KRAV MAGA FEDERATION INSTRUCTORS
Grandmaster Rhon Mizrachi has dedicated his life to Krav Maga; he cultivates the very best instructors, guaranteeing that students are taught the authentic art of Krav Maga.
All Federation instructors are dedicated Krav Maga practitioners who have trained in the art under Rhon; they have each attained a level of proficiency in the art that reflects Rhon’s teachings and upholds his high standards.
Being able to teach for Rhon and represent him involves years of commitment. Presently each instructor teaching at his NYC school have trained with him for 10- 25 years.
KRAV MAGA NYC SCHOOL INSTRUCTORS
HEAD OF THE KRAV MAGA FEDERATION
In 1990 Rhon established the first Krav Maga school in the United States with the blessing of Krav Maga founder Imi Lichtenfeld.
On May 26th 2025, the birthday of Krav Maga founder Imi Lichtenfeld, Rhon was honored with an 8th Dan by the Krav Maga community during a ceremony in Zichron Ya'Akov, Israel.
The red belt is a Grandmaster's belt, a physical representation honoring Rhon's 40 plus years of teaching, training in and enormous contribution to the art of Krav Maga.
The belt was presented to Rhon by Grandmaster Uri Refaeli.
PETER MULDOON DAN 4, NYC INSTRUCTOR
Peter Muldoon is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Krav Maga and holds the distinction of being Grand Master Rhon Mizrachi’s first black belt, having earned his 1st Dan in 1998.
Since July of that same year, he has served as a certified Krav Maga instructor, accredited by the prestigious Wingate Institute in Israel.
Originally from Ireland, Peter began his martial arts journey in 1977 with boxing, competing in numerous tournaments during his youth. His passion for combat sports led him to explore various disciplines, but it was Judo that captured his primary focus for over a decade. During this time, he competed extensively, securing multiple amateur All-Ireland titles.
In 1994, Peter transitioned to Krav Maga, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to real-world self-defense.
His dedication extends beyond unarmed combat—he has a strong interest in firearms and has completed numerous urban and tactical shooting courses. He has actively competed in regional shooting events and is a certified Safety Officer with the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA), a sport that simulates real-life defensive shooting scenarios.
Today, Peter continues to train and refine his own skills while mentoring high-level students at the New York City school. His teaching emphasizes advanced Krav Maga techniques and evolving tactical applications, ensuring students are equipped to meet modern threats with precision and confidence.
KEL ELI DAN 1, NYC INSTRUCTOR
Kel began training in Krav Maga under Rhon in 2004.
During the first Federation trip to Israel in 2008 he tested for his brown belt in front of Grandmaster Haim Zut, Uri Rephaeli, Rhon Mizrachi, and the 50 Federation students who participated in the trip.
Kel tested for his black belt in 2015, achieving his Full Instructor status of Rhon’s Krav Maga Federation.
Presently teaching both beginners and advanced students Kel shares his knowledge of Krav Maga ( and other martial arts ) with his students of all abilities; he dedicates enormous amounts of time and energy assisting in the overall growth of Rhons Federation in addition to teaching classes.
He is an integral member and Full Instructor of the Federation.
VLADIMIR ZOLOTTEV DAN 1 , NYC INSTRUCTOR
Vladimir has dedicated himself to martial arts for more than 30 years.
Born in Romania, Vladimir began training in Shotokan Karate at the age of 13 . Within 3 years, he became a member of the National Karate Team of Romania. He competed with the National Romanian Karate Team at competitions throughout Europe and the United States, holding first place awards in Shotokan Karate at National, European and World levels.
Vlad began his training under Rhon in June 2008;
He continues to develop his knowledge of Krav Maga through consistent training and teaching, choosing to participate in a second 80 hour instructor training course simply to further his knowledge of the art.
Vladimir received his black belt from Rhon during the summer of 2015 and became a Full Instructor of the Krav Maga Federation.
He is a gifted athlete and an exceptional instructor who focuses on children and beginner students; Vlad believes in and upholds the standards set by Rhon and is instrumental in ensuring that they are upheld by students of the Federation.
KRAV MAGA FEDERATION INSTRUCTORS
MATT SUROFF DAN 1
Matthew Dean Suroff began his martial arts training at a young age with Judo. He continued training in American Kempo and Western Boxing.
