Origins in Pre-War Europe
Krav Maga was founded by Imi Lichtenfeld, a Hungarian-born Jew and skilled athlete in boxing and wrestling. In the 1930s, Imi used his combat skills to defend Jewish communities against fascist gangs in Bratislava. This period helped shape the foundations of Krav Maga – focusing on efficient, no-nonsense defence tactics that work under pressure.
Development as a Modern Self defence system
Once Imi Lichtenfeld emigrated to Israel, he developed the fighting style he had developed on the streets of Bratislava into the modern fighting style we now recognise as Krav Maga. The guiding principles of Fast, Simple and Effective permeate everything we teach. Techniques that are easy to use make it simple, Efficiency of movement leads to speed, striking to vital organs makes it effective. We continue with this philosophy to the present day and Our federation, with it’s direct lineage to Imi through Richard Douieb and our current President Steve Schmitt, himself a student of Richard, ensure that the technical standards are consistent at every club, in every location across all geographies around the world.
Effective self-defence
Krav Maga, which means “contact combat” in Hebrew, is a practical and highly effective self-defence system developed for real-world situations. It combines techniques from boxing, wrestling, judo, aikido, and street-fighting, and is renowned for its simplicity, speed, and focus on neutralising threats as quickly as possible.
We continue Imi’s philosophy to the present day and Our federation, ensures that the technical standards are consistent at every club, in every location across all geographies around the world.
Global Expansion
By the 1970s and 80s, Krav Maga began to spread beyond Israel. Imi Lichtenfeld and his students introduced it to civilians, law enforcement, and military units worldwide. Krav Maga organisations were established in Europe and the United States, adapting the system for self-defence, fitness, and personal empowerment.
Krav Maga is now practised globally and has evolved into several branches and schools – but its core remains the same: realistic, instinctive, and effective self-defence.
Why Learn Krav Maga Today?
Krav Maga’s continued popularity comes from its real-world applicability. Unlike traditional martial arts focused on form or competition, Krav Maga prepares students for modern-day threats like street attacks, knife defence, multiple attackers, and active shooter scenarios.
It trains your mindset as well as your body – teaching awareness, assertiveness, and how to remain calm under stress.
Our instructors are professionally trained, and our classes are inclusive, supportive, and designed to equip you with skills for life.
Krav Maga in Dulwich – Learn at Eitan Krav
At Eitan Krav, based in Dulwich, we carry forward the legacy of Imi Lichtenfeld by teaching authentic, street-proven Krav Maga adapted for modern-day life. Whether you’re looking to build confidence, learn self-defence, improve fitness, or challenge yourself mentally and physically, our training welcomes all ages and skill levels.
