Refael Kashani's personal and professional timelines show an ongoing commitment to Krav Maga. He trained soldiers in Krav Maga while in the Israeli Army (2000-2005), having completed his Instructor Course (2002). In 2005, he concluded his time in the army with honours and the degree of First Sergeant, Headquarters. Rafi later arrived in Canada and focused on his own training under Eli Ben Ami and Gabi Noah, later returning to Krav Maga as a teacher. He achieved Expert Level Two in 2011, going on to achieve his Expert Level Three in 2015. In 2017, he achieved his Expert Level Four. He is now operating successful schools in Maple and Mississauga, Canada, both of which are under his direct management. In 2011-2012, Rafi was appointed International Krav Maga’s National Director for Canada.
Rafi has a vision for Krav Maga that extends far beyond the walls of his schools; Rafi says, “today, I am honouring my coaches’ vision, which was not only to train the general population, but to use Krav Maga to reach at-risk groups – those most often abandoned by other systems and methodologies. I develop and deliver programming based on my coaches’ findings and beliefs, all of which aim to help the most ‘difficult’ of cases, such as children who have suffered abuse, or those for whom traditional therapies have proven ineffective.” His philosophy can be summarized by saying that each person’s strengths can be harnessed through education.
As Rafi states, Krav Maga is for everyone, regardless of gender, ability status, experience level, size, or age. Krav Maga can offer an alternative “solution” to youth, those at-risk, and challenged populations. Rafi says, “‘Krav Maga is for everyone’ are not just words to me; I am actually delivering programming that is accessible to everyone.” The tremendous, positive results that Rafi and his clients have seen in even the most severe cases of abuse and of attention-related/behavioural disorders underscore the effectiveness of Krav Maga training. Rafi is a dynamic instructor who is not simply highly skilled – he is also very approachable. He welcomes all opportunities to discuss Krav Maga philosophy and training, and to answer any questions that you may have. Rafi says,
“I invite everyone to my classes; our schools’ doors are open for everyone. May all of you walk in peace.”