Developed for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF),[1][2] it uses techniques derived from aikido, boxing, judo, karate and wrestling.

[5] Krav Maga was originally developed by Hungarian-born Israeli martial artist Imi Lichtenfeld.

Having grown up in Bratislava during a time of anti-Semitic unrest, Lichtenfeld used his training as a boxer and wrestler to defend Jewish neighborhoods against attackers in the mid-to-late 1930s, becoming an experienced street fighter.

Attacks are aimed at the most vulnerable parts of the body, and training is not limited to techniques that avoid severe injury; some even permanently injure or cause death to the opponent.

This reflects Krav Maga's attitude, across a multitude of lineages, as an ever-evolving style, which continues to borrow ideas and methos from other martial arts.

During the ensuing decade, Lichtenfeld's athletic activities focused mainly on wrestling, both as a contestant and a trainer.

Having become a thorn in the side of the equally anti-Semitic local authorities, in 1940 Lichtenfeld left his home with his family and friends on the last refugee ship to escape Europe.

[citation needed] After making his way to Mandatory Palestine, Lichtenfeld joined the Haganah paramilitary organization.

[32] He served in the IDF for about 20 years, during which time he developed and refined his unique method for self-defense and hand-to-hand combat.

[33] Self-defense was not a new concept, since nearly all martial arts had developed some form of defensive techniques in their quest for tournament or sport dominance.

[37] Upon his return, Avikzar started working as an instructor alongside Imi to integrate more traditional martial arts into Krav Maga.

[38] Then in 1974 Imre retired and gave Eli Avikzar control over the Krav Maga training center in Netanya.

[39] Shortly after, in 1976, Avikzar joined the permanent force of IDF, as head of the Krav Maga section.

[36] Further pursuing excellence as a student of martial arts, Eli went to Germany in 1977 and received a black belt in aikido from the European Federation.

[44] Upon Imi Lichtenfeld's retirement from the IDF, he decided to open a school and teach Krav Maga to civilians.

[45] The first Krav Maga course took place at the Wingate Institute, Netanya, Israel, in 1971, under his direct supervision.