About

Founder & CEO

Raz Chen is an internationally respected Krav Maga expert and tactical self-defense strategist with over 20 years of elite training and instruction. Born and trained in Israel, he studied under Master Gabi Noah and completed the Civilian Krav Maga Instructor Course at the renowned Wingate Institute. His methods are rooted in battlefield-tested realism and a deep understanding of human performance.

During his service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as a Kfir Operations Combatant, Raz engaged in high-stakes counter-terrorism and urban warfare missions. He became a senior military Krav Maga instructor and led the IDF’s Krav Maga program, training over 10,000 soldiers, including Special Forces units like Lotar Counter-Terrorism, the Oketz K-9 Unit, and U.S. Marines. Raz also authored the official combatives curriculum for the Kfir Brigade and was the 2010 IDF Krav Maga Champion.

Now based in the U.S., Raz is the founder and CEO of AVIIR Self Defense, a mission-driven organization that integrates authentic Israeli Krav Maga with advanced techniques in functional movement, breathwork, and injury prevention. He is the Manager of Security Training on Campuses for Krav and Kesher—part of the Community Security Service (CSS)—and serves as CSS NYC Head Instructor. Raz is also the Head of the Krav Maga and Physical Education Program at Emet Classical Academy in NYC, a school founded under the prestigious Tikvah Fund, where he shapes the next generation through tactical discipline and physical confidence. His training programs are trusted by security agencies, law enforcement, schools, and faith-based institutions across the country.

In addition, Raz is a senior instructor for Guardian Self Defense, a nonprofit committed to empowering Jewish communities through proactive security and combat training. He collaborates with Students Supporting Israel and other campus organizations to expand access to tactical self-defense nationwide.

Raz also brings his insights to a global audience as a contributor for Black Belt Magazine, Martial Journal, and The Times of Israel. His interviews with martial arts legends—including Olympian Sagi Muki and Krav Maga Master Eyal Yanilov—underscore his commitment to preserving tradition while driving innovation in personal protection.

Whether you're a civilian ready to take charge of your safety or an organization seeking elite tactical preparedness, Raz Chen delivers real-world training that builds strength, skill, and resilience.

Start training and become the protector your world needs

Instructor & School Outreach

Elizabeth Chen is a seasoned self-defense instructor and educational leader with over a decade of experience empowering individuals and communities through Krav Maga and advocacy training. As a core member of AVIIR Self Defense, she delivers practical, reality-based instruction tailored to diverse populations—from young children to seniors, from university students to international NGOs.

Elizabeth's commitment to empowerment is rooted in her extensive work with survivors of assault and trafficking, as well as her efforts to advance the status of women and girls at risk. She has collaborated with local government leaders in Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, and has contributed to UN-affiliated humanitarian initiatives. Before founding Dedimus Potestatem, a leadership development organization, Elizabeth worked on Presidential and Congressional campaigns and volunteered with the ACLU and MoveOn.

Elizabeth studied Homeland Security at George Washington University, International Politics at St. Antony’s College, Oxford University, Leadership Development at Columbia University, and Psychology at the College of Southern Nevada. Elizabeth has also written curricula for elementary, middle, and high school advocacy programs and teaches young advocates how to lobby their student government and local representatives.

At AVIIR, Elizabeth integrates her global experience and academic background to teach Krav Maga, focusing on accessibility and empowerment. She has taught self-defense to individuals of all ages and abilities, emphasizing that everyone can protect themselves and their communities. Whether you're seeking to enhance personal safety, build community resilience, or develop leadership skills, Elizabeth Chen offers comprehensive training that equips individuals with the tools to advocate for themselves and others.

Start training today and take the first step towards empowerment and self-reliance