Krav Maga is a rapidly growing, modern day, self-defence system that focusses on likely real-world situations. Krav Maga, which combines elements from boxing, Judo, wrestling and Karate, was developed by Imi Lichtenfeld, a Slovakian Jew, the son of a former circus performer and police detective.
The SAJM’s latest exhibition, Imi Lichtenfeld – Krav Maga and its Creator relates the story of Imi Lichtenfeld’s remarkable life and experiences that led the creation of Krav Maga. Lichtenfeld, a sports prodigy who excelled at boxing, swimming, wrestling and swimming grew up in Bratislava, Slovakia. Coming of age in the 1930’s during the rise of Nazism, Krav Maga was a product of Lichtenfeld’s hard-earned experience in facing down antisemitic gangs in his home town.
Krav Maga
Hebrew for “contact combat”, Krav Maga was formally developed by Lichtenfeld when he recognised that traditional martial arts had limited efficacy in real world situations. He set about developing a fighting style and philosophy that would correspond to modern day confrontations. Krav Maga’s global popularity is testament to Lichtenfeld’s recognition of this need, and his dedication to its development. Krav Maga self-defence training is now available globally, and is practised by everyone from law-enforcement to the elderly.
WHAT: The exhibition – Imi Lichtenfeld – Krav Maga and its Creator – was developed by the Slovak National Museum- Museum for Jewish Culture.
WHERE: South African Jewish Museum, Gardens Community Centre, Hatfield Street, Cape Town 8000
WHEN: until the end of August 2019.
