About KMG
Who Are KMG?
Krav Maga Global (KMG) are the leading Krav Maga organisation in the world today. With direct roots tracing back to the origins of Krav Maga, they continually update and evolve their system to address the needs of modern-day practitioners.
Founded in 2010 by Eyal Yanilov, their mission is to spread the Krav Maga system worldwide to civilians, military personnel, and law enforcement agencies, delivering the highest-quality Krav Maga instruction available today.
Eyal Yanilov, KMG’s founder, is the highest-ranked Krav Maga practitioner globally, having been awarded Master Level 3 by the system’s creator, Imi Lichtenfeld. He is one of only two people to have received the prestigious Founder’s Diploma of Excellence.
Eyal began training at a young age and became Imi’s closest assistant, helping to transform Krav Maga from a collection of techniques into the comprehensive technical and tactical system that KMG offers today.
Based in Israel—the birthplace of Krav Maga—KMG have grown into a global community with more than 1,000 instructors operating in over 60 countries. They pride themselves on maintaining the highest standards of instruction through their Global and International Instructor Teams. These elite teams travel worldwide to train and support local instructors, ensuring consistent quality across all KMG schools. This dedication to instructor development is what sets them apart from other Krav Maga organisations.
They offer a wide range of programs and courses tailored to different audiences, including civilians, children, law enforcement agencies, military units, SWAT teams, and third-party protection professionals. They also host events and seminars worldwide, including specialised training in Israel.
Unlike many other Krav Maga organisations, their instructor certification process is one of the most rigorous and comprehensive in the field. They are committed to the ongoing education and development of their instructors. When you train with a KMG club, you can be confident that you’re learning from the best, using techniques that have been thoroughly tested, refined, and proven effective.
The KMG System and DDKM
As a proudly affiliated KMG school, Direct Defence Krav Maga (DDKM) teaches the official KMG curriculum and adheres to their principles and training methods. This means that every class at DDKM is rooted in the same tested and proven techniques taught across the globe, ensuring a consistent and high-quality standard of instruction.
At DDKM, we aim to bring the best of KMG’s system to our students by combining their globally recognised curriculum with our unique approach to teaching. Classes are designed to cater to all skill levels, ensuring that beginners can build a strong foundation while more advanced practitioners continue to refine their techniques and develop their understanding of the system.
By aligning with KMG’s values, DDKM not only teaches effective self-defence but also promotes the personal growth and confidence that come with disciplined training. Whether it’s learning to defend yourself, protecting others, or simply improving your physical fitness, the KMG system at DDKM empowers students to handle real-life situations with skill and composure.
3 Parts of the System
The KMG system comprises three integrated elements:
- Self-Defence
- Combat & Fighting
- Third-Party Protection
Together, these elements form a comprehensive approach to personal safety and self-protection. Each part is interconnected, ensuring that practitioners develop a well-rounded skill set. Whether learning to escape danger, engage in combat when necessary, or protect others, the KMG system equips individuals with the knowledge and tools to handle a wide range of real-world situations.
Parts of the system
Self-Defence
At its core, self-defence is about problem-solving—learning how to respond to specific threats or attacks using the principles of the system to escape, overcome the attacker, and reach safety. Whether you’re dealing with sudden, unexpected violence or managing an escalating confrontation, KMG self-defence training equips you with the techniques, principles, and mindset to handle any physical attack. This includes defending against unarmed and armed attacks, multiple attackers, and more.
What sets KMG’s self-defence training apart is its adaptability. The techniques are not rigid or one-size-fits-all; they are tailored to the context and the individual’s abilities, ensuring that anyone—regardless of size, strength, or experience—can effectively protect themselves. This flexibility makes the system practical and applicable to everyday life, whether you’re in a crowded urban environment or a more isolated setting.
Self-defence is not just physical; it’s about cultivating awareness and decisiveness. Students learn to recognise potential threats early, assess the situation, and act confidently to minimise danger. This mindset training is as critical as the physical techniques, giving practitioners the ability to stay calm and make the right decisions under pressure.
