Founder Imi (Emerich) Lichtenfeld (1910-1998) is krav maga's founder. Imi was born in Budapest, Hungary and later resided in Bratislava, Slovakia. Imi's father, Samuel Lichtenfeld, joined a professional circus where he excelled at wrestling and boxing. After developing extensive knowledge in fitness training along with wrestling, boxing, and mixed-skill fighting, Samuel joined the police as a detective and had the leading arrest record. Samuel also opened the gym "Hercules" where Imi began his training. Imi rapidly distinguished himself as a champion in judo, boxing, wrestling, gymnastics and ball room dancing among other athletic pursuits.

In 1935 Imi visited Palestine with a team of Jewish wrestlers to participate in the Maccabi games but could not participate because of a broken rib that resulted from his training while on route. This led the fundamental krav maga precept, "do not get hurt" while training. Imi returned to Czechoslovakia to face increasing anti-Semitic violence. Imi organized a group of young Jews to protect his community. On the streets, Imi acquired hard won experience and the crucial understanding of the differences between sport fighting and street fighting. He developed his fundamental self-defense principle: "Use natural movements and reactions" for a defense combined with an immediate and decisive counterattack. From this evolved the refined theory of "simultaneous defense and attack" while "never occupying two hands in the same defensive movement."

Imi arrived in Israel after serving with great notoriety in the Czech Legion. Israel's early leaders immediately recognized Imi's fighting prowess and innovativeness. Imi began to train Israel's first fighting units the Palmach, Palyam, and Haganah in military close quarters combat. This training included fighting fitness, bayonet tactics, sentry removal, knife fighting, stave/stick fighting and any other military oriented problems that required a creative solution. After retiring from the Israeli Defense Forces in 1964 as chief instructor for physical fitness and hand-to-hand combat (which became recognized as the system "krav maga") Imi established the Israeli Krav Maga Association (IKMA) in 1978 to promote krav maga throughout the world for both civilians and law enforcement. Imi focused both on teaching professionals and adapting his system to provide ordinary civilians - men, women, and children - with solutions to avoid and/or end a violent encounter. Haim Gidon, the highest-ranking individual in the world at 10th degree black-belt, heads the organization as Imi's appointed successor. (For more about krav maga founder Imi Lichtenfeld please visit www.kravmagaisraeli.com and click "Founder.")

Grandmaster Haim Gidon (10th dan and IKMA President) is a member of krav maga founder Imi Lichtenfeld's first training class in the early 1960's. Haim fought in the Six Day War, War of Attrition, and Yom Kippur War. Prior to the 1967 War, Haim resumed his competitive boxing and decided to learn more about the krav maga principals he had learned in the military. In 1978, Haim helped Imi co-found the IKMA. Along with Imi and other top instructors, Haim Gidon co-founded the Israeli Krav maga Association (IKMA) which he now heads as President. In 1994, Haim was elected as IKMA president and opened his current gym and the main training center for the IKMA located on Ben Zion Street, Netanya, Israel. In 1995, Imi nominated Haim as the top authority to grant 1st dan krav maga black-belt and up. In an IKMA ceremony, Imi awarded Haim Gidon 8th dan and stated 9th and 10th dans "were to come" designating Haim as the highest ranking krav maga instructor. (Video clips of the ceremony are available at www.kravmagaisraeli.com). Imi approved of Haim's adding extensive groundwork modified weapons defenses and other additions/improvements to the krav maga system. Grandmaster Gidon is also a committee member of the Wingate (Israel's national sports institute) professional committee representing the self-defense style of krav maga. As President and Grandmaster of the IKMA, has taught the Israeli Police defensive tactics for the last thirty years to Israel's security and military agencies. Grandmaster Gidon was recently featured on the Fox News Network's Gooday Show and received special commendation from numerous American law enforcement agencies after training them. Imi approved of Haim’s additions and modifications to the krav maga system, especially the development of retzev, the extensive groundwork and weapons defense modifications. Haim is a member of the Wingate Professional Committee (Israel’s national sports institute). Haim has taught krav maga tactics for the last thirty years to Israel’s law enforcement, security and military personnel. He has received special commendation from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies worldwide for his specific krav maga law professional training curriculum and his teaching expertise is requested worldwide.

