Who is Eyal Yanilov?

If you have ever thought about self-defense, chances are you have come across the term Krav Maga. A name that is inextricably linked to this Israeli martial art is Eyal Yanilov. But who is this man, and why has he had such an impact on the world of Krav Maga? Let's take a closer look.

From young student to master

Born in 1959, Eyal started practicing Krav Maga at the age of 14. His first teacher was Eli Avikzar, at that time one of the top instructors. It didn't take long for him to catch the attention of Imi Lichtenfeld, the founder of Krav Maga. Imagine: you just start playing the guitar, and suddenly Jimi Hendrix asks you to jam together. That must have been how Eyal felt when he was able to train under the personal guidance of Imi.

Imi's right-hand man

Eyal's talent did not go unnoticed. At the age of 16, he began teaching, and by the time he was 20, he was training other instructors. Imi saw in him not only an excellent practitioner but also a natural teacher. They worked together to systematize and modernize Krav Maga, with Eyal playing a key role in documenting and refining the techniques. During that period, he also helped develop specific components such as VIP protection and tactics for third-party defense.

Imi regarded Eyal as his heir and closest confidant. He ultimately awarded him the highest rank ever granted within Krav Maga: Expert Level 8 / Master Level 3, along with the unique Founder’s Diploma of Excellence. Thus, Eyal Yanilov is to this day the only holder of both titles.

Krav Maga around the world

In the 1980s and 1990s, Eyal traveled the world to teach Krav Maga. From the United States to Europe and Southeast Asia: he introduced the system to both civilians and military units, police, security personnel, and anti-terror units. In 1996, he co-founded the International Krav Maga Federation (IKMF) and served as the head trainer until 2010.

The birth of Krav Maga Global

After Imi's death in 1998, Eyal felt responsible for preserving the original principles of Krav Maga. When the quality of teaching within various organizations began to vary, he decided to follow his own path in 2010. He founded Krav Maga Global (KMG), an organization that operates worldwide with the goal of providing high-quality, professional, and authentic Krav Maga instruction.

Under his direct leadership, KMG trains instructors in over 40 countries and offers exclusive training programs and seminars. Eyal works with a global team of top instructors (the GIT – Global & International Teams) to ensure knowledge transfer, consistency, and safety. KMG is not just a training organization; it is a global platform for self-development, mental resilience, and physical fitness.

A life dedicated to self-defense

Eyal's dedication to Krav Maga is unparalleled. He is co-author of the book Krav Maga: How to Defend Yourself Against Armed Assault and continues to give seminars and training worldwide. His mission? To ensure that people can defend themselves in an ever-changing world.

The impact of his work goes beyond techniques. Krav Maga Global (KMG) helps people become more resilient – both physically and mentally. Whether it's about gaining more self-confidence, improving physical condition, or developing inner peace under stressful circumstances, Eyal's vision of Krav Maga is broad and profound.

He may not be as well-known a name as some Hollywood stars, but in the world of self-defense, Eyal Yanilov is a true legend.

So, the next time you think about Krav Maga or consider taking a self-defense course, remember the name Eyal Yanilov. His life's work through Krav Maga Global (KMG) has contributed to the safety and self-reliance of countless individuals worldwide.

Have you ever thought about starting Krav Maga?

It's an effective way to learn how to defend yourself while also improving your fitness. If you are interested, you can find more information via the link below and discover which training locations are near you.

Krav Maga

Krav Maga is a realistic and instinctive self-defense system designed to neutralize threats quickly and effectively. It combines techniques from various martial arts to provide practical solutions for real-world situations.