The Darren Levine legacy set
A tribute to the man who brought Krav Maga to the United States. A symbol of lineage, craftsmanship, and responsibility.
From Imi Lichtenfeld to Darren Levine, Krav Maga was never just a system. It was a responsibility. Built through experience, refined over decades, and carried forward by those who understood its purpose, it has always come back to one idea:
“So that one may walk in peace.”
Darren Levine finalized the design of this watch and knife set on December 8, 2025.
On January 28, 2026, before he saw the finished pieces, Darren passed away. What remains is not just a product, but the final expression of a man dedicated to helping others.
That same commitment carried into his role as a Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles County, where he prosecuted crimes against peace officers, holding offenders accountable for violence against law enforcement.
In that same spirit, the proceeds from this collector release are directed, with the family's guidance, to support his daughters.
Darren never held the final watch in his hands, but he specified and designed it and was genuinely excited about the project. The knife was added in the final design meeting, with Darren specifically selecting the Benchmade model.
Please contact us at info@kravmd.com if you have any issues accessing the Legacy Store.
THE DARREN LEVINE LEGACY
His Final Design. His Lasting Mission.
A Life That Defined Modern Krav Maga
Darren Levine didn’t just train Krav Maga. He brought it to the United States and laid the foundation for what exists today.
In 1981, under the direct instruction of Imi Lichtenfeld, Darren completed one of the first international instructor courses in Israel. What followed was not just a career, but a mission. He introduced Krav Maga to America, founded the Krav Maga Association of America, and later Krav Maga Worldwide, ensuring the system remained authentic, effective, and rooted in real-world application.
At the same time, Darren served as a Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles County, prosecuting serious crimes, including cases involving violence against law enforcement. His life was defined by one consistent principle:
Protect people. Hold the line. Do what matters.
Where the Legacy Project Began
The original vision wasn’t a product. It was about preserving knowledge and impact.
There were early discussions around immersive remote training, pairing Darren with instructors across the country to extend his reach. But as his health declined, that vision shifted.
The question became simpler and more urgent:
How do you create something that lasts?
The Shift to a Physical Legacy
In late 2025, after meaningful conversations with those closest to him, the project evolved into something tangible. Not merchandise. Not memorabilia.
A symbol of legacy.
Darren became directly involved in shaping what that would be. He reviewed concepts, debated details, and pushed for something that reflected what he stood for, not just what looked good.
The Final Design Decision
On December 8, 2025, Darren made the final call. After reviewing multiple design directions, he chose the path forward for what would become the Legacy Collector’s Watch.
Darren’s requirements drove the design:
Top-tier and built to last
A practical everyday watch
Craftsmanship was essential
Represent the origin of Krav Maga in the U.S.A., flowing from Imi
Capture his life’s work, keeping people safe
This wasn’t about luxury. It was about meaning.
Designed With Intention
Every detail ties back to Darren’s life and influence:
1981 marks the beginning of Krav Maga in America
Imi and Darren reflects lineage and responsibility
CAPOS and Walk in Peace motto reflect a life’s work
Top of the line automatic, mechanical, Swiss movement is
heirloom quality
This is not decorative. It is purposeful.
The Knife: A Personal Element
The knife was not an add-on. It was part of Darren. He carried a knife daily. He valued tools that worked, not ones that sat on a shelf. During the final design discussion, Darren personally selected a Benchmade Osborne knife, a model aligned with his own everyday carry. After his passing, the team ensured that his decision was honored and completed.
It represents:
Practicality
Reliability
Personal identity
What Makes This Different
This is not a commemorative item. It is a direct extension of Darren’s final decisions.
He researched different watches and functions
He started with complexity and moved design to simplicity
He defined every custom detail
He picked the case design and color scheme of red , white and blue
He was very excited about the project
But he never held the finished piece. On January 28, 2026, Darren passed away before the project was completed.
Why This Matters
What remains is not just a watch. Not just a knife.
It is:
A connection to the origins of Krav Maga in the United States
A representation of a life spent protecting others
A tangible piece of history tied directly to the man who built it
Each piece is serialized, limited, and intentionally designed to be passed down, not just owned.
Beyond the Project
This effort extends beyond craftsmanship. With the guidance of Darren’s family, proceeds from the Legacy Project support:
His daughters
The Marni Levine Cancer Fund
Continuing the same mindset Darren lived by:
Take care of your people. Do something that matters.
If you have any questions about watch design, functionality, or customization, contact Scott via the “CONTACT US” form on the “How It Works” or “Get Started” page, or hwwatchcompany@gmail.com.