Meet Our Team
Chief Instructor, Owner & Founder of Krav Maga & CQC Academy
Black Belt 4th Dan in Krav Maga
Alan Mann is a retired special forces operator with an extensive and diverse military career. He belongs to a group of men who understand the reality of asocial behaviour and violence, who comprehend the face-to-face threat of certain death, and who know how to defend against it. Alan has been exposed to numerous hand-to-hand combat styles from different countries. In 2006, he started training in Krav Maga and became the first instructor in South Africa to receive certification under the IKI international affiliation. He holds a Black Belt 4th Dan in Israeli Krav Maga and offers training to groups as well as individuals and their families in personal and third-party protection. Alan has helped many people, including those with physical limitations due to age or injury, to adapt to the system and defend themselves powerfully and effectively.
He welcomes everyone to train at either the Alberton, Northcliff, Linksfield, Pretoria, Polokwane dojo’s or privately in the comfort of your home and he can be contacted through his personal number or his PA, Anél.
Alan on 076 358 9187
Alan Ashton Mann alan@learn-krav-maga.co.za
Chief Instructor, Owner & Founder of Krav Maga Polokwane
Black Belt 2nd Dan in Krav Maga
**Tenure with Alan**: January 2017
**Martial Arts Background** Kickboxing, VIP security protector, Black Belt in Aikido
**Professional Skills**: Former Special Forces Operator
**Krav Maga Instructor Level**: Level 4 Full Instructor
**Advice on why others should consider joining our discipline**: “Krav Maga is not just a martial art; it’s a comprehensive approach to personal safety. In life, preparation is key, and nothing is more valuable than your own well-being. Our academy empowers you to safeguard the one thing that’s truly yours—your life. By joining us, you equip yourself with more than just self-defence techniques; you gain a holistic advantage. Enhance your health, secure your financial future, expand your career knowledge, and master Krav Maga for self-preservation. When faced with threats, give yourself the best possible defence. Choose our academy for a life protected by skill, knowledge, and readiness.”
You can come train with us at the Polokwane Wrestling Club on Suid Street, Polokwane, every Tuesday and Thursday from 17h45pm to 19h00pm.
To get in touch, contact Wayne at 083 442 9492, Justin at 072 180 1771, or Sonya at 065 723 5706.
Instructor at Krav Maga Polokwane – Black Belt 1st Dan in Krav Maga
**Tenure with Alan**: January 2017
**Martial Arts Background** 1st Kyu Aikido & Boxing
**Krav Maga Instructor Level**: Level 3 Advanced Instructor
**Advice on why others should consider joining our discipline and why I train in Krav Maga**: I have always had a passion for martial arts, beginning with MMA and wrestling. Subsequently, I commenced training in Aikido with Wayne. It was during this period that I discovered Krav Maga and was drawn to its practical approach to self-defence against armed assailants. Eventually, I began training under Instructor Alan, and since then, my dedication to the practice has been unwavering.”
You can come train with us at the Polokwane Wrestling Club on Suid Street, Polokwane, every Tuesday and Thursday from 17h45pm to 19h00pm.
To get in touch, contact Wayne at 083 442 9492, Justin at 072 180 1771, or Sonya at 065 723 5706.
Instructor at Alberton & Northcliff – Black Belt 1st Dan in Krav Maga
**Tenure with Alan**: August 2020
**Professional Skills**: Qualified Pilates instructor
**Krav Maga Instructor Level**: Level 2 Intermediate Instructor
**Advice on why others should consider joining our discipline and why I train in Krav Maga**: Duane embarked on his Krav Maga journey in August 2020, driven by a long-standing interest in martial arts and the desire to protect his growing family. Parallel to his Krav Maga training, Duane also became a certified Pilates instructor, further demonstrating his commitment to physical fitness and self-improvement. The catalyst for his involvement in Krav Maga was witnessing the training of his children under Jotham, which reignited his interest and led him to take action. For Duane, the motivation to learn and excel in Krav Maga stems from a deep-seated responsibility to safeguard his family. His children and wife are the pillars of inspiration that fuel his pursuit of mastery in Krav Maga, even at the age of 50, proving that it’s never too late to embrace new challenges and prepare oneself for the well-being of loved ones.
He welcomes everyone to train with us at either the Alberton, Northcliff or Linksfield dojos.
