Our Instructors
All of our instructors are certified by the American Krav Maga Federation (AKMF), an organization that was established to rank students through an association of like minded Krav Maga school owners and their students' schools. Our Instructors have spent many years devoted to training in Krav Maga and other martial arts and have attained a certain level of expertise to qualify them as teachers and mentors.
Chris Crouch
Owner/Chief Instructor
A US Navy veteran, former web developer and father of 3, Chris first became interested in Krav Maga shortly after being married in 2008. He and his wife began training together under Master Mark Cox of Chatsworth Krav Maga so that he could feel more at peace about her safety.
Chris has been interested in martial arts his entire life, and has studied multiple styles of self defense. He earned his Black Belt in Krav Maga in 2012, his 2nd Degree in 2016 and his 3rd Degree in June 2019. Chris has also begun training in Seibukan Jujutsu, a traditional Japanese style. He has a dedication to both his personal training and the training of the students here.
Grant Cogswell
Instructor
Starting from a young age, Grant has always had a passion for martial arts. Growing up, he loved watching Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and The Karate Kid movies and even tried practicing some of the moves in front of the TV! Prior to Krav Maga, he has studied various disciplines, primarily Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, and Muay Thai. He found Krav Maga because he was looking for something that was not only fun and a great workout, but more "self defense" than "sport". With Krav Maga's military and street proven effectiveness, he instantly found something he loved and could train, study, and teach for the rest of his life. Grant is currently a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Krav Maga, with over 10 years teaching experience.
Kwazi Hewlett
Instructor
Kwazi originally an East Coaster who came to California in 1991 for college, started learning martial arts in 1996 with Uechi Ryu Karate, then transitioning to Kung fu in 1998. He earned his first black belt in 2001 and continues to train in the system currently as time permits. He was introduced to Krav maga 6 years ago at Burbank Krav Maga under head instructor Chris Crouch, and immediately clicked with the art and it’s use of practical techniques over stylistic ones. He considers himself a forever student, with a passion for learning and growing in the arts earning his 1st Krav Maga black belt in June 2022, and continues to train, and teach as he works towards his 2nd degree.
Natalie Di Nicola
Instructor
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Natalie explored various martial arts as a child, but found them lacking in practical self-defense skills. Motivated by her parents' insistence that she learn to defend herself before she left for college, Natalie started training at Burbank Krav Maga when she was fifteen years old. BKM’s emphasis on “getting home safe” resonated, and she quickly developed the drive and passion that she continues to bring to her training today. Three years in Santa Barbara for college briefly interrupted her training, but upon returning to LA, she swiftly resumed and is now a First Degree Black Belt and an Instructor, finding it extremely rewarding to give back to the school. Natalie credits BKM and the community she’s found there for helping her grow into the person she is today, and for continuing to encourage her to be better.