Fight Podcast by Sharir R.

Sharir R.

The Fight Podcast with Sharir Richman deals with all topics regarding fighting, be it on the streets, in the cage or on the battlefield. Due to his personal, competitive and service experience, he has access to a wealth of knowledge in all three areas. Sharir Richman is the Head Coach of MMA Jerusalem and the Chief Instructor of Israeli Contact Combat System (ICCS) Krav Maga – a multinational organization. Sharir is an Israeli American who has a life- long passion for martial arts and teaching people how to protect themselves. Sharir is an Israeli Wingate Institute of Sports certified Krav Maga instructor as well as an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Certified Instructor of close combat. He has coached professional MMA fighters; Amos Levy, Eric Sianov, Asaf Edelkrick, Yosef Shmidt, Yigal Carmona, and Natan Amdaso as well as Israeli grappling national champions Amos Levy, Denis Levy, and Sendy Frankel. Sharir Richman is additionally certified as an IDF Combat Fitness Instructor, Israeli National Police Krav Maga Instructor and Instructor of the undercover IDF unit. While serving on both active duty and in reserve status in the IDF for the past 19 years, Sergeant First Class (SFC) Richman has had an impressive career. He served with the Combat Engineering Corps/Recon Unit and with an elite IDF Counter Terrorism Unit where Sharir participated in numerous classified missions in Judea, Samaria, Gaza, and Northern Lebanon. Sharir has had specialized training in demolitions, Close Quarters Battle (CQB), and combat driving. Sharir’s military experience has lead him to become an expert at coordinating with Israeli Security Agencies and undercover units in identifying, isolating, apprehending, and neutralizing suspected terrorist attacks to include suicide bombers. Over the past 15 years, Sharir has taught his combat developed and tested Krav Maga techniques to the Israeli Prime Minister’s VIP protection unit, the Israeli Special Forces, the Israeli Police, and numerous other Israeli agencies. SFC Richman has also been honored with the privilege to teach his combat proven Krav Maga to future U.S. Army officers visiting Israel from the West Point Military Academy. Through his organization, ICCS Krav Maga, Sharir continues to take his Krav Maga techniques to martial arts academies throughout the world.

  1. 07/15/2025

    FP #25: From Prison Guard to Coach: True Stories from the Mat

    In this episode of the Fight Podcast, Xavier visits Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, to sit down with his good friend and ICCS Portugal director, Armando. Together, they explore Armando’s journey from decades of martial arts experience—including karate, kickboxing, and especially Muay Thai—to becoming a respected coach and prison guard with real-life fighting experience. The two share stories about the old-school atmosphere in Armando’s gym, training beneath a soccer stadium, and the deep family spirit that defines their community. They dig into the importance of real, hard sparring for effective self-defense, calling out the dangers of martial arts instructors who never test their skills under pressure. Armando explains how his background—both on the streets and as a prison guard—shaped his philosophy: fighting is not for everyone, and real preparation comes from realistic, sometimes brutal, training. The conversation covers the challenges of coaching competitors, the politics of fight events, mental preparation, and the life lessons learned through losing and coming back stronger. The episode is filled with stories about humility, dedication, and the power of a true martial arts family.

    31 min

  2. 07/11/2025

    FP #24: Fighting, Focaccia, and Family: A Martial Arts Homecoming

    In this comeback episode of the Fight Podcast, Sharir reconnects with his longtime friend and ICCS instructor Andrea in Genoa, Italy. Together, they take listeners on a journey through the early days of ICCS in Europe, reminiscing about their first seminars, the challenges of building a gym from scratch, and the enduring discipline required to keep pushing forward in martial arts. Andrea shares insights into his thriving school, the evolution from small kids’ classes to a full academy with striking and grappling for all ages, and the recent fight experiences of his students—complete with tough opponents and a few controversial referee calls. The conversation explores training philosophy, the importance of sparring, balancing family, coaching, and personal fitness, and how recovery and nutrition matter just as much as hard work. They discuss the changing landscape of self-defense and MMA in Europe, the value of full-contact experience, and why more experienced martial artists are joining ICCS for its “fighting solutions” mindset. With plenty of stories, laughs, and a shoutout to Genoa’s legendary focaccia, this episode is both a heartfelt reunion and a window into the passion and resilience behind building a martial arts community.

