Forced to flee the area in 1940 at the age of 30, he caught the last immigration boat to Israel, the Pentcho. The story of the Pentcho is in more detail in the international pages. (link til de sidene) During the trip Imi's physical condition was very bad. He endured several operations and doctors did not expect him to live. But he recovered and proceeded to volunteer for service in a Czech military unit of the British armed forces. The unit served during World War II in Lebanon, Syria, Libya, and Egypt.This combat experience led him to further refine his martial art skills.

When discharged in 1942, he requested and was allowed to immigrate to Israel. Given Imi`s extensive self defense skills, Imi was recruited by Isaac Sadeh, the commanding officer of the Haganah in 1942. Two years later he began to teach Kapap (hand to hand combat) and physical exercise to the most elite special forces units of the Haganah, Palmach, and Palyam. During this period, firearms were outlawed and in very scarce supply. They were hidden away from the British and only used for special missions. The fact that firearms could not be used had a great influence on the development of the style. Unarmed combat was absolutely essential for the success of the military.

After the establishment of Israel in 1948, Imi became the chief instructor of hand to hand combat in the israeli millitary, and when he retired from the IDF he set about making Krav Maga as it now was known into a self-defense system for the people of the world. Imi was very active untill the end, allways happy to help his student and eager to find solutions to new problems.Sadly on Jan 8th 1998, Imi Licthenfeld, aged 88, passed away.

For more information on his work in developing Krav Maga see the Krav Maga history page.