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Despite common belief, Krav Maga is not a martial art. It is in fact, an Israeli self-defense method that was invented and developed all within the past century. As Krav Maga continues to be a popular self-defense system, as well as a hard-core fitness regimen, it is important to know its history, which stands out among the rest.

Origins

The father of Krav Maga is Imi Lichtenfeld, a Czech athlete who fled Eastern Europe before World War II for the Middle East. Lichtenfeld was a decorated boxer, wrestler, and gymnast who learned street fighting skills from his father, and was a respected police detective and trainer. When Lichtenfeld began fighting for the Israeli independence cause, he was chosen by the government to create a highly effective self-defense and hand-to-hand combat system for the military. Using his knowledge of sport and street fighting, he created the Israeli self-defense method that what would be known as Krav Maga.

Military Implementation

After implementing his system, Imi Lichtenfeld became the first Chief Instructor for the Israeli military school for Physical Training and Krav Maga when the State of Israel was formed in 1948. The 1950s could be referred to as the golden age of Krav Maga. This was when the Israeli self-defense method becomes refined as the country’s ongoing war continues through the decade.

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Krav Maga in Everyday Life

After decades of refining Krav Maga in the Israeli military, Imi Lichtenfeld retired, and became devoted to bringing his system to the masses as a form of self-defense for all. He knew, as we do now, that day-to-day attacks happen to the common person, and not just to military personnel on the battlefield. His skillful students continued to spread the teachings of Krav Maga to the civilian population.

In this form, the traditionally Israeli self-defense method provides a logical, no-nonsense approach to personal safety. Students are able to learn a great deal of skills and techniques in a relatively short period of time. A top student can achieve a Brown Belt, second only to a Black Belt, within one year of training. Krav Maga can be utilized by men, women, and even children of all ages and experience levels who want learn how to successfully defend themselves.

Fitness

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Not only is Krav Maga still practiced as a military and civilian self-defense method, but it is also a popular and multifunctional form of exercise as well. Doctors and fitness experts alike agree that Krav Maga training can be an exceptional full-body workout for all who partake.

Now that you know how Krav Maga evolved from an Israeli self-defense method to its modern practical form, take a look at all of Krav Maga Worldwide’s programs.

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