Belts & Grades

In 1964, when Imi left the army, he began teaching Krav Maga to civilians in military uniform. Later, he adopted the judo gi and the belt grading system. For many years, Krav Maga ranks ran from white belt to black belt.

In 1987, a new grading system replaced the belts. Grades then ran from Practitioner 1 to Expert 5. The gi was dropped, and Krav Maga training was done in a T-shirt, loose trousers and sports shoes (outdoor sessions were done in street clothes). It was around this time that several instructors, including Imi, stopped wearing belts.

In the mid-1990s, as the system spread worldwide, the technical curriculum expanded, and grade patches and symbols were introduced. The new grading system fits much more closely with the logic of Krav Maga and its origins: training within the Israeli army.

Grades are divided into 4 categories. The first three are: Practitioner, Graded and Expert. Each contains 5 levels, with a specific curriculum and knowledge requirement for every grade. To move up to a higher grade, the student must be re-examined on all the lower grades as well. For example, someone testing for Practitioner 3rd degree must be examined on Practitioner 1st degree, 2nd degree… and finally the 3rd degree material. This method reinforces mastery of the basic techniques.

The final category is Krav Maga Masters. It comprises 3 levels.

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