Ebenau, Austria — At the end of January 2026, the Austrian town of Ebenau, located in the picturesque Salzburg region, will become a hub for Krav Maga specialists from across Europe. On January 24-25, an intensive seminar will take place here under the leadership of Ron Engelman – one of the leading masters of the Israeli self-defense system.
Ron Engelman represents the Krav Maga Defence Institute (KMDI) – an organization known for its strict standards in instructor training and commitment to authentic Krav Maga principles. Throughout his career, Engelman has conducted hundreds of seminars worldwide, passing on his knowledge to military and law enforcement units as well as civilian practitioners.
His teaching methodology is distinguished by a balance between technical perfection and practical applicability. Participants in his seminars note the master’s ability to adapt complex techniques to various skill levels while maintaining the combat effectiveness of the system.
Format of the Winter Intensive
The two-day seminar promises to be intensive. The Winter Edition program traditionally includes several key blocks:
Striking and Defense Techniques — in-depth work on basic and advanced techniques for hand and foot strikes, as well as defensive actions against various attacks. Special attention is paid to movement biomechanics and generating maximum power with minimal energy expenditure.
Work Against Armed Opponents — one of the most sought-after sections of Krav Maga. Participants will practice disarming techniques when threatened with a knife, gun, or improvised weapons. Engelman is known for his realistic approach to this aspect, avoiding “Hollywood” solutions in favor of proven tactics.
Multiple Attackers — scenarios where a practitioner faces several attackers simultaneously. Here, positioning, distance management, and the ability to quickly assess threat priorities are critical.
Ground Fighting — the ground component of Krav Maga, including defense and control techniques and rapid return to standing position. Unlike sport grappling, the emphasis is on survival in street situations.
Psychological Preparation — working with stress, decision-making under adrenaline rush, and developing combat mindset. This aspect is often underestimated but is critically important for real-world application of skills.
Partnership with The Base
The seminar is being conducted in collaboration with The Base training center – one of the leading facilities for fighter preparation in the Austrian region. The center is equipped with everything necessary for intensive training: quality mats, diverse training weapons, and sufficient space for partner and group work.
The choice of location in Ebenau is no accident. This small Austrian town, located just a few kilometers from Salzburg, provides the ideal combination of accessibility and peaceful atmosphere. Participants can fully concentrate on the training process while enjoying the beauty of the alpine landscapes for which this region of Austria is famous.
Austria as a Martial Arts Hub
Hosting such a high-level event in Austria underscores the country’s growing role in the European martial arts community. The Austrian Krav Maga school has demonstrated impressive development in recent years, attracting the attention of international experts.
Austria’s geographical location makes it an ideal platform for hosting international seminars. Ebenau is located in the heart of Europe, providing convenient access for participants from Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Italy, Slovenia, and other neighboring countries. The proximity of Salzburg International Airport and well-developed transport infrastructure additionally simplify logistics for foreign guests.
The Austrian martial arts community is known for its serious approach to the training process. Here, technical mastery and practical effectiveness are valued more than show performances and commercial aspects, which fully corresponds to the philosophy of Krav Maga.
Krav Maga in the Modern World
Krav Maga continues to gain popularity beyond Israel. The system, created by Imi Lichtenfeld in the 1930s and subsequently refined for the needs of the Israeli military, is now taught in more than 60 countries worldwide.
The key difference between Krav Maga and traditional martial arts is the absence of a sporting component and philosophical concepts. It is an exclusively applied system where effectiveness is more important than aesthetics, and survival is the main goal. Techniques are borrowed from boxing, Muay Thai, jiu-jitsu, judo, and wrestling, but adapted for street conflicts where there are no rules or referees.
In recent years, interest in Krav Maga has been shown not only by security forces but also by ordinary citizens concerned about personal safety. Women’s self-defense groups, corporate security programs, and children’s sections – the system adapts to different audiences while maintaining its practical focus.
Who This Seminar Is For
The organizers invite a wide range of practitioners to participate. Martial arts instructors will find an opportunity here to expand their methodological arsenal and obtain international-level certification. Active fighters will be able to hone self-defense skills that may be useful outside the ring or octagon.
Security service and law enforcement personnel traditionally constitute a significant portion of the audience at such seminars. For them, Krav Maga is of practical interest as a system that allows effective situation control with minimal use of force.
Even practitioners without prior Krav Maga experience can benefit from the intensive, although the high pace of work will require good physical condition and readiness for intense loads. Ron Engelman is known for his ability to work with multi-level groups, adapting material to participants’ capabilities without losing training quality.
Winter Season in the Alps
Conducting the seminar in January adds special flavor to the event. The winter Alps create a unique atmosphere for intensive training. After demanding sessions, participants can enjoy the beauty of snow-covered mountain landscapes, which contributes to recovery and reflection on the acquired knowledge.
Ebenau and the Salzburg area offer excellent accommodation options for participants. From cozy guesthouses in alpine style to modern hotels – everyone will find an option to their taste and budget. The proximity to Salzburg also provides an opportunity to combine training with a cultural program for those who wish to extend their stay in the region.
Registration and Practical Information
Given Ron Engelman’s reputation and the limited capacity of the training hall, organizers strongly recommend registering early. The promotional materials feature the call “Save the Date,” which indicates expected high demand for places.
Program details, participation costs, and accommodation conditions can be clarified through the official channels of KMDI and The Base. The organizers promise to provide all necessary logistics information, including recommendations for accommodation and airport transfers.
The winter format of the seminar has its advantages: fewer competing events in the martial arts calendar, which allows gathering a more concentrated audience of serious practitioners truly interested in in-depth study of the system.
International Significance of the Event
Hosting a seminar of this level in Austria is recognition of the growing maturity of the local Krav Maga community and the entire Central European region. It is also an opportunity for Austrian practitioners to demonstrate their level and exchange experience with colleagues from other countries.
The seminar in Ebenau is another confirmation that Krav Maga continues to evolve, preserving its combat essence and adapting to the challenges of the modern world. For participants, this is a unique chance to experience the authentic tradition of the system under the guidance of an internationally recognized master in one of the most beautiful parts of Europe.
The event also contributes to strengthening connections within the European Krav Maga community, creating a network of practitioners and instructors who can maintain contact and exchange experiences after the seminar concludes.
Additional information about registration, seminar program, and participation conditions is available on the official websites of the Krav Maga Defence Institute and The Base training center in Ebenau, Austria.
