Krav Maga Yashir Boston Instructor
Who is Gershon Ben Keren?
Gershon Ben Keren is an internationally recognized Krav Maga expert, criminologist, security consultant, and Head Instructor at Krav Maga Yashir Boston in Woburn, Massachusetts. With over three decades of experience combining Israeli martial arts expertise, academic criminology research, and practical security industry work, Gershon Ben Keren brings unparalleled depth and authenticity to Krav Maga instruction and violence prevention training in the Greater Boston area. To take a beginner Krav Maga class with him please use the button below.
Beginner Class
Krav Maga Credentials and Black Belt Ranking
5th Degree Black Belt in Krav Maga
Gershon Ben Keren holds the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt in Krav Maga, placing him among the highest-ranked Krav Maga practitioners and instructors in the United States. He has been practicing Israeli Krav Maga since 1993, accumulating over 30 years of training, teaching, and refinement in this combat system.
International Krav Maga Federation (IKMF) Instructor Certification
Gershon Ben Keren completed the intensive 29-day IKMF (International Krav Maga Federation) instructor course, the gold standard for Krav Maga instructor certification. This rigorous instructor training program was conducted by:
- Eyal Yanilov - One of the most senior Krav Maga instructors globally and chief instructor under Imi Lichtenfeld (Krav Maga's founder)
- Amnon Darsa - Highly respected IKMF instructor and Krav Maga authority
This certification represents completion of one of the most demanding and comprehensive Krav Maga instructor training programs available internationally, ensuring that Gershon Ben Keren's instruction meets the highest standards of Israeli Krav Maga methodology.
Training with Legendary Israeli Krav Maga Masters
Gershon Ben Keren has trained directly with some of the most prominent and historically significant Krav Maga instructors in Israel, including several of Imi Lichtenfeld's first Black Belts in the system. This direct lineage to Krav Maga's founder ensures authentic transmission of techniques and philosophy.
Israeli Krav Maga Masters Gershon Has Trained With:
Avi Moyal - One of Imi Lichtenfeld's original students and among the first to receive Black Belt ranking in Krav Maga. Avi Moyal's instruction represents direct connection to Krav Maga's earliest development and purest form.
Miki Assulin - Another of Imi Lichtenfeld's first Black Belts, providing Gershon with instruction from someone who learned directly from Krav Maga's creator during the system's formative years.
Haim Gidon - One of Imi Lichtenfeld's original Black Belts and a highly influential figure in Krav Maga's development and global dissemination. Training with Haim Gidon connects Gershon to the authentic source of Israeli Krav Maga.
This training lineage in Israel with Imi Lichtenfeld's original students ensures that Gershon Ben Keren's Krav Maga instruction maintains fidelity to the system's original intent, techniques, and philosophy as developed by its founder.
Hisardut Training: Elite Israeli Defense Forces Combat System
In addition to his Krav Maga credentials, Gershon Ben Keren has trained as an instructor in Hisardut, a specialized fighting and combat system taught to elite units in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
Training Under Grandmaster Dennis Hanover:
Gershon served as an instructor under Grandmaster Dennis Hanover, the founder and creator of Hisardut. This elite combat system is specifically designed for and taught to:
- IDF special operations units
- Israeli counter-terrorism forces
- Elite military combat units
- Israeli special forces operators
Training in Hisardut alongside Krav Maga provides Gershon with broader understanding of Israeli combat methodologies and specialized techniques used by Israel's most elite military operators, enriching his comprehensive approach to self-defense instruction.
Museum of Israeli Martial Arts Recognition (2010)
In 2010, Gershon Ben Keren was inducted into the Museum of Israeli Martial Arts in Herzliya, Israel, a prestigious honor recognizing his significant contributions to preserving and teaching authentic Israeli martial arts systems.
Significance of This Recognition:
The Museum of Israeli Martial Arts induction acknowledges:
- Exceptional expertise in Israeli combat systems
- Contributions to preserving authentic Israeli martial arts
- International teaching and promotion of Israeli self-defense methods
- Recognition from the Israeli martial arts community
- Distinguished service in transmitting Israeli fighting systems globally
This honor places Gershon Ben Keren among a select group of martial artists recognized for their role in maintaining the integrity and authenticity of Israeli combat traditions while adapting them for international civilian audiences.
