FITA - FIMA International Training and Awards Conference - May 2-4, 2025
The Best Martial Arts Training!
Holiday Inn & Suites
Phoenix Airport North
Join a dynamic community of martial arts professionals for certification courses, workshops, 30+ expert-led seminars, invaluable networking opportunities, photo-ops, cocktail party, hall of fame awards banquet..
The entire event will be held at the Holiday Inn & Suites, Phoenix Airport North, just minutes from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Doors open 9am Friday May 2, and seminars start at 10am. Event details below.
TRAIN
CONNECT
CELEBRATE
This event will be epic!
Featuring certifications, hands-on workshops, seminars from martial arts leaders, legends, and icons, and extensive networking opportunities. Whether you're a novice martial artist or seasoned professional, FITA will equip you with the tools and knowledge to take your martial arts to the next level.
Certifications
Receive Official FITA Certificates for Participating in seminars and join in several optional certification courses.
Entertainment
Surprise, Exciting Professional, Extreme Demonstration (hint: this show is hot!)
Expert-led seminars
Learn from Martial Arts Icons, Legends, and Celebrities in Krav Maga, Israeli Martial Arts and many other systems.
Hands-On Training
Incredible opportunity to train with World Leaders and Innovative Martial Artists.
Networking opportunities
Build valuable, lasting connections with peers in the business and with like-minded martial artists from around the globe.
Photo Ops
Meet n' Greet and take a photo with some of your martial arts heroes and legends.
Award Banquet
Israeli Martial Arts Hall of Honors will present awards at a Gala Evening Event. Martial Artists from ALL systems and styles are eligible to receive awards.
Expand your horizons at the top conference for professionals
Featuring hands-on workshops, insightful seminars from industry leaders, and extensive networking opportunities, EventCon will equip you with the tools and knowledge to move forward with confidence in your career.
Interactive workshops
Gain practical skills through workshops led by seasoned professionals.
Expert-led seminars
Learn from industry leaders about the latest trends and strategies.
Networking opportunities
Build valuable, lasting connections with peers and mentors.
Career advancement
Discover new opportunities and tools to propel your career forward.
Learn from Industry Leaders
We are proud to present a lineup of distinguished experts in a variety of martial arts, combat, self-defense and tactical systems and styles. Gain insights from leaders who are shaping the future of the industry. (Subject to change).
Seminar leaders and celebrities...
Danny Lopez
Former World Champion Kickboxer. Stuntman, Actor, Director of Photography and Award-Winning Director.
Eyal Yanilov
Head of KMG.
Holder of Founder's Certificate.
World-Renowned Leader in Krav Maga
Moti Horenstein
UFC Veteran, Kyokushin Champion, Muay Thai Champion, Hisardut/Krav Maga Grandmaster
Benny The Jet Urquidez
Everyone's heard of Benny. One of the best full-contact kickboxers in history. 63-0. 6x World Champion in 5 weight divisions. Trains celebrities in Hollywood.
Dan Severn
UFC Veteran, UFC Hall of Fame,
Wrestling Hall of Fame
Avi Abeceedon
10th Dan Krav Maga. Head of KAMI. Head of Martial Arts Wingate Academy
Seminar Leaders and Celebrities...
Yuri Boiarsky
Head of Krav Maga Orange County, Program Director Academic College Wingate, military/LEO/security instructor.
Shannon Hiromasa
Elected Mayor in Colorado. Krav Maga Black Belt and Wingate-Certified Instructor. Martial. arts training 27 yrs. Nationally-certified firearms instructor. Paid speaker and corporate presenter.
Dr. Gavriel Schneider
8th Dan Gendai Krav Maga/Jujitsu. Author, top entrepreneur in Australia. Risk management, Presilience expert.
James Hiromasa
Defensive Tactics and Arrest Control Expert. FIMA Rep. Colorado. Owner - Colorado Krav Maga
Alain Cohen
Head of KMF-AC. 6th Dan Krav Maga, Former IDF/WIngate instructor
John Whitman
Head of Krav Maga Alliance. FIMA Board of Directors, Lead MCMAP Instructor, Award-Winning Author, Trained thousands of Civilians and Military.
Seminar Leaders...
