The need for an international Krav Maga body came about in the early 1990's, as the system began to spread outside of Israel. At the time, the Krav Maga Association, as set up by Imi Sde-Or (Lichtenfeld), was divided. Dissension amongst the higher graded instructors resulted in an organisation that was no longer functioning efficiently.

   As a result of this lack of functionality, Imi (now aged in his 80's) asked his closest assistant, chief instructor, and head of the Krav Maga "Professional Committee" Mr Eyal Yanilov to help him form a new international organisation. Forming of this new organisation was delayed until after the original Association, as set up by Imi, was formally dissolved in 1995.

   In early 1996 Imi consented to and fully supported the formation of the International Krav Maga Federation - the IKMF. It was founded by Eyal Yanilov, Gabi Noah, Avi Moyal, Eli Ben-Ami and several other respected and highly ranked instructors.

   From that time on until he no longer took an active part in Krav Maga, Imi authorised all Expert and Master Diplomas, grades and levels as issued by the IKMF. With Imi's heavy involvement, this new organisation quickly emerged as the leading and true source of Krav Maga around the world.

   Eyal, who had been responsible for the modern Krav Maga curriculum for 10 years as head of the Professional Committee, organised the first IKMF curriculum. This first curriculum was approved by Imi when the IKMF was initially formed. Imi also approved the subsequent changes to this curriculum in 1997 - less than 12-months before he passed away.

   Since forming in 1996, the IKMF has grown to be the largest and most professional Krav Maga organization in the world! The IKMF operates successfully in Israel, most European Union countries, a number of ex-communist countries (including Poland, Russia and Hungary), Australia, North America, South-east Asia and the Far-East. (For a full list of IKMF branches please visit the IKMF - HQ website).

  Generally each country with an active IKMF branch has local instructors with different grades, levels, and qualifications that assist a local director. The local director is responsible for the growth of both Krav Maga as a system and the growth of their local IKMF branch.

   Currently the chairman and chief instructor of the IKMF is Eyal Yanilov. Wherever possible, Eyal still personally approves each new IKMF Instructor. Eyal actively travels the world certifying new civilian instructors, updating their qualifications, running all types of workshops, teaching military and police units, certifying and updating military and police instructors, as well as training security and Close Protection Officers and their instructors.

   Eyal is not alone in this endeavour. The IKMF is also heavily run by its three directors Eli, Gabi, and Avi. All four heads of the IKMF have assigned responsibilities, including the running of specific countries, along with professional and management areas. The IKMF is also supported by the members of the IKMF Global Instructors Team.