It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Darren Levine passed away on the afternoon of January 28, 2026.

Darren Levine, Co-Founder and Chief Instructor of Krav Maga Worldwide, was instrumental in shaping Krav Maga as it is practiced today. While many people who encounter this message may not have known Darren personally—or trained with him directly—his influence reaches far beyond any single school, class, or organization. The way Krav Maga is taught, practiced, and understood around the world is deeply connected to his vision and leadership.

In 1981, Darren brought Krav Maga to the United States. Under the guidance and close friendship of Imi Lichtenfeld, the founder of Krav Maga, Darren accepted the responsibility of carrying this system beyond its origins. His focus was never simply on expansion. He was committed to preserving the integrity of Krav Maga—ensuring it remained practical, responsible, and centered on protecting life.

From that work grew Krav Maga Worldwide and its headquarters in Los Angeles. What began here became the foundation for a global network of schools, instructors, and practitioners. The worldwide reach of Krav Maga today—and the ability for people across North America and beyond to train in this system—can be traced directly to Darren’s efforts and the standards he established.

Alongside his work in Krav Maga, Darren spent decades serving as a Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles, prosecuting violent crimes. This experience shaped his approach to self-defense training. He believed that learning how to protect oneself must also include judgment, restraint, and responsibility. These values continue to guide how our instructors teach and how students are trained.

Whether you trained directly under Darren, learned from instructors he certified, or practice within a system influenced by his work, his legacy is present. It lives not only in the techniques of Krav Maga, but in the principles, ethics, and sense of responsibility that accompany them.

We are grateful for Darren’s life, his leadership, and the community he helped build—one that continues to protect and empower people every day.

Darren is survived by his two wonderful daughters, his loving brother and sister, and countless lifelong friends. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.

With respect and gratitude,
Krav Maga Worldwide Los Angeles