Darryl Vidal
Best known for his role in the Original Karate Kid and his subsequent role in the series Cobra Kai, Darryl is a 10th Degree Black Belt in Chinese Kenpo Karate. He's the inventor of the famous Crane kick and was the body double for Mr. Miyagi.
Shonie Carter
WEC Champion. Former Marine, competed in UFC, Pancrase, Kyokushin, Judo, Wrestling, Kickboxing and Bellator,
Shihan Dana Abbott
7th Dan and world-renowned sword and edged weapon expert. Conducted seminars in 30 countries. Inventor of Action Flex Padded Weapons.
GM Guy Rafaeli
FIMA Edged Weapons Director. IDF Vet, 7th Dan Krav Maga and Founder Ultimate Krav Maga. Full Contact Israeli Champion Hisardut. Pekitia-Tersia Kali expert.
Capt. Tomer Israeli
Former Shin Bet (Israeli Secret Service), former Commando and Intelligence Officer. Chief Security Officer at Israeli Embassy. Director SLETA (Security and Law Enforcement Training Association).
BK Blankchtein
IDF Vet, Tactical training and security expert. Owner Masada Tactical. Alabama Police Officer, SWAT instructor. 4th Dan Black Belt Israeli Combat System.
Seminar Leaders and Celebrities...
Vince Cecere
Master instructor CQC and Jujitsu. Military, LEO, SF, Federal Agencies trainer, Actor, Comedian, Author, Toughman!
Nir Maman
Former Lead Counter-Terror Instructor and Team Leader - Lotar. 6 recent combat tours in Israel. 4th Dan Krav Maga, Founder CT 707. FIMA Director International Weapons Assoc.
Don "The Dragon" Wilson
Named greatest kickboxer in American history with 72-5-2 over 4 decades. Inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame. Acted in many movies from Bloodfist to Batman.
Carlos Machado
8th Dan Coral Belt BJJ, World-renowned expert. 6X Pan-Am Champion & BJJ Legend. Coach and Board Member PGF. Black Belt Magazine Instructor of the Year.
Tommi Nystrom
Head of Finland Krav Maga Association. 5th Dan Krav Maga Black Belt. Military veteran, education specialist in ecological dynamics.
Olivier Gruner
Former Pro Kickboxer, French Special Forces, Helicopter Pilot, Actor, Stuntman, High-Level Tactical Training expert and EP/VIP specialist.
More Seminar Leaders and Celebrities...
Dennis Creiger
Muay Thai, BJJ, FMA, Krav Maga Advance Instructor. Competitive Boxer, BJJ, Kickboxer. Clinch Dirty Boxing Expert. Founder of Forged Krav Maga.
GM Ran Steinberg
10th Dan Black Belt in Hisardut - Dennis Jiu Jitsu. Former full contact fighter and IDF Krav Maga Instructor.
Julius Melegrito
7th Dan FMA, High-Rank in several styles. Black Belt in Kavanah. Founder of Philippine Martial Arts Alliance. On cover of Black Belt Magazine and their Hall of Fame.
Ilya Dunsky
Former Combat Paratrooper, Chief Instructor of IDF Krav Maga Instructor Course, Head of Krav Maga Dept. for Israeli Elite Counter-Terror Unit Lotar. Internationally recognized Krav Maga expert.
Founder ID Krav Maga.
Chris Lytle
20x UFC Vet, 13-1-1 Boxing, 3-0 Bareknuckle. Fought Pancrase, Cage Rage, etc. 6x "Fight of the Night", 3x "Submission of the Night", 1x "KO of the Night".
Sumo Dan Kalbfleisch
12× US Sumo Champion, 5× US Sumo Grand Champion, 7x International Sumo Champion, 75+ gold medals incl. Sumo educator and tournament producer. He'll be teaching Street Sumo.
Seminar Leaders and Celebrities...
GM Sky Benson
Founder Martial Science. Mult high level Black Belts in Goju Ryo, JiuJitsu, and Street Smart Survival. Kentucky Colonel, author of multiple martial arts books. Hall of Fame Inductee..
GM Jeff Speakman
Member of FIMA Honorary Grandmaster Council. Starred in 10 feature films incl. The Perfect Weapon. Certified DT Instructor for DOJ agencies - DEA, FBI, and Homeland Security. Inducted - Black Belt, World Martial Arts, and Masters Halls of Fame. Oversees largest Kenpo Karate organization in the world!
