THE COMBAT TEAM

Identity and background

Dan Zahdour is a renowned figure in martial arts and operational combat, particularly in Krav Maga. Here are some highlights from reliable sources:
He is a 9th dan Grand Master in Krav Maga and Technical Director of the Operational Training Unit Police Fighting System (OTU)

He founded the Operational Training Unit (OTU) in 1995, where he works as a designer and Technical Director


His responsibilities include training law enforcement, military, security agents and civilians. He provides training in self-defence, professional interventions, close protection, as well as the use of tonfa, telescopic batons, etc.


He has held important roles within Krav Maga RED (Research, Evolution, Development), an organisation active in France and Denmark, where he was co-founder and technical director 

Biography and career:

Dan Zahdour began practising martial arts as a child (karate, rugby, football, etc.), then served as a paratrooper in the 9th Parachute Regiment before joining the Foreign Legion for five years.

He trained in various disciplines: judo, Shotokan, Kyokushinkai, full-contact, Thai boxing, Krav Maga

He obtained several instructor certifications in Krav Maga (Israel, IKMF, etc.), close protection, intervention and more, in various countries

Commitments and titles:

He works as a 9th dan Grand Master of Krav Maga, an expert in police, military and private security, and holds multiple belts in other disciplines (karate, boxing, etc.)

He is affiliated with various organisations:

IBBA (International Black Belts Alliance),
European Police Committee Denmark,
Global Union of Martial Arts (GUMA) for Denmark,
Krav Maga Society,

WISDA (World International Self Defence Association) for Scandinavia,
IPC (International Police Confederation), etc.

Dan Zahdour is:

A renowned expert in Krav Maga (high-ranking, seasoned instructor),
Founder and technical director of an operational training organisation for law enforcement and civil security,
A versatile trainer, active in several martial arts disciplines and protection contexts (police, military, civilian world),
An internationally recognised figure, linked to several federations and security bodies.

Dan Zahdour's approach and teaching methods
Dan Zahdour emphasises:
Simplicity and effectiveness: when faced with the speed and brutality of an attack (such as with a knife), he stresses that techniques must be direct, simple and lead to an immediate response.

Preparation in realistic conditions: he insists that at least one training session per month should take place outside the gym, in uncontrolled environments (streets, cafés, etc.) in order to confront practitioners with the reality of the field.
blackops-concept.com
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Training philosophy: for the OTU (Operational Training Unit), founded in 1995, Krav Maga is not a commercial product, but a passion, a way of life. It values authenticity, open-mindedness and personal development through realistic defense principles.

In summary

Dan Zahdour offers Krav Maga training focused on real-world effectiveness and adaptation to stressful situations. His teaching methods emphasize training in a variety of conditions and simple responses, and aim to develop practical skills for those who wish to defend themselves in real-world situations – whether they are law enforcement officers, security personnel or civilians.

His role as a trainer in law enforcement and security
The Operational Training Unit (OTU) website clearly states that Dan Zahdour holds the following positions:
9th dan Grand Master of Krav Maga
Technical Director of the Danish Combat Team
Founder and Technical Director of the OTU, specialising in police, military, security and civilian training
blackops-concept.com.

Specifically, he is responsible for:
The design and technical direction of operational combat (hand-to-hand combat) training programmes for law enforcement, the military, security agents and the general public.

Remarkable versatility across disciplines
According to information from the OTU, Dan Zahdour holds several ranks and areas of expertise:
6th Master Khan in Thai Boxing (IBBA FESECAM)
Grand Master 8th in Kick Boxing (IBBA / FESECAM)
Master 5th dan in Karate – Shotokan (IBBA / FESECAM)
Grand Master 9th dan in Krav Maga (IBBA / FESECAM)
Associate Expert (7th dan) – Krav Maga Society
Chief Instructor (8th dan) – Krav Maga Liven
Member of the Global Union of Martial Arts (GUMA) as national delegate for Denmark
Member of the International Black Belts Alliance (IBBA) for several years (2021, 2022, 2023)
Director of the European Police Committee Denmark 

These titles attest to a versatile career and recognition in various martial arts disciplines as well as among security institutions.

Category Key detail:

Institutional roles Technical Director, founder of OTU; trainer for senior police, army and security personnel
Martial arts expertise Highly ranked in Krav Maga, Thai boxing, kick boxing and karate
Affiliations Member and leader of martial arts federations and police organisations (IBBA, GUMA, Krav Maga Society, etc.)
Dan Zahdour is a leading figure for those who want to train in realistic and tactical self-defence, both for civilians and special forces.
Would you like me to look for additional practical details, such as training sessions in Europe or Denmark, or videos or testimonials from his training courses?

International recognition: reality or ambition?

1. Official profile with the International Police Organisation (IPO)
On the IPO website, Dan Zahdour is listed as High Officer L1 / Chief Instructor, official member of the Europe section (Denmark). explicitly described as a 9th dan Grand Master of Krav Maga, police, military and private security expert

It also mentions that, since his mission in 1991, he has been developing and leading training programmes for law enforcement, close protection and operational techniques using tonfa and telescopic batons, and acts as a consultant for intervention groups, armed forces and private security companies in Europe and internationally


2. Founding role and varied skills according to OTU (Operational Training Unit)
On the OTU (Operational Training Unit – Police Fighting System) website, Dan Zahdour is presented as Grand Master and Technical Director, as well as founder of the operational training unit. He is described as an expert in self-defence and a trainer for the police, army and private security


His martial arts curriculum is impressive: high ranks in Krav Maga (9th dan), Thai boxing (Master 6th Khan), kickboxing, karate, etc., as well as numerous international affiliations (GUMA, IBBA, Krav Maga Society, etc.).

Analysis and context:

Credible sources: The IPO is an international organisation that sets the standard in the field of security; being listed as an official member and Chief Instructor confers considerable legitimacy.
Internationalisation: He works in several countries and trains not only civilians but also military and police personnel, demonstrating a reach that extends beyond the national level.
Recognised affiliations: His roles in international federations such as GUMA and IBBA, in addition to his high ranks, reinforce his authority in the field.

Dan Zahdour can be considered internationally recognised in the fields of self-defence and operational training for the police, military and private security. This is evident from his official positions, his international missions and his affiliations with renowned organisations:
Elements of recognition Official sources
Official member and Chief Instructor at the IPO IPO – profile DNK-001
Founder & Technical Director of the OTU OTU website (blackops-concept.com)
Expert for police, military, security Listed on the IPO and OTU websites
High martial arts ranks and affiliations IBBA, GUMA, FESECAM,ICCS,Krav Maga Society, etc.