Instructor at Alberton – Black Belt 1st Dan in Krav Maga
**Tenure with Alan**: August 2019
**Martial Arts Background** Boxing for 4 years
**Professional & Other Skills**: Senior Digital Risk Associate in Cyber Security and some Firearms training
**Krav Maga Instructor Level**: Level 2 Intermediate Instructor
**Advice on why others should consider joining our discipline and why I train in Krav Maga**: “My interest in Krav Maga was piqued by the information I found online, particularly after my boxing coach relocated. I sought an activity that matched the vigorous intensity I cherished in boxing. Moreover, I aimed to broaden my skill set to effectively confront real-world dangers, which boxing alone may not adequately address.”
He welcomes everyone to train with us at either the Alberton, Northcliff or Linksfield dojos.
Instructor at Alberton and Northcliff
**Tenure with Alan**: March 2021
**Martial Arts Background** JKA Karate as a child, BJJ & Kickboxing for 1 year.
**Other Skills**: Some Firearms training
**Krav Maga Instructor Level**: Level 2 Intermediate Instructor
**Her advice on why others should consider joining and what lead her to Krav Maga**:
Anel decided to join Krav Maga for several compelling reasons. Having endured the traumatic experiences of an armed hijacking, domestic violence, and a smash-and-grab incident, Anel was diagnosed with PTSD. This led to a profound search for self-empowerment and healing. Initially, Anel took measures for self-defence by arming herself, but the fear of being disarmed remained a concern.
In pursuit of a more effective means of protection, Anel explored various martial arts, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and kickboxing. However, it wasn’t until she discovered Krav Maga that she felt truly capable of defending herself. The turning point came when Anel had the opportunity to shadow chief instructor Alan Mann for two years. This experience not only provided her with empowerment but also played a crucial role in her recovery from PTSD.
At a time when Anel was grappling with the lowest ebb of her life, the decision to enrol in the Krav Maga CQC Academy’s instructor course marked a new chapter. It was driven by a desire to pass on the empowerment she had gained to others who had suffered similar traumas. Anel’s focus is particularly on equipping women and children with the skills to defend themselves against unlawful attacks by stronger assailants, thereby fostering a sense of strength and resilience within the community.
She welcomes everyone to train with us at either the Alberton, Northcliff or Linksfield dojos.
Contact Anél on 082 494 2670.
Instructor at Alberton
Black Belt 1nd Dan in Krav Maga
**Tenure with Alan**: January 2016
**Martial Arts Background** Boxing and Shaolin Wushu Kung Fu
**Professional Skills**: Certified Firefighter and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professional, Member of the City of Ekurhuleni Community Safety Section 79 Committee, Specialist in Brain Health and Hypnotherapy practitioner.
**Krav Maga Instructor Level**: Level 1 Instructor
**Advice on why others should consider joining our discipline**:
Personal Experience:
A harrowing incident occurred when my wife was carjacked in our driveway, with our infant daughter and her mother inside the vehicle. Fortunately, they escaped without harm. This event led my wife to contemplate how knowledge of close-quarters combat could have potentially altered the outcome in her favour. Her search for empowerment led her to Alan Mann. Witnessing the positive impact on her confidence, I was inspired to embark on the same journey and have experienced profound personal growth ever since.
Advocacy:
I wholeheartedly endorse this training for everyone—fathers, brothers, sons, wives, and daughters alike. The skills and mental fortitude acquired extend far beyond the confines of the dojo and the streets. They equip you to navigate the demanding nature of our modern lifestyle in numerous dynamic and enriching ways.
He welcomes everyone to train with us at either the Alberton, Northcliff or Linksfield dojos.
Chief Instructor, Owner & Founder of Harlequins Self-defence in Pretoria
**Tenure with Alan**: January 2021
**Martial Arts Background** Herman is an accomplished karate fighter with an impressive record. He won the All-African heavyweight full-contact karate tournament in 2005 and the SA Kyokushin light-contact category in 1998. He also secured third place in the Oyama Cup open-weight category full-contact karate tournament in 2006 and participated in the Russian Open full-contact karate tournament in 2001. In addition to Kyokushin, Herman has trained in other karate styles such as Goju-Ryu, Gojo-kai, budo-ryu, and Funakoshi. He has won the 1st and 2nd places in various open-style provincial tournaments. Herman is also a coach, having taught for five years. Besides karate, he has also trained in other martial arts like Judo, wrestling, and grappling.
