How did Imi Lichtenfeld design Krav Maga?

Answer 1

From Judo and a close relative of collegiate level catch Wrestling, he took the grappling techniques which he felt could be done with the greatest efficiency, and by the most people, young or old. He added only very few moves of his own. Far as strikes, mostly modified Boxing. However that is the ORIGINAL form; modern Krav Maga has some elements of Kung Fu, and Muay Thai. Some; it has also absorbed military combatives from around the world. If you are looking for flashy and showy though, Krav Maga is not for you.

Its all about efficiency and incapacitation. Although to be honest, you'd be just as well served taking up Judo, and doing Boxing on the side. Seriously man if you know Judo and Boxing, everything else is a waste of time, if self defense is what you're looking for. If you know Kyokoshin Karate then THAT becomes a waste of time, many people swear by Kyokoshin, claiming its the only martial art you'll ever need. And, if you know AUTHENTIC Shaolin Kung Fu, taught by an actual Shaolin monk or the advanced student of a shaolin monk, then THAT becomes a waste of time. If I had to recomend styles.........

1) Shaolin Kung Fu

2) Kyokoshin Karate

3) Judo

4) Boxing

Tai Chi Chuan is said to posses even greater power, owing to that chi energy stuff, but assuming you believe what is considered by most, even in China, to be superstition, even then developing such "powers" even in legend, is said to take DECADES. Even Shaolin Kung Fu can be learned and perfected in only 3 years. Why the 10 year rule then?

The 10 year rule in Kung Fu tradition is just there to ensure the student has a good work ethic; the truth is most Kung Fu styles, all the techniques, can be learned in only one year, assuming your body is fit and ready. Basically, its one year to prepare the body, one year to learn all the techniques and forms, one year to make the techniques perfect, and an additional 7 years to make sure you won't get lazy in your training. However if you were well-raised, and already have a strong work ethic and can be trusted to keep practicing, I suppose in these modern times you can ignore those extra 7 years with Sifu. Seriously though man if you have a chance to learn Shaolin Kung Fu, don't waste your time with anything else.