The Himalayan Academy of Martial Arts opened in April 2025. Our mission is to teach practical self-defense while sharing our passion for the physical, emotional, and mental benefits of martial arts.
We are an official training center of the International Krav Maga Federation (IKMF). IKMF was founded by the creator of Krav Maga, Imi Lichtenfeld, and is the oldest international Krav Maga organization in the world. We are also an international representative of Guro Dan Inosanto. Our Head Instructor, Richard Syrop, was certified directly under Guro Dan in Jeet Kune Do and the Filipino Martial Arts.
Richard has trained under some of the world’s most respected and elite martial artists and brings over three decades of experience to his teaching. He is a direct student and certified instructor in Jeet Kune Do and the Filipino Martial Arts under Guro Dan Inosanto. Guro Inosanto is regarded as one of the greatest living martial artists and is one of only three people certified to teach under Bruce Lee. He also holds instructor certification in Krav Maga through the International Krav Maga Federation (IKMF) under Master Avi Moyal, one of the highest-ranking Krav Maga masters in the world.
In addition, Richard has extensive experience in boxing, having trained with former champions and Hall of Fame coaches, and is a certified USA Boxing coach. His background also includes Muay Thai, as well as Wing Chun Gung-Fu under Sifu Augustine Fong, a highly respected master in the Ip Man lineage and one of Richard’s most influential mentors.
Richard’s teaching experience spans both the United States and India. In 2025, he founded the Himalayan Academy of Martial Arts in Dharamsala, where he lived and taught for several years. He is known for a clear, practical, and highly effective teaching style that emphasizes strong fundamentals, adaptability, and precision in timing and range management. Having mentored and trained hundreds of students across different skill levels and backgrounds, Richard creates a focused, motivating learning environment that challenges the body, sharpens skills, and builds strength, stamina, and confidence.
With a diverse and comprehensive martial arts background, Richard’s instruction resonates with both beginners seeking strong fundamentals and seasoned martial artists looking to refine their skills.
Asi has over 10 years of experience training in various martial arts, with a focus on Muay Thai in Thailand.
Alongside this, Asi brings more than 20 years of traveling the world, exploring, practicing, and teaching diverse disciplines that connect body and mind – including yoga, functional movement, running, breathwork, and meditation.
For over 15 years Asi has also worked as a professional circus artist, a background that strongly shapes the way he approaches training and teaching. Precision, balance, coordination, and long-term self-practice are central values, both in the gym and beyond it.
Classes are not just about learning techniques, but about developing awareness, resilience, and a sustainable relationship with movement.
Asi’s approach to martial arts is playful yet disciplined, grounded yet creative, blending tradition with exploration and physical skill with mental clarity.
Navya brings over five years of MMA experience and has trained extensively under Richard in Krav Maga, Jeet Kune Do, and boxing. Her training approach emphasizes real-world application, efficient movement, striking fundamentals, defensive awareness, and adaptability under pressure.
Backed by nearly 15 years of movement and body-conditioning experience—including Contact Improvisation with roots in Aikido principles—alongside a certified yoga teacher training background, she integrates strength, mobility, balance, and breath control into combat training.
Known for her high-energy presence and focused instruction, Navya delivers disciplined, challenging, and motivating sessions that build both physical resilience and mental readiness.
Himalayan Academy of Martial Arts has conducted multiple self-defense classes for the Tibetan Children’s Village. We believe in supporting our local community and the Tibetan refugees who have made Dharamshala their home. If you are interested in partnering with us, supporting a similar cause, or collaborating on meaningful projects, we would love to hear from you.
