In a world where personal safety is highly valued, Krav Maga stands out as a martial art rooted in realism, adaptability, and empowerment. Originally developed for the Israeli military, Krav Maga has evolved into a globally respected system of self-defence that prioritises instinctive movements and practical techniques over tradition or formality.
What Is Krav Maga?
Krav Maga is an Israeli self-defence system that was developed for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and uses techniques derived from aikido, boxing, judo, karate and wrestling. It’s best known for its focus on real-world situations.
Techniques in Krav Maga:
- Strikes - As per karate and boxing
- Takedowns and throws - as per judo and wrestling
- Groundwork - as per judo and wrestling
- Escapes from chokes and holds - as per judo, aikido and wrestling
- Empty-hand weapon defences - as per aikido
They have eventually added other technical influences from other arts as well, including Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Arnis/Kali/Escrima and Silat.
The Origins of Krav Maga
In 1948, when the Stat of Israel was founded and the IDF (Israel Defence Force) was formed, Lichtenfeld became chief instructor for Physical Fitness and Krav Maga at the IDF School of Combat Fitness. He served in the IDF for about 20 years, during which time he developed and refined his unique method for self-defence and hand-to-hand combat. Self-defence 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. However, self-defence was based strictly on the scientific and dynamic principles of the human body. In 1965, judo training was added as part of the Krav Maga training.
Until 1968, there were no grades in Krav Maga; then a trainee’s grades were determined largely by their knowledge of judo. In the same year, Eli Avikzar, one of Lichtenfeld’s principal students and first black belt, began learning aikido. In 1971, Eli left for France, where he received a black belt in aikido. Upon his return, Avikzar started working as an instructor alongside Imi to integrate more traditional martial arts into Krav Maga.
Then, in 1974, Imre retired and gave Eli Avikzar control over the Krav Maga training centre in Netanya. Shortly after, in 1976, Avikzar joined the permanent force of the IFD as head of the Krav Maga section. The role of Krav Maga in the army's advance drastically changed after Eli’s appointment. More courses were given, and every P.E. instructor was obliged to learn Krav Maga. Avikzar continued to develop Krav Maga within the IDF until his retirement in 1987. To date, Eli has trained 80,000 male soldiers and 12,000 female soldiers.
The Styles of Krav Maga
While there are different grading bodies and other organisations that teach Krav Maga, unlike Taekwondo, they all teach basically the same curriculum.
After Limi Lichtenfeld’s retirement from the IDF, he decided to open a school and teach Krav Maga to civilians. The first Krav Maga course took place at the Wingate Institute, Netanya, Israel, in 1971, under his direct supervision.
Grading System
Most of the Krav Maga organisations in Israel use Limi Lichtenfeld’s coloured belt grading system, which is based upon the judo ranking system. It starts with a white belt, and then yellow, orange, green, blue, brown and black belts. Black belt students can move up the ranks from 1st to 9th Dan. The time and requirements for advancement have some differences between the organisations.
Benefits of Training in Krav Maga
Real-World Preparedness
Krav Maga’s main focus is to prepare you for real-world situations, and emphasises situational awareness and instinctive responses, helping you stay calm and decisive under pressure.
Full-Body Conditioning
The training blends cardio, strength, and agility drills, making it an excellent workout that improves endurance and coordination.
Mental Toughness
Facing simulated high-stress situations builds psychological resilience and sharpens your ability to think clearly in chaos.
Confidence and Empowerment
Knowing you can protect yourself fosters a deep sense of self-assurance that carries into everyday life.
Krav Maga isn’t just a method of defence, but it’s a mindset. From its gritty origins to its modern-day applications, it teaches us how to respond with clarity, strength, and purpose when it matters most. Whether you’re training for fitness, confidence, or real-world preparedness, Krav Maga offers a transformative journey that sharpens both body and mind.
