Welcome to Federation of Israeli Martial Arts

FIMA is a non-political, governing, unifying and certifying body that supports and promotes ALL styles of Israeli Martial Arts and self-defense.

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Our mission

1) To educate civilians, military, security and law enforcement personnel around the world in Israeli Martial Arts and to provide a forum by which ideas and techniques may be exchanged for the benefit of all. 

2) To unify all practitioners of Israeli Martial Arts under one umbrella whereby we can work together focusing on our common principles and philosophies while benefiting in productive ways from our differences.

What supporters are saying

Moti Horenstein is the President of FIMA, and the owner and lead instructor at Moti Horenstein's Krav-Maga MMA in Florida - "As someone who has dedicated my career to the martial arts, I can tell you firsthand the value of being a part of a strong and supportive community. And that's exactly what FIMA provides.  As a world champion fighter in multiple disciplines, I've had the opportunity to work with some of the top practitioners in the field to promote the growth and development of Israeli martial arts. But beyond just the professional opportunities, FIMA is a great way to connect with like-minded individuals and to continue your own personal and professional development”.    

Dr. Scott Maul, Black belt in Krav Maga - "Joining FIMA was one of the best decisions I made for my martial arts career.  Through their networking opportunities, I was able to connect with some of the greatest martial arts masters and grandmasters in Israel, and learn from their experience and wisdom. If you want to learn practical, life saving skills, and take your training to the next level, I really recommend joining FIMA."

Grandmaster Sky Benson, FIMA Representative in San Antonio Texas - "I've found the networking opportunities through FIMA to be invaluable for my martial arts business.  I have made several important connections and partnerships through the organization.  I encourage everyone to join!"

Dr. Gregg Moral, Krav Maga Black Belt and US Navy Commander - "The online content and seminars provided by FIMA have been instrumental in helping me to improve my martial arts skills and knowledge."

Brandon Davis, 4th Dan Black Belt in Krav Maga in Texas - "As a member of FIMA, I've had the opportunity to attend a variety of seminars and workshops led by some of the most respected martial arts instructors in the industry. These events have been invaluable for my personal and professional development."

Stephen Hammersley, International Director UFAF Krav Maga, FIMA Representative for Florida, and Owner and head instructor at American Martial Arts UFAF Krav Maga Florida - "As a martial artist for over 35 years, and as a member & representative for FIMA,  I am honored to support the Federation of Israeli Martial Arts ,  "I highly encourage all instructors & students that love to train and expand their knowledge to join this world class organization! FIMA is a great resource for networking, they have top notch continued training resources, and always provide timely and interesting articles about topics that will increase your knowledge & keep you motivated."

Nir Maman, former IDF Lotar Instructor and Founder of CT 707 Tactical - "FIMA's commitment to excellence is evident in everything they do. Their dedication to preserving and promoting Israeli martial arts is inspiring, and their efforts to bring together the best and brightest minds in the field have resulted in some truly groundbreaking achievements. I am proud to be a FIMA instructor, the Director of their Weapons Program and to be associated with such an esteemed organization."



Bruce Beryl Rubinberg, FIMA Representative in Virginia, 3rd generation Krav Maga instructor and owner at FEKS Mrtial Arts -  "Shalom!  FIMA is a FANTASTIC nonpolitical organization that brings like minded martial artists into one realm.  Great organization, great training, great people- JOIN NOW!"

Francel Acosta is a 3rd Dan in Krav Maga, a FIMA representative in Uruguay,  and is the founder and chief instructor for Krav Maga Moderno - "For me FIMA is a big family, an organization that has helped me to grow, to meet and share with other leaders within the community, giving a solid base and promoting the development of Israeli martial arts, based on respect and friendship,  FIMA for me is the best,  It's more than an organization, it's a family to support.

Joseph Edmondson, FIMA Representative in Arizona, owner and chief instructor at Next Level Krav Maga - "FIMA is amazing! From the people I've met to the high-level things I've learned, I couldn't be happier. The organization has helped my students feel they are part of something bigger than just Next Level Krav Maga.  I whole-heartedly recommend joining FIMA if you have not already. It will take your training to the Next Level!"