Published Author: Three Amazon Best-Selling Krav Maga Books
Gershon Ben Keren is the author of three Amazon best-selling books on Krav Maga, all published by Tuttle Publishing, a respected martial arts and self-defense book publisher.
Krav Maga Books by Gershon Ben Keren:
These comprehensive Krav Maga instructional books feature:
- Full-color photography demonstrating techniques in realistic settings
- Real-world scenarios photographed in actual locations where violence occurs (bars, streets, ATMs, parking lots)
- Action photography capturing techniques against full-speed attacks
- Boston-area location photography providing authentic urban context
- Comprehensive coverage of armed and unarmed defense techniques
- Conceptual explanations alongside technical instruction
Amazon Best-Seller Status:
All three books have achieved Amazon best-seller status in martial arts and self-defense categories, indicating:
- Wide readership and influence in the Krav Maga community
- Quality and accessibility of instruction
- Recognition beyond local or regional audience
- Contribution to Krav Maga literature and education globally
Google Author Talks: Rare Speaking Recognition
Gershon Ben Keren is one of only a few authors who has been invited to conduct two Google Author Talks, a prestigious speaking opportunity offered by Google to notable authors.
What Are Google Author Talks?
Google Author Talks are invitation-only presentations where selected authors discuss their work, expertise, and insights with Google employees and guests at Google facilities. Being invited once is notable; being invited twice is exceptional and indicates:
- Significant expertise and unique perspective
- Engaging and valuable presentation ability
- Content relevant to Google's tech-savvy audience
- Recognition as a thought leader in the field
- Exceptional first presentation leading to return invitation
These Google Author Talks cover Krav Maga techniques, violence prevention strategies, and self-defense philosophy, making Israeli combat methodology accessible to wider audiences through one of the world's most prominent technology companies.
The Krav Maga Blog: 700+ Articles on Violence and Self-Defense (Since 2010)
Since 2010, Gershon Ben Keren has authored and maintained the Krav Maga Blog, one of the most comprehensive online resources for Krav Maga instruction, violence education, and self-defense strategy available.
Krav Maga Blog Statistics and Content:
- Running since: 2010 (over 14 years of continuous publication)
- Total articles: Over 700 published articles and growing
- Update frequency: Weekly new content
- Topics covered: Krav Maga techniques, violence prevention, criminal behavior analysis, self-defense law, situational awareness, de-escalation, risk management
Content Categories Include:
- Technical Krav Maga instruction and explanations
- Violence prediction and prevention strategies
- Criminological theory applied to self-defense
- Real-world assault scenario analysis
- Legal aspects of self-defense
- Psychological aspects of violence and victimization
- Training methodologies and skill development
- Equipment and improvised weapon use
- Multiple attacker scenarios
- Armed threat defense (knife, gun, stick)
- Environmental awareness and tactical positioning
Educational Value:
The Krav Maga Blog represents one of the most extensive free educational resources on violence and self-defense available online, combining:
- Practical self-defense instruction
- Academic criminology research
- Real-world security experience
- Violence prevention education
- Legal and ethical considerations
Criminology Expertise and Academic Credentials
Beyond his martial arts credentials, Gershon Ben Keren is a trained criminologist with advanced academic degrees and active involvement in criminological research and professional organizations.
