In the early 80’s, Thierry traveled to Israel with “ friends” to discover KRAV MAGA, which was gaining much recognition in Europe at the time. While there, he trained with military experts, such as Gabi Shai and others in different places such as the Wingate Institute,
After returning to France, Thierry continued his training and worked in the security and personal protection field. Through his experiences, and through the loss of several collegues, he became aware of the lack of specialized training in his occupational community. As such, he pursued Krav Maga with increased vigor through specialize VIP and counter-terrorism seminars held in Israel. After completing these courses Thierry was able to put into practise what he learned by taking an active part in many VIP protection missions (political, private and military) in the execution of his duties.
In 1995 he started the VIP protection firm “CJ PROTECTION”, the first protection firm in Paris to use Israeli’s who had recently left the Tsahal, better known as the IDF or Israeli Defense Force, in order to take advantage of their specialized skill set.
In 1997 Thierry met Philippe Kaddouch (EIKM- Ecole Internationale Krav Maga Chief Instructor) and liked his pragmatic and efficient approach. Several intense months of training ensued which culminated in his graduation to “Self Defense Instructor” in front of EYAL YANILOV (IKMF- International Krav Maga Federation, current Head Instructor) and Philippe Kaddouch.
Shortly thereafter he opened several KRAV MAGA – IMI SYSTEM training centers in Paris and actively contributed to the development of the system. In order to keep his skills sharp, Thierry continued his intensive training by participating in instructor seminars given throughout Europe and Israel and became certified by the IKMF to provide VIP PROTECTION and LAW ENFORCEMENT training.
In 2003, Thierry obtained his International Expert Diploma at the IKMF - HQ in NATANYA, ISRAEL before the likes of GABI NOAH, Eli Ben-Ami and Avi Moyal (Experts and founding members of IKMF).
After training over 3000 students (civilians, law enforcement, soldiers and security staff) in and around PARIS, Thierry immigrated to CANADA in July 2005 to continue developing IMI´s SYSTEM for civilians and professionals and opened the first official ISRAELI IMI SYSTEM School in QUÉBEC.
"Celui qui ne veut être le fils de personne, risque bien d'être le père de rien"
“The one, who doesn't wish to be anyone's son, risks being a father to nothing"
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