Imi Lichtenfeld

Founder of Krav Maga. He was also known as Imi Sde-Or, the Hebrew calque of his name.

Age Requirement

All Vanguard Krav Maga® participants must be 13+ years old.
(If your child is 6-12 years of age, there is a Kid's Program. )

Level 1 Gear

· MMA Style or Harbinger Bag Gloves
· Groin Protection
· Mouthpiece*
· Forearm Pads*
· MMA or Muay Thai Style Shin Guards*
· MMA, Muay Thai/Boxing Style Head Gear*
· 16 oz. boxing gloves (men)*
· 14 oz. boxing gloves (women)*

* Optional

Level 2 Gear

· Mouthpiece
· MMA or Muay Thai Style Shin Guards
· MMA, Muay Thai/Boxing Style Head Gear
· 16 oz. Boxing Gloves (men)
· 14 oz. Boxing Gloves (women)
· Punch Mitts

Level 3 Gear

· 8 oz. MMA Style gloves
· Knee Pads
· Elbow Pads

Level 4 Gear

· Training Knife
· Traning Handgun/Airsoft Pistol
· Escrima Sticks

Level 5 Gear

· Baseball bat
· Training Shotgun

Social Networks

Vanguard Krav Maga®

Definitions:
Vanguard: 1) the forefront of an action or movement. 2) the troops moving at the head of an army.
Krav Maga: Hebrew for "contact combat"

Krav Maga was created in the 1940's for the newly formed Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Although there are exceptions, most Israeli citizens are required to serve in its military for a period of two to three years. Krav Maga was designed as a simple and effective system for a broad spectrum of individuals to meet the unique needs of close quarter urban warfare. With the short time frame of most military enlistments, an effective hand-to-hand combat system was needed by the IDF that could be taught in a relatively short amount of time.

In the 1980's various U.S. military and law enforcement agencies were exposed to Krav Maga. Over the years it evolved from a military and law enforcement system and made its way into the civilian sector by various means. VANGUARD KRAV MAGA® carries on with the tradition of being a simple and reality based system that can be taught in a somewhat short amount of time compared to other fighting disciplines and martial arts. VANGUARD KRAV MAGA® practitioners will notice a focused approach on techniques that are appropriate for what may be faced on today's streets of the U.S. Imi Lichtenfeld, the founder of Krav Maga, emphasized that techniques constantly be tested and refined "so that one may walk in peace." While the core principles of VANGUARD KRAV MAGA® remain the same as Imi had intended, a modern approach is followed in regards to the curriculum and teaching methods.

As an example, techniques such as defense against hand grenades are not actively taught to VANGUARD KRAV MAGA® civilian practitioners because thankfully that is not a common threat on today's streets. (Hand grenade defenses and other military and law enforcement techniques are taught in special programs or on a seminar basis but not normally offered in everyday VANGUARD KRAV MAGA® curriculum.)

Additionally, while VANGUARD KRAV MAGA® follows a somewhat traditional rank structure like most organizations it does not always deliver curriculum on a traditional basis. For example, techniques such as defense against firearms are normally taught to advanced students in most organizations while VANGUARD KRAV MAGA® offers this technique to beginners in all classes. (all classes may be attended by beginning and advanced practitioners.) The reasoning for this approach is that firearm threats are common on today's streets and should be taught at an early stage of training. Also, the beginning and fundamental techniques covered in classes provide a platform for advanced students to maintain mental sharpness and muscle memory of their fundamental techniques.

Whether you're an experienced martial artist or a newcomer to the self defense and fitness world, VANGUARD KRAV MAGA® offers a fun and exciting workout while learning reality-based self defense. The program is designed for people of all ages, experience, and fitness levels. We invite you to try the program free for two weeks with no obligation.

Guiding Principles of VANGUARD KRAV MAGA®:

Make use of one's instinctual reflexes. VANGUARD KRAV MAGA® techniques are an extension of one's natural body movements.

Defend and counter-attack in the shortest and most direct way possible.

Strike correctly at any vulnerable point.

Use surrounding environment (i.e. any nearby object) for your defense and counter-attack.

Address the threat and respond with the appropriate force.

The Aim of Krav Maga as emphasized by Imi Lichtenfeld:

To educate and build people mentally, spiritually, and physically, so that in a time of need one will be able to defend and attack with maximum speed and efficiency.

To establish in one a sense of self-worth.

To work towards the brining together of hearts and ending violence around the world, between all peoples, irrespective of color, race and religion.