Parts of the system
Combat & Fighting
Strong fighting skills are essential for self-defence. While we aim to avoid fights whenever possible, real-world violence often demands the ability to fight back to survive. Fighting for survival is very different from competing in a sport, so the training methods and objectives focus on practical, real-life applications.
KMG combat training includes learning to punch, kick, grapple, and utilise weapons—whether improvised everyday objects or dedicated tools. Training is always adapted to suit the objectives, tools, and regulations relevant to the trainee. For example, a civilian in England (where self-defence weapons are prohibited) will train differently from someone in a country where such tools are allowed. Similarly, the training for a soldier preparing for combat differs from that of a police officer or a civilian, whose tools and objectives are unique.
Ultimately, this part of our training is not just about physical techniques but also about fostering resilience and adaptability. Practitioners develop the ability to react instinctively and effectively in unpredictable situations, ensuring that they can protect themselves even when faced with overwhelming odds.
Parts of the system
Third-Party Protection
One unique element added to the system by Eyal Yanilov during the 1980s and 1990s is Third-Party Protection. This aspect focuses on defending and protecting others rather than oneself.
Whether it’s a civilian learning to protect their friends and family, a police officer safeguarding their colleagues, or a close protection officer defending a VIP, KMG’s Third-Party Protection training provides the skills and tactics needed to effectively protect others. This training is especially valuable in scenarios where responsibility extends beyond personal safety, such as escorting vulnerable individuals or managing high-risk situations in public spaces.
Third-Party Protection involves learning not only physical techniques but also strategic thinking and situational awareness. Practitioners are trained to anticipate threats, position themselves effectively, and make split-second decisions to ensure the safety of others. These skills are critical in environments where hesitation or poor judgment can have severe consequences.
By incorporating Third-Party Protection into their system, KMG ensures that their practitioners are prepared to step into the role of protector when necessary, combining physical capability with a strong sense of responsibility and vigilance. This makes the training invaluable for anyone who may find themselves in a position to defend others, whether professionally or personally.
The 4 Pillars of Training
In addition to the three primary aspects of the KMG system, KMG training is built on four pillars:
- Technical
- Tactical
- Physical
- Mental
All four pillars are equally important in developing complete self-defence skills, and training time is dedicated to each area. This balanced approach ensures that practitioners are not only technically proficient but also physically capable, mentally prepared, and tactically aware—skills that are vital in real-world situations where every second counts.
These pillars work together to create a holistic training system. Neglecting one area can leave gaps in a practitioner’s abilities, which is why KMG emphasises consistent development across all four. This approach produces well-rounded individuals who are not only prepared to handle threats effectively but can also adapt to new and evolving challenges with confidence and resilience.
Pillars of training
Technical Training
This is the “what” and “how” of training. It focuses on mastering the finer details of movements, timing, angles, and technical principles. For example, learning how to punch, kick, escape from various positions, take an opponent down, or apply KMG’s principles in real-world situations.
Technical training goes beyond simply learning techniques—it’s about understanding the mechanics behind them. Practitioners learn how to optimise their body’s natural movements for maximum efficiency, ensuring that every action is both effective and sustainable under stress. This includes fine-tuning posture, balance, and weight distribution to generate power and maintain control in any scenario.
An essential part of technical training is the ability to adapt techniques to different contexts and situations. Whether defending against an attacker in a confined space, responding to a threat while seated, or protecting someone else, practitioners are trained to modify and apply the principles they’ve learned to suit the circumstances. This adaptability is what makes KMG’s technical training practical and highly effective.
Pillars of training
Tactical Training
Tactical training focuses on the “why” and “when”—understanding when to take a specific action and why it’s the best choice. It’s about decision-making under pressure, applying the right solution at the right time, and ensuring your actions don’t escalate the situation.
This training develops the ability to quickly assess and prioritise threats in high-stress situations. Practitioners are taught to evaluate their environment, identify potential dangers, and choose the most effective response to neutralise threats while keeping themselves and others safe. This split-second decision-making is critical, as hesitation or poor judgment can escalate the danger.
