History of IKMF Krav Maga
The system of Krav Maga was formed by Imi Lichtenfeld (Sde-Or).
During his 20 years of service as chief instructor of hand-to-hand combat, Imi carefully refined the methods of Krav Maga, Making it the official combative training for all military personnel, Israeli police and security forces. Imi developed a doctrine enabling both fit and out-of-shape soldiers to practice it successfully.
Rather than rigid movements and techniques requiring years of training, Krav Maga integrated instinctive and simple moves accessible to all.
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The Israeli Krav Maga Association was founded by Imi and several of his students in 1978, aiming to promote KM's unique techniques locally and throughout the world.
When Krav Maga (KM) started to spread beyond the borders of Israel, a need arose to establish an international organization.
This was necessary due to the initial KM association, at the time, being divided and not functioning efficiently mainly due to dissention amongst the higher graded instructors.
Imi formed a new International KM Federation with the support of his most loyal students and respected instructors, among which IKMF's chairman nowadays, Avi Moyal was an integral part.
Once the IKMF was finally formed, All Expert and Master Diplomas, grades and levels issued by it, were authorized by Imi, As well as the IKMF curriculum.
Imi approved this new curriculum at the time of formation of the IKMF as well as subsequent changes made in 1997.
Since 1996 The IKMF expanded and is now the largest and most renowned KM organistaion worldwide.
The IKMF has branched out and is successfully active locally, in Israel, as well as in Australia, North America, South & East Asia, the Far East, Most EU countries, and ex-communist countries (such as Poland, Russia and Hungary).
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The general structure of the organization in each country is relatively similar: A director, responsible for the growth of both the KM system and the local IKMF organization in said country and of course, local instructors at different grades and levels assisting him.
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The IKMF trains and educates all types of trainees, with or without KM (or other martial art) background, such as civilian students and instructors, military personnel and instructors, law-enforcement officers and instructors etc.
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