Idan Abolnik is an Israeli-born former IDF (Israeli Defence Force) commando and the founder of the

Kalah Combat System, a reality-based self-defense system developed after his experiences in high-level security. Based in South Africa, Abolnik created Kalah as an alternative to traditional Krav Maga, focusing on extreme close-quarters combat designed to work against resisting attackers. 

Background and Experience

• Military Service: Served in the Israeli Defense Force, specifically within the Golani Brigade, with operational experience in Lebanon and the West Bank.

• Security Background: Worked in elite Israeli security units, including maritime security and Close Protection Officer (CPO) roles

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• Kalah Development: Upon moving to South Africa in 2002, Abolnik found that standard Krav Maga techniques did not work against realistic, high-level aggression, leading him to develop the Kalah system.

• Approach: He emphasizes that in a real fight, one must expect to get hurt (e.g., cut in a knife fight) and focuses on "switching off the computer" (stopping the attacker's ability to function) rather than traditional disarming techniques. 

Kalah Combat System Principles

• Submission/Surprise: Often involves appearing non-threatening to gain a closer, more advantageous position before launching a counter-attack.

• Close Range: Unlike many systems that advocate for creating distance, Kalah focuses on staying very close to the attacker to control them.

• Techniques: Focuses on headbutts, strikes to the jaw and ears, and controlling the attacker's body.

• Reality-Based: Training is designed for scenarios where the opponent provides strong, active resistance. 

Abolnik actively trains international organizations and individuals in this system, with a focus on practical, high-stakes self-defense.