Guwahati: Zoya Shah, an 18-year-old from Assam, has become the youngest Certified Instructor of Krav Maga Global (KMG) anywhere in the world, marking a rare achievement for the country and the region.
A Class 12 (ISC) student, Zoya earned her certification after nearly a decade of rigorous training.
She began learning Krav Maga at the age of 10 and steadily progressed through its demanding levels before qualifying as an instructor.
She has also cleared the Graduate Level 1 examination — the sixth level in the Krav Maga system.
“Krav Maga gave me confidence and situational awareness. It strengthened my physical, mental, technical and tactical abilities. Now that I am an instructor, I hope to share my knowledge with other women so they can navigate the world without fear,” Zoya said.
Krav Maga, known for its emphasis on practical self-defence and real-world scenarios, is widely used by civilians, law enforcement agencies and military units.
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The system focuses on instinctive movements, rapid threat neutralisation and adaptability under pressure.
Krav Maga Global, founded by Eyal Yanilov — a direct disciple of Krav Maga creator Imi Lichtenfeld — is among the world’s most recognised training organisations.
With a presence in more than 60 countries, KMG is known for its structured curriculum, high certification standards and international instructor community.
Zoya received her certification in Mumbai, where she trained under senior KMG experts, including Massimo Fenu and Regional Director Rhys Vaz.