Sensei Jesse James Tucker, FIMA Representative and owner of Tucson's Rising Phoenix Fitness and Defense school. - "As someone who has been teaching Krav Maga for about 15 years now, I find the membership and benefits gained by being a member of FIMA to be a most valuable resource in connecting to top tier instructors worldwide, learning material only available to members and a kind and caring community unlike anything I have seen in other parts of the martial arts world.  If you love Israeli martial arts, this is a no-brainer.  It's only a few dollars a month and the value gained far exceeds the minimum price you pay." 

Aggelos Syrmos, FIMA Representative in Greece, and owner and chief instructor of Gruppo Victorum in Agrino - "I've been extremely impressed with the level of professionalism and expertise of the team at FIMA. They are a valuable asset to the martial arts community."

THE FIMA FOUR PILLARS

We operate under four key pillars: Advancement, Access, Advocacy, and Global Community. Having these four pillars creates a well-rounded approach that not only provides education and networking opportunities but also fosters a strong sense of community and works towards the growth and recognition of Krav Maga as a martial art. This comprehensive strategy makes FIMA universally appealing to Krav Maga practitioners, instructors, and school owners while also helping it achieve its mission.

At FIMA, we believe that knowledge is the key to mastery. Our Education pillar is dedicated to providing you with a wealth of resources to enhance your Krav Maga journey, regardless of your experience level. Here's what you can expect:

  1. Krav Thoughts (Weekly Emails): Receive weekly informative emails crafted by Krav Maga experts. Explore a diverse range of educational topics, from effective workout routines and holster techniques to building resilience in your training.
  2. Monthly Newsletters: Our newsletters go beyond the ordinary updates. They are packed with valuable insights and information covering various facets of Krav Maga training, ensuring you stay well-informed.
  3. Members-Only Site on the Website: We have a huge number of articles and content with high-quality weekly updates on a variety of topics including: psychology, health & wellness, business, humor, and Israel.
  4. Technique of the Week: Access exclusive educational videos presented by top-tier instructors. Our videos are reliable and curated to provide you with expert guidance, far from the generic content found on platforms like YouTube.
  5. Online Courses: Dive into our comprehensive online courses to deepen your understanding and refine your Krav Maga skills.
  6. Books: Explore a library of Krav Maga literature, including books authored by renowned experts in the field.
  7. Seminars and Workshops: Join us for enlightening seminars and workshops that offer hands-on learning experiences and insights from seasoned practitioners.
  8. Certification Programs: Whether you're a novice beginner or a seasoned Krav Maga instructor, we offer a variety of certification programs to help you advance your skills and knowledge.

Our goal is simple: to continuously improve the skills and knowledge of everyone in our community. We're here to support your Krav Maga journey, ensuring that you become the best martial artist you can be.

Pillars of FIMA

In the world of martial arts, connections are invaluable, and our Networking pillar is all about creating those opportunities. At FIMA, we understand the importance of bringing Krav Maga enthusiasts and instructors together to share ideas, collaborate, and grow together. Here's what this pillar entails:

  1. Events: Join us for conferences and conventions that provide the perfect platform for networking and learning from the best in the field.
  2. Online Forums: Connect with like-minded individuals through our online forums where you can engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your experiences.
  3. Private Facebook Group: Be part of our exclusive online group, where members exchange experiences, expertise, and insights into the world of Krav Maga.
  4. Martial Arts Halls of Fame: Thanks to our extensive network and connections, we've been able to secure inductions for many of our instructors into prestigious Martial Arts Halls of Fame.
  5. Invitations to International Martial Arts Events: You'll have the opportunity to receive invitations to international martial arts events, expanding your horizons and experiences.
  6. Seminar and Workshop Discounts: Enjoy exclusive discounts for FIMA members to host and/or attend seminars and workshops led by our martial arts legends and celebrity members.
  7. Martial Arts Legends and Icons: We're proud to host a diverse range of martial arts legends and icons from various styles. This opens up exciting opportunities for cross-training and interaction with renowned figures, including martial arts actors like Cynthia Rothrock, Michael Jai White, and famous fighters such as Bas Rutten, Benny the Jet, and Georges St. Pierre.
  8. Affiliate Benefits: Enjoy exclusive discounts on a wide range of Krav Maga-related products through our affiliate partnerships.
  9. Travel Perks: Access special discounts on airlines, hotels, car rentals, and more, thanks to our extensive network of connections.

