Did you know that not all Krav Maga is the same? Most Krav Maga training companies belong to an association that teaches their own perspective of it.
So why do we at Tip of Spear specifically teach IKMF Krav Maga? Krav Maga was developed in the 1930s by Imi Lichtenfeld who had an extensive knowledge of many different martial arts. Imi eventually founded the International Krav Maga Federation (IKMF). Created to serve as the official self-defence system for the Israeli army, it has been adopted by most of the special forces around the world. The IKMF is an internationally-renowned organization and works with some of the highest level military, operators, special forces, law enforcement and civilians around the world. There are several forms of IKMF Krav Maga, including civilian, law enforcement and military, each with its own purpose and goal. IKMF Instructors for this program work closely with the Global Instruction Team (GIT) and Israel HQ to ensure that technique is current, correct and effective. They have been screened, taught, thoroughly tested, and they are continually evaluated to ensure you have a program that is consistent, cohesive and modern.
The IKMF has stood the test of time and continued to deliver where others have failed. Why? Imi believed in the mission of looking after people. He believed in giving people skills to defend themselves under stress and extremely diverse conditions. Some people look at and teach Krav Maga (through other systems) that is a copy of IKMF curriculum, adding extremely complex technique, meant to mimic a martial art. In these cases, the principles of Krav Maga have been lost. It is not an art form. It will not be used in the Olympics. It will not be set up as a point system for competition. It is a simple, tactical system of self-defence. It can be non-injurous (soft technique) to brutal (hard technique). IKMF Krav Maga is the definitive form of Krav Maga today. Others systems claim authenticity, however, they began in IKMF and then turned it into something else. Begin with the source, not the spin-off. Tip of Spear is proud to partner with the International Krav Maga Federation.
Why Train in IKMF Krav Maga?
The IKMF is the largest Krav Maga organization in the world, now present in more than 85 countries and growing.
Once you become a member of the IKMF, you are able to travel to any other IKMF facility in the world to train with them.
The IKMF is the original organization founded by the founder of Krav Maga, Imi Lichtenfeld, and they preserve this history, intent and lineage of this legacy.
The global board of experts constantly evaluates and improves the technique to ensure it is easily learned and effective in the field. All official technique is tested and approved before it is taught. As a student, you always have the latest technical evolutions rather than outdated and ineffective technique.
The approach and philosophy is based on principles that are timeless and true, such as 200% defence, and leveraging the natural, instinctive movements of the body. These always supercede any formulated series of techniques, which is why it is not a martial art.
History of the IKMF
Imrich (Imi) Sde-Or (Lichtenfeld) founder of Krav Maga, was born in Budapest in 1910. With his fathers encouragement, Imi became active in a wide range of sports. This exposed him to not only different fighting disciplines, but fitness and sports.
In the mid 30's Europe was changing for the worst. Facism and and Anti-Semitic groups targeted the Jewish community. Having been involved in many conflicts with these groups, he was forced to leave. Imi joined the Czechoslovakian army for 2 years. He arrived in Israel in 1944 and began training fighters in his area of expertise. Imi was the Chief Instructor for Physical Fitness and Krav Maga at the IDF School of Combat fitness. He served in the IDF for 20 years.
Imi founded the International Krav Maga Federation (IKMF).
IKMF Instructors for this program work closely with the Global Instruction Team (GIT) and Israel HQ to ensure that technique is current, correct and effective. They have been screened, taught, thoroughly tested. We are continually evaluated to ensure you have a program that is consistent, cohesive and modern.
Since 1996, the IKMF has expanded and is now the largest and most appreciated Krav Maga institution world wide.