Ohad Gidon (6th dan) is one of the highest-ranking instructors in Israel. Ohad began his krav maga training at the age of 2 and has trained for more than two decades under Imi Lichtenfeld's senior students including Imi's most senior student and Ohad's father, Grandmaster Haim Gidon. Ohad is instrumental in krav maga's development and revising the krav maga curriculum in conjunction with Grandmaster Haim Gidon. Ohad is recognized as a "senior coach" by Wingate. Ohad travels to the United States and Europe on a regular basis to teach civilians and law enforcement agencies. Ohad graduated at the top of his class from Israel's prestigious Technion Institute where he completed his electrical engineering degree. Ohad has received special commendations from several American law enforcement agencies.

Yoav Krayn (5th dan and IKMA General Secretary) is one of the highest-ranking instructors in Israel. Yoav trained under Imi and was one of Imi's senior students. Since 1980, Yoav has trained under Imi's most senior student, Grandmaster Haim Gidon. Yoav serves as general secretary for the Israeli Krav Maga Association. He also travels regularly to the United States and Europe to train civilians and law enforcement. Yoav was interviewed by gear Magazine to provide his insights on krav maga training and he has received special commendations from several American law enforcement agencies. Yoav was recently featured on the Fox News Network's Good Day Show along with Grandmaster Gidon and David Kahn. Yoav sits on the IKMA's professional committee for krav maga technique development and IKMA grades committee.

Yigal Arbiv (4th dan) is one of Grandmaster Haim Gidon's senior instructors and has trained with Grandmaster Gidon for fifteen years. After serving in an elite paratroop unit as a weapons specialist, Yigal attended Wingate, Israel's national sports institute, an exclusive training academy for instructors and coaches, where Yigal received his krav maga coaching certification. Yigal is a security professional and krav maga instructor teaching in several schools in Israel. Yigal regularly travels abroad to teach law enforcement and civilians. Yigal was featured in www.realfighting.com for krav maga's weapon defenses. Yigal has received special commendations from several American law enforcement agencies. Yigal sits on the IKMA's professional committee for krav maga technique development and IKMA grades committee and IKMA grades committee. info@kravmagaisraeli.com

Noam Gidon (4th dan) is one of Grandmaster Haim Gidon's top instructors and has trained with his father, Grandmaster Gidon, since childhood. After completing his military service, Noam attended Wingate, Israel's national sports institute, an exclusive training academy for instructors and coaches where Noam received his krav maga coaching certification. Noam is a student at Technion, Israel's prestigious technical institute. Noam along with Yoav Krayn and Yigal Arbiv, is instrumental in the IKMA instructor certification program overseen by Grandmaster Gidon. Noam sits on the IKMA's professional committee for krav maga technique development and IKMA grades committee.

Steve Moishe (3rd dan) is one of Grandmaster Haim Gidon's top instructors and has trained under Grandmaster Gidon for more than two decades. Steve travels internationally to instruct on the behalf of the IKMA. He assists Grandmaster Gidon at the IKMA's main training facility in Netanya, Israel in teaching Israeli and international instructors as well as instructing regular classes with Grandmaster Gidon. Steve sits on the IKMA's professional committee for krav maga technique development.

David Kahn (IKMA U.S. Chief instructor and IKMA board member) received his advanced blackbelt teaching certification from Grandmaster Haim Gidon. David trains regularly in Israel with Grandmaster Gidon and was elected to the board of the IKMA. As the Grandmaster's envoy, David is committed to the proper expansion of the system in the U.S. and around the world. Under the oversight of Haim Gidon and working with senior Israeli instructors Ohad Gidon, Yoav Krayn and Yigal Arbiv, David trains local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. David is certified by State of New Jersey Department of Public Safety Criminal Justice Division Police Training Commission. Top Israeli instructors regularly visit David's classes in New York City and New Jersey. David also teaches krav maga at his alma mater, Princeton University. Prior to his instructor-training in Israel, David spent three years during law school training with Senior American Instructors, Rick Blitstein and Alan Feldman. David was featured in numerous publications including Men's Fitness (UK), Penthouse, Absolute, Self, Fitness, Razor, Giant, New York, New Yorker, gear, Allure, Daily News, New York Post, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and Princeton Alumni Weekly, with several additional articles forthcoming. David was featured on several news programs. David trained Emmy and Golden Globe Award Winner Actor James Gandolfini ("Tony Soprano"). David authored the book: Krav Maga: An Essential Guide to the Renowned Method - For Fitness and Self Defense, St. Martin's Press, 2004, Piatkus Publishers, 2005 and Orana Publishers (2006) and will have his next book, Advanced Krav Maga: The Next Level, published by St. Martin's Press in the fall of 2008. (609) 585-MAGA or israelikrav@gmail.com

