Krav Maga history

Krav Maga is a self-defense system that was developed in the 1930s by Imi Lichtenfeld, a Hungarian-Israeli martial artist. Imi initially developed Krav Maga to protect the Jewish community in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia, during a time of rising anti-Semitism and political unrest.

Imi drew on his experience in various combat sports, including boxing, wrestling, and gymnastics, as well as his street-fighting and self-defense skills. He refined and adapted techniques based on real-life situations he encountered while working as a bouncer and training law enforcement and military personnel.

In the late 1940s, Imi moved to Israel, where he continued to develop and teach Krav Maga. He joined the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and became the chief instructor of physical fitness and hand-to-hand combat for the IDF’s training centers. Imi further refined Krav Maga to suit the needs of military personnel, emphasizing simplicity, efficiency, and adaptability.

In 1978, Imi established the International Krav Maga Federation (IKMF) as the official governing body for Krav Maga. The IKMF’s mission is to spread and promote Krav Maga worldwide, maintaining Imi’s original principles and training methods. Today, the IKMF operates in numerous countries and certifies instructors, conducts seminars, and organizes training programs for civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel.

The IKMF emphasizes continuous development and improvement of Krav Maga techniques, adapting to modern threats and evolving circumstances. It aims to provide effective and practical self-defense skills to individuals of all backgrounds and abilities, empowering them to protect themselves and others in real-life situations.

In addition to the IKMF, there are other Krav Maga organizations around the world that have their own training methodologies and certifications. However, the IKMF remains one of the most prominent and widely recognized organizations dedicated to preserving the core principles and techniques of Krav Maga as developed by Imi Lichtenfeld.

fitness and fighting skills, all whilst having a great time in a safe and welcoming club environment.