in memory of darren levine

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Darren Levine, Grandmaster, Chief Instructor, and Co-Founder of Krav Maga Worldwide.

Darren dedicated his life to the preservation, evolution, and responsible teaching of Krav Maga. As one of the earliest students of Imi Lichtenfeld and a direct link to the system’s origins, Darren carried forward Krav Maga’s core purpose: to protect life through practical, principled self-defense.

Beyond the mat, Darren served for decades as a Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles, prosecuting violent crimes and developing a deep understanding of real-world violence, decision-making under stress, and the legal and ethical responsibilities surrounding use of force. He believed that Krav Maga must be informed not only by physical effectiveness, but by an honest understanding of human behavior, consequences, and accountability. That perspective profoundly shaped how Krav Maga Worldwide approaches instruction, safety, and leadership.

As co-founder of Krav Maga Worldwide and founder of the Krav Maga Association of America, Darren played a central role in establishing professional standards, instructor development pathways, and organizational structures that continue to guide how Krav Maga is taught worldwide. His leadership emphasized clarity, realism, instructor excellence, and faithfulness to Krav Maga’s core principles, while ensuring the system evolved responsibly to meet modern threats.

In October of last year, during The Darren Levine Experience, Darren was formally recognized as Grandmaster of Krav Maga Worldwide, a moment that honored not only his technical mastery, but his lifelong stewardship of the system and the global community he helped build. That recognition reflected decades of service, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of Krav Maga.

Darren was a teacher, a mentor, and a guardian of standards. He believed deeply that effectiveness without ethics is incomplete, and that instructors carry a responsibility that extends far beyond technique. His influence will continue to guide Krav Maga Worldwide through the values he instilled and the leaders he helped shape.

We extend our deepest condolences to Darren’s family, friends, and students around the world. His absence will be felt deeply, and his legacy endures in every life strengthened, protected, and changed through Krav Maga.

May his memory be a blessing.

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Krav Maga Worldwide