Street Edge Krav Maga Vietnam

We are pleased to share some very humbling news with our SEKMI community.

Chief Instructor Paul Johnstone has recently been officially advised that, during the FIMA International Training and Awards Conference held in Phoenix, United States, from 29–31 May 2026, he was inducted into the Israeli Martial Arts Hall of Honors and recognised as the Military Instructor of the Year.

This recognition was awarded for his work training various units of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, including the Special Forces Command (formerly the 911th Special Forces Regiment).

While this award has been presented to Paul personally, it is also a reflection of the standards, professionalism, and values that everyone at Street Edge Krav Maga International strives to uphold.

Paul has always believed that no instructor achieves success alone. Every mentor, colleague, military and law enforcement professional, training partner, and student has contributed to his journey. The lessons learned throughout decades of service continue to shape the way we teach today.

At Street Edge Krav Maga International, our mission has never been about collecting awards. It has always been about providing practical, reality-based self-protection training in a professional, respectful, and supportive environment where ordinary people can develop the confidence and skills to better protect themselves and those they love.

We would like to thank all of our instructors, assistant instructors, students, and supporters for your loyalty, dedication, and commitment. You are the heart of our organisation, and this recognition belongs to the entire SEKMI family as much as it does to our Chief Instructor.

We look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and train together for many years to come.

Stay Safe. Train Often. Always Remain Humble.

Team Street Edge Krav Maga International

THE TRUTH ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA KNIFE DEFENCE

Every day on social media, we see countless videos claiming to “teach” effective knife defence. Unfortunately, much of what is demonstrated is unrealistic, overly compliant, and potentially dangerous if relied upon in a real-life attack.

One of the biggest problems is that many demonstrations are performed with a cooperative training partner who attacks slowly, freezes after the initial strike, or allows techniques to be completed without resistance. Real attackers do not behave this way. Knife assaults are fast, chaotic, violent, and often involve repeated stabbing or slashing motions delivered with aggression and determination.

Many online videos focus on complex disarms, flashy wrist locks, or intricate sequences that may look impressive on camera but require a level of timing and precision that is extremely difficult to achieve under the stress of a genuine assault. When fear, adrenaline, and surprise are involved, fine motor skills deteriorate and complicated techniques often fail.

Another concern is that some instructors have little or no experience dealing with real-world violence. Their methods may be based on theory rather than practical testing against resisting opponents. Effective knife defence should be pressure-tested, reality-based, and acknowledge a harsh truth: even if you successfully defend yourself, there is a high chance you may still be injured.

One of the most disturbing aspects of these videos is there is absolutely NO self assessment shown after the display of these fancy techniques. It’s almost as if it’s a guarantee that A. You will defeat the attacker and B. That you will not be cut or stabbed. This mindset is only “teaching” people to retain a false sense of security.

Good knife defence training should emphasise awareness, avoidance, escape, tactical movement, controlling the weapon-bearing limb, and creating opportunities to disengage and survive. The goal is not to perform a perfect technique—it is to go home alive.

Remember, social media rewards entertainment and views. Reality rewards what actually works under pressure. Train accordingly.

Stay safe, train often and always remain humble.

Paul Johnstone
Founder & Chief Instructor
Street Edge Krav Maga International
Representative
Federation of Israeli Martial Arts (FIMA)

Today, USA News published a feature on my journey with Street Edge Krav Maga International.

The article outlines how my background in the military, law enforcement and protective security shaped SEKMI’s real-world approach to self-defence — focused on awareness, resilience and preparing people for worst-case scenarios.

SEKMI has never been about sport or competition. It’s about mindset, personal responsibility and giving everyday people the skills and confidence to protect themselves and their families.

I’m incredibly proud of how far our community has come and grateful for the opportunity to share our story on an international platform.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the journey.

Street Edge Krav Maga International: Real-World Training, Proven Expertise | USA News Discover how Street Edge Krav Maga International's founder Paul Johnstone turned decades of frontline service into a life-changing self-defence curriculum.

Street Edge Krav Maga International wishes you and your loved ones a Happy New Year!
May 2026 bring you strength, safety, good health, and confidence.

We look forward to training with you and growing stronger together. Stay safe, train often, and always remain humble 👍🙏