Our Networking Pillar opens doors to a world of connections and opportunities within the martial arts community. It's your ticket to expanding your martial arts horizons and growing alongside fellow enthusiasts.

Pillars of FIMA

The Advocacy and Promotion Pillar is all about elevating Krav Maga as a martial art and self-defense system on a global scale. At FIMA, we are dedicated to spreading the word about Krav Maga's incredible benefits, its unmatched effectiveness, and its relevance in today's world. Here's what this pillar entails:

  1. Raising Awareness: We spearhead advocacy efforts to raise awareness about Krav Maga's unique advantages.
  2. Effectiveness: We emphasize and showcase the exceptional effectiveness of Krav Maga as a self-defense system.
  3. Relevance: We highlight the continued relevance of Krav Maga in addressing the challenges of the modern world.
  4. Media Partnerships: We collaborate with media outlets to promote Krav Maga, reaching a broader audience.
  5. Influencer Collaborations: We partner with influencers who share our passion for Krav Maga to amplify our message.
  6. Strategic Partnerships: We team up with organizations that can help us promote Krav Maga on a larger scale, such as our partnership with Muscle and Fitness magazine. This collaboration provides us with an exclusive Wide World of FIMA channel.
  7. Free Advertising: All our affiliate schools benefit from free advertising and promotion through FIMA.
  8. Best Krav Schools in the World: We recognize excellence by featuring the best Krav Maga schools on our dedicated webpage.
  9. Instructor and Representative Listings: Instructors and representatives are prominently listed on our website, enhancing their visibility within the Krav Maga community.
  10. Special Initiatives: For instance, our partnership with a leading self-defense podcast, 'KravCast,' offers exclusive content and insights to our members.

This pillar is all about advocating for Krav Maga and ensuring that it receives the recognition it deserves. Together, we are promoting Krav Maga's strengths and empowering martial artists around the world.

Pillars of FIMA

At FIMA, we understand that building a strong sense of community is essential for retaining members and fostering a sense of belonging. Our Community Pillar is dedicated to creating a warm and supportive environment for Krav Maga practitioners, instructors, and enthusiasts. Here's what this pillar entails:

  1. Local Community Events: We actively encourage local Krav Maga schools to organize community events, bringing members together to bond and learn.
  2. Charity Initiatives: We believe in giving back to the community. Join us in various charity initiatives to make a positive impact on the world.
  3. Regular Meet-Ups: We organize regular meet-ups to strengthen connections among our members and provide opportunities for training and socializing.
  4. Online Platforms: Our online platforms facilitate discussions, allowing you to engage with fellow members, share ideas, and seek advice.
  5. Q&A Sessions: Get your questions answered during our Q&A sessions, where you can learn from experienced practitioners and instructors.
  6. Success Stories: Share your success stories and experiences within the Krav Maga community, inspiring and motivating others on their journey.
  7. Global Connection: We connect like-minded Israeli martial artists worldwide, exposing them to other Israeli martial art styles like Hisardut and Kapap.
  8. Martial Arts Masters and Grandmasters: FIMA boasts the most Israeli martial arts masters and grandmasters of any organization in the world as part of our community.
  9. FIMA Family: We're not just a federation; we're a true FIMA family. You'll find support, camaraderie, and a welcoming atmosphere here.
  10. Non-Political Safe Space: We're a non-political organization, providing a safe place to discuss philosophy, principles, updates to tactics, and strategies among like-minded individuals.
  11. Collaborative Efforts: With heads, directors, and founders of many Krav Maga and Israeli Martial Arts organizations working together under one roof, FIMA offers the best community for Israeli martial artists.
  12. Visit a FIMA School: Every member has the ability to visit a FIMA-affiliated school when you are traveling outside of your state or country, for a free lesson, for an unlimited number of times per year.

Join us in the Community Pillar and become part of a welcoming and supportive network that celebrates your journey in Israeli martial arts.

