sifu Sifu Sapir Tal was born in Israel and at the age of 13 he moved to the USA with his family. He finished 4 years of high school in Pittsburg P.A and in Dallas TX. He then came to back to Israel in 1984 for 3 years of mandatory military service.

Sifu Sapir studied Kung Fu for 8 years in Atlanta GA under Grandmaster Henry Poo Yee who is head of the Southern Praying Mantis Chinese Kung Fu Academy worldwide (CKFA).

While running his own company, securitech inc. and working as a security advisor, Sifu Sapir continued practicing Kung Fu and progressing through the ranks until he reached his "Enter the Gate" - the highest rank possible under the Grandmaster.

In 1997 Sifu Sapir opened a Southern Praying Mantis school in Israel and has been Head of the Southern Praying Mantis Chinese Kung Fu academy in Israel for 15 years.

The development of Spikey

The idea of Spikey occurred to Sifu Sapir after one of his female students was attacked. Fortunately, she succeeded in overpowering her attacker and getting away but the incident raised his awareness of the vulnerability of those who have not been trained in any type of self defense method.

The development of Spikey is a result of collaboration with women, police, military, correction facilities and the General Security Service (Shin-Bet). After researching the matter in depth, Sifu Sapir found that women are fearful of using devices such as knives, tear gas and shockers, with the thought that these could be turned against them, that they are complicated to use and are violent.

The lengths and shape of Spikey's tips were calculated specifically in order to avoid penetration of sensitive places in the body on impact. Spikey was designed for multi - direction power impact and is almost impossible to expel from one's hand. In addition, Spikey is not dangerous to children who may be playing with it.

Spikey is innocent looking and has many different uses as illustrated in the accompanying DVD. Spikey has no "finger rings" as one would find on a brass knuckle or similar devices. Thus the fingers of the user are safer and it is easier release one's grip if the need arises. This design also enables Spikey to be used with an open hand action, for grabbing, pinching etc.