The London Academy of Krav Maga

Despite several high-profile aficionados – J-Lo and Angelina Jolie included – Israel’s contribution to martial arts is still unknown to the general public.

Krav Maga – meaning ‘contact combat’ in Hebrew - was devised by Imi Lichtenfeld, a multitalented fighter originally from Slovakia. Lichtenfeld fled fascist persecution in 1930s Europe for Palestine, where he combined his formal knowledge of boxing, wrestling, judo and jujitsu with the survival skills he had picked up on the mean streets of Bratislava, to create his own martial art. It was adopted as the official self-defence system of the Israeli Self Defence Force and is now taught all over the world.

This highly refined, street fighting technique differs from other martial arts in that, instead of endeavouring to restrain your natural instincts, you learn to exploit them. Krav Maga has gained many admirers because it can be taught quickly, noticeable progress taking only a few months to achieve.

A friendly team of instructors give classes in locations across the capital for all age groups. Kick-boxing and mixed martial arts classes are also available. The school organises trips abroad to other Krav Maga academies.