Pillars of FIMA

Choose Your FIMA Membership Experience

Bronze (Level 1) : Chaver (חבר) – Friend

$10/mo. (Annual $100/year - get 2 months free).

Silver (Level 2) : Sabra (סבר) – Native Israeli

$20/mo. (Annual $200/year – get 2 months free).

Gold (Level 3): Maccabee (מכבי) - Freedom Fighter

$40/mo. (Annual $400/year - get 2 months free)

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Become a FIMA Certified Instructor

Following completion of a certified instructor training course in any officially-recognized Israeli martial art, FIMA members in good standing are eligible to apply for FIMA Instructor Recognition or FIMA Instructor Certification. Requires submission of proper documentation and approval of FIMA directors.

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Interested in becoming a Representative for FIMA?

FIMA is looking for highly qualified individuals in the USA and in most Countries worldwide to act as our Representatives. Certified Israeli martial arts instructors who are members in good standing, are eligible to apply for positions as Representatives.  For more information email us: info@theFIMA.com.

Israeli Martial Art Styles Supposed by FIMA

See History of Israeli defense. In Hebrew Krav Maga means Contact-Combat. It is a military self-defense and fighting system developed for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Krav Maga grew out of Kapap – the original self-defense system in Israel. The terms were used interchangeably for several years and by the 1960’s Krav Maga became its own system. Hungarian-born Israeli martial artist Imi Lichtenfeld greatly contributed to Krav Maga when he was a Kapap instructor and then became head of the Krav Maga division. When he retired, Imi established the first civilian school of Krav Maga. Krav focuses on real-world situations, practicality, efficiency, and instinct. It was initially a blended system of boxing, wrestling, Jiu Jitsu, Judo and Karate. The emphasis in Krav Maga is a philosophy of aggression, simultaneous defense and offense and continuous movements until the opponent is unable to continue. The other facet of Krav Maga that makes it different from most martial arts is its emphasis on simplicity of movement and that it is easy to teach and quick to learn. There are many organizations, associations and federations. Most have similar techniques.

South African born, 9th Dan Black Belt, Dr. Dennis Hanover emigrated to Israel in 1960. He was a specialist in several traditional martial arts including Judo, Jiujitsu, and Kyukoshinkai Karate (under founder Mas Oyama). Hanover developed Hisardut (Survival) as a blended system applying them to real-life threats and challenges. He taught Israeli Special Forces units a more advanced close combat method than the Krav Maga program taught to regular IDF troops. Several elite Israeli military units have been trained in Hisardut including Reconnaissance Unit (Sayeret Matkal), Naval Commandos (Shayetet 13), Anti-terrorist Unit (Yamom) and border patrol riot suppression teams (Mishmar Hagvul). In Israel, civilian Hisardut programs are named Dennis Hisardut. There are a growing number of Hisardut organizations, associations and styles.

Kapap - first CQB training and combat doctrine introduced in Israeli history, made up of a combination of several fighting styles such as boxing, judo, jujitsu, combat with knife, gun and rifle. The emphasis is put on fighting empty handed against each of these weapons, and weapon against weapon. Kapap is suitable for all fighting fields and enables the warrior to overcome any kind of fighting and prepares him to almost any possible situation. Kapap slowly evolved into Krav Maga. Mid 1960s, the term Kapap mostly disappeared from common usage. Kapap is not a sport nor is it competitive; it is also not a martial art but a great mean of self-defense. The Kapap warrior is a fast, precise and lethal fighting machine. Kapap is made suitable to different levels of the learners: children, teenagers, adults, policemen, soldiers, security and armed forces personnel and bodyguards.

A Kapap person is prepared for any situation against any kind of weapon. He will know how to defend himself and his surroundings against any form of attack which puts him or his environment in danger. He will be able to operate, shall the need arise, with excellent skills, different kinds of weapons and firearms. A Kapap warrior knows he will never compete, never receive a medal or trophy when he overcomes an opponent. However, he will gain his life which is the true reward.

Strategies and techniques for disarming along with proper use of weapons, infiltration and sabotage tactics are incorporated. In 1999 Kapap started being taught in an organized manner. Many martial arts lost their fighting effectiveness and became soft in order to meet the needs of sports competitions. Kapap came back in light of the terrible security situation and street crime which created the need for real self-defense techniques.

