Krav Maga has achieved worldwide popularity, especially, in the United States. Krav maga’s popularity should be attributed to its founder’s genious — Imi Lichtenfeld’s legacy, — not any one person or organization. It is important for readers to appreciate that three Americans were instrumental in developing krav maga’s growth and popularity in the United States.
Netanya, Israel, August 28, 2010 — The Authentic History of Israeli Krav Maga in the United States has only one truth. Krav Maga has achieved worldwide popularity, especially, in the United States. Krav maga’s popularity should be attributed to its founder’s genious — Imi Lichtenfeld’s legacy, — not any one person or organization.
It is important for readers to appreciate that three Americans were instrumental in developing krav maga’s growth and popularity in the United States. Alan Feldman, Rick Bltstein and Darren Levine returned from Israel in 1981 after completing the first six week long international instructor’s course under the direct supervision of Imi Lichtenfeld. Daniel Abraham sponsored an American delegation of twenty three Americans to attend the course. Alan, Rick and Darren served as ambassador’s for the Israeli Krav Maga Association. Alan Feldman formed the affiliate Krav Maga Association Eastern Region, Rick Blitstein the Central Region, and Darren Levine the Eastern Region.
Alan and Rick never self-promoted and have always been low key with their teaching. The blog has received many questions about krav maga’s history in the United States, so, it is compelled to emphasize some underpublicized facts about Alan Feldman and Rick Blitstein. Alan and Rick were accomplished martial artists prior to their training in Israel and would become some of Imi Lichtenfeld’s most talented disciples and instructors. Alan had a strong background in Kenpo while Rick studied Kung Fu.
In 1981, Alan Feldman http://www.israelikrav.com/profile.af.htm arrived back in his hometown of Philadelphia with what he thought would be little fanfare. Yet, immediately on his return, the Jewish War Veterans called the Jewish Exponent which promptly published a well-received article. The next day, Alan received in excess of fifty phone calls inquiring about krav maga training. Alan did not yet have a training center, but, one generous and well intentioned lady offered Alan her basement in return for teaching her sons tuition free.
Within two months, running three classes back-to-back each night of the week, Alan had over seventy students to quickly outgrow his basement studio. He found a private location to transfer his seventy students. In 1984, after becoming ever more popular, Alan, moved to a 5000 square foot facility on Roosevelt Boulevard. Alan soon thereafter received his first degree blackbelt from Imi in 1985. Alan taught at this location for six years. Alan took a break in the early 1990’s due some medical issues, but, soon returned in force to teach at one of the larger Jewish Community Centers and then the Newtown Athletic Club. In 2006, Alan joined David Kahn in the Israeli Krav Maga U.S. Training Center located in Hamilton, N.J.
Rick Blitstein http://www.israelikrav.com/profile.rb.htm lived on Kibbutz Ein Harod Me-Uchad and met Imi Lichtenfeld in 1977 and graduated from the Israeli Krav Maga Association’s first international instructor’s course in 1981. Rick practiced Kung Gu on the kibbutz. Some of the kibbutzniks were watching and approached him. They said that his Kung Fu looked nice but what would Rick do against concerted attacks? In Rick’s words “They brutalized me with chokes, bearhugs, knife attacks – all with speed and power.” Rick asked them what [ype of fighting] style they were using. They responded, “Oh, this is from the army.” Rick found out later that these guys were in top commando units and quite adept at krav maga. Rick’s commando friends took him to train and there were some older men watching. One of those men was Imi. Rick Blitstein continues to teach krav maga honoring Imi’s legacy in Miami Beach, Florida.
Darren Levine http://www.krav-maga.com/nhistory.html also had a martial arts background and was invited to train with the Israeli Krav Maga Association. Darren began teaching krav maga at his mother’s school, the Heschel Jewish Day School, in Los Angeles, California. Darren Levine received his first degree black belt in 1984. Therefore, well positioned in Los Angeles, Darren developed a large student body and was very successful at promoting krav maga.
Darren spear-headed the franchising of krav maga, but, was unsuccessful in trademarking the name krav maga. Darren did succeed in trademarking the Israeli Krav Maga Association’s (IKMA) kuf-mem logo against the IKMA’s wishes. The IKMA opposed the unauthorized use and trademark application but, as a non-profit, could not afford the legal battle. However, the IKMA still opposes the Krav Maga Association of America’s use of its symbol which is currently registered to the IKMA and the European Union. The IKMA, Alan, Rick, and many other prominent instructors including all of the splinter krav maga associations opposed the attempted trademark.
