Marc Edward-Smith is the Chief Instructor at Ultra Krav Maga and an Affiliate Instructor of ID Krav Maga. Born and bred in London, Marc was raised by his mother alongside his younger sister. From a young age, he was passionate about sports, especially football, judo, and boxing. Though smaller in stature, Marc developed a fierce attitude and resilience, often underestimated but never backing down—earning him a reputation for fighting "like a honey badger." Alongside his athletic interests, Marc also had a deep love for art and design, which led him to pursue a career in Graphic Design, eventually becoming a Creative Director. Marc’s path to Krav Maga began in 2006 after the tragic loss of a family member who was killed in a knife attack by her abusive partner. This traumatic event was a turning point, motivating Marc to commit his life to learning how to protect those he loves. After extensive research, he chose Krav Maga for its reputation as one of the most effective and practical self-defense systems. He began training intensively in 2007 and progressed through all practitioner and graduate levels Marc has since continued his journey, studying within many different organizations, refining his technique and broadening his instructional knowledge. In 2012, disillusioned by commercialized training environments, he opened his own school with a mission to prioritize student progress over profit. That school evolved into Ultra Krav Maga, founded on realism, integrity, and high-quality instruction. Since 2010, Marc has been teaching Krav Maga 4–5 times per week and has also coached football for over 20 years. Ultra Krav Maga offers a range of classes including Adults, Family, Women-Only, and Juniors, catering to all genders and including students with special needs. Marc also trains members of UK law enforcement, including Thames Valley Police and the Metropolitan Police firearms units, as well as military personnel from various branches of the British Armed Forces. For their privacy and security, he does not disclose specific unit names. Training includes civilian self-defense, military Krav Maga, and weapons-based combat, including firearms handling. His international experience includes training in Poland, Scotland, Wales, and the United States, with additional certifications in knife and firearms defense. He stopped formal grading after founding Ultra Krav Maga, having reached Expert level, which he later validated under ID Krav Maga. Outside of Krav Maga, Marc is a devoted animal lover and shares his home with three dogs, a corn snake named Mr. Meseeks, and a mini tortoise named Rocco. He’s a passionate Chelsea FC supporter and also follows the New York Knicks and Rangers. A motorcycle enthusiast, Marc enjoys riding both his bikes whenever possible. He’s also a dedicated sports fan and a proud Star Wars geek. www.ultra-kravmaga.com

The Federation of Israeli Martial Arts (FIMA) is an international organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Israeli martial systems. Founded to unite instructors and schools connected to Israel’s unique approach to self-defense, FIMA has become a global network of martial artists committed to excellence, authenticity, and ethical instruction. More than just an alliance, FIMA represents a shared philosophy—one that values professionalism, mutual respect, and real-world effectiveness above all. ID Krav Maga is a proud associate of FIMA, actively participating in international seminars, instructor forums, and leadership initiatives. This collaboration reflects a deep alignment in values: a belief in building strong communities through knowledge sharing, raising the standards of instruction, and maintaining the essence of Krav Maga as a practical, adaptable system. Through FIMA, ID Krav Maga strengthens its global presence while remaining true to its roots—ensuring that the next generation of instructors is equipped not just with techniques, but with the responsibility and vision to carry them forward. www.thefima.com

Based between Los Angeles, California and Green Bay, Wisconsin, Don Hays is a retired firefighter and paramedic with firsthand experience in high-risk, real-world confrontations. From breaking up fist fights to responding to stabbings and multi-victim shootings, Don’s career on the front lines shaped his understanding of violence—and his drive to master practical self-defense. After reading about Krav Maga in the early 1990s, Don began training in 1995 and steadily advanced through the ranks, earning his Expert 1 certification in 2015. Over the decades, he has trained and tested in multiple countries including Israel, USA, Australia, Serbia, Norway, England, Belgium, and the Czech Republic. His international experience includes specialized instructor certifications in Law Enforcement, Combat Fighters (CFIC), Third-Party Protection (CCP), Women’s Self Defense, Mental Conditioning, Transportation Safety, and Instructor Conversion Courses. Formerly a co-owner of Krav Maga Unyted in Los Angeles, Don has taught both foundational classes and specialized seminars. He is particularly committed to training first responders—having developed direct-response self-defense programs for firefighters following a wave of violent incidents targeting emergency personnel. Don's teaching reflects a career dedicated to realism, readiness, and responsibility. His students benefit not only from his extensive Krav Maga credentials but also from decades of professional experience under pressure. Outside of Krav Maga, Don’s interests are as dynamic as his career: he’s passionate about travel, American football, target shooting and gunsmithing, SCUBA diving, kayaking, swimming, motorcycle touring, camping, gardening, cooking, and exploring earth sciences. A rock and roll concert or a live stage show is never far from his list either. donhays286@gmail.com ‪+1-818-554-7349

Born and raised in Tel Aviv, Israel, Nadav Karabaci has lived and breathed sports and martial arts since childhood. From soccer and karate to swimming and basketball, his energy and discipline laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong dedication to self-defense and combat training. Nadav began his Krav Maga journey in 2004 while serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). After completing the Combat Fitness Instructor Course, he joined the elite Yahalom Unit and soon distinguished himself by graduating with honors from the IDF’s official Krav Maga Instructor Course at the Wingate Institute. He went on to lead seven Krav Maga instructor certification courses within the military, playing a key role in shaping the next generation of IDF instructors. Between 2008 and 2010, Nadav was appointed Chief Krav Maga Instructor for Shayetet 13, Israel’s renowned Navy SEAL unit. There, he oversaw all Krav Maga training programs, developed the unit’s combat doctrine, and led specialized workshops—including a 2009 training with U.S. Navy SEAL Team 8—solidifying his reputation as a leader in tactical self-defense training. In 2010, Nadav moved to New York City, where he spent a decade teaching thousands of students—from everyday New Yorkers seeking real-world self-defense skills to elite professionals in law enforcement and the military. Since 2020, Nadav has been based in Miami, continuing to share his passion and expertise through ID Krav Maga. A veteran instructor with over 20 years of experience, his approach combines military-grade Krav Maga with a deep respect for his students’ individual journeys, empowering them through practical training and personal growth. Outside the gym, Nadav is an avid kickboxing and Muay Thai practitioner, a kettlebell training enthusiast, and a nature lover who enjoys hiking and playing soccer. But above all, he’s a devoted family man who lives in Miami with his wife Marcela and their two beloved boys, Zion and Noah.