    23 min

  3. 07/11/2025

    FP #23: Fake Languages, Real Fights: Gym Stories & Combat Culture

    In this episode of the Fight Podcast, Sharir and Jan dive into a lively and insightful conversation about language barriers, gym culture, and the evolution of combat sports. They start by reflecting on how people learn English through martial arts communities, sharing funny stories about students who “fake” speaking different languages and the unique blend of personalities found in their gyms. The discussion then shifts to the rich world of combat sports—contrasting old-school boxing with modern styles, exploring the quirks of Savate, and debating what really makes a fighter dangerous. Sharir and Jan break down key differences between boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and MMA, discussing everything from fighting stances and guard positions to the mentality needed for street and sport fighting. Throughout, they explore the importance of aggressive defense, the role of discipline versus talent, and how true fighting confidence impacts life beyond the gym. They also share their perspectives on grappling, wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, and why no single martial art has all the answers. With humor and experience, they show how learning to solve problems under pressure—inside and outside the ring—builds real confidence.

    38 min

  4. 07/11/2025

    FP #22: Motorcycles, Military, and Mental Health: Stories from Two Worlds

    In this episode of the Fight Podcast, we – Shareer and co-host – share our personal experiences and impressions from both military and civilian life, always in our familiar laid-back and humorous style. We start off by discussing the quirks of podcast intros, quickly moving into motorcycle anecdotes – from our own crashes to stories of police and paramedics on motorcycles, especially in Israel. We also talk about the risks of riding without a helmet, accidents, and some of the stranger consequences that can arise. In the second part, things get a bit more serious: we dive deep into the everyday realities of military life, the unique camaraderie among soldiers, the difference compared to civilian friendships, and the special, often little-known rules and routines of army life. We talk about creative problem-solving, absurd orders, fistfights over bus seats, and the infamous “shit-in-a-bag” principle during deployments. A key focus is on the psychological consequences of combat experiences, such as PTSD: we discuss stigma, recognition, and support for trauma, differences between countries and generations, and share our own observations from both the military and civilian world. Finally, we explore how people cope with trauma, how dark humor can help, why life in crisis regions often continues surprisingly “normally” – and why it’s so important to keep going despite everything.

    39 min

  5. 05/25/2024

    FP #21: Building Muscle and Endurance: Effective Training Strategies

    Jan and Sharir discuss their experiences and insights on training in extreme heat, highlighting the challenges faced during a recent heatwave in Israel. They emphasize the importance of staying hydrated and adapting to varying conditions, mentioning how both extreme heat and cold can impact training. The conversation shifts to specific training techniques, including the use of drop sets for building muscle endurance and the importance of incorporating both strength and cardio workouts. They also discuss injury management, the mental aspect of training, and the necessity of maintaining cardiovascular fitness for both sports and survival situations. Throughout, they share personal anecdotes and practical advice, underscoring the critical role of conditioning in effective training and real-life preparedness.