Viking Samurai (David Kurzhal)
5th Dan Black Belt Karate, Boxer, Writer, Action Actor (Last Kumite, Bloodstorm, Elite Target), Bodybuilder. Hosts the hugely popular Viking Samurai YouTube Channel.
GM Jacov Bresler
8th Dan Kapap, Former Israeli Navy SF, 50+ yrs in martial arts, Mult Black Belts incl. w/ Benny the Jet, Founder of Street Smart Survival, Senior Kapap Master Instructor, 7th Dan Israeli Karate, Movie Producer & Stunt Coordinator.
Ron Van Clief
Former 5X Full Contact Karate World Champion, Former UFC Fighter, Hollywood and Hong Kong Film Star, Former Marine, Named "Black Dragon" by Bruce Lee.
Laurian Lapadatu
Well known Master Instructor in Krav Maga. Founder of Krav Maga Force. Chuck Norris' instructor. FIrearms, LEO, Security, Hostage Rescue. Former Romanian Special Forces
More Seminar Leaders and Celebrities...
Donavan Britt
US Army Vet, 3rd Dan Krav Maga. Instructor and Competitor in mult. systems, BJJ, Grappling, Muay Thai, MMA. UFC and Bellator Coach. Social Media Genius.
Greg Schneider
30+ yrs experience w/ US and International law enforcement. Black Belt in Krav Maga w/ Master Level Degree in Criminal Justice. Specializes in consulting for Jewish agencies to enhance their security and in Training for Tactical Fitness.
Chef Andre Rush
Celebrity Chef who worked in the White House for 4 administrations. Fitness Guru who does 2,222 pushups everyday. Army Veteran.
Strongest Chef in the World!
Joe "Diesel" Riggs
A professional MMA fighter with 70 MMA fights (49 wins). He's been in UFC, WEC, Strikefore, Bellator, ProElite, M-1 Global and King of the Cage. He's the former WEC Middleweight Champion and now a bare-knuckle boxer with BKFC.
Dr. Robert Goldman
Grandmaster Black Belt in Shotokan, Chinese Weapons, Tang Soo Do. Trained in Kavanah, 20+ Guiness World Records for Strength, Founder Personal Trainer Industry and Anti-Aging Industry. Inducted into every martial arts hall of fame. Bareknuckle & Bodyguard HoF. World's foremost health & wellness expert. World's #1 Philanthropist!
Dr. Naftali Farber
9th Dan Founder Kavanah, Instructor mult systems Krav Maga, Kapap, Hsardut, TKD, Hapkido, Police Defensive Tactics. Trained IDF Commandos. Former trauma physician. Expert conflict management
Some Celebrities...
Sifu Alan Goldberg
Godfather of Martial Arts! Kung Fu, Shotokan, Okinawan master, LEO instructor. Host of Mega Action Martial Arts Hall of Honors!
Tony Schiena
Real-life Rambo. Ex-CIA operative, former Karate Champion, trains Afghan and Kurdish troops, Mult. gov't agencies protecting wormen & children. Climbed Everest, ran Marathon Des Sables. Owns MOSAIC Tactical - Largest Security Company in the World.
German Hernandez
5th Dan Shotokan Karate Champion, Personal Trainer, mult Halls of Fame, Entrepreneur, trained Arnold Schwarzenegger for Conan role.
Keith Larkin
Krav Maga Black Belt, Level 5 Instructor with KM Alliance. Owner - EVKM Krav Maga in Tempe, Arizona. FIMA Representative in AZ. Certified Active Shooter Defense and Strikeout Kickboxing Instructor. Voted Best Workout Studio in Phx!
Jennifer Silverstein
Former IDF, Instructor in Kapap, Krav Maga, MMA, and firearms. Founder of Krav Girl Tactics
Grandmaster Eric Lee
Won more national and international martial arts awards than any other martial artist. Inducted into more than 25 HoF. Actor and Stunt Choreographer in more than 80 films and TV productions.
More Celebrities in Attendance...
Jesse James Tucker
FIMA Representative, Martial Arts and Self-Defense 25+ yrs. Krav Maga with Variety of Organizations. 4th Dan Kapap. Owner Tucson’s Rising Phoenix. Named Best Krav Maga Instructor in Tucson.