In two separate interviews, Rick Blitstein and Alan Feldman discussed their first encounters and thoughts concerning krav maga. They were asked what it was like to become an instructor in the earliest days of krav maga’s growing international popularity.
From Advanced Krav Maga http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312361645/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_i3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1X360WCK0PW8FPK956TP&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846 (2008 St. Martin’s Press, ©David Kahn)
Q: How did you first learn of krav maga?
RB: I was living on Kibbutz Ein Harod Me-Uchad in 1977. I had grown up learning kung fu and practiced outside on the kibbutz. Some of the kibbutzniks were watching and approached me. They said that looks nice but what would you do against this? They brutalized me. This included chokes, bearhugs, knife attacks with speed and power. I asked them what style is this. They responded, “Oh, this is from the army.” I found out later that these guys were in top commando units and quite adept at krav maga. They took to me to train and some people were watching including some older men. Basically, they humiliated and beat me to a pulp; but, they were seemingly impressed that I kept getting up and asking how did you do that?
AF: I read a small article in the Jewish Exponent in 1980 stating that krav maga was the hand-to-hand combat system of the Israel Defense Forces. I was definitely interested because I had studied martial arts since I was eleven years old.
Q: When did you first meet Imi?
RB: In 1977, when my commando friends took me to train and there were some older men watching. One of those men was Imi.
AF: I met Imi the first day of the 1981 international instructor’s course.
Q: What were your first impressions of Imi?
RB: My first impression of Imi was that he was a man of respect. He was thoroughly an European gentleman. You could not help that everyone around him respected him and that in a very simple way he earned your respect. Imi asked me in a mixture of Hebrew and Yiddish about my family background. He then asked me if I would like to learn krav maga in Israel. Imi invited me personally to the learn krav maga under his guidance.
In 1979, I met Imi again in Cleveland.
AF: Ten minutes after the start of our course, Imi walked into the room impeccably dressed. Imi moved with a fluidity I had never seen.
Q: What was the first Israeli Krav Maga Association international instructor’s course in 1981 like?
RB: Imi invited me personally to future instructor’s course after his visit to Cleveland in 1979. The 1981 group met at Kennedy airport. We were picked up by a bus at Ben Gurion which took us to the Green Beach Hotel in Netanya. We were taken to Eli Avikzar’s school to watch the top Israelis in action. Their level of expertise was just amazing.
AF: It was absolutely grueling for those who were willing to work hard. We had the equivalent of four and a half years of training compressed into six weeks. Out of twenty students, only four passed with green belt instructor status. Rick and I were two of them.
Q: What was the first day of the course like?
RB: Everyone was called out individually – this was before anyone ever thought of bringing protective equipment – to be tested by two of the top Israeli instructors. We were invited to free spar and they made a bruising point that we had a lot to learn. We trained a minimum of six hours a day, six days a week for the six week course.
AF: Imi rolled up his sleeves and had one of his instructors try to stab him in the throat with a knife. After performing the defense with astounding fluidity, Imi turned to us and stated, “Look who gets the punch.” I leaned back and thought to myself, “Why didn’t I think of that after thirteen years of martial arts training. . . I was hooked.”
Q: Was the course more difficult or less difficult than you anticipated?
RB: The course was much more difficult. The course was grueling because there was very little time to heal. Not only did the Israelis beat us up, but we were forced to beat the hell out of each other.
AF: To me, the course was hard as hell, but I would not characterize it as “difficult,” just hard as hell. In fact I was so addicted that after our course ended, occasionally, we went to other instructor’s schools.
Q: Did you make lasting friends from the course?
RB: One friend, Alan – who split my forehead.
AF: Rick and I gravitated to each other from the start.
Q: What is your favorite Imi story?
RB: There are so many, but, one time in particular stands out. Imi was a professional ballroom dancer and an accomplished hummer. He danced with women by humming a waltz.
