What are the differences between the IKMA and other Krav Maga organizations?
The Israeli government recognizes the non-profit IKMA as the governing body for Krav Maga. Krav maga founder Imi Lichtenfeld remained with his original Krav Maga organization, the IKMA, until his final days. Haim was duly elected President of the IKMA in 1994. After Imi awarded Grandmaster Gidon his 8th dan in 1996 announcing publicly that 9th and 10th dans were to come and, several members left the IKMA to form their own competing Krav Maga organizations. These organizations instruct Krav Maga according to their own interpretations and imitations. Imi formally approved of Haim’s modifications and additions to the Krav Maga curriculum which were not made available to these new competing Krav Maga organizations. Imi’s designation of Haim Gidon as his successor indicates Imi’s faith in his original organization while Imi and Haim’s hometown, Netanya, Israel serves as the hub of Krav Maga learning and development. Many non-affiliated organizations use and have registered the IKMA’s distin
