Coach
Michael Rüppel – Expert in Operational Self-Defense and Krav Maga
Michael Rüppel is a German Krav Maga expert with over 25 years of experience in modern self-defense and tactical training for law enforcement. Since 1999, he has dedicated his career to developing and refining Krav Maga systems tailored to real-world threats and operational challenges.
Since 2020, Michael has been responsible for the complete training programs of the Essen Public Order Office (Ordnungsamt Essen), and since 2023, also for the Municipal Public Order Service (KOD) in Gelsenkirchen. He has developed practical, mission-oriented training tailored to the specific needs of frontline officers.
Michael Rüppel holds an 8th Dan Black Belt in Krav Maga and is one of the few international instructors to have trained elite Israeli police and special forces units, including:
- Lotar Counter Terror School
- Undercover Units of the Tel Aviv Police
- Yamas (Mistaravim – covert special forces unit)
- Shayetet 13 (Israeli Navy SEALs)
- Metzada Unit (hostage rescue special ops unit)
In 2014, he founded C.O.P.S. – Close Operation Protection System, a specialized law enforcement training program that has been adopted by agencies worldwide. The program focuses on advanced tactics for dealing with aggressive subjects, firearm and knife threats, pepper spray deployment, baton use, control techniques, and handcuffing procedures.
Rüppel is also active in the United States, where he collaborates with various law enforcement agencies, including:
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Miami Dade Special Response Team
- Florida Department of Investigative and Forensic Services
- Miami Dade Police Department
- Hialeah Police Department
- San Diego Police Department
Michael Rüppel is committed to raising the standard of officer safety and readiness across all levels of public service. His goal is to ensure that every officer is equipped with the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to handle real-world situations effectively and lawfully.