History of Israeli Fighting Systems

The history of Israeli Fighting systems dates back to 1919, with the implementation of the British Mandate. In this same year the Jewish people formed an underground army known as the Haganah (the Hebrew word for defense) to deal with the ongoing conflict with various terrorist gangs, and in anticipation of the creation of a Jewish state promised to them by the British in the Balfour Declaration. Throughout its existence since that time, the little region in the Middle East now known as Israel has had to fight daily in order to survive.
Completely surrounded by its enemies at all times, it has always been totally outnumbered in its battles. In response to these overwhelming odds, the Israelis developed systems of combat that had at their core a particular emphasis on mental toughness, versatility, innovation and practicality.


The formalities of traditional defense systems were abandoned, in favor of methodologies that valued rapid and instinctive learning. These philosophies helped Israel and its citizens to survive in the face of constant aggression and to form one of the most respected armies in the world.
Currently there are several forms of Israeli Fighting Systems in existence, each with the common thread of survival and reality based techniques as their main emphasis. Some are used for basic infantry (ordinary Krav Maga) within the Israeli Defense Forces, while others are reserved for more elite units within the Special Forces (Commando KRAV MAGA, KAPAP, Lotar etc.).
In the seventies Moni Aizik, then a senior member of one of the most elite commando units (Sayaret ), was approached by senior Commando staff to improve upon the already existing system of close quarter combat for the elite units. The system that Moni developed at that time, incorporating Jiu Jitsu, Israeli and various other fighting styles, kept evolving into what is now referred to as Commando Krav Maga.


CKM combines the most useful elements taught to one of the toughest militaries in the world, the Israeli Special Forces, with the no holds barred octagon environment (like the UFC), and Olympic level martial arts and mental training. The goal of CKM is to teach anyone how to survive and be a winner on the street and in life.
Until very recently Moni taught CKM exclusively to special military groups around the world. However, on account of a growing demand from civilian groups, Moni agreed to start teaching civilians for the first time in his career. Now finally even civilians can learn the most elite Israeli commando units’ techniques for armed and unarmed combat.