By Damian Ross and William J Pehush of The Self Defense Company

In the beginning most martial arts styles start out of necessity of as a form of self defense that is simple and effective. However, over time things change and the original idea is becomes corrupted. Krav Maga started off as a rough and tumble form of street fighting, but like most arts; it has become “civilized”. Like with other martial arts Krav Maga’s own commercialization and popularity has become its downfall.

They say necessity is the mother of invention and there is no better example of this than in the world of self defense. Krav Maga was no different, it was born out of a need to keep the peace and survive the brutal streets of Bratislava, Krav Maga’s founder, Imi Lichtenfield grew up on theses streets during harsh times. He knew what all street fighters know; combat sports aren’t self defense. Trained to be a boxer, he learned that if you want to survive a fight, you have to go all out and take down your enemy hard and fast.

Imi Lichtenfield was born in 1910 in Hungry, but grew up in the city of Bratislava, Slovakia. He was a skilled athlete who excelled in gymnastics, boxing, and wrestling. He received his first self defense training from his father Samuel, a 30 year veteran of the local police force who had a reputation as tough, but fair man. Through his career, Samuel took down some of the city’s toughest criminals. He taught other officers what he learned at his gym “Hercules.” At the gym officers learned both how to fight and more importantly, how and when to apply force.

Though the world in 1930’s Hungary things looked bleak. The prosperity after World War I gave way to global economic crisis and political upheaval. The banners of communism and fascism were flying around Europe and governments were powerless to stop armies of thugs from imposing their will on their communities. While most people know about the battles of World War II, the fighting really started in the streets. Before the Nazis over took the country, their militia groups and gangs began terrorizing Jews and anyone else they saw as an enemy.

To protect his community in Bratislava, Imi began fighting the thugs in the streets. He quickly became aware that combat sports like boxing were inefficient and almost useless in a street fight. In the boxing ring you never have to deal with more than one fighter or worry about someone picking up a broken bottle, but in a street fight that happens all the time. Imi learned fast and these real street fights would help him develop the principals of Krav Maga. As the street fights turned into full fledged war, Imi decided to escape to the Middle East, only to have a new fight on his hands.

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