Why Choose Magen Krav Maga
Chanan is a decorated military Lieutenant, sharpshooter, executive strategist, and trusted advisor to executives and elite performers operating in high-pressure environments.
His commitment to protection and preparedness began at an early age. At eight years old, Chanan witnessed a terrorist attack in Jerusalem—an experience that left a lasting impression and ultimately shaped the path of his life and career.
He went on to serve as a Lieutenant in the Israeli Defense Forces, where he was voted the top Lieutenant among 18 officers in his division. During his military career, Chanan commanded missions involving more than 200 soldiers in environments where decisions had to be made in seconds, precision was non-negotiable, and the consequences of failure were irreversible.
He completed his military leadership career with a flawless record and without losing a single soldier under his command.
That experience became the foundation for decades of work in security, personal protection, violence prevention, active-shooter preparedness, counter-terror operations, crisis management, de-escalation, and executive protection.
Today, Chanan brings that experience far beyond the traditional security environment—into the executive suite, boardroom, training room, and world of elite performance.
He is a member of an elite defense expert consultancy group composed of former members of Israeli and U.S. government agencies and has trained professionals from some of the most highly respected organizations in the world, including U.S. Secret Service personnel and NFL security professionals.
Chanan has also contributed as an expert consultant, college lecturer, and professional trainer in areas including personal safety education, violence prevention and harassment, conflict and crisis management, de-escalation strategies, situational awareness, and personal protection.
His experience extends into the world of executive performance as well. Chanan works with CEOs, founders, executives, and high performers to develop the mental, strategic, and operational capabilities required to perform when the stakes are highest.
He has contributed to leadership initiatives supporting a $2 billion company exit and has advised and worked with executives, Secret Service personnel, Stanley Cup champions, Olympic-caliber athletes, and other elite performers.
His philosophy is straightforward:
PREPARATION CREATES OPTIONS.
Chanan doesn't teach from theory alone.
He teaches from experience.
His systems were forged in environments where pressure was real, decisions mattered, and preparation could mean the difference between success and failure.
Today, that experience is translated into practical frameworks designed to help people think clearly, recognize what others miss, make better decisions under pressure, protect what matters, and perform when it matters most.
His commitment to protection and preparedness began at an early age. At eight years old, Chanan witnessed a terrorist attack in Jerusalem—an experience that left a lasting impression and ultimately shaped the path of his life and career.
He went on to serve as a Lieutenant in the Israeli Defense Forces, where he was voted the top Lieutenant among 18 officers in his division. During his military career, Chanan commanded missions involving more than 200 soldiers in environments where decisions had to be made in seconds, precision was non-negotiable, and the consequences of failure were irreversible.
He completed his military leadership career with a flawless record and without losing a single soldier under his command.
That experience became the foundation for decades of work in security, personal protection, violence prevention, active-shooter preparedness, counter-terror operations, crisis management, de-escalation, and executive protection.
Today, Chanan brings that experience far beyond the traditional security environment—into the executive suite, boardroom, training room, and world of elite performance.
He is a member of an elite defense expert consultancy group composed of former members of Israeli and U.S. government agencies and has trained professionals from some of the most highly respected organizations in the world, including U.S. Secret Service personnel and NFL security professionals.
Chanan has also contributed as an expert consultant, college lecturer, and professional trainer in areas including personal safety education, violence prevention and harassment, conflict and crisis management, de-escalation strategies, situational awareness, and personal protection.
His experience extends into the world of executive performance as well. Chanan works with CEOs, founders, executives, and high performers to develop the mental, strategic, and operational capabilities required to perform when the stakes are highest.
He has contributed to leadership initiatives supporting a $2 billion company exit and has advised and worked with executives, Secret Service personnel, Stanley Cup champions, Olympic-caliber athletes, and other elite performers.
His philosophy is straightforward:
PREPARATION CREATES OPTIONS.
Chanan doesn't teach from theory alone.
He teaches from experience.
His systems were forged in environments where pressure was real, decisions mattered, and preparation could mean the difference between success and failure.
Today, that experience is translated into practical frameworks designed to help people think clearly, recognize what others miss, make better decisions under pressure, protect what matters, and perform when it matters most.
Chanan Smith
Founder
The Magen Krav Maga™ instructor team is composed of highly experienced professionals with advanced training and extensive backgrounds in real-world protection, instruction, and operational environments.
Our instructors bring years of experience not only in the field, but also in teaching, developing, and adapting practical protection systems.
Their expertise encompasses personal protection, defensive tactics, situational awareness, de-escalation, crisis response, and scenario-based training.
Each instructor is selected for more than technical ability. We value experience, judgment, professionalism, communication, and the ability to translate complex skills into practical training.
The Staff
Chanan SmithFounderThe Staff