Led by Imi Lichtenfeld, the system's development began in Israel just prior to 1948. Because Israel was under British rule at that time, Israelis were not permitted to bear arms, yet individuals in this turbulent area needed to defend themselves. After the establishment of the State of Israel, Imi became the chief instructor of face-to-face combat (Kapap), and physical fitness for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) due to his extensive combat and martial arts skills. He taught his method to the IDF forces' most elite units, including the Haganah and the special commando units of the Palmack and Palyam. Upon retiring in 1964 from the IDF, Imi adapted the same system for civilian use. In 1975, Imi, with some of his most dedicated students, created the Association for Krav Maga and Self-Defense.

The system originates in military combat. It was forged on the anvil of some of the most severe combat settings of this century—amidst Nazi terrorism, the combat of World War II, and the very violent, constant military confrontations of the Middle East. It continues to be refined by actual experiences in modern combat and self-defense, but has also been designed to be implemented by civilians and has a ranking system whereby material is separated by belt levels (Yellow through Black).

Krav Maga is currently used on a day-to-day basis by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) including their Special Forces Units, Police and Internal Security Branches.

In the United States, it is used by members of the NYPD, FBI, US Armed Forces and Law Enforcement units around the world. In Utah, the Davis County Sheriff Department's Corrections Division has trained in Krav Maga. It is taught to men, women and children (of all ages and abilities) at community centers, schools, and clubs throughout the world.

In Israel, the style has become an important part of the educational system and is taught to elementary and high school students. Additionally, it is taught at The Wingate Institute, widely considered the most prestigious institution of physical fitness and health-related education in Israel.

Imi Lichtenfeld > Haim Zut > Rhon Mizrachi > Katrina Reynolds

Katrina Kothe-Reynolds

"Kat" began her Krav Maga training in 1995 in New York City. She obtained her instructor certification in a 1998 instructor course that was administered by Haim Zut and certified by the Wingate Institute and Krav Maga International-Kapap. Ms. Reynolds received her black belt (Dan 1) in 2001, the first woman ever to receive the honor.

Her black belt (Dan 2) followed in 2008, conferred by Grandmaster Haim Zut and members of the Israeli Professional Committee in Israel.

Ms. Reynolds established her own school in Salt Lake City in 2005 and has over 25 years of experience teaching Israeli Krav Maga! She is dedicated to honoring her direct lineage and third generation status by continuing to follow Imi’s Krav Maga principles. Her KRAV MAGA | Contact Combat SLC school provides the highest level of Israeli Krav Maga authenticity in Utah, and her teaching ensures that the true art of Krav Maga is passed on to future students and generations.

When not teaching, Kat can be found adventuring on anything with two wheels or two planks.

Samuel Gonzalez

"Sam" understands from personal experience the significance of readiness and the necessity for effective self-defense techniques that are accessible to everyone, regardless of shape, size, or age.

His journey into martial arts began in the United States Marine Corps, an experience that sparked a lifelong passion. After deploying overseas as a high threat personal security specialist in high-conflict areas, the urgency to constantly be in a state of mental and physical readiness continued to grow.

Sam had begun his training with renowned masters and instructors when he met and started training Krav Maga under Katrina Reynolds in 2009. Krav Maga and Kat's instruction matched his spirit animal. This discipline resonated deeply with him, mirroring his resilience and tenacity.

Sam has enjoyed learning alongside and coaching many ambitious people at KRAV MAGA | Contact Combat SLC. As a training partner and instructor, he has helped them develop confidence along with skills in Krav Maga as they refine their technique, control, speed, accuracy, and intent, always making safety the number one priority. He firmly believes in balance and has trained in Muay Thai, Kali, and he loves to practice Tai Chi, Yoga, and Meditation. He also finds absolute enjoyment and peace hiking in the mountains.

Matthew Tice

"Matt" has been practicing Krav Maga since 2012 where he's always finding something fresh and exciting to work on. He's a bit of a computer nerd and can't believe that people pay him to mess around with computers all day. He likes doing skeet shooting, hobby electronics, and riding motorcycles. He's traveled around the country and internationally several times where he discovered that the best vacation is the vacation where he rides his motorcycle in strange new lands.

Matt is currently living in Salt Lake City with his fantastic wife and three dogs; Banjo, Zoidberg, and Chainsaw. He's also, apparently a fan of weird dog names. When he's not busy training Krav Maga, he's out riding his motorcycle, looking for adventure.

Danielle Donaldson

"Danielle" began her Krav Maga training in 2009, signing up for the Krav Maga class as an elective offered at The University of Utah. Danielle graduated with a degree in environmental studies and continued her training with Katrina Reynolds. In addition to Krav Maga, Danielle has trained and competed in Muay Thai, MMA, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She holds a Blue Belt (2 stripes) in BJJ and is also a certified Yoga Instructor/RYT500. Balancing intense training with care and recovery of the body/mind is a priority in her teaching. As a Krav Maga instructor, Danielle hopes to empower individuals to train hard and develop the skills and confidence to fight back when necessary. 

Danielle loves traveling and has visited many different countries, several of which she has participated in BJJ training camps to combine the love of travel and of martial arts. Aside from training and yoga, Danielle enjoys hiking, concerts, and getting outside. She lives in Salt Lake City with her partner Cody, his Daughter, and their two dogs; Nacho and Ashi.

Krav Maga is a style satisfying the individual wanting serious, immediately useful self-defense training as well as the more experienced practitioner seeking to round out prior martial arts knowledge. Bottom line: Krav Maga is a style that proves most effective against any type of assault.

The top priority is to provide a person with the ability to protect himself/herself in violent confrontations.

This system developed originally by Imi Lichtenfeld deals with self-defense and hand to hand combat. Imi was the head instructor in the Israeli Defense Forces' (IDF) unit for physical fitness.

Today it is has been accepted as the Official System used by Israeli Defense and Security Forces and also in Israeli educational systems and many other military forces around the globe. The distinctive hallmarks of this style are simplicity, effectiveness and adaptability.

• Avoid injury
• Devise drills that take advantage of natural reflexes
• Defend and attack in the minimum time required
• Attack the human body's vulnerable spots
• Use the body's natural weapons as well as ordinary objects that may be close at hand
• No Rules

Krav Maga promotes vigilance and awareness that enhances a person's ability to deal with hostile situations. It also increases physical fitness, strength, self-confidence and the ability to act responsibly in a volatile situation. For many students, Krav Maga becomes a way of life.