Trained to Fight Episode #20: Interview with Ken Koepke

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ken Koepke, a seasoned martial artist and the owner of a Krav Maga school. Ken’s journey in martial arts began with Kempo karate as a kid and took a pivotal turn when he was in the Marine Corps, where he first encountered Krav Maga. Captivated by its practicality and effectiveness, Ken dove headfirst into Krav Maga training after his military service, eventually opening his own school to share his knowledge.

Ken’s teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in mindset. He emphasizes the importance of situational awareness and the understanding that violence should always be a last resort. However, if a situation does escalate, his advice is clear: be decisive, be overwhelming. This mindset is a cornerstone of his training, especially for beginners who are just stepping into the world of self-defense.

Throughout the interview, Ken discusses the importance of training for real-world situations, incorporating weapons training into his classes, and offering seminars on critical topics like knife defense and firearms. His approach is all about preparing students for the unpredictable nature of real-life threats, making his teachings not just relevant but potentially life-saving.

​If you're looking to dive deeper into Krav Maga and want to learn from someone with extensive experience, I highly recommend reaching out to Ken Koepke or checking out his school’s offerings.