Israel Self-Defense: 4 Places in Israel to Train in Krav Maga

Although it is now becoming a sweeping Western fitness phenomenon, the self-defense method of Krav Maga has a deeply rooted Israeli history spanning the last century.

Created in Czechoslovakia before World War II by a young Jewish man named Imi Lichtenfeld, Krav Maga was developed out of the necessity for self-protection during those volatile years in history, according to the United States Krav Maga Association. Because anti-Semitic groups had risen to power in Czechoslovakia during that time, it was crucial for Lichtenfeld to find a way to neutralize the violent and frequent threats of street gangs.

Out of this situation, Krav Maga was born. Soon, it became the method taught to members of Israel's military, and it remains the official system of the Israeli Defense Forces today.

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As more people around the world begin to look toward Krav Maga as a fitness pursuit, facilities that teach the method are becoming more highly sought after. Listed here are the top four locations in Israel to train in the skills of Krav Maga.

1. The International Krav Maga Federation Crash Camps
The International Krav Maga Federation, regarded as the veteran organization for Krav Maga, offers various training exercises throughout the year in Israel including the Crash Camps. These boot camps also include tests at the end of the training. Upcoming camps can be found on the federation's website. Other more specific training events are also offered including courses geared for law enforcement.

2. Israeli Krav International Train and Tour Program
This program seeks to combine the theory of Krav Maga with the skills needed to put it into practice. The course deals with all aspects of the method including sparring, knife threats, gun disarms, and even dealing with suicide attackers. Other conditioning drills and basic skills such as punching, kicking, and blocking are covered. Participants receive a diploma at the end of the program, according to the Israeli Krav International website.

3. Wingate Institute
As Israel's National Centre for Physical Education and Sport, Wingate is located on an ample 120-acre campus overlooking the Mediterranean Sea near Tel Aviv. It is the home facility for Israel's national teams as well as serving as a military base. Periodically, Krav Maga seminars and classes are offered through the facility and instructor certifications are also offered.

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4. Israeli Krav Maga Association
Recognized by the Israeli government, the Israeli Krav Maga Association (IKMA)
said its primary goal is to perpetuate the tradition of Krav Maga founder Imi Lichtenfeld. Now headed by Imi's successor Haim Gidon, the IKMA offers instructor seminars and courses throughout the year in addition to being associated with various training clubs located throughout the world which can be found on the association's website.

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