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Your Growth Path: Understanding Levels & Gradings

Overview

If you’re new to Krav Maga, it’s completely normal to wonder what “progress” actually looks like. Because Krav Maga is a modern self defence system, we don't wear gi's and belts. But, the good news is that training is built around a clear, structured curriculum that guides you step by step and there is a clear progression path to guide and recognise your progress.

With our training each stage of learning is designed to develop your skills, confidence, and awareness at a sensible pace. You will progrssively build a practical toolkit of self-defence skills, layered with decision-making, control, and safe movement.

When you feel ready, you’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate what you’ve learned through our grading process. This isn’t about pressure or competition — it’s simply a way to recognise your progress, celebrate your effort, and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Why many members choose to grade

Grading is always optional, but most members find it a valuable part of their training journey. For many people, it provides a clear and meaningful challenge that gives purpose to their practice and helps them stay motivated over time. Working toward a grading encourages consistency, focus, and a deeper engagement with what you’re learning, rather than simply “turning up and training.”

The grading process also gives you structured feedback from instructors who know your progress. This helps you understand your strengths, identify areas to improve, and refine your technique with greater clarity. Rather than guessing how you’re doing, you receive constructive guidance that supports your development in a practical, supportive way.

For many students, grading brings a strong sense of recognition and personal satisfaction. Earning a new level isn’t just about the belt — it’s about acknowledging the effort, discipline, and commitment you’ve put into your training. It’s a moment that marks how far you’ve come and reinforces your confidence to keep moving forward.

Ultimately, people choose to grade because it makes their progress more tangible, their training more purposeful, and their achievements more rewarding.

Krav Maga Auckland Students Passing Level Grading

Krav Maga Global Levels

The Krav Maga Global curriculum is organised by levels

  • Practitioner Levels: The first Krav Maga Global levels are called the "Practitioner" levels. There are 5 Practitioner levels (numbered 1 to 5) , the first of which is Practitioner 1 (P1).
  • Graduate Levels: Next are the "Graduate" levels and there are 5 of these (G1 to G5). The minimum level for a Krav Maga Global instructor is G1.
  • Expert Levels: These are followed by the "Expert" levels (E1 to E5)
  • Master Levels: These are the highest possible levels. The highest grade presently is Master Eyal Yanilov himself at Master Level 3.

The Purpose of Gradings in Krav Maga Global

Gradings in KMG serve several important purposes:

  1. Skill Assessment: Gradings evaluate a student's proficiency in techniques, tactics, and principles of Krav Maga. They ensure that students have a solid understanding of the material before advancing to more complex levels.
  2. Progression and Motivation: The grading system provides a structured roadmap for students, giving them clear goals to work toward. This helps maintain motivation and focus during training.
  3. Real-World Preparedness: Krav Maga is designed for real-life self-defence, and gradings test a student's ability to apply techniques under pressure, simulating real-world scenarios.
  4. Quality Control: By standardising the grading process, KMG ensures that instructors and students worldwide maintain a high level of skill and knowledge.

The Grading Structure in Krav Maga Global

KMG's grading system is divided into three main categories: Practitioner, Graduate, and Expert levels. Each level has specific requirements and focuses on different aspects of Krav Maga.


1. Practitioner Levels (P1 to P5)

The Practitioner levels are the foundation of Krav Maga training. They focus on teaching students the core techniques and principles of self-defense. These levels are designed for beginners and intermediate students.


  • P1: Introduces basic strikes, defences, and situational awareness.
  • P2 to P5: Builds on the basics, adding more complex techniques, combinations, and scenarios.


Each Practitioner level requires a minimum number of training hours and a successful grading test to advance. The tests include demonstrations of techniques, physical fitness assessments, and scenario-based drills.


2. Graduate Levels (G1 to G5)

The Graduate levels are for advanced students who have mastered the fundamentals and are ready to delve deeper into Krav Maga. These levels focus on refining techniques, improving decision-making under stress, and handling multiple attackers or weapons.


  • G1 to G5: Each level introduces more advanced techniques, including defenses against firearms, knives, and other weapons, as well as ground fighting and third-party protection.


Graduate-level gradings are more demanding, requiring a higher level of physical fitness, technical precision, and mental resilience.


3. Expert Levels (E1 to E5)

The Expert levels are for highly skilled practitioners who have dedicated years to mastering Krav Maga. These levels focus on leadership, teaching, and the ability to adapt techniques to any situation.


