| 1930s | Imi Lichtenfeld, a champion boxer and wrestler in Bratislava, develops street-fighting techniques to defend the Jewish community against fascist gangs. |
| 1948 | Israel gains independence. Imi is recruited to develop hand-to-hand combat training for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). |
| 1950s–60s | Krav Maga becomes the official combat system of the IDF, Israeli police, and security services. |
| 1978 | Krav Maga Association founded to bring the system to civilians. |
| 1980s | Krav Maga reaches the United States and Europe through certified instructors. |
| Today | Multiple organizations teach Krav Maga worldwide: KMG (Krav Maga Global), IKMF (International Krav Maga Federation), Krav Maga Worldwide. Quality varies — credentials matter. |
