Our Roots, Tradition, & Purpose
Roots of the Authentic Krav-Maga
Bukan School of Krav-Maga was established in 1977 to preserve and teach the original Israeli martial art of self-defense created by Imi Lichtenfeld. The school was founded by Imi and preserved by his closest disciple and only professional successor, Grand Master Yaron Lichtenstein.
In his youth, Imi was a versatile athlete, excelling in trapeze, knife throwing, swimming and dance. He was a European wrestling and boxing champion, and a black belt in traditional Japanese judo, and traditional Japanese jujutsu.
During World War II, he joined the Czech Legion under the British Army to fight the Nazis and later traveled to Israel to support the Jewish resistance. Lacking firearms, he developed innovative hand-to-hand and improvised weapon techniques that helped secure Israel’s independence in 1948. Following the war, Imi became the Chief Instructor of Self Defense and Physical Training for the newly formed Israeli Defense Forces, serving until 1966.
After retiring, Imi pursued his goal of creating an Israeli self-defense martial art. Drawing on his diverse experience, he created new techniques and a broad philosophy, forming a complete martial art.
In 1966, Yaron Lichtenstein became Imi’s his second student and trained with him daily for 27 years, except during his service in the elite Sayeret Shaked unit. Severely wounded and captured in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Yaron credits his survival to Imi and Krav-Maga training. After recovering, Yaron taught Krav-Maga throughout Israel. Concerned the martial art might later be altered, Imi and Yaron founded the Bukan School of Krav-Maga in 1977 to preserve its authenticity.
In 1994, Imi named Yaron his sole professional successor and awarded him Black Belt 9th Dan and in 2002, Yaron moved to Brazil to establish Bukan’s second headquarters and expand the authentic Krav-Maga worldwide.
Today, Bukan is a global school spanning 15 countries on 5 continents, recognized for keeping the teachings authentic, structured, and free from commercial or political systems.
And now, that legacy continues here in Alaska.
Meet Your Instructor:
The Heart Behind Bukan Alaska
Bukan Alaska was founded by Ioana Florescu, whose passion for martial arts and commitment to authentic training brought the Bukan tradition to the Valley. Her goal is to preserve the authentic Krav-Maga while empowering her students to build resilience, break through limitations and face any challenges.
Ioana began martial arts in childhood with karate and later served as a defensive tactics and firearms instructor for the Missouri Department of Corrections. She also served as a U.S. Navy Corpsman with Marines, enrolling in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program to gain extensive experience in hand to hand combat, close quarters combat and weapons techniques.
After her military career, Ioana discovered Bukan School of Krav-Maga in Romania and trained under Instructor Andrei Ciliboae and Grand Master Yaron. Through intensive workshops and instructor development programs, she developed a deep respect for Bukan’s authentic methods and philosophy.
Determined to bring those teachings to Alaska, Ioana traveled to Brazil for further training with Grand Master Yaron. With his blessing and guidance, she established Bukan Alaska to provide quality self-defense and to create a place where students can grow with confidence, clarity, and purpose on and off the tatami.
Krav-Maga was born from real violent struggle, as a way for ordinary people to rise up, resist, and survive against overwhelming odds. In Alaska, these battles resonate deeply because life here demands resilience, self-reliance, strength, adaptability and the will to face challenges head on.
At Bukan Alaska, we will train not just for self-defense, but to build the confidence, courage, and inner strength to overcome obstacles, whether in the streets or in life. Every class will be more than training; it will be an opportunity to empower ourselves, eliminate our fear and gain mastery over ourselves.
Our Mission & Vision
Bukan Alaska exists to preserve authentic Bukan Krav-Maga in Alaska and to give students a meaningful way to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. We want every student to feel part of the global community of Bukan practitioners connected by tradition, respect, and personal development.
learn real-world self-defense
overcome personal fears
break through limitations
face physical and mental challenges with confidence
build discipline, respect, and self-mastery
grow as students, instructors and leaders
connect with the worldwide Bukan community
carry forward the authentic legacy of Imi and Yaron
Discover the Tradition. Experience the Training.
Explore the roots of Bukan Krav-Maga or sign up for your first seminar today.
Where to Find Us
You can find us across from the Valley Country Store near the roundabout at E Seldon Road and E Bogard Road. The dojo is located at the end of the T-intersection of E Stoney Hollow Drive and Alder Drive.
Follow the driveway to the end and park perpendicular to the dojo or around the left side. If no parking is available, park at the back of the Valley Country Store.
4886 E Alder Dr, Wasilla AK 99654