About us
International Executive Security Academy (IESA) Training the World’s Elite in Executive Protection & Counter-Terrorism, Europe’s Leader Since 2014.
Company Overview
International Executive Security Academy (IESA) is Europe's premier counter-terrorism and executive protection training institute, specializing in executive protection training, close protection officer (CPO) certification, bodyguard training, executive security driver courses, and Israeli counter-terrorism methods. Since 2014, IESA has set the gold standard in security education, training elite professionals who protect high-net-worth individuals, celebrities, executives, and diplomatic clients worldwide.
Our Training Excellence
Furthermore, IESA trains elite professionals who protect the world's most important people. Our graduates safeguard high-net-worth individuals, celebrities, corporate executives, and diplomatic clients worldwide. Additionally, they operate in some of the most challenging security environments globally.
Founded as the training division of International Protection Services Ltd. (IPS), a globally recognized executive protection and security operations company with over 25 years of operational experience since 2006, IESA brings real-world expertise directly into the training environment.
Our Story | From Operational Excellence to Training Leadership
The IPS Foundation (2006-2014)
Building a Security Empire
International Protection Services Ltd. was established in 2006 by Rick Yazdani. As a security veteran, Rick brought extensive experience in elite Executive Protection, Close Protection, and private military contracting. Moreover, he is a recognized specialist in Israeli counter-terrorism methodologies.
Two Decades of Trust
For over two decades, IPS has served as one of Europe's most trusted executive protection companies. Furthermore, our operational teams have successfully protected high-profile clients across six continents. As a result, we built an unmatched reputation for excellence and discretion.
Our Story: From Vision to Europe's Premier Training Academy
Founded by Ricky Yazdani in 2014
Ricky Yazdani, founder of the International Executive Security Academy (IESA), launched the academy in 2014 with a clear mission: to bring authentic Israeli Tactical School counter-terrorism training to Europe’s security and protection professionals.
Before establishing IESA, Ricky built a distinguished international career spanning over 25 years in executive protection, close protection, and private military contracting in active conflict zones. His operational experience shaped IESA’s philosophy of realism, discipline, and elite tactical performance.
Through a strategic partnership with the Israeli Tactical School, IESA provides combat-proven training methods and Israeli tactical instruction adapted to the European security environment.
Part of International Protection Services (IPS)
IESA proudly operates as the training division of International Protection Services (IPS) , one of Europe’s leading executive protection companies.
IPS delivers high-level protection services for dignitaries, public figures, Fortune 500 executives, and high-net-worth individuals worldwide. This powerful connection ensures IESA students gain access to real operational insights, field experience, and elite Israeli tactical training delivered by professionals actively working in the security industry.
25+ Years of Executive Protection Excellence
With over 25 years of experience in global security operations, Ricky Yazdani and the IESA, IPS network have set a new European standard for executive protection, close protection, and counter-terrorism training.
IESA continues to shape the next generation of security specialists, combining combat-proven Israeli methods with European professionalism and ethics.
Global Operational Experience
Throughout his career, Rick has operated in some of the world's most challenging environments. Consequently, he mastered Israeli counter-terrorism tactics while leading complex security operations across more than 50 countries. Moreover, his hands-on experience in volatile regions shaped IESA's practical training approach.
Trusted by the World's Elite
Rick's expertise has been relied upon by Fortune 500 corporations, diplomatic missions, celebrities, and high-net-worth families worldwide. Additionally, his extensive background in elite military special forces and high-risk operations has made him a recognized authority in the global security industry.
The IESA Mission
Ricky founded IESA with a clear vision: to train protection professionals the way they should have been trained from the start. Therefore, our programs emphasize real-world scenarios, Israeli counter-terrorism techniques, and hands-on instruction from active operators.
Teaching Philosophy
"Security training must mirror operational reality. After three decades safeguarding high-profile clients from red carpets to conflict zones, I built IESA’s programs around what truly works in the field. We don’t educate theorists; we forge professionals prepared for the real world."
Strategic Partnership with Israeli Tactical School
Authentic Israeli Training
IESA's partnership with the Israeli Tactical School is the foundation of our executive protection training programs. The Israeli Tactical School is internationally recognized as one of the world's leading counter-terrorism and tactical training institutions. This collaboration ensures every IESA student learns authentic Israeli counter-terrorism methods directly from the source.
What This Partnership Means for You
Combat-Proven Israeli Methods
All IESA executive protection training uses the Israeli Tactical School curriculum developed over decades of real-world counter-terrorism operations and VIP protection missions.
Israeli Tactical School-Certified Instructors
Our instructors are certified by the Israeli Tactical School in Israeli Krav Maga, tactical response, close-quarter battle, and counter-terrorism.
Real-World Scenarios
Moreover, our training is based on actual threat environments and current security challenges. Consequently, students are prepared for what they will face in the field.
Continuous Updates
Furthermore, our curriculum is continuously updated to reflect evolving global security challenges. Therefore, our training remains relevant and effective.
International Recognition
Finally, our certifications are recognized across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. This international standard opens career opportunities worldwide.
A Rare Opportunity
This partnership positions IESA as one of the few European academies offering genuine Israeli counter-terrorism training outside of Israel. Consequently, security professionals across Europe can access world-class training without traveling to the Middle East.
After years of operational excellence and recognizing a critical gap in practical, real-world security training, Rick founded the International Executive Security Academy (IESA) in 2014.
