The International Krav Maga Federation (IKMF)

The need for the IKMF originally arose in the early 1990’s, when the teaching of Krav Maga (KM) was starting to spread beyond the borders of Israel. At that time the initial KM Association was divided and not functioning efficiently due to dissension amongst the higher graded instructors. As a result, Imi (the founder of Krav Maga) asked Eyal Yanilov, and the chief instructor of Krav-Maga, to assist him in forming a new International KM Federation.

With Imi’s consent and support, the International Krav Maga Federation was founded in early 1996 by Eyal Yanilov, Gabi Noah, Avi Moyal, Eli Ben-Ami and several other respected instructors. All Expert and Master Diplomas, grades and levels issued by the IKMF, the new and leading organization, were authorized by Imi. The International Krav Maga Federation curriculum was first organized by Eyal, who for 10 years had been responsible for the modern curriculum of the KM system, as head of the “Professional Committee”. Imi approved this new curriculum at the time of the IKMF’s formation, as well as subsequent changes made in 1997.

From its formation in 1996, the International Krav Maga Federation has grown to be the largest and most professional Krav Maga organization in the world. The IKMF now successfully operates in Israel, most European countries, ex-communist countries (such as Poland, Russia and Hungary), Australia, North America, South-east Asia and the Far-East. Generally in each country with an active International Krav Maga Federation branch, there are local instructors at different grades and levels assisting a director who is responsible for the growth of both the Krav Maga system and the local IKMF organization in that country.

The International Krav Maga Federation trains and educates civilian students and instructors (with Krav Maga and/or other martial arts background), law-enforcement officers and instructors, military personnel and instructors, as well as security and close protection officers and their instructors. All such individuals are accepted into the ranks of the IKMF. With Eyal Yanilov's departure from the IKMF, the IKMF is now run by Avi Moyal, Chairman, Eli Ben-Ami, head of testing committee and Gabi Noah, Head instructor IKMF.

IKMF Chairman

Avi Moyal was born in 1966 and has been learning Krav Maga since childhood. In 1985 he received his "Expert degree" and joined the IDF Marines, completed his Officers training with excellence, and served as a Platoon Commander in a Terror Demolition Unit. He acquired many combat hours and experience while commanding subordinates on special operations in Lebanon.

He served as a Reserves PC in a special operations unit. Avi Moyal graduated his BA and a trainer's course. He also graduated the senior trainer's course in the Wingate Institute with excellence. He ran instructors courses in the Wingate institute for many years, and today he is one of the four leading Krav Maga authorities in the world (Expert level 6). Amongst his instructors were Imi Lichtenfeld RIP, Eli Avigzar RIP and Eyal Yanilov. He instructs women, children and adults in the Israeli private, commercial and governmental sectors. He also instructs armies and security organizations world wide.