A world-class, hand-to-hand combat instructor with over 35 years? experience is coming to the Island this weekend to conduct a workshop at the Bermuda College.

Moni Aizik, founder of Commando Krav Maga, will carry out a six-hour workshop on Saturday and also take part in a demonstration on Sunday.

The public demonstration Sunday will be held at the new Berkeley Institute starting at 6 p.m. It will feature many of the local martial art schools, The Bermuda African Dance Company, saxophonist Dean Smith and a demonstration by Moni Aizik.

Bob Smith, director of Commando Krav Maga in Bermuda, holds classes at The Academy of Martial Arts (TAMA).

?It is one of my most popular classes and has attracted people from a wide spectrum of the community,? he said.

Mr. Smith is a sixth degree black belt in Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate, and has been teaching karate, self-defence and Iaido, or Japanese sword, in Bermuda since 1980. He first came into contact with Mr. Aizik (pronounced Isaac) through a mutual friend who encouraged him to purchase one of his DVDs.

?After which it was clear to me that we had a lot in common with regards to martial strategy and effective self-defence,? he said. ?I contacted Moni right away and agreed to be evaluated by him with the aim of becoming certified to teach Commando Krav Maga in Bermuda. After passing the evaluation, I went on to become certified and I?m currently a Level 3 instructor.?

Asked how Commando Krav Maga differs from other forms of martial arts, Mr. Smith said: ?Commando Krav Maga was developed for the elite special forces in Israel.

?At its core is an emphasis on mental toughness to overcome any odds, versatility to deal with any attacker, innovation to always be ahead of enemies and practical but deadly tactics executed with technical efficiency.

?The formalities of traditional martial arts were abandoned out of necessity, in favour of methodologies that instead valued rapid, instinctive learning.?

Mr. Smith said that this workshop will cover new aspects of the art form.

?This seminar will cover many things that we did touch on last time, such as knife defences, various gun disarms, defence against numerous holds and lock-in addition to extremely effective ground fighting tactics,? he said. ?There will be follow up sessions available at my school and testing available for those interested in advancing in the system.?

Mr. Smith added that this seminar will benefit the ordinary Joe like who doesn?t practise any form of martial arts and someone who relishes it.

?The benefits are many and include easy to learn self-defence strategy and techniques, help empower the individual with the requisite mental and emotional tools in addition to the obvious technical and physical ones, that help one to properly navigate through life?s difficulties,? he said.

?As such, in Commando Krav Maga students are taught to go beyond the physical and explore a side of their consciousness they are not used to confronting. It is in this way that the system helps deal with the many challenges one can encounter in the day to day. ?Fundamental to this idea is the awareness of one?s limitations and strengths. It is the consciousness of those limitations that makes us humble as individuals. Another major value inherent to the system is overcoming those limitations, which gives confidence and an indomitable spirit when facing future obstacles.

?The constant emphasis on pushing forward no matter the odds, reflects a can-do attitude, and one of continuous improvement. The training for Commando Krav Maga places particular emphasis on a positive state of mind as an approach to everything in life.

?As such the attitude is not ?everything good or bad happens for a reason?, but to quote Moni Aizik, ?When nothing is for sure, everything is possible!?

?It is this philosophy that helps develop survivors on the battlefield, champions in the ring and winners in life.?

Individuals can sign up by calling 292-5715 or online by visiting www.commandokravmaga.com. Tickets are $125 for the six-hour training session, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Public demonstration tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for children under 15, and $40 for patrons. Tickets are on sale at the International Sports Shop and 27th Century Boutique.