One of the things that makes Krav Maga so great is it’s ability as a training system to fit into such a variety of settings. From formal traditional dojos to informal meeting places, Krav Maga teaches adults, teens and even children an incredible Martial Art. The topics I’d like to share with you today is protocol and professionalism and how it relates not only to your goals in developing an incredible business but more importantly, how it relates to the goals and expectations of your students.

Krav Maga is a martial art, martial meaning military. When in the military there are certain expectation as to the way you act and behave. All of these expectations are rooted in the bases of respect and discipline.   These patterns of respect and discipline overtime have become an integral part of every martial art.

5 reasons we need to have a martial arts protocol in place.

1. It provides students with an authentic martial arts experience.
   • Students that seek out a martial arts experience are looking for a positive environment that promotes respect and discipline in which to train.
2. It provides an atmosphere of respect and dignity where they feel appreciated, safe and valued.
3. By treating people with proper protocol, you teach people how YOU would like to (and expect to) be treated.
4. When we use proper protocol we are teaching our students how to act and behave in a martial arts school.
   • We don’t want people whether kids or adults treating the school or dojo like a gym or playground where kids are running around out of control or adult conversations get loud or crude and inappropriate.
5. Having a protocol in place makes teaching easier.
   • How much easier would it be that when you walked on deck your students assumed their position on the mat and met you with a level of enthusiasm.
   • When students follow protocol and respect you they do a better job of listening to you and following your instruction.

Next month, I will show you how to make this happen!

WRITTEN BY PAUL GARCIA (America's Best Defense)

Trial By Firearms 2015 is in the books! Three days of training that included a little advanced Krav Maga taught by John Whitman, then two day of firearms training and tactics, force on force training, active shooter training, combat trauma care, all taught by current operators who are some of the best in the business.

Thanks to Donavin Britt for hosting the Krav Maga training and SureFire Institute for letting us use their amazing facility. Special thanks go to Jeremy Stafford, Tee Johnson, Dustin and Jason from two local SWAT teams. You really should have been there.

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KMA Force & Krav Maga Alliance

Check out some Pictures from Trial By Firearms 2015:

Big congratulations to Nicola Provolo of Krav Maga Verona, on placing 1st in T1 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Cup!!

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If you're going to RevGear University in Boston on October 1 & 2, 2015, be sure to check out Krav Maga Alliance's very own John Whitman's StrikeFit® Certification.

Feel free to sign-up and take the course while you're there!

Sign-up for RevGear University Boston by clicking here:
http://revgearuniversity.com/product/strikefit-certification-boston/

StrikeFit® is an exclusive heavy bag workout developed by John Whitman, owner of Alliance Training Center. This high energy kickboxing program isn't just "cardio kickboxing." StrikeFit® is an all-around workout that includes heavy bag and pad work combined with everything from kettlebells to medicine balls and plyometrics to wind sprints.

The StrikeFit® Certification will teach you how to put strike combinations together properly, get students motivated and most of all, have fun and get fit. Whether your students are pro athletes or beginners, all skill levels can participate and benefit from this all around workout. Students will leave the class drenched in sweat, feeling pushed to the limits but wanting more!

We had 5 great people come out for a recent Level 3 Instructor Certification. The group was smaller than usual, but their energy and abilities more than made up for it! (more…)

We held a StrikeFit® certification hosted by Ryan Hardy and Self Defense Texas in Austin. It was a huge success. Thanks and congratulations to all the participants!

StrikeFit® is our exclusive, successful fitness program that is easy to incorporate into your school. It's a perfect supplement to Krav Maga or other martial arts programs.

Italia Krav Maga has 11 new instructors in the Law Enforcement Program, including civilian Krav Maga Instructors, soldiers active in Iraq and Afghanistan, who are also shooting instructors for the Italian Army, and L.E. instructors whom this was the 7th certification.  Congratulations on boasting the most L.E Instructors in Europe!

by Derrek Hofrichter, East Valley Krav Maga (Arizona)

Student attendance is always a focus as a school owner, as we know consistent attendance from our students will lead to progression and training with us for a longer time period.

At East Valley Krav Maga in Arizona, we always encourage our students to attend at least twice a week. Many do, but consistency varies quite a bit; especially over a year. Towards the end of 2013 I was brainstorming on how to challenge my students to remain consistent about the 2x a week attendance guideline and the idea came to me for the “Warrior 100.”

We run the Warrior 100 program for the calendar year. 2014 was our first year, and we are in the middle of running it for 2015. Our front desk software, Zenplanner, tracks attendance for us so that when someone reaches class #100 we can recognize them in class in front of everyone. We award them a special Warrior 100 school shirt and I take a photo with them, which we share on our social media outlets. We also have a poster board up in our training room that has each person’s name who makes it to 100 and the date on which they accomplished it for that year.

It has made a measurable difference in consistent attendance, as students now know we track their attendance and pay attention, and also most importantly now that there is a goal and award attached to attendance. Students know that training in bursts off and on will make it very difficult to accumulate 100 classes, so it is a great tool to keep them accountable and let them compete with each other.

Thanks to Derrek Hofrichter for this month’s Krav Maga Alliance Business Tip. Learn more about Derrek and his gym, East Valley Krav Maga - Arizona!

This summer, Krav Maga Alliance took over the MAIA Super Show in Las Vegas! It was KMA’s first marketing effort ever in it’s six year history, so we came out in force. Our booth offered multiple games and activities that attracted everyone from a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle to Ernie Reyes, Jr. We provided couches so attendees could rest their weary feet, and charging stations so they could power their weary phones.

The heart of our presentation, though, was John Whitman and the Krav Maga Alliance. We gathered a lot of interest and signed up several affiliates on the spot. There were several other Krav Maga organizations at the event — in fact, it was nice to see Eyal Yanilov there — but the Alliance made an outstanding and impressive showing. Our goal is to make Krav Maga Alliance the best organization in the world. We went to Las Vegas to show the world what we had to offer, and the participants reacted very well!

A great part of our success was due to the involvement of some of our affiliates. Tony Morrison came in from New York and Derrek Hofrichter joined us from Phoenix. We also had help from our headquarters staff, as Amy Taylor (general manager at Alliance Culver City), worked the crowd. We were joined by Todd (TJ) Johnson, a SWAT officer from a southern California police department and KMA Force Instructor.

Special thanks go to Rachel Greenbaum, manager for the Krav Maga Alliance, for putting in so much work before, during and after the event. Thanks, Rachel! In addition, we have to thank the mastermind and planner behind the entire booth concept, Angel Neelankavil. Angel is a member at Alliance Culver City, and an expert marketing and event planner. If anyone is interested in getting fantastic consultation on marketing strategies or events, Angel is the woman to talk to! You can contact her at aneelankavil [at] gmail. We are using her expertise for both Krav Maga Alliance, and our headquarters gym Alliance Krav Maga and CrossFit in Los Angeles, CA. She’s fantastic!

Ultimately, what sets KMA apart is the quality of our affiliates. We are incredibly proud of the people who have joined our organization. They make the Krav Maga Alliance a special place to be!

Congratulations to our most recent group of StrikeFit® Instructors in Verona, Italy!  They did a great job.  Take their classes, support your Krav Maga techniques, and get in great shape!