    37 min

  6. 05/18/2024

    FP #20: De-escalation Techniques and more

    **Podcast Summary: Fight Podcast with Sharir and Jan** In this engaging episode of the Fight Podcast, Sharir and Jan dive into a variety of topics, reflecting on the diverse settings and unique experiences they encounter during their recordings. They reminisce about their previous podcast session in a gym in Jerusalem and compare it to their current studio setup in Germany. The conversation highlights the authenticity and dynamic nature of their podcasting style, giving listeners a glimpse into their daily routines and interactions. The hosts discuss the training regimen of a dedicated rabbi who works out daily with Sharir, emphasizing the importance of respecting his strength and dispelling misconceptions about his religious title. They also touch upon the technical aspects of podcast production, including the use of AI for sound cleaning and the impact of background noises on the podcast's atmosphere. The episode transitions into a discussion about the various people they meet during their travels, particularly in the context of the International Combat and Conditioning System (ICCS). Jan highlights the value of on-the-road podcasts in introducing listeners to the diverse individuals involved in ICCS, emphasizing that the organization is shaped by its members, not just its head instructor. Sharir shares his upcoming travel plans, mentioning pro courses in Arizona and Alabama with notable martial artists Howard and Bill Batwell. He expresses excitement about these opportunities and the wealth of knowledge these experts bring to the table. The conversation shifts to the differences in training and security protocols between Israel and other countries. Sharir explains the rigorous training and testing security guards undergo in Israel, the importance of military experience, and the challenges of maintaining high standards in security work. They also discuss the necessity of carrying firearms in Israeli security roles, contrasting it with the European approach. Jan and Sharir explore the concept of de-escalation in security work, emphasizing its importance in preventing violent confrontations. They discuss the unique challenges faced by security personnel, especially those who are not highly motivated or who have to juggle multiple responsibilities. Throughout the episode, the hosts reflect on their experiences and observations, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the intricacies of security training, the importance of maintaining vigilance, and the dynamic nature of their podcasting journey. The episode concludes with a light-hearted note about staying hydrated and the challenges of recording in a hot studio.

    39 min

  7. 08/06/2023

    FP #19: The Headquaters

    Jan visits Sharir in Jerusalem and they have a chat in the MMA Jerusalem gym. Get to know some of the faces of the Israeli ICCS chapter and what a day in Sharir’s life looks like.

    43 min
  8. FP #18: The Italian Job - Who is Andrea?

    08/06/2023

    FP #18: The Italian Job - Who is Andrea?

    For the first time, Sharir and Jan introduce a guest to the Podcast. Andrea has been one of the first members of the ICCS family and he runs the ICCS-gym in Genua. Get to know him and the “Fight-Back”-story.

    44 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Fight Podcast with Sharir Richman deals with all topics regarding fighting, be it on the streets, in the cage or on the battlefield. Due to his personal, competitive and service experience, he has access to a wealth of knowledge in all three areas. Sharir Richman is the Head Coach of MMA Jerusalem and the Chief Instructor of Israeli Contact Combat System (ICCS) Krav Maga – a multinational organization. Sharir is an Israeli American who has a life- long passion for martial arts and teaching people how to protect themselves. Sharir is an Israeli Wingate Institute of Sports certified Krav Maga instructor as well as an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Certified Instructor of close combat. He has coached professional MMA fighters; Amos Levy, Eric Sianov, Asaf Edelkrick, Yosef Shmidt, Yigal Carmona, and Natan Amdaso as well as Israeli grappling national champions Amos Levy, Denis Levy, and Sendy Frankel. Sharir Richman is additionally certified as an IDF Combat Fitness Instructor, Israeli National Police Krav Maga Instructor and Instructor of the undercover IDF unit. While serving on both active duty and in reserve status in the IDF for the past 19 years, Sergeant First Class (SFC) Richman has had an impressive career. He served with the Combat Engineering Corps/Recon Unit and with an elite IDF Counter Terrorism Unit where Sharir participated in numerous classified missions in Judea, Samaria, Gaza, and Northern Lebanon. Sharir has had specialized training in demolitions, Close Quarters Battle (CQB), and combat driving. Sharir’s military experience has lead him to become an expert at coordinating with Israeli Security Agencies and undercover units in identifying, isolating, apprehending, and neutralizing suspected terrorist attacks to include suicide bombers. Over the past 15 years, Sharir has taught his combat developed and tested Krav Maga techniques to the Israeli Prime Minister’s VIP protection unit, the Israeli Special Forces, the Israeli Police, and numerous other Israeli agencies. SFC Richman has also been honored with the privilege to teach his combat proven Krav Maga to future U.S. Army officers visiting Israel from the West Point Military Academy. Through his organization, ICCS Krav Maga, Sharir continues to take his Krav Maga techniques to martial arts academies throughout the world.

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