Women in Krav Maga and the IDF: A Legacy of Strength

In Israel, women have always been part of the fight. This is not a recent development; it is deeply woven into the national fabric. Israel was home to Golda Meir, who earned the nickname the Iron Lady, a title that, in my opinion, she deserved fully.

While she did not serve directly in the Israel Defense Forces, Golda stood as a symbol of leadership, determination, and fierce clarity in a time of constant threat. Her role was pivotal in shaping Israel’s defense policies during its formative years. She helped pave the way for women to serve in the military and to have a voice in politics and national defense.

But the story of women in Israel’s defense did not begin with Golda Meir. Long before the modern state was re-established in 1948, women were already actively participating in the struggle for Jewish survival and independence. They were not waiting for permission to contribute. They were already on the front lines.

During the British Mandate period, Jewish defense efforts were led by underground organizations such as the Hagana, the main military force of the Jewish community, and the Palmach, its elite strike unit responsible for special operations and guerrilla warfare. In both of these groups, women played essential roles. They trained, carried weapons, smuggled arms, gathered intelligence, and engaged in combat. They were not behind the scenes. They stood shoulder to shoulder with the men, sharing the risks and responsibilities of defense.

That legacy of equal commitment continues today in the Israel Defense Forces and throughout Israeli society.

Military service in Israel is mandatory for both men and women. And while their paths may differ, the opportunities are vast. Women serve as pilots, intelligence officers, combat soldiers, and unit commanders. And that is no different in the world of Krav Maga. Women lead tactical training, instruct hand-to-hand combat, and hold critical roles across every branch of service.

Serving as a soldier, I had the privilege of seeing female IDF soldiers in action. Later, as a Krav Maga instructor, I’ve had the honor of witnessing firsthand the incredible skill, strength, and resilience that women bring to every challenge they face.

Today, this reality is not limited to Israel. Around the world, women are claiming their rightful place in the world of self-defense. They are training and teaching Krav Maga. They are leading tactical and firearms courses. They are serving in combat units. And with every step, they are proving something essential: real strength is not about gender. It is about mindset, discipline, and the will to keep going.

Krav Maga was never created for men alone. It was developed for anyone who needed to defend themselves, regardless of size, background, or physical strength. Yet for far too long, the world of martial arts and combat training has been shaped by the idea that it belongs mostly to men. Thankfully, that mindset is finally shifting.

Women are training. Women are teaching. Women are leading.

Some choose women-only groups, focusing on the types of threats they are more likely to face. Others prefer mixed classes, pushing themselves alongside all kinds of fighters. What matters most is that they are showing up, they are learning, and they are stepping fully into their own power.

There are already countless incredible women in Krav Maga students, instructors, and fighters. But there should be more. I want to see more women on the mats. More women guiding others. More women breaking the outdated belief that fighting is a man’s world.

This is not about creating space for women. They already have it.

It is about recognizing and honoring the place they have earned.

To the women training in Krav Maga: What does it mean to you?

To the men: How can we support, uplift, and encourage more women to enter and thrive in this world?

And to every girl out there: Stay strong. Stay safe. And always be prepared.