Krav Maga

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.

IDF soldier sparring in full combat gear
US Air Force and British Royal Air Force security personnel during Krav Maga training.
Media footage demonstrating Krav Maga techniques to deal with assailants in mock combat using multiple different types of weapons; namely a pole, a knife, a pistol, a rifle and hand-to-hand.
Krav Maga training
US Air Force Security forces members during Krav Maga training.
Krav Maga Grand Master Imi Lichtenfeld and Yaron Lichtenstein