Meet Our Instructors
Learn from Metro Detroit’s Most Experienced Krav Maga Team
The quality of your training begins with the quality of your instructors.
At Krav Maga Detroit, our team is made up of experienced Krav Maga practitioners, certified instructors, military veterans, fitness professionals, youth coaches, and lifelong martial artists who share one common mission:
Helping every student become stronger, safer, and more confident.
Whether you’re attending your very first class or preparing for advanced testing, our instructors are committed to providing a supportive, challenging, and professional training environment where every student can succeed.
Pawel Cichowlas
Owner • Lead Instructor • 3rd Degree Black Belt
As the founder of Krav Maga Detroit, Pawel Cichowlas has spent more than two decades helping thousands of students develop real-world self-defense skills.
Originally from Kraków, Poland, Pawel immigrated to the United States in 1996 and founded Krav Maga Detroit in 2005 with one vision: to provide authentic, reality-based self-defense training to the Metro Detroit community.
A 3rd Degree Black Belt Krav Maga Instructor, Pawel is certified to teach civilians, children, law enforcement officers, and military personnel. His expertise includes:
- Hand-to-Hand Combat
- Firearms Defense
- Fitness Instruction
- Defensive Tactics
- Blunt Weapon Defense
- Fight Choreography for Film
- Knife Defense
- Active Threat Response
Known for his attention to detail, high standards, and passion for helping others, Pawel continues to lead every class with the philosophy that Krav Maga exists “so one may walk in peace.”
Lisa Cichowlas
Co-Owner • Level 3 Krav Maga Instructor
Lisa Cichowlas has helped shape the welcoming culture that defines Krav Maga Detroit.
In 2007, she became Michigan’s first female certified Krav Maga instructor, paving the way for countless women to discover the confidence and empowerment that Krav Maga provides.
Lisa combines years of Krav Maga instruction with extensive experience in:
- Functional Fitness
- Kettlebell Instruction
- Women’s Self-Defense
- Strength Training
- Mobility
Her encouraging teaching style helps students build confidence while challenging them to continually improve.
John Myszak
Level 2 Certified Krav Maga Instructor
A proud United States Marine, John brings discipline, intensity, and professionalism to every class.
His military background, combined with extensive Krav Maga experience and training with legendary martial artist Bas Rutten, allows him to deliver energetic classes focused on practical self-defense and mental toughness.
Students appreciate John’s positive attitude and ability to make challenging training enjoyable.
Vincent Meka
Black Belt • Krav Maga Instructor
Since beginning his Krav Maga journey in 2016, Vincent has developed into one of Krav Maga Detroit’s most respected instructors.
His dedication earned him instructor certification and the achievement of Krav Maga Black Belt.
Known for his technical precision, calm demeanor, and passion for continuous improvement, Vincent helps students refine both fundamentals and advanced techniques.
Felipe Torres
Krav Maga Instructor
Felipe is a dedicated instructor committed to helping students improve their skills, confidence, and physical conditioning.
His classes emphasize practical application, teamwork, and continuous personal growth while creating a positive learning environment for every student.
Subash Sriram
Level 1 Krav Maga Instructor
Subash is known throughout Krav Maga Detroit for his incredible work ethic and passion for learning.
His meticulous attention to detail and enthusiasm for teaching make every class engaging and informative.
Students appreciate his patient coaching style and commitment to helping everyone improve one technique at a time.
John Carra
PT Instructor • Competitive Bodybuilder • Former Marine
John combines military discipline with elite-level fitness coaching.
A former Marine and accomplished competitive bodybuilder, John specializes in helping students develop:
- Functional Strength
- Endurance
- Overall Conditioning
- Athletic Performance
- Proper Movement Mechanics
His energy and motivation inspire students to continually push beyond their perceived limits.
aura Lies
Yoga & Group Fitness Instructor
Laura’s journey began as a student at Krav Maga Detroit before becoming one of our instructors.
After earning her yoga certification, she developed a unique approach to improving mobility, flexibility, recovery, and injury prevention for Krav Maga practitioners.
She has also competed in Figure Bodybuilding, combining strength, discipline, and wellness into every class she teaches.
Rob Wark
Kids Krav Maga Instructor
Rob has been an important part of the Krav Maga Detroit family since 2014.
With extensive experience coaching youth sports, Rob has a natural ability to connect with children while helping them build:
- Confidence
- Discipline
- Leadership
- Respect
- Focus
As both a dedicated Krav Maga student and certified instructor, he creates a fun, positive learning environment that helps young students thrive.
Andriy Bilunskiy
Krav Maga Instructor
Andriy brings passion, dedication, and a commitment to helping students develop practical self-defense skills.
His instruction focuses on building confidence through consistent training, attention to detail, and realistic application.
Shaun M.
Krav Maga Instructor
Shaun is committed to helping every student become stronger both mentally and physically.
His classes emphasize proper technique, realistic scenarios, and creating a motivating atmosphere where students can challenge themselves safely.
Chris T.
Krav Maga Instructor
Bio coming soon.
Staci Barkkari
Kids Coach • Certified Personal Trainer
Staci has been coaching Krav Maga Detroit’s Young Warriors program since 2019.
Her extensive certifications include:
- Personal Training
- Yoga Instruction
- Youth Development
- Nutrition Coaching
- Lifespan Coaching
- Senior Fitness
Her positive energy and passion for helping children and families make her an invaluable part of the Krav Maga Detroit team.
One Team. One Mission.
Every instructor at Krav Maga Detroit shares the same commitment:
Helping ordinary people become extraordinary when it matters most. Whether you’re looking to learn self-defense, improve your fitness, gain confidence, or enroll your child in a positive, structured environment, our experienced team is here to support your journey every step of the way.
Train With Detroit’s Leading Krav Maga Instructors
Experience firsthand why students from across Metro Detroit trust our team for authentic, professional, and reality-based self-defense training.
Schedule your FREE introductory class today
and meet the instructors who are dedicated to helping you become stronger, safer, and more confident.
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