**Krav Maga Instructor Level**: Level 1 Instructor
**Advice on why others should consider joining our discipline**: Herman’s decision to join Krav Maga was driven by its unparalleled efficacy in self-defence. Merging his profound expertise in Kyokushin Karate with the tactical approach of Krav Maga, Herman has experienced a significant enhancement in his defensive capabilities. This integration of disciplines has provided him with a comprehensive and robust set of skills, ensuring that he is well-prepared to protect himself in any situation. Embracing Krav Maga’s dynamic and practical techniques, Herman has confidently moved forward, fully embracing the system as a vital component of his martial arts journey.
Come train with us at Harlequins Dojo, 56 Totius Street, Groenkloof, Pretoria.
Instructor at Harlequins Self-defence in Pretoria
**Tenure with Alan**: May 2022
**Professional Skills**: Senior Officer in the SANDF, Industrial Psychologist with a penchant for trauma and personal development
**Krav Maga Instructor Level**: Level 1 Instructor
**Advice on why others should consider joining our discipline**: Talita endorses Krav Maga as a self-defence system for several compelling reasons. Firstly, Krav Maga is not a traditional martial art; it is a practical and strategic system grounded in logic rather than brute strength. This approach ensures that the techniques are accessible and effective for individuals regardless of their physical prowess. Additionally, the movements in Krav Maga are designed to be adaptable, allowing them to be modified to accommodate various body types and capabilities. This inclusivity means that anyone can learn and apply the techniques effectively. Lastly, while Krav Maga practitioners do not actively seek out confrontations, they are well-prepared to decisively end a fight if necessary, ensuring their safety and the safety of others. Talita’s recommendation highlights the practicality, adaptability, and defensive nature of Krav Maga as key factors in its effectiveness as a self-defence method.
Come train with us at Harlequins Dojo, 56 Totius Street, Groenkloof, Pretoria.
Instructor at Alberton
**Tenure with Alan**: My journey with Krav Maga began in January 2023 under a different club based in Germiston. However, seeking something closer to home in Alberton, I heard glowing reviews about Uncle Al and his clubs. I officially began training with Uncle Al in May 2023
**Martial Arts Background** My martial arts journey commenced with Shorei-Goju-Ryu Karate. This style of karate is renowned for its emphasis on practical self-defence techniques, derived from a combination of Okinawan and Chinese martial arts. Shorei-Goju-Ryu Karate practitioners are trained to adapt to various situations with no limitations, focusing on efficiency and effectiveness in combat. I progressed up to 3rd Kyu, attaining the level of brown belt. Additionally, I have completed multiple tactical training courses specializing in indoor situations such as house robberies, enhancing my practical skills in real-world scenarios.
**Professional & Other Skills**: Krav Maga has played a significant role in enhancing my abilities beyond physical self-defence. It has provided me with a sense of calmness and mental clarity, which are invaluable assets in my professional life as a data engineer. Moreover, the problem-solving skills cultivated through Krav Maga training have proven to be transferable to my work environment, allowing me to approach challenges with a clear and strategic mindset.
**Krav Maga Instructor Level**: Level 1 Instructor
**Advice on why others should consider joining our discipline and why I train in Krav Maga**: My search for a practical martial art form aligned with real world South African self-defence led me to Krav Maga. Having experienced various critical situations in South Africa, including house robberies, hijackings, and shootings, I realised the importance of being prepared to protect myself and my loved ones. Unlike traditional martial arts, Krav Maga’s focus on real-world scenarios and practical techniques appealed to me. A personal recommendation from a friend, who is a bodyguard for a member of the royal family in the United Arab Emirates and trains in Krav Maga, further solidified my decision. I believe Krav Maga not only builds self-confidence and situational awareness but also instils values such as respect, control, and self-discipline, which are essential in both personal and professional life.
Joining Krav Maga isn’t just about learning self-defence; it’s about embracing a lifestyle of empowerment, resilience, and confidence. In Krav Maga, you’ll develop practical skills that could save your life in dangerous situations, while also gaining mental strength and discipline to navigate life’s challenges with courage and clarity.
He welcomes everyone to train with us at either the Alberton, Northcliff or Linksfield dojos.