the International Krav Maga Federation (IKMF). Nancy has trained in Southern California with Eyal Yanilov, and in Montreal, Canada, with Avi Moyal in 2006, and Gabi Noah in 2007, all renowned Krav Maga Instructors. KMSD students joined Nancy for the IKMF Tour and Train in Israel program in Summer 2010.
Nancy specializes in training Women, as well as Private Training with civilians (families, kids, and students of all ages), and continues to train as a student as well; her current rank is Graduate 1.

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Ben Kerr:
KMSD Competition Team Group Supervisor
Ben began training with Krav Maga San Diego in 2005. Ben's Krav Maga training has taken him to various locations in the United States, Europe and Israel. He has completed courses with the International Krav Maga Federation, including the "Tour and Train in Israel" program in Israel in 2005 and the Norway Summercamp in 2008. In August 2010 Ben completed the Civilian Instructor's Course with the International Krav Maga Federation, and presently holds the rank of Graduate 1. He travels worldwide actively training with various Krav Maga Instructors.

 

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Drew Goodwin:
Co-Lead Instructor KMSD Poway
Drew began training in Jeet Kune Do in 1990 while in college in Texas until he moved to San Diego in 1995. He found a group of students to
continue his JKD training at a local YMCA where he stayed until 1998. Still looking for the right school and style to commit to in San Diego, Drew found Krav Maga San Diego at the JCC in 2003 and has since trained at various locations in the US and Europe. Drew was certified as a Krav Maga Instructor by the IKMF in May 2011 and currently holds Graduate 2 ranking. With a passion for studying the consequences of fighting on the ground, Drew also began studying Gracie Jiu Jitsu under Grand Master Rorion Gracie and Master Fabio Santos in 2005. He is currently a Certified Instructor in Gracie Combatives under Grand Master Gracie. Drew is an owner of San Diego Combat Center and is also a Certified CrossFit Level 1 and CrossFit Kids Instructor specializing in strength and conditioning for martial artists and combat athletes, maintaining certification as an Authorized Provider for the Amerian Red Cross to teach CPR/ AED and First Aid. Drew also specializes in working with children.

 

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Steve Weiss:
Steve began training with Krav Maga San Diego in 2003. Prior to that, he trained in Ryukyu Kempo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, as well as wrestling.
Steve has trained in Israel with the International Krav Maga Federation and was chosen to participate in training to become a Krav Maga San Diego Assistant Instructor. He completed the program and was certified in May 2010, and currently holds a Graduate 1 ranking.
He is also a certified CrossFit Level 1 Trainer.

 

 

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