IESA Today (2014-Present)
Eleven Years of Excellence
For over 11 years, IESA has trained hundreds of security professionals from across Europe and beyond. Moreover, our academy in Warsaw, Poland, has become the gold standard for executive protection training. Additionally, we combine intensive practical scenarios with expert instruction from active operators.
Where Our Graduates Work
Corporate Protection
Our alumni serve on executive protection teams for Fortune 500 companies. Furthermore, they manage security operations for multinational corporations worldwide.
Celebrity Security
Additionally, IESA graduates provide close protection for A-list celebrities and VIP clients. These professionals handle high-profile events and international tours.
Diplomatic Operations
Moreover, our trained specialists work in diplomatic security operations. They protect ambassadors, consulates, and international delegations.
High-Risk Environments
Furthermore, our graduates operate in high-risk corporate security roles worldwide. These positions require advanced tactical skills and threat assessment capabilities.
Private Contracting
Finally, many alumni work as private security contractors in conflict zones. Their IESA training prepares them for the most challenging security environments.
Our Mission
Training the Next Generation
Our mission is clear: to train the next generation of elite security professionals through practical, scenario-based education. Moreover, we prepare students for real-world executive protection challenges by combining Israeli counter-terrorism methodologies with over 25 years of operational expertise.
What Makes Our Mission Unique
Real-World Preparation, Not Theory
Our training is 95% hands-on and practical. Students engage in live threat scenarios, tactical drills, defensive and evasive driving, and live-fire exercises. Additionally, they practice medical trauma scenarios under pressure. Only 5% of our program is classroom theory, which focuses on operational planning and threat analysis.
Israeli Counter-Terrorism Excellence
Our curriculum is built on Israeli counter-terrorism methodologies—the gold standard worldwide. Furthermore, our training includes Krav Maga, predictive security, protective intelligence, and counter-surveillance. Moreover, students learn crisis response and layered security approaches.
Taught by Active Operators
Our instructors are active security professionals with 10-15+ years of operational experience. Moreover, they teach between actual protection assignments. Consequently, they bring current, real-world knowledge to every class. Additionally, they have protected heads of state, celebrities, and CEOs in actual high-risk situations.
Small Classes, Maximum Attention
We maintain a maximum of 10 students per 3 instructors. This ratio is the best in the security training industry. Therefore, every student receives intensive, personalized coaching and immediate feedback.
Career Success Focus
IESA alumni work as close protection officers, bodyguards for celebrities and billionaires, and corporate security managers. Additionally, they serve as diplomatic security specialists and executive security drivers. Moreover, many have started their own successful security companies. We provide job placement assistance and valuable industry connections.
Our Vision
Becoming the Global Standard
Our vision is to be recognized globally as the world's leading executive protection and close protection training academy. Furthermore, we aim to set the gold standard for security education through continuous innovation and operational excellence. Moreover, we are committed to training elite professionals who protect the world's most important people.
What We're Building
Global Recognition
We are expanding from Europe's premier training institute to the first choice worldwide. Therefore, aspiring CPOs, bodyguards, and executive security drivers choose IESA first. Additionally, military veterans and active security professionals seek our advanced training programs.
The IESA Standard
Our standard includes several key elements. First, we maintain a 95% practical and 5% classroom learning ratio. Second, all instructors have 10-15+ years of active field experience. Third, we teach authentic Israeli counter-terrorism methodologies. Fourth, we maintain our 3:10 instructor-to-student ratio. Fifth, we provide scenario-based training with realistic threat simulations. Sixth, we offer internationally recognized certifications. Finally, we provide job placement and career support.
Training Elite Professionals
IESA graduates protect CEOs, celebrities, diplomats, high-net-worth families, and humanitarian workers. Consequently, they stand between threats and the world's most important people. Moreover, they operate with the highest levels of professionalism and discretion.
Building a Global Community
We are building a global alumni network to connect alumni with career opportunities. Additionally, we offer continuing education programs and industry partnerships. Furthermore, we provide mentorship programs and global job placement connections.
Our Training Philosophy: Combat-Proven Methods
Live-Fire Close-Quarters Combat
Israeli Krav Maga & Hand-to-Hand Combat
Tactical Driving & Vehicle Operations
Crisis Management & Tactical Decision-Making
Who Trains at IESA
Our Core Values: The IESA Way
Excellence Over Everything
Practical Over Theoretical
Experience Over Credentials
Israeli Tactical Methodologies
Career Success
Start Your Elite Security Career with IESA
What Sets IESA Apart
First, we are backed by 25+ years of operational experience through our IPS parent company. Second, our instructors have 15-20+ years of active field experience. Third, we teach Israeli tactical methodologies and counter-terrorism training. Fourth, we maintain 95% practical and 5% classroom learning. Fifth, we operate state-of-the-art facilities in Warsaw, Poland. Finally, we provide internationally recognized Executive Security training certifications.
Your extraordinary journey in executive security begins with us.
Testimonials and Success Stories
Join our family of satisfied clients who trust IPS for their security needs. Our success stories and client testimonials speak volumes about the quality and reliability of our services. Moreover, our graduates consistently report career advancement and increased earning potential after IESA training.
Contact Us
Ready to Transform Your Career?
Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Contact IESA today to learn more about our world-class Executive Protection Training. Moreover, discover how you can join the ranks of elite professionals protecting leaders and high-profile clients across the globe.
International Executive Security Academy (IESA)