Keith Burregi
FIMA Rep. for Louisiana. Krav Maga and Kavanah Instructor, with multiple martial arts including TKD, Tang Soo Do, Aikido, Aikijujitsu, and Lung Shou Pai Kung Fu. Keith is also a Police Officer and Chief Instructor of SICA MMA. Former recipient of the IMA Instructor of the Year Award!
Max McGregor
3rd Dan Black Belt Gendai Ryu Krav Maga and Jiu-Jitsu and Dennis Survival Jiu Jitsu. Nationally-Accredited Self-Defence Instructor and Australian Martial Arts Coaching System. Chief Instructor Champions Krav Maga Academy.
Brandon Davis
4th Dan Krav Maga. Head Instructor for Chuck Norris' UFAF Krav Maga. Advanced Kavanah Instructor. Weapons expert.
Tim Kubit
Tim has 20 years experience in Israeli Martial Arts and 12 as a black belt instructor. He's the FIMA Rep for NY. He is one of few instructors in the US under Michael Ruppel w/ Krav Maga Street Defence.
Greg Dziewonski
Senior Krav Maga Instructor and 5th Dan Black Belt, National Director of Krav Maga Federation - AC, FIMA Representative New Jersey, Author of Krav Maga - Best Techniques, Actor and Musician, Founder of Performance Krav Maga.
More Celebrities in Attendance...
Cameron Davis
4th Dan Krav Maga, Certified Kavanah Instructor. Trained in mult. styles Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Karate, FMA, and BJJ (Purple). Former Government Security Contractor for DHS. Expert in EP/Bodyguard Detail.
Amir Boaron
The Head Coach for the National Israeli BJJ Team. Named top coach of the year by several organizations. The Head of Soul Fighters Israel. Leads the National Team to multiple world titles.
Joe Corley
Member of FIMA Grandmasters Council, 10th Dan Black Belt Karate and Krav Maga Black Belt. 10X National Full Contact Champion, ESPN host, martial arts pioneer and CEO of Professional Karate Association (PKA).
Will Spears
Krav Maga black belt with 12 years experience. Trained in Jiu Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, Wrestling, and Kick Boxing. Owner/Head Instructor Centurion Krav Maga and Representative in Chandler, AZ
Joycelyne Lew
Actress, model, magician, chef. Joycelyne has acted in movies like Big Trouble in Little China, Big Brawl with Jackie Chan, King & I with Yul Brunner. She was in shows like Kung Fu, and acted with Rock Hudson, Humphrey Bogart, and Ronald Reagan.
Joseph Edmondson
8th Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo, 4th Dan Krav Maga under Itay Gil. Former National Fighting Champion, Security-VIP/EP Protection, FIMA Representative Gilbert, AZ
A sneak peek at our event schedule
Friday,
May 2
FITA
Seminars start at 10:00 AM
and continue until 4:00 PM.
Two seminars every hour all day. Train in as many or as few as you like. Take a break to visit exhibit booths for products and programs.
Take photos with your favorite martial arts legends.
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Mini Shabbat Service and Cocktail Party with hors d'oeuvres.
Saturday, May 3
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Two seminars every hour all day. Train in as many or as few as you like.
Take a break and visit exhibit booths. Hang out with iconic martial art celebs.
6:10 PM - 6:45 PM
Dynamic and Dangerous Professional Performance.
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Formal Banquet and Israeli Martial Arts Awards Dinner.
Sunday,
May 4
9:00 AM - 2 PM
Seminars and Exhibits
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Optional Courses with 1) Eyal Yanilov or 2) Alain Cohen
What our members are saying:
“This event will be epic. There has never been a gathering of such great Israeli Martial Artists.”
— J.S.
“The networking opportunities at FITA will be fantastic. The list of famous martial artists is incredible."
— M.W.
“The Israeli Martial Arts Hall of Honors has always been an excellent and meaningful event."
— M.H.
What our attendees are saying:
“Hugely looking forward to this event. The hands-on workshops and seminars are top notch.”
— Jordan S.
“The networking opportunities at FITA are incredible! Some of the best martial artists on the planet. Getting to train with legends like Benny the Jet and Dan Severn is amazing."
— Robert S.
“I've attended the Israeli Martial Arts Hall of Fame before and it was a very meaningful experience. Can't wait to join in the celebration this year!”
— Keith R.
