Creator(s)
FOUNDERS
Krav Maga (translates literally as contact combat) was developed within IDF (Israeli Armed Forces) under the aegis of Imi Lichtenfeld Sde-Or (1910-1998) during his long military career. Supported by other qualified instructors he developed its principles that he continued to improve during his entire career. After quitting the army he continued to improve this revolutionary defense system. He adapted it to the needs of the civilian population the way that today this system is accessible to everybody.
This system is also taught in Israeli police forces “Hagana Hatsmit” meaning “self defense”. To date, Krav Maga is being taught all over the world.
Basic principles of Krav Maga:
To be humble … Do what’s right … Don’t get hurt … Be proficient so you don’t hurt needlessly or irreversibly.
Guiding lines of Krav Maga techniques:
- Avoid the danger; if you can’t, use the appropriate defense techniques to defend without getting hurt
- When you build your defense, take advantage of natural body reactions
- Punish the aggressor by targeting his vulnerable areas
- Choose the appropriate response to the conflict situation
- Block the attack and counter attack in most rapid and straightforward way possible
- Use any item at reach that can assure you an advantage in the situation
- No rules in defense
Quote: “It is essential to excel in the training of Krav Maga in order to avoid having to deploy excessive or not absolutely necessary force, even in a situation when one’s life is at stake.”
(Imi Lichtenfeld Sde-Or)
Reflection: It is paramount in the policy of Organization I.M.A.D.S. to work toward this idea.
(Stéphane Denis)
I.M.A.D.S. Ethics and moral code
All the members and affiliates are committed to respect the moral code in all of its aspects as well as to respect the ethics inherent to Independent International Organization I.M.A.D.S.
- Moral code: As a member of I.M.A.D.S. I commit to respect the following values: cultivate humility, honesty, modesty, moderation and non aggressiveness. Furthermore, I commit to comply with statutory orders and house rules. Finally, I commit to show respect to my teachers, other students and all other members of the organization.
- Ethics: The fundamentals of I.M.A.D.S. teaching are composed by all the seriousness and rigor essential to the topic we deal with, but in most relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
The guidelines that originate from that premise require that every teacher possesses all the necessary ethical and technical qualities, essential to transmit the knowledge he acquired to his students, as good as he can, as much as he can. He must strive to be in harmony with the society he lives in and with the laws that govern it. Therefore, teaching our discipline to people who do not respect the laws and rules of the society they live in, is strictly forbidden.
The essential qualities our teachers must possess are:
- Open mind; honesty; humility; modesty; non aggressiveness
- They must be able to create a friendly atmosphere within their classes
- Cultivate respect, dignity and integrity
- Remain a student even when professing
- Use defense techniques wisely
- Continue their education and progress in Krav Maga
- Always give its best
- Be loyal, respect his students and I.M.A.D.S. guidelines