Krav Maga was created in the 1940's for the newly formed Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). It was designed as a simple and effective system for a broad spectrum of individuals to meet the unique needs of close quarter urban warfare. With the short time frame of most military enlistments, an effective hand-to-hand combat system was needed by the IDF that could be taught in a relatively short amount of time.

In the 1980's various U.S. military and law enforcement agencies were exposed to Krav Maga. Over the years it evolved from a military and law enforcement system and made its way into the civilian sector by various means. Vanguard Krav Maga® carries on with the tradition of being a simple and reality based system that can be taught in a somewhat short amount of time compared to other fighting disciplines and martial arts. Vanguard Krav Maga® practitioners will notice a focused approach on techniques that are appropriate for what may be faced on today's streets of the U.S. Imi Lichtenfeld, the founder of Krav Maga, emphasized that techniques constantly be tested and refined "so that one may walk in peace." While the core principles of Vanguard Krav Maga® remain the same as Imi had intended, a modern approach is followed in regards to the curriculum and teaching methods.