What is the 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, his closest assistant, and the chief instructor of the Krav-Maga, to assist him in forming a new international KM federation.
The formation of this new organisation was delayed till after the initial Association broke apart in 1995.
With Imi's consent and support, the IKMF 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 IKMF curriculum was first organized by Eyal, who for 10 years had been the responsible for the modern curriculum of the KM system, as head of the "Professional Committee". Imi approved this new curriculum at the time of formation of the IKMF as well as subsequent changes made in 1997.
From its formation in 1996, the IKMF has grown to be the largest and most professional KM organization in the world. The IKMF now successfully operates in Israel, most EU 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 IKMF branch, there are local instructors at different grades and levels assisting a director who is responsible for the growth of both the KM system and the local IKMF organization in that country.
The IKMF trains and educates civilian students and instructors (with KM 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.
The IKMF is run by Eyal (chairman and head instructor), Gabi, Avi and Eli as directors. All four have assigned responsibilities including countries, professional and management areas.
