About Krav Maga Combat Academy
Proven combat expertise
Our chief instructor possesses a deep well of knowledge of Krav Maga and self defence, enriched by a unique perspective on real-world confrontations and threats. His wealth of experience extends beyond the conventional training environment, allowing him to provide invaluable insights into various scenarios. This first-hand exposure to different situations has shaped his teaching style and methodology, ensuring that our training is as realistic and effective as can be and adaptable to whatever you may face.
Meet Matt
Chief Instructor
3rd Dan Black Belt
Matt is the founder and Chief Instructor of Krav Maga Combat Academy. He began training in Krav Maga in 2010, training five times per week from the outset and attending every seminar and specialist training event he could.
From 2013 onwards he moved into formal instructor development, later completing two 23-day instructor courses and three 10-day instructor courses, training across four Krav Maga systems and gaining instructor certifications in three. He achieved 1st Dan / Expert 1 in 2016 and Expert 3 in 2025.
In a field where many instructors build credibility through lineage and certification, Matt stands apart through a combination of real-world experience, pressure-tested training, and a level of training volume that few instructors, including many who certify others, can match. Since beginning Krav Maga in 2010, he has undertaken approximately 5,000 hours of training, giving him a level of depth and immersion that is rare for any instructor.
What sets Matt apart further is that his understanding of self-defence is grounded not just in training, but in extensive first-hand experience of real violence, confrontation, and physical intervention. Having grown up in a rough area and experienced significant violence before adulthood, he entered door work at 19 and went on to work doors across Luton, the Home Counties and London, while also carrying out close protection work during the same period. This gave him direct experience of conflict, de-escalation, adrenaline, unpredictability, and what physical confrontation really looks and feels like outside controlled training.
Matt began teaching in 2014 and founded KMCA in January 2016. Since then, he has delivered approximately 5,000 hours of training to an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 civilian students. His teaching is shaped not just by technical development, but by a real understanding of violence, pressure, resistance, and what people are actually capable of under stress.
He has also completed training in Close Protection, Situational Awareness, and Physical Intervention under Ginge Johnson and Lofty Wiseman.
His wider work includes developing a knife defence initiative for schools, funded by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner and delivered successfully before the Covid-19 pandemic brought the project to a halt.
Matt has also delivered specialist training in South Africa to more than 750 military personnel, as well as hundreds of police officers and security professionals. This included training at the South African Military Academy in Saldanha and during a 10-day residency at SAS Saldanha, where he delivered training to multiple groups several times per day, including one session involving around 600 military personnel divided into two groups.
His broader background also includes involvement in strengthening physical security measures at the MOD Main Building in Whitehall. He also holds a Level 3 BTEC qualification in Self Defence Instruction, Enhanced DBS clearance, and First Aid qualifications.
At KMCA, Matt’s approach is straightforward: no fantasy, no fluff, and no ego-driven nonsense. The focus is on honest, pressure-tested self-defence training built around what is most likely to work in the real world.
Laura
Adult and Head Cadets Instructor
Laura is a true Krav Maga enthusiast, embarking on her Krav Maga journey back in 2016. She dedicatedly trained four nights a week, often squeezing in extra sessions whenever possible. Her passion for Krav Maga quickly led her to assist with kids' lessons, soaking up every ounce of Krav Maga knowledge available. She moved on to become the Cadets Head Instructor and now Senior Instructor of the club.
Aside from her Krav Maga devotion, Laura is deeply committed to physical fitness and also runs her own data protection consultancy. She seizes every chance to enhance her expertise as both a practitioner and instructor of Krav Maga, joining several Krav Maga seminars a year, wherever they take place. Laura's enthusiasm, approachability, and a unique blend of empathy and no-nonsense guidance bring out the best in her students.
In addition to regular club training and participation in Krav Maga seminars, Laura embarked on several Maga courses in Israel and Europe. She trained under world class and renowned instructors like Avivit Cohen, Lea Dray, and Grand Master Uri Refaeli.
To add to her collection, Laura also qualified as an advanced instructor in Israel under Ron Engelman, affording her the invaluable opportunity to train alongside renowned Krav Maga practitioners such as Ron Rotem and one of the last remaining students of Imi Lichtenfeld, (founder of Krav Maga), Raphy Elgrissy.
Now, she proudly holds the title of a Level 3 Instructor at Krav Maga Combat Academy.
Laura also holds a level 3 BTEC qualification in self-defence instruction, level 3 first aid certification, and has an enhanced DBS check, which all our instructors do.
On top of her numerous roles, she serves as our safeguarding officer at the club. For any club-related inquiries or safeguarding matters, feel free to reach out to her at 07943 879 142. Laura is a testament to dedication and expertise in Krav Maga, ensuring a safe and engaging experience for all at the club.
Steve
Cadets Instructor
Steve brings over 40 years of martial arts expertise to our team, with a rich background in both training and entertaining children. His journey with martial arts is not just a testament to his skill, but also his passion for teaching and nurturing young talent.
Over the past year, Steve has dedicated countless hours to assisting in the teaching of our Cadets in Biggleswade and developing his instructor skills. His commitment to developing his Krav Maga and self-defence skills is evident as he continues to train twice a week in our adult classes. This dedication ensures he stays at the cutting edge of self defence and Krav Maga techniques and instruction.
Safety and professionalism are paramount to Steve. He is DBS checked, has completed his First Aid and Safeguarding Certificate, and has achieved his Cadet Instructor Level 1 certification. These qualifications underscore his commitment to providing a safe, supportive, and effective training environment.
Steve’s unique ability to blend fun with discipline makes him very popular among the kids. His previous experiences have honed his skills in engaging and motivating young learners. He strikes the perfect balance between creating an enjoyable atmosphere and maintaining the discipline necessary for martial arts training.
As an encouraging and ever so friendly training partner and valued member of our community, Steve’s enthusiasm and dedication shine through in every class. We are thrilled to have him as part of our team, helping to shape the next generation of Krav Cadets with his expertise, energy, and unwavering commitment.
Michael
Cadets Instructor
Michael brings over a decade of combined Karate and Krav Maga experience to the club, along with a genuine passion for helping young students grow in confidence and skill. He first discovered Krav Maga at the end of 2021 when he brought his children along to a Cadets class. The energy, practicality, and spirit of Krav Maga hooked him instantly, and he began his own training shortly after.
Over the past four years, Michael has been a dedicated member of the club, progressing through his own training while also developing as an instructor.
Having qualified as a Level 1 Cadets Instructor in 2025, he is dedicated to creating a safe, positive, and empowering environment where young students can grow in confidence, discipline, and self‑belief.
Michael holds an enhanced DBS certificate, as well as First Aid and Safeguarding Children qualifications, ensuring the highest standards of safety and care in every session. His never give up attitude aligns perfectly with the ethos of Krav Maga, and he takes pride in passing on his knowledge, discipline, and enthusiasm to the next generation.