In 1995, he began training in Krav Maga under Grandmaster Rhon Mizrachi in N.Y.C.– he is one of Rhon’s first students in NYC.
Matthew obtained his Instructor Certification from Grandmaster Haim Zut and the Wingate Institute in 1998, then obtained his black belt from Grandmaster Haim Zut and Rhon Mizrachi in 2001, becoming a Full Instructor of Rhon Mizrachi Krav Maga Federation.
He has taught students of all ages and levels, both in class format and privately.
Presently Matthew spends his time on both coasts working as a photographer and creative consultant while also rounding off his Krav Maga practice with continued training in Judo, MMA and Muay Thai.
He is one of the few students who would be fully supported by Rhon in opening a Krav Maga school outside of the New York area under the Federation which speaks to Rhon’s trust in Matthew’s ability as a practitioner, teacher and representative of the Federation.
ADAM GRIFFITH DAN 1
Adam Griffith began his training in Krav Maga under Grandmaster Rhon Mizrachi after a friend described Krav Maga to him as, "The best way to win a street fight."
Beginning his training in 2009, Adam tested to his rank of Black Belt with Graham Friedman on July 4th, 2015 earning his belt and becoming a Full Instructor of the Krav Maga Federation.
“Over the years of training under Master Rhon Mizrachi, one of the most important lessons I've learned is that each time I step onto the mat, my focus is to do the technique better than the last time.
As a student, that means slowing down, taking my time and analyzing the small details. It's these details that make all the difference in learning the art, what we learn under Rhon.
And I can undoubtedly say it's what makes us the best.
As an instructor, my aim is to develop my own style of teaching that inspires and encourages my students to push themselves to their fullest potential. That will always vary from person to person; what I require from each individual is to show up and try their best.
In my opinion, this is one of the ultimate means of exercise. Not only are you improving your physical well being, but you're also strengthening your mind and learning an invaluable life skill. Everyone should have some knowledge of self defense, and I believe Krav Maga is the pinnacle in this field.”
Presently Adam has relocated out of New York and is planning on teaching once he settles into his new city.
KRAV MAGA FEDERATION INSTRUCTOR
KMF CO-OWNER EVE GOLD
For the past 20 years Eve has been instrumental in providing access to KMF- the highest level of authentic Krav Maga training to the general public.
Before becoming a school owner, Eve was a student and took her first instructor course under Rhon Mizrachi and Haim Zut; her second course under GM Rhon Mizrachi.
While she remains focused on the NYC school as a whole, she continues to work to a relationship between Legion organization and her and GM Rhon's school.
"REMEMBER WHO THE FUCK YOU ARE - WE HAVE ONLY ONE HOME"- Eve
KRAV MAGA FEDERATION INSTRUCTORS
JUAN BERRIOS DAN 2 , ENGLEWOOD KRAV MAGA
Owner of the KMF affilated school in Englewood NJ, Juan Berrios
The Israeli military and Law Enforcement community train in the combat style that was originally created by Imi Lichtenfeld. Civilians train in the martial art that he founded.
Testing for rank allows instructors to determine a students knowledge of and ability in Krav Maga techniques. Because advanced material and sparring become more intense and aggressive, testing also ensures that students have the skills required to move forward safely.
No one is handed an undeserved rank, and we expect the best from every student specific to that individual’s ability.
PETE MALINO , MALINO MARTIAL ARTS
Pete Malino has practiced Martial Arts for 40 years; he is an accomplished and gifted martial artist and teacher.
His extraordinary background and years of training include Kickboxing , Karate , Ju jitsu , Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu . He was trained by the most accomplished practitioners in each art ( 3rd degree black belt under Ron Van Clief in kickboxing and karate (1987), 5th degree black belt in Karate under Hector Santiago (1988), blue belt in Brazilian Ju Jitsu under Alexandre " Soca " Frieta (2005) and Green belt in Judo and Jiu Jitsu under Blu Ida in 2009 ). These belts attest to his superb talent and both physical and mental aptitude.
Pete began to focus on Krav Maga in 2009. Given his knowledge of martial arts, his choice of instructor was easy- he has trained with the best and continues to do so under Rhon Mizrachi. He has been an Instructor of Krav Maga under Rhon since 2011.
Pete is a Martial Artist in every way; the bond between Rhon and Pete is based not only on a student/teacher relationship but also on the mutual respect that true practitioners of martial arts have for each other.