FAQ's
What is FITA
FITA is a premier international conference hosted by FIMA, featuring active hands-on training, seminars, certifications, networking and awards for martial artists of all styles.
Who is the event for?
FITA is open to anyone from novice enthusiasts to seasoned master instructors - covering a broad spectrum of martial arts disciplines.
What kind of seminars?
FITA features interactive seminars on striking, grappling, modern-day weapons, and more, alongside practical lectures on situational awareness and body language.
Will there be opportunities for photos?
Absolutely! Getting photos taken with these martial arts heroes and legends is highly encouraged whether it is during their seminar, at the exhibit or during the Hall of Honors.
Are there certifications available?
Yes, participants will receive participation certificates for attending the seminars. There will also be optional certification courses including a Krav Maga Level 1 Wingate Instructor course from April 25- May 2, and Alain Cohen KMF-AC Instructor course May 2-4.
Will there be networking?
FITA offers numerous networking opportunities to connect with other martial artists, instructors, and the leaders of many international organizations, both in Israeli and non-Israeli systems.
What is the Hall of Honors?
The Hall of Honors is a celebration of professional achievements in ANY martial art, security, military, or teaching. Any martial artist may apply to get inducted into the IMA Hall of Honors.
Join us at FITA!
Train - Connect - Celebrate
Phoenix, Arizona:
Phoenix isn’t just a destination—it’s a place to push your boundaries, refocus your energy, and live a fighter’s lifestyle.
Experience strong, sunny days that are perfect for intensive outdoor workouts, hikes, and keeping your edge before the summer heat kicks in.
- Challenging Desert Terrain
Test your limits against the raw, demanding landscapes of Camelback Mountain, South Mountain Park, and the Sonoran Desert - a true proving ground. - Gritty Cultural Highlights
Dive into the local heritage with visits to the Desert Botanical Garden, Heard Museum, and Phoenix Art Museum—each a solid look at the region’s raw heritage and spirit. - High-Octane Events
Catch the energy of spring training baseball, outdoor festivals, and local events that fire up the city all through May. - Bold Culinary Scene
Refuel with robust Southwestern flavors—from no-nonsense food trucks to rooftop dining that packs a serious punch. - Rebuild and Recharge
Recover like a warrior at top spas, resorts, and golf courses designed to reset your focus and keep you battle-ready.
Join us at FITA!
Train - Connect - Celebrate
Day Trips from Phoenix
Here are seven 1-2 day getaways from Phoenix, built for those who live by pushing limits. These destinations offer unique mixes of challenge, history, and rugged beauty.
- Sedona
Two-hour drive north, Sedona challenges you with stunning red rock formations and hardcore hiking trails, plus an art scene that fuels the fighter's creative edge. - Prescott
Experience a blend of old-school grit and outdoor action. Prescott delivers historic charm and rugged trails in Prescott National Forest, perfect for those who appreciate real adventure. - Lost Dutchman State Park (Superstition Mountains)
Step into Arizona's raw side. This desert proving ground offers intense hiking and rugged terrain that will test your limits and build your resilience. - Picacho Peak State Park
Conquer dramatic peaks and explore trails that lead to breathtaking views and ancient petroglyphs—a testament to the spirit of warriors from the past. - Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Tackle one of the world’s largest natural travertine bridges. Its unique trails and canyon environment offer a no-nonsense escape into nature. - Antelope Canyon
Venture into a natural labyrinth carved by time. A guided tour through these sculpted slot canyons delivers a raw, unforgettable experience that pushes your perspective. - Tombstone – Wild West Experience
Hit the road to Tombstone and immerse yourself in the authentic grit of the Wild West. Relive the era of outlaws and lawmen in a town where history is as bold as your fighting spirit.
Some of Our Sponsors
Register for FITA
May 2-4
In-person attendance
Location:
Grand Conference Center, Cityville
Immerse yourself in the full experience with live workshops, networking opportunities, and face-to-face interactions with industry leaders. Enjoy exclusive access to breakout sessions and social events.
Virtual attendance
Platform:
EventCon Online Portal
Join us from the comfort of your home with our seamless virtual platform. Access live-streamed keynotes, interactive workshops, and virtual networking rooms. Engage with speakers and fellow attendees with real-time Q&A sessions
Take Your Martial Arts to the Next Level
TRAIN - CONNECT - CELEBRATE
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the Krav Maga event of the year!
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