The words Krav Maga mean “contact/close combat” in Hebrew. It’s a complete, practical and modern reality-based self-defense system originally developed in the Israeli Defense Forces by Imi Lichtenfeld for use in the military. Lichtenfeld subsequently developed it into a form of self-defense for use by civilians and kids. It is the world’s most complete and effective reality-based self-defense system.

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In the late 1930s, a Hungarian-born professional athlete named Imrich (Imi) Lichtenfeld assembled a group of Jewish boxers and wrestlers and brought them out to the streets of Bratislava to defend the Jewish neighborhoods against fascist and anti-semitic groups. However, Lichtenfeld realized that self-defense was very different from competition fighting, so he re-evaluated his ideas and developed a set of principles, practical skills and techniques that would help almost anyone survive threats and attacks. His goal was to create a complete and effective self-defense system that would ensure survival in any situation that could be learned quickly and easily retained.

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In 1944, after having moved to the Middle East, Lichtenfeld started training fighters using the techniques he had developed. Soon afterwards, he moved on to train the military, including special units of the Israel Defense Forces and police officers.

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In the following decades, the Israeli self defense system became a common practice in the Israeli military. When Lichtenfeld retired from the IDF, he modified the Israeli self defense system for civilians. He made sure to teach civilians enough self-defense to protect themselves in any type of dangerous situation and avoid unnecessary violence.

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One of the tenets of authentic Krav Maga is that the system is based on natural reflexes to an attack and that training must include stress training to help absorb and retain the system quickly which is one of the reasons the Krav Maga system is so practical. The system draws from a combination of disciplines including boxing, judo, karate, aikido, wrestling, Muay Thai, Wing Chun, judo, jiu-jitsu, grappling, and street fighting.

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Krav Maga is ideal for providing students with a well-rounded approach to self-defense. Other benefits of self-defense classes include self-confidence and survival ready fitness which includes stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility and balance.

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Your AKMCA induction is your first step to learn how to defend yourself.