AF: My favorite Imi story was sitting in my apartment with Imi and Rick. We were watching Return of the Dragon featuring Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. In the Coliseum fight Bruce Lee ducked under Chuck Norris’s kick. Imi quickly said, “I know the boy is good, but if he can duck he can go inside.” I said to Imi yes that made sense, but then the fight would be over and no more movie! I also note a story which Rick also witnessed in Café Oogahtee in Netanya. A man in his 80’s leaned over to us and said “let me tell you how Imi fought: Imi only delivered one punch; one punch would end the man.” Imi confirmed this story when telling us of the many times he had to put his back against the wall when outnumbered.
Q: What is your favorite saying of Imi’s?
RB: “The leg of a baby is the stronger than the balls of Muhammad Ali.”
AF: “You must learn to be so good that you don’t have to kill.” But I can’t just choose one: “Everybody respects strength” and “You offer peace from a position of strength.”
Q: What is the most important aspect to keep in mind for those who would like to train in krav maga?
RB: To respect your training partner and do not hurt each other. Krav maga is not a sport. People can seriously hurt each other if training improperly.
AF: Empty your cup. Approach krav maga with an open mind. Each aspect of the system is based on reality. Simplify your movements and leave the complicated stuff behind.
Q: What is the most important aspect to keep in mind for those who would like to teach krav maga?
RB: To realize this is not a game. Never forget the purpose of training and where krav maga comes from.
AF: The student must leave with a higher level of confidence than when he came in. One of the most important aspects of krav maga instruction is instilling confidence. Most important, there must be safety in training.
Q: Why do you think krav maga has become so popular all over the world?
RB: Imi’s genius accounts for its popularity. The Israeli Krav Maga Association continues Imi’s legacy. Krav maga is simple to learn for anyone regardless of stature, gender, nationality and age. Also, unfortunately, there is also a need and demand for it all over the world.
AF: In 1984, Imi was visiting me in Philadelphia and predicted, “Soon, everyone will come to our way of thinking.” In my opinion, any fight training gravitates to the practical. Also, despite many difficulties, I would hope the majority of krav maga schools can find common ground and think of themselves as family.
Al Blitstein, a decorated World War II veteran who served in the US First and Third Armies under Generals Bradley and Patton, was a close personal friend of krav maga founder Imi Lichtenfeld and provided an interview about krav maga’s early days in the United States. Al is the father of Rick Blitstein. Al knew Imi for more than twenty years and visited Imi in Israel. Al provided his perspective on the early days of krav maga in the United States and his personal remembrances of Imi.
How did you first learn of Israeli krav maga?
I learned of Israeli krav maga in 1979 when Imi and some of his senior students visited Cleveland on their krav maga publicity tour across the United States. Rick had studied various martial arts and we decided to see what this man had to offer. We arrived early at Imi’s demonstration. Rick sat at the side of the hallway. Suddenly, these imposing men came in with their white gi uniforms and blackbelts. These were tough looking guys. When Imi saw Rick, he stopped and looked at Rick. Imi grabbed Rick by the hair and hoisted him and said “follow me.” It was a strange episode for a father to see another man grabbing his son by the hair and pulling him away. What I did not realize is that Imi knew Rick already; they had met previously in Israeli in 1977 on a kibbutz. Imi led just the two of us into the demonstration room.
What we saw amazed us. I had never seen a group of people move like that. I asked Imi but “what if someone had a gun in his hand” using my pointer and thumb to simulate a gun and was threatening you while standing with some distance. Imi answered my question, “I would think about and then do this . . .” He suddenly took his hand out of his pocket and threw the coins into my face. Imi finished his thought, “While you are distracted we would move and finish you.” We spent the next fifteen minutes asking about different scenarios how they would react. I was so impressed and Rick was too, but Rick had seen some of this before. After having lived in Israel from 1976 to 1978 when he first met Imi, Rick decided to return to Israel on the personal invitation of Imi in 1981 to attend the first international instructor’s course.
What do you remember from Rick about his first impressions of krav maga training?
Rick’s first impressions were that the training was harder than he thought it would be. Rick and his fellow trainees looked forward to the training. They knew it would not be easy and it would be worth it; they would learn something very valuable. Rick earned the certificate of instructor completion signed by Imi himself. Imi said he would come to visit Rick and he did visit us. Alan Feldman, who also completed the course, and Rick were strictly Imi’s students. Imi was the boss. He told them to throw a punch and he meant it. There was nothing phony ever about what Imi asked.
What did you think the first time Rick came back from Israel after his instructor training to demonstrate and teach the krav maga he had learned from Imi?
