Rabbi Michoel Shapiro (a.k.a. “The Fighting Rabbi”) is founder of Krav Combat Academy and a self-defense instructor with over two decades of experience in training students across North America.

He began his career in 2001 as a certified associate instructor under Grandmaster Rhon Mizrachi’s Krav Maga Federation and later under Mike Lee Kanarek’s HaganahF.I.G.H.T. System. He’s a former member of Moshe Katz’s Israeli Krav International and Lee Morrison’s Urban Combatives, and a certified AVIRT Active Shooter Response & Stop the Bleed instructor, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively in dangerous and high-stress situations.

In addition to his self-defense expertise, Michoel is a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) accredited by the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health, and he proudly serves as a volunteer first responder with Hatzalah of Union County, NJ, providing immediate assistance in medical and trauma emergencies.

Michoel's dedication to community well-being is further exemplified by his former role as a member of the United States Chaplain Task Force, where he offered support and spiritual guidance for people in crisis.