Master's Degree in Criminology and Criminal Psychology
University of Essex - Master's degree in Criminology and Criminal Psychology
This graduate degree provides Gershon with:
- Advanced understanding of criminal behavior and motivations
- Research skills in violence and offending patterns
- Knowledge of criminal psychology and decision-making
- Academic framework for analyzing violent encounters
- Evidence-based approaches to violence prevention
Master's Degree in Psychology
Newcastle University - Master's degree in Psychology
This psychology degree contributes:
- Understanding of human behavior under stress
- Knowledge of fear and adrenaline responses
- Insight into trauma and violence effects
- Psychological principles applied to self-defense training
- Mental preparation and stress inoculation strategies
Professional Memberships and Research Activity
American Psychological Association (APA) Membership:
As an active APA member, Gershon Ben Keren:
- Stays current with psychological research relevant to violence
- Participates in professional psychology community
- Accesses latest research in behavioral science
- Maintains professional standards and ethics
American Society of Criminology (ASC) Membership:
Through active ASC membership, Gershon:
- Engages with criminological research community
- Accesses current research on violence and crime
- Participates in scholarly discourse on violent offending
- Contributes to academic understanding of violence
Active Research in Violence and Violent Offending:
Gershon regularly conducts research into:
- Violence patterns and trends
- Violent offending behavior
- Criminal decision-making processes
- Victim selection and targeting
- Violence prevention strategies
- Self-defense effectiveness
Integration of Experience and Research in Teaching
Gershon Ben Keren's teaching on real-world self-protection and Krav Maga uniquely combines:
Personal Experience:
- 30+ years practicing Krav Maga
- Training with original Krav Maga masters in Israel
- Elite IDF combat system instruction (Hisardut)
- Three decades working in global security industry
- Operational field experience in security contexts
- Government and law enforcement training delivery
Academic Research:
- Two master's degrees (Psychology and Criminology)
- Active criminological research
- Professional organization membership (APA, ASC)
- Evidence-based understanding of violence
- Scientific approach to violence prevention
Current Knowledge:
- Weekly blog research and writing
- Regular review of violence research
- Staying updated on criminal behavior trends
- Continuous learning from security industry developments
- Integration of new findings into instruction
This combination ensures that students at Krav Maga Yashir Boston receive instruction that is:
- Technically authentic (direct Israeli lineage)
- Scientifically informed (research-based)
- Practically proven (real-world experience)
- Continuously updated (ongoing research and learning)
- Legally appropriate (understanding of use-of-force law)
- Psychologically sound (understanding of stress and behavior)
Security Industry Experience: 30+ Years Global Work
Since 1990, Gershon Ben Keren has worked in the private security sector globally, accumulating over 30 years of experience in both operational and consultancy roles.
Primary Focus: Risk Mitigation and Management
Gershon's security work focuses specifically on:
- Violence risk assessment and mitigation - Identifying and reducing violence threats
- Violent crime management - Developing protocols for handling violent incidents
- Security system design - Creating comprehensive security solutions
- Threat analysis - Evaluating potential dangers to organizations and individuals
- Violence prevention programming - Implementing proactive measures to prevent attacks
Operational Field Experience
As a security operative in the field, Gershon has:
- Worked protective security assignments globally
- Assessed and responded to real-world security threats
- Implemented violence prevention measures in high-risk environments
- Managed security operations in various contexts and countries
- Gained firsthand understanding of how violence unfolds in different settings
Security Consulting and Training
As a security consultant and trainer, Gershon has:
- Designed security programs for organizations worldwide
- Trained security personnel in violence prevention and response
- Developed threat assessment protocols
- Consulted on security architecture and procedures
- Delivered executive protection training
- Created violence prevention programs for various sectors
Clients and Organizations
Gershon Ben Keren has worked with:
Government Agencies:
- Providing security training to government personnel
- Consulting on security protocols for government facilities
- Training government security teams in violence response
Law Enforcement:
- Training police officers in defensive tactics
- Consulting on use-of-force policies
- Teaching de-escalation and violence prevention strategies
Private Enterprises:
- Corporate security program development
- Executive protection training
- Workplace violence prevention programs
- Security assessment and consulting for businesses
Private Entities:
- Individual security training and consultation
- Personal protection training for high-risk individuals
- Security planning for private events and situations
Corporate Security and Self-Defense Services
Organizations seeking security or self-defense training and consultancy can access Gershon Ben Keren's expertise through Krav Maga Yashir Boston's corporate services, which include:
- Workplace violence prevention training
- Active threat response programs
- Executive protection training
- Security assessment and consulting
- Customized self-defense programs for organizations
- Risk analysis and mitigation planning
Head Instructor at Krav Maga Yashir Boston
Gershon Ben Keren serves as the Head Instructor at Krav Maga Yashir Boston, located in Woburn, Massachusetts, just north of Boston at the intersection of Interstate 93 (I-93) and Interstate 95 (I-95).
Location and Accessibility
Krav Maga Yashir Boston:
- Located in Woburn, Massachusetts
- North of Boston city proper
- Convenient access from I-93 and I-95 interchange
- Serving Greater Boston, North Shore, and Route 128 corridor
- Free parking available
- Accessible from Boston, Burlington, Winchester, Reading, Stoneham, Melrose, Wakefield, the North Shore and surrounding communities
Founder and Head of Krav Maga Yashir System
Beyond serving as Head Instructor at the Boston location, Gershon Ben Keren is the founder and Head of the Krav Maga Yashir system itself.