  • E1 to E5: Expert-level gradings test not only technical skills but also the ability to teach and lead others. Students at this level often become instructors or take on leadership roles within KMG.

The Grading Process


Gradings in KMG are conducted by certified instructors or graders who evaluate students based on strict criteria. The process typically includes the following components:


1. Technical Demonstration: Students must perform a series of techniques, including strikes, defenses, and combinations, with precision and control.


2. Physical Fitness Test: Gradings often include a fitness component to ensure students have the stamina and strength to execute techniques effectively.


3. Scenario-Based Drills: Students are tested on their ability to apply techniques in realistic, high-pressure situations, such as defending against multiple attackers or handling weapons.


4. Theoretical Knowledge: Students may be asked questions about the principles and tactics of Krav Maga to demonstrate their understanding of the system.


5. Mental Resilience: Gradings assess a student's ability to stay calm, focused, and decisive under stress.


Preparing for a Grading


Preparation is key to succeeding in a KMG grading. Here are some tips for students:


  • Consistent Training: Regular attendance in classes and practice outside of class are essential.
  • Physical Fitness: Maintain a good level of fitness to meet the demands of the grading.
  • Mental Preparation: Practice staying calm under pressure and visualising success.
  • Review the Curriculum: Familiarise yourself with the techniques and scenarios required for your level.

The Significance of Gradings in Krav Maga Global


Gradings in KMG are more than just a test; they are a celebration of a student's hard work, dedication, and progress. They provide a sense of accomplishment and a tangible way to track growth in self-defense skills. More importantly, they ensure that every student is equipped with the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves and others in real-life situations.


For those pursuing Krav Maga as a lifelong journey, the grading system offers a structured and rewarding path to mastery. Whether you are a beginner starting at P1 or an advanced practitioner aiming for Expert levels, KMG's gradings are designed to challenge, inspire, and prepare you for anything life may throw your way.

By adhering to this rigorous yet rewarding system, Krav Maga Global continues to uphold its reputation as a leader in self-defense training, producing skilled and confident practitioners worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Krav Maga classes suitable for me?

These classes are suitable for Adults and older teenagers (15+)

Do I need to be fit to start?

No, you don't need to be fit to start and getting fitter is one of the common aims of our trainees. As long as you don't have any health issues preventing you from partaking in exercise you are fine to join a class and go at your own pace..

Krav Maga is not a fitness class, but you will end up with a full-body workout from the types of drills we do which include body-weight exercises for muscle conditioning, to cardiovascular endurance through the pad drills.

What can I expect In my first Krav Maga session?

Your Krav Maga Instructor (Aaron or Brad) will meet you before the class for an introduction and to answer any questions..

The classes are 60minutes and generally consists of:

  • Warmup,
  • Striking Drills on pad,
  • Defensive Techniques,
  • Summary
  • Warmdown.

You will be paired with a suitable partner for the training who will "buddy" you for the first session.

What do I need to wear or bring?

Wear tee-shirt (no singlets) and shorts or active wear (women). We also train in gym shoes. All clothes should be clean.

Bring a drink bottle (although there is a fountain).

Is Krav Maga training safe?

Krav Maga training is much safer than competitive sports. We take all practical measures to ensure the safety of trainees.

  • Hard kicks and strikes are on pads
  • Beginner classes do not involve sparing (in fact contact sparing is not a core feature of Krav Maga training as it is more scenario based)
  • Trainees suitable safety gear for additional safety.

How long does it take to get "good" at Krav Maga?

Krav Maga is designed to be learnt as quickly as possible. If you come to 2-sessions a week you will very quickly develop skills in the foundation techniques. It takes 4-6 months to complete our first level and this gives you a decent ability to defend yourself in common situations. Beyond this the curriculum is extensive covering just about any situation you can imagine. So there is heaps of amazing stuff to learn and master.

Is it just "Fighting Techniques"?

No actually one of the key objectives is to not fight at all. Tactics and scenarios are a big part of the curriculum which is a big differentiator from Martial Arts and combat fighting sports. For example, tactics include:

  • Situational awareness to avoid trouble
  • Verbal and physical responses to deescalate trouble before it gets physical

We use "role-playing" to practice different scenarios ingrain appropriate responses, and if deescalation doesn't work then we have the techniques to respond physically if required.