Former Haganah and IDF instructor Haviv Galisko started teaching modern Kapap in Israel in 1999. The late Haviv Galisko was born and raised in Jerusalem. Haviv was a member of the Hagana one of the "defenders" and road openers of the city of Jerusalem. A soldier in the Moriah regiment, he fought and was wounded twice during the "Kattamon" and the "St. Simon" monastery battles. Haviv was one of the first Kapap instructors in the "Hagana". He learned the secrets of the art of defense from a British sergeant as well as from his brother Moshe who served as a brigade soldier who fought in Greece, Italy and Libya and died during the inroad to Jerusalem. Haviv Galisko became a Kapap trainer for the Hagana and then for the IDF after Israel became a state. After being wounded, Haviv went on training Kapap at the the YMCA in Jerusalem. He then moved to Be'er Sheva where he continued to teach his firstborn Moshe-Hai Galisko. In 1972, he helped his son Moshe open the first Kapap and Karate Training Club. From 1979 to 1981, Moshe taught Kapap in the city of Yamit in the Gaza Strip. From 1987 until the day he passed away (2005), Haviv helped his son run the Center for Martial Arts in Isael and begin to establish a presence for Kapap around the world. Today GM Moshe Galisko is the President of the International Kapap Association and the FIMA International Director for Kapap.

Kapap instructors in Israel today train Israel Defense Forces, in addition to specialized armed forces units such as the Yamam and Shabak as well as various elite units. Today Kapap is taught in over 32 countries and enjoys a wide following.

LOTAR - acronym for the Israeli counter-terrorist school Lochama B”Terror – Combating terrorism. Includes hand-to-hand combat systems related to Krav Maga and Kapap. Not a specific martial art but rather a general term describing the means, tactics and strategies that the Israeli government uses to combat terrorism. This includes stress training, improvised weapons, knives, sticks, guns, explosives, infiltration, and sabotage. The Israeli special police unit known as Yamam (established in 1974) deals with terrorism and criminal violence and has been referred to as Lotar – unit that fights terror. Like other Israeli self-defense styles, Lotar is based on instinctive tactics utilizing real-life situations as its foundation. Historically, Lotar, like Krav Maga, was a replacement in some branches of the Israeli military and police for the original Kapap training. Today, Lotar is marketed outside of Israeli as a martial arts style and over the past several years, a few branches and Lotar organizations have started to appear in the USA and Europe.

The modern Israeli martial art of Haganah is different and distinct from the original name of the Israeli Defense Forces. It was created in the United States by Israeli Special Forces Commando – Golani Brigade, Mike Lee Kanarek. Like all Israeli styles, Haganah is a hybrid Israeli Martial Art, mostly an equal blend of Krav Maga self-defense techniques and Hisardut fighting techniques. Haganah adds Lotar techniques used by Israeli Special Forces and functional Combat Sports Martial Arts practiced in the US. Kanarek was trained in Hisardut by FIMA co-founder Moti Horenstein and Shihan Miki Erez, both of whom trained directly under Hisardut founder Professor Dennis Hanover. Like all other Israeli styles, Haganah focuses on mental toughness, preparedness and worst-case scenarios.

Kavanah means focus, purpose, mindfulness in Hebrew. It is also an acronym for Krav ve Haganah (Fight and Defend in Hebrew). FIMA co-founder GM Naftali Yehuda founded Kavanah and like all the other modern Israeli styles, is a blended system with both Israeli and Asian components. GM Yehuda, a lifelong traditional martial artist with instructor certifications in several martial arts is a certified instructor in Krav Maga, Kapap/Lotar (with Avi Nardia and Chaim Peer) and Hisardut (with Moti Horenstein and Miki Erez). This system has been taught to US Marines and Navy as well as in the Israeli Special Forces – Egoze unit in the IDF as well as civilians. Kavanah emphasizes appropriate responses to varying threat levels making it highly relevant for civilian use. In addition, Kavanah incorporates ten Tenets by which to live and eight critical “C” words by which the principles of Kavanah are built – the total “18” is Chai - which means “Life” in Hebrew.