International Krav Maga Federation
The International Krav Maga Federation (IKMF) was founded in 1996 under the direct supervision of Krav Maga founder Imi Lichtenfeld, when the first Krav Maga association (founded in 1978) ceased to function effectively.
IKMF was established by Avi Moyal, Eyal Yanilov, Gabi Noah and Eli Ben-Ami along with other experienced instructors. Imi Lichtenfeld personally authorised all Expert and Master diplomas until his death.
Since its founding, IKMF has become the largest and most prestigious Krav Maga federation in the world, headquartered in Israel and present in more than 60 countries.
The continuous improvement and worldwide dissemination of self-defense techniques is carried out through the Global Instructor Team (GIT). Each country with an active IKMF presence has a local director responsible for organisation and expansion.
Main branches of IKMF: civilian · military · law enforcement · VIP protection
Specialised instructor courses exist for each sector.
Global Instructor Team (GIT)
Avi Moyal — Master 2, President and Chief Instructor
Avi Moyal has been teaching Krav Maga for over 35 years. In 1985 he became the youngest practitioner to hold the Expert rank within the Aguda (the first Krav Maga organisation in Israel), followed by service in the IDF Marine Corps. He is President of IKMF and continues to spread Krav Maga throughout Europe, the Far East and the Americas.
Tamir Gilad — Expert 5, Head of the Testing Committee
Born in Israel, he has been practising Krav Maga since 1987 and served in the Israeli Army for three years. He is a weapons instructor, works with the best firearms instructors in Israel, and teaches seminars around the world.
Israel Tamir — Expert 5, Head of the Security Division
Has been practising Krav Maga since 1989. He holds a degree in sports science. He served as a military sniper and is a firearms instructor.
Shlomi Moyal — Expert 3, Head of the Children’s and Women’s Divisions
Has been practising Krav Maga since the age of 12. He has led courses for diverse groups, law enforcement and special units worldwide. Together with Avi Moyal he developed the children’s programme and the Stay Away programme for women — considered the best women’s self-defense programme in the world.
Israel Cohen — Expert 3, Head of the Military and Special Forces Divisions
Started Krav Maga at age 11 under Avi Moyal and became an instructor at 16. He served in the Israeli Naval Forces and fought in 3 wars. He worked within the Israeli Secret Services and led a special ISA unit for 6 years.
About Krav Maga
Krav Maga (contact combat in Hebrew) was developed by Imi Lichtenfeld as a hand-to-hand combat system for the Israeli Army. Today it is the most effective self-defense system available to civilians, used by over 400 agencies and special units worldwide.
Krav Maga is built on three pillars: self-defense, combat techniques, and tactics. It is practical and realistic — it teaches you how to avoid, prevent, or deal with any type of threat or act of violence, without traditional or sporting elements. Training is dedicated entirely to adapting and developing natural instincts and reactions — techniques are learned quickly and can be applied under stress.