Abel Kahn (IKMA instructor) began his krav maga training with David Kahn and completed his 180 hour instructor training certification in Israel with Grandmaster Haim Gidon and Senior Instructors Yigal Arbiv and Steve Moishe. Abel is one of only five Americans to earn Grandmaster Gidon's certification course in Israel. He trains regularly in Israel under Grandmaster Gidon. Abel is certified by State of New Jersey Department of Public Safety Criminal Justice Division Police Training Commission. He has trained civilians and local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in the United States. He currently teaches in New York City and Hamilton, New Jersey. Abel has appeared in numerous publications including the Daily News, Time Out, Absolute and in the book Krav Maga: An Essential Guide to the Renowned Method - For Fitness and Self Defense. Abel is responsible for the national roll-out of Israeli krav maga in the United States in coordination with the Israeli Krav Maga Association. (609) 585-MAGA OR israelikrav@gmail.com

Rick Blitstein (senior blackbelt) is one of a few hand picked individuals who traveled to Netanya, Israel in 1981 to complete an intensive krav maga instructors course. Under the watchful eye of krav maga founder, Imi Lichtenfeld, they were taught by Israeli experts for the purpose of introducing krav maga in the United States. Imi and Rick formed very close bonds and spent much time training together in both Israel and the United States. For many of the past twenty years, Rick has worked in the field of private and corporate security, teaching and using krav maga in real-life situations. Rick has recently opened his own Krav Maga Academy in Miami Beach. A member of the IKMA and recognized as a senior black belt instructor, Rick is committed to the proper expansion of the system in the U.S. and around the world, as Imi expressly dictated before his passing away in 1998. Rick sent his student David Kahn (who teaches in New York City) to train with the IKMA for instructor certification. Rick was featured in several publications such as The Miami Herald and network programs including ABC, CBS, Fox News, and the international Spanish cable program Musica Si. Rick teaches in Miami, Florida.  (305) 532-2595 or rblitstein@aol.com

Alan Feldman (senior blackbelt) is one the original martial arts instructors who received a scholarship to train in Israel in an intensive program to harvest American instructors. Alan began teaching krav maga in the Philadelphia area in 1981. Alan is certified by the ministry of education in Israel and is one of the highest ranking American instructors. Training directly under krav maga founder, Imi Lichtenfeld, and his top ranked instructors, Alan has taught thousands of civilians in numerous schools, colleges, organizations, and agencies in addition to founding the first privately owned krav maga school. A member of the Israeli Krav Maga Association and recognized as a senior black belt instructor, Alan is committed to the proper expansion of the system in the U.S. and around the world and has qualified several American instructors. Over the years Alan was featured in many publications and was most recently interviewed by NBC Channel 3 News, Philadelphia. Alan teaches at the Israeli Krav Maga U.S. Training Center.

Boaz Aviram (former krav maga chief military instructor) received his black-belt certification from Imi Licthenfeld and served two years as the Israeli Defense Forces' (IDF) chief instructor for combat fitness and hand-to-hand combat. Boaz has taught krav maga for the last twenty years. As chief military instructor, Boaz oversaw and ran the entire krav maga instructor training course, including certifying other instructors for the IDF. Boaz specialized in teaching the most advanced krav maga applications to the IDF's elite units. Boaz also served as a weapons specialist. Boaz created a specific two week course for female IDF recruits. Boaz is recognized by Wingate, Israel's National Sports Institute, as a "senior coach" for krav maga. Boaz taught krav maga to sky marshals in conjunction with the Israel Aviation authority. Boaz has trained numerous United States Federal Agents in krav maga. Krav maga founder Imi Lichtenfeld and Colonel David Ben Asher, a former Director of the Israeli Krav Maga Association, honored Boaz as one of krav maga's top instructors and recognized his contributions to krav maga. Boaz is featured on the cover of the first krav maga book, "Fighting Fit."

N. Lead Counter-Terror and Krav Maga Instructor, Israeli Defense Force/ Special Forces Division. N began his service in the IDF in one of the most elite Special Forces units, after completing his service in the IDF, he moved back to North America where he became a Police Officer and Instructor with a major Police Academy and was responsible for teaching police recruits and SWAT units in defensive tactics, firearms, use of force, and Tactical and SWAT Operations. In 2006 during the second Israel/Lebanon war, N returned to Israel and re-enlisted in the IDF where he was assigned to the Central Command Special Forces Division. He is one of the lead Counter-Terror and Krav Maga instructors training the IDF's CT and Hostage Rescue Units. N also has 27 years of extensive training in various Martial Art and Unarmed Combat Systems including Krav Maga and Hisardut.