The first time Rick came back, he orchestrated a public demonstration. A number of people attended. He worked with his partner, Scott Black, who attended the Israeli Krav Maga Association’s first international instructor course with Rick. Scott was a silver medalist powerlifter. When Scott put Rick into a headlock, Rick took Scott down so fast that the Scott’s body slapped the ground with a loud sound. Rick winded him with one drop. I thought to myself, wow, they don’t fool around. Little by little Rick and Scott showed about a dozen moves. The public was very fascinated by what they saw. Imi’s legacy lives on.
What were your first impressions of Imi when you first met him?
Imi walked straight in to the first demonstration I saw with a twisted face. I learned that Imi sustained serious injuries after he went overboard to save the Pentcho bound for Palestine by freeing its propellers. These terrible wounds he received while freeing the propellers disfigured his face. He leapt overboard because the people on board needed to make it to Israel. Their lives depended on it. As a result, he cleared the propeller. Imi was true hero.
If you saw Imi coming toward you, you would be happy to get out his way. The look on his face, you had to pay him respect. He always looked you directly in the eyes. He had a piercing look. He sized you up immediately. I could see he was thinking tactically. No matter what Imi did, people were impressed. Imi thought of all his students as his children. He would show his devotion directly using one or two words; no long explanations. I can say this, if Imi directed his students to get you, you would be the target of the damned toughest people you would ever have met. Imi was definitely their mentor and instructor.
Later, when I had a chance to film Imi, it was just as much fun. One memory stands out particularly. Imi had an ascot tie in his hand. With the ascot in front of him, he fashioned a noose with just one hand. He explained, “If you must have a noose to choke someone, you can make a noose that fast. No one will know what you are doing as he stood there with a noose in his hand.” Imi told me to make one. On the third try, I did it. I could not believe it. Imi smiled and gave me his nod of approval. Imi could teach you something without your knowing it. Imi had the appearance of a smooth talker, debonair; he was a great dancer. He had old world charm. I felt very close to Imi and lucky to be so.
You visited with Imi in Israel?
I went to Israel in Netanya to visit Imi in 1985. When I arrived at the café early, Imi’s students checked me out closely and followed me. When Imi saw me and greeted me, his security personnel slipped away. I sat down with Imi and told Imi that he was responsible for saving Rick’s life. Imi was both relieved and alarmed. Here is the story. One day in Cleveland, Rick got out his car and closed the door. A drunk driver was speeding down the street nearly scraping the parked cars. Rick was in his line of fire. Rick had to think what to do save himself. Rick jumped up into the air and landed on the top of the car with a backroll. I told Imi, “You taught him not only to move right and left but to move up or down as necessary. If you had not taught him that move, he would not be here today.”
What is your favorite Imi story?
During my 1985 visit with Imi in Netanya, my wife walked away to do some window shopping. Next to his office building, there was a table set back in seclusion. Imi asked, “Where is your wife?” I said I didn’t know. Imi said, “Is she there or not?” Imi immediately got up to search for her personally. To his relief, he saw her window shopping. Imi knew when to look; he was always alert. You never knew exactly what he was thinking, but you knew he was thinking about safety. Here is another one. During a demonstration with Rick and Alan in Cleveland in 1984, I asked Imi how old he was. Imi answered 76 years old and the audience gasped. He moved like an acrobat; you could see he was still an active man. Imi responded, “You don’t have to applaud me, I know I am good.”
How did krav maga change your son’s life?
Krav maga made all the difference in Rick’s life. It was like a marriage. He dedicated himself. He could not have been more changed. Rick became more studious and serious. It became part of his lifestyle. It made him a better man and more dedicated person. Rick always found a certain humor in Imi’s thinking. For example, when asked if you could continue kicking a man after you had incapacitated him. Imi’s quick response that made Rick laugh was, “Why would you kick a dead man?”
Robb Hamic http://www.robbhamic.com is an Israeli Krav Maga Instructor based in Austin Texas. He trains in Israel with the Israeli Krav Maga Association under Grand Master Haim Gidon. He publishes several self defense blogs and has recently had a book published, “Karma’s Helpers™”
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Contact:
Robb Hamic
Israeli Krav Maga
2900 N. Quinlan Park Rd.
Suite 131- B-240
Austin, TX 78732
512-284-0087
[email protected]
http://www.israelikravmaga.us