- "Yashir" means "direct" in Hebrew
- Emphasizes simplicity, efficiency, and realism
- Based on authentic Israeli Krav Maga with direct lineage to Imi Lichtenfeld
- Adapted for civilian self-defense in the United States
- Incorporates criminological research into training methodology
- Focuses on functional self-defense over fitness-oriented classes
- Develops curriculum and training methodology
- Ensures quality and authenticity across instruction
- Maintains connection to Israeli Krav Maga sources
- Integrates current violence research into teaching
- Oversees instructor training and certification within the system
- Preserves authentic Israeli techniques while adapting for civilian application
Hands-On Teaching: Direct Access to Expert Instruction
Unlike many martial arts schools where the head instructor primarily manages operations while junior instructors teach classes, Gershon Ben Keren is a hands-on instructor who personally teaches classes at Krav Maga Yashir Boston.
Krav Maga Classes Taught by Gershon Ben Keren
Regular Adult Krav Maga Classes: Students training at Krav Maga Yashir Boston regularly receive instruction directly from Gershon Ben Keren in ongoing adult classes, ensuring access to his expertise, experience, and authentic Israeli Krav Maga knowledge.
Beginner Krav Maga Classes: Gershon personally teaches the introductory beginner Krav Maga classes, ensuring that new students receive proper foundation and authentic instruction from their first experience with the system.
Kids and Teens Krav Maga Program: Gershon also teaches classes in the children's and teenage Krav Maga program, bringing his expertise in violence prevention, criminal behavior, and authentic Israeli self-defense to younger students in age-appropriate formats.
Value of Direct Expert Instruction
Training with Gershon Ben Keren at Krav Maga Yashir Boston provides:
Access to Internationally Recognized Expertise:
- Training with a 5th Degree Black Belt
- Learning from someone who trained with Imi Lichtenfeld's original students
- Instruction from a Museum of Israeli Martial Arts inductee
- Teaching from a published author and recognized Krav Maga authority
Research-Informed Instruction:
- Learning self-defense informed by criminological research
- Understanding violence through academic and experiential knowledge
- Training that incorporates current understanding of how attacks occur
- Techniques explained through both practice and theory
Real-World Proven Experience:
- Instruction from someone with 30+ years security industry experience
- Learning from an instructor who has applied techniques in real contexts
- Training informed by actual violence prevention work
- Teaching grounded in practical reality, not just theory
Authentic Israeli Lineage:
- Direct connection to Krav Maga's founder through training lineage
- Instruction maintaining fidelity to original Israeli methodology
- Teaching informed by ongoing connection to Israeli Krav Maga community
- Authentic techniques not diluted through multiple transmission generations
Summary: Gershon Ben Keren's Unique Qualifications
Gershon Ben Keren brings an unparalleled combination of qualifications to Krav Maga instruction in Boston:
Martial Arts Expertise:
- 5th Degree Black Belt in Krav Maga
- 30+ years practicing since 1993
- IKMF certified instructor (29-day course with Eyal Yanilov and Amnon Darsa)
- Trained with Imi Lichtenfeld's original Black Belts in Israel (Avi Moyal, Miki Assulin, Haim Gidon)
- Hisardut instructor under Grandmaster Dennis Hanover
- Museum of Israeli Martial Arts inductee (2010)
Academic Credentials:
- Master's degree in Criminology and Criminal Psychology (University of Essex)
- Master's degree in Psychology (Newcastle University)
- Active research in violence and violent offending
- Member of American Psychological Association (APA)
- Member of American Society of Criminology (ASC)
Published Authority:
- Author of three Amazon best-selling Krav Maga books (Tuttle Publishing)
- Author of Krav Maga Blog with 700+ articles (since 2010)
- Two Google Author Talks
- Regular research publication and writing
Security Industry Experience:
- 30+ years in private security sector (since 1990)
- Global operational and consultancy experience
- Work with government agencies and law enforcement
- Corporate security training and consulting
- Specialization in violence risk mitigation and management
Teaching Krav Maga in Boston:
- Head Instructor at Krav Maga Yashir Boston
- Founder and Head of Krav Maga Yashir system
- Hands-on instructor teaching all class levels
- Personal instruction in adult, beginner, kids, and teens programs
- Direct student access to internationally recognized expertise