Dror Saporta (3rd Dan) has studied krav maga for more than two decades. During this time he has acquired training and instruction from krav maga founder and first Grandmaster Mr. Imi Lichtenfeld (Sde-Or) and Imi's appointed successor Grandmaster Haim Gidon. Dror served in the IDF for seven years as an officer. He completed an extensive number of specialized combat skills training courses and was deployed numerous times in "active"zones. During his commission, Dror completed an intensive instructor's course required of all krav maga black-belt candidates in Israel. In addition to being qualified as an instructor by the Israel Krav Maga Association, he is also certified by the Israel Ministry of Education and the Nat Holman Trainers School of the Wingate Sports Institute, Israel. Dror was later recruited by the Israeli Ministry of Education's Sports Department to create and implement a high school krav maga curriculum for the Tel- Aviv school system. Dror began teaching krav maga in 1993 and joined the International Security Academy (ISA) that same year. In his capacity as a chief krav maga instructor, Dror has taught civilians, law enforcement and security personnel in Israel, the United States and Central America. He also provided personal protection and security consultation to various high profile and high risk company clientele. Dror spearheaded the legal battle to preserve the name krav maga for all to use in the United States. Dror teaches in Los Angeles, California.  info@kravmagaofla.com

Ethan Vogelhut (IKMA instructor) began his krav maga training in New York City under the instruction of David Kahn. In the summer of 2003, Ethan traveled to Netanya, Israel where he received his full IKMA instructor certification from Grandmaster Haim Gidon, Yoav Krayn and Yigal Arbiv. He is one of only a few Americans to earn this certification. He has returned to Netanya for more extensive training in the summers of 2004 and 2005 and currently teaches in Philadelphia and New Jersey.

Gerry Novack (IKMA associate instructor) has studied self-defense since early the 1980’s.  Gerry has blackbelts in kung fu and Aikijitsu.  Gerry is also a professional strength and fitness trainer having also earned a master’s degree in child psychology.  Jerry completed his associate instructor training with Grandmaster Haim Gidon, Yigal Arbiv and David Kahn.  Gerry assists at the Israeli Krav Maga U.S. Training Center.

Mike Delahanty (IKMA associate instructor) served four years in the United States Marine Corps and currently is a detective with a municipal police department.  Mike has trained in self-defense since 1993 and completed his associate instructor training with Grandmaster Haim Gidon, Yigal Arbiv and David Kahn.  Mike assists in IKM law enforcement and civilian training at the Israeli Krav Maga U.S. Training Center.

Jose Anaya (IKMA associate instructor) served two years in the United States Army and is currently a patrol officer with a municipal police department.  Jose has trained in self-defense since the late 1980’s and completed his associate instructor training with Grandmaster Haim Gidon, Yigal Arbiv and David Kahn.  Jose assists in IKM law enforcement and civilian training at the Israeli Krav Maga U.S. Training Center.

David Ordini (IKMA associate instructor) has studied self-defense since the early 1990’s and completed his associate instructor training with Grandmaster Haim Gidon, Yigal Arbiv and David Kahn.   Dave assists at the Israeli Krav Maga U.S. Training Center.

George Foster (IKMA associate instructor) served four years with the United States Marine Corps with a thirteen month tour of duty in Vietnam.  George retired in 2004 from the Edgewater Twp. Police Department.  George was a certified PR-24 instructor and pressure point control and defensive tactics instructor for the Burlington Police Academy for over sixteen years.  George completed his associate instructor training with Grandmaster Haim Gidon, Yigal Arbiv and David Kahn.  George assists in IKM law enforcement training at the Israeli Krav Maga U.S. Training Center.

Thom Farrel (IKMA associate instructor) studied self-defense for five years prior to completing his associate instructor training with Grandmaster Haim Gidon, Yigal Arbiv and David Kahn.  Thom assists at the Israeli Krav Maga U.S. Training Center.

James Sherman (IKMA associate instructor) completed his instructor training in Israel with Grandmaster Gidon and continues his instructor training with Grandmaster Gidon, Yigal Arbiv and David Kahn.  James is the CEO of Manhattan Trainers and has extensive pedigrees and expertise in strength training, conditioning and overall fitness.  James teaches with David Kahn in New York City. james@manhattantrainers.com

Dan Brown (IKMA associate instructor) completed his instructor training in Israel with Grandmaster Gidon and continues his instructor training with Grandmaster Gidon, Yigal Arbiv and David Kahn.   Dan assists at the Israeli Krav Maga U.S. Training Center.

Rich Felsher (IKMA associate instructor) completed his instructor with Grandmaster Gidon and David Kahn.  Rich instructs in Delray Beach, Florida. richfelsher@comcast.net