IKM International Krav Maga - Gabi Noah
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Imi Lichtenfeld
The origins of a legend
Imi Lichtenfeld
Imi Lichtenfeld (later known as Sde Or) was born in Budapest in 1910. Inspired by his father Samuel—an accomplished acrobat, wrestler, physical education teacher, detective, and Chief Instructor for the police—Imi grew up immersed in physical training and self-defense.
Imi excelled in multiple sports, especially gymnastics, boxing, and wrestling. For over ten years, he actively competed—often triumphantly—in national and international wrestling competitions.
Dans les années 1930, alors que le fascisme se répandait en Europe, Imi rassembla de jeunes athlètes juifs pour défendre leur communauté contre les gangs fascistes. Ces combats de rue en conditions réelles lui firent prendre conscience du fossé entre les sports de combat et les affrontements mettant la vie en danger. Cette expérience posa les bases de ce qui deviendrait plus tard le Krav Maga.
Exile and New Beginnings in Israel
Imi's anti-fascist activities led to tensions with the authorities, forcing him to flee Bratislava. After a two-year journey, he arrived in Israel and joined the Haganah, a Jewish paramilitary organization. There, he began teaching self-defense techniques, eventually becoming a key figure in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
During his 20 years in the IDF, Imi perfected his combat system and trained instructors and elite units. He authored the IDF's official manual on self-defense and close combat. After retiring from the army in 1964, he continued to oversee Krav Maga training in military institutions and law enforcement agencies.
Opening Krav Maga to the civilian world
Imi devoted the next stage of his life to perfecting Krav Maga for civilian use. His vision led to the creation of the International Krav Maga Federation (IKMF). With the support of the Israeli Ministry of Education, Krav Maga was widely adopted in public and private institutions and spread to countries such as France and the United States.
The Krav Maga system Imi developed is based on strong moral and human values—including integrity, humility, and respect for others.
Imi Lichtenfeld passed away on January 9, 1998, at the age of 87. Today, his legacy lives on through instructors and organizations around the world who continue to spread and evolve the Krav Maga system through the IKMF and beyond.
