KMG Grading System
Why Have A Grading System?
When developing physical skills like Krav Maga, it’s crucial to have a way to measure progress. Seeing tangible improvement helps keep practitioners motivated and on track. In some martial arts, progress is often measured through competitions and tournaments—winning trophies can indicate skill development. However, Krav Maga is different. There are no competitions; after all, how can you compete in self-defence?
While it might be possible to isolate certain aspects of the system, such as fighting and combat techniques, and adapt them for boxing-style or MMA-style competitions, this would no longer be true to the essence of Krav Maga. Those settings are excellent for testing fighting skills, but Krav Maga—and self-defence training as a whole—goes far beyond just fighting.
This is why we need a more comprehensive and relevant way to track the progress of students training in Krav Maga and the KMG system.
That’s where the grading system comes in. Through structured tests, practitioners are challenged to demonstrate their understanding of KMG as a whole, appropriate to their current level. These tests assess what students have learnt, how well they understand the principles and techniques, and how effectively they can apply them under pressure and fatigue. They also evaluate tactical decision-making under stress and fighting skills—again, all aligned with the student’s level.
Unlike many martial arts systems, KMG does not use belts to signify progress. Instead, practitioners earn patches and grades, offering a unique and practical way to track their development.
The KMG Curriculum
In KMG, the grading system is divided into three main categories: Practitioner Levels, Graduate Levels, and Expert Levels. Each of these categories consists of five distinct levels, creating a structured pathway for students to progress as they develop their skills. This progression ensures that every practitioner receives a comprehensive education in the principles and techniques of Krav Maga, tailored to their current ability and experience.
Each level comes with its own curriculum, which outlines specific techniques, tactics, and training methods. These are carefully designed to build on the foundations laid at previous levels, gradually increasing the complexity and intensity of training. During classes, students work on these techniques under the guidance of their instructors, honing their skills through practice, repetition, and scenario-based training.
When a student feels ready, they can take a grading, where their progress is tested by a high-level examiner. The grading process is thorough, assessing not only the student’s technical proficiency but also their ability to perform under pressure, their understanding of Krav Maga principles, and their decision-making in stressful situations. This structured approach ensures that each grade is a true reflection of a student’s growth and readiness to advance to the next level.
KMG Curriculum
Practitioner Levels
There are 5 Practitioner levels, P1-P5. The first practitioner level (P1) may be taken after a minimum of 4 months regular training, and at DDKM we also have a prescribed amount of training hours required in order to be eligible to take part.
After obtaining P1 a minimum of 6 months training is required between each grade from P2 to P5, and students must also meet the minimum training hours for each grade.
Testing for levels P1-P4 is conducted locally at our own in-house grading events. Testing for P5 is conducted at national events with KMG Global Team Instructors.
KMG Curriculum
Graduate Levels
After the P levels are the G levels G1-G5. These levels are held mostly by instructors although many students also hold graduate levels. Tests for graduate levels are held once a year at a weekend training event in the UK and can also be taken in Israel and a few other locations throughout Europe.
G level tests are long and hard and thoroughly test the participant's knowledge and skill.
Testing for the first G level (G1) requires a minimum of 8 months of regular training since obtaining P5, and a minimum of 8 months training is required between each subsequent G grade.
KMG Curriculum
Expert Levels
Above the Graduate grades come the Expert levels, E1-E5.
Expert levels are reserved for people who have a complete understanding of the system and all its principles, as well as a very high level of skill. The E level curriculum contains many advanced techniques and concepts.
Testing for E1 requires at least 1 year of training since obtaining G5, and subsequent tests require between 2 and 5 years, depending on the level. There is also some written, academic work required to achieve levels beyond E1. Expert level tests are conducted primarily in Israel, as well as some other International locations.
Beyond The Expert Levels
Above the Expert levels there are also 3 Master levels. These are reserved for people who have reached an exceptionally high level and who have dedicated their whole life to Krav Maga. Within KMG there are only a handful people who have reached these levels, including the head instructor of KMG, Eyal Yanilov, who is Master Level 3, the highest level ever given by the system’s founder, Imi Lichtenfeld.
Progressing Through the Curriculum
At DDKM, our training programme is designed to help students steadily progress through the KMG curriculum, regardless of their starting level. Beginners focus on foundational techniques from the Practitioner Level curriculum, building confidence and competence in key self-defence principles. With regular, consistent training, they can expect to grade for P1 within 4 to 12 months. From there, students continue to progress through the P levels (P2-P5), mastering more advanced techniques and refining their skills.
As students reach higher levels, training becomes increasingly focused on advanced tactics, stress testing, and decision-making. In addition to regular classes, we also run specialised sessions approximately once a month for students working towards Graduate Level material. When students have a grading coming up, we offer additional grading preparation sessions, allowing them to focus on their curriculum and ensure they know everything they need to succeed.
Students can further enhance their progress by attending special training events and intensive camps, which offer opportunities for focused practice, exposure to new scenarios, and accelerated skill development. With dedication and consistent effort, students will see steady improvement and progress through the KMG grades at their own pace, guided and supported every step of the way.