Another crucial element of tactical training is learning to think multiple steps ahead. Rather than just reacting to an immediate threat, practitioners are encouraged to anticipate potential outcomes and plan their movements strategically. This might involve positioning oneself to block an attacker’s escape route, using obstacles for cover, or creating an opportunity to protect others. Tactical training ensures that every action is deliberate, effective, and aligned with the overall goal of survival and safety.
Pillars of training
Physical Training
Control of your body is essential. Physical training develops the strength, mobility, flexibility, motor control, balance, stamina, and cardio required to apply your self-defence skills effectively at any moment.
Beyond basic fitness, physical training in KMG focuses on functional strength and conditioning tailored to self-defence. This means building the ability to perform explosive movements, maintain endurance during prolonged engagements, and recover quickly after exertion. The training also includes drills to improve reaction speed and agility, ensuring that practitioners can move efficiently and adapt to changing situations in real time.
Another key aspect of physical training is injury prevention. By developing proper technique, core strength, and flexibility, practitioners reduce their risk of injury both during training and in real-world encounters. This focus on long-term physical health ensures that students can continue to train, improve, and apply their skills effectively over time. Physical training isn’t just about fitness—it’s about building a body that’s prepared for the unique demands of self-defence.
Pillars of training
Mental Training
The mind is the driver of the body. No matter how strong or skilled you are, if your mind isn’t prepared, you can’t perform effectively. Mental training develops the ability to manage stress, regulate aggression, and overcome mental distractions, ensuring you remain focused and in control when it matters most.
Mental training also involves developing the confidence to act decisively under pressure. This includes recognising and addressing fear, hesitation, or self-doubt, which can be as dangerous as physical limitations in a high-stakes situation. Practitioners learn techniques to stay calm and composed, enabling them to make better decisions and execute their skills effectively when it counts.
Another critical element of mental training is fostering a mindset of resilience and determination. Whether facing physical exhaustion, psychological intimidation, or unexpected setbacks, practitioners are conditioned to push through challenges and maintain a problem-solving mentality. This mental toughness not only improves performance in self-defence but also carries over into everyday life, building a stronger, more focused individual.
Comprehensive Training at DDKM
At DDKM, we embrace the full breadth of the KMG system, training across all three elements—Self-Defence, Combat & Fighting, and Third-Party Protection—and all four pillars—Technical, Tactical, Physical, and Mental. This integrated approach ensures that every student develops into a well-rounded practitioner capable of handling a wide range of real-world situations.
Our training doesn’t just focus on teaching techniques; it instils the mindset and adaptability needed to respond effectively under pressure. Students learn to assess threats, make quick decisions, and apply their skills with precision and confidence. Whether facing personal danger or stepping up to protect others, DDKM practitioners are equipped with the tools to act decisively.
We also prioritise inclusivity and individual progression. Regardless of experience, fitness level, or personal goals, DDKM offers a supportive environment where every student can thrive. Beginners build strong foundations, while advanced practitioners continue to refine and expand their skills.
Ultimately, our goal is to empower our students to face life’s challenges with strength, resilience, and confidence. Through the comprehensive training offered at DDKM, we prepare individuals not only for self-defence but for personal growth and success in all areas of life.
The KMG Grading System: Measuring Growth and Progress
KMG has a structured grading system to help practitioners track their progress and achieve milestones in their training journey. The system is divided into three main categories:
- Practitioner Levels (P1–P5)
- Graduate Levels (G1–G5)
- Expert Levels (E1–E5)
Each category represents a progression in skill, knowledge, and application, with students moving from foundational techniques in the Practitioner levels to advanced tactics and strategies in the Graduate and Expert levels.
For many students, grading is an integral part of their training journey. It provides a tangible way to mark achievements, set goals, and reflect on how far they’ve come. While grading is not mandatory, it’s a valuable tool for those looking to measure their growth and challenge themselves further.
Read more about the KMG Grading System