Krav Maga History

The seeds of the unique Krav Maga Self Defense System were planted back in the late 1930's in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia by a young man named Imi Lichtenfeld. Imi was a natural athlete, holding European championship titles in a variety of sports, including boxing, wrestling, and gymnastics. It was from his father, however, a famous and highly respected police detective and trainer, that Imi learned street fighting skills that he would use to save his own life and those of his neighbors on the rough streets of Eastern Europe.

Prior to World War II, Imi was fortunate enough to escape from Eastern Europe. He arrived in the Middle East and began fighting for the independence of Israel. Shortly after the formation of the fledgling State, Imi was handpicked by the government to create a practical, highly effective self defense and hand to hand combat system for the military. Keenly aware of the differences between sports competition and street survival, Imi developed the Krav Maga System, which was initially taught only to the Israeli Defense Forces, National Police and Secret Service. Because of its incredible effectiveness, Krav Maga has since spread to the civilian population and is now taught throughout the World.

While experienced fighters and law enforcement officers have consistently praised its highly practical applications, the system also has a broad based appeal because of its simple, no-nonsense approach to personal safety. The system is characterized by a logical and coherent approach to self defense that enables one to achieve a relatively high level of proficiency within a short period of instruction. In fact, Krav Maga is the ideal self defense system for men, women and children of all ages and abilities.

According to medical doctors, chiropractors and fitness experts, Krav Maga training provides a tremendous full body workout that will help increase one's stamina, flexibility, upper and lower-body strength.