Krav Maga Yashir Boston, located just north of the city is founded and operated by Head Instructor Gershon Ben Keren. Gershon Ben Keren, a 5th Degree Black Belt in the system teaches Krav Maga as a practical and comprehensive system for personal protection. Having first started training in Krav Maga in 1993, he has trained with many of the system’s first/original instructors. This means he has a deep and rich understanding of Krav Maga’s core principles and concepts. This combined with his years of hands-on experience working in the security industry, mean that for those seeking realistic and applicable self-defense, techniques, solutions and strategies, Krav Maga Yashir Boston can provide effective, proven, training, alongside an education into real-life violence.

Gershon Ben Keren is a lifelong martial artist, who has trained in various disciplines, which have informed his pragmatic approach to self-defense. His credentials include advanced certifications in Krav Maga and other combative systems, as well as extensive real-world experience in threat assessment and violence prevention. This background allows him to offer students a well-rounded perspective, ensuring that they not only learn effective techniques but also understand the situational dynamics that inform when and how to apply them.

At Krav Maga Yashir Boston, the focus is on realism and functionality, rather than sport and competition. The training is tailored to address the unpredictable and chaotic nature of real-life violent encounters. Unlike traditional martial arts, which may emphasize forms or techniques that are less applicable outside a controlled environment, Krav Maga Yashir Boston prioritizes methods that are direct (this is what the Hebrew word “Yashir” means), simple, and adaptable. Students are taught to recognize threats, respond decisively, and neutralize potential attackers quickly and efficiently. This approach is particularly valuable in urban settings like Boston, where personal safety concerns can range from street-level crimes such as robbery to assaults in bars and pubs etc., which are caused by social interactions that have taken a turn for the worse.

One of the defining features of the Krav Maga Yashir system is its emphasis on context. The system recognizes that self-defense is not a one-size-fits-all discipline and that effective training must account for the diverse scenarios individuals may encounter. Situations determine solutions, not the other way round. Through detailed scenario-based training, participants are exposed to a variety of situations that replicate the pressures and uncertainties of real-world conflicts. These scenarios include dealing with multiple attackers, defending against armed assailants, and managing physical confrontations in confined or restricted spaces. By incorporating these realistic elements, students are better prepared to handle the complexities of actual self-defense situations, rather than simply by being taught and rehearsing techniques.

Beyond the physical techniques, Gershon Ben Keren emphasizes the importance of mental preparation in self-defense. Students are taught to develop situational awareness, enabling them to identify potential threats before they escalate into violence. They also learn strategies for managing fear and maintaining focus in high-pressure situations. This psychological training is integral to effective self-defense, as it equips individuals with the mindset needed to act decisively and confidently under stress the stress and duress of real-life violent incidents.

If you are interested in training at the school the best place to start is with one of our Beginner Krav Maga classes. You can see when the next one is, and register for it, using the form below.