Our Curriculum
It should be noted that the techniques used in our Krav Maga program are never “written in stone”. As physical and mental combat/attacks evolve, our Krav Maga Self-defense program evolves with it. Below are some techniques you can expect to see in our Krav Maga program, as well as a break-down of Krav Maga’s Level/Belt System:
Stances: Krav Maga attempts to simplify fighting and make it more reflexive by introducing only a small number of stances.
Punches: Highly emphasized in Krav Maga as basic strikes which are useful in almost every situation.
Kicks: While Krav Maga does use kicks, it focuses on efficient, low-risk kicks. More advanced and risky kicks are taught at high levels, but use of them is discouraged. They are primarily just taught so that practitioners are able to recognize them in case they are facing an opponent with a background in kick-heavy martial arts, such as Taekwondo.
Headbutts: Krav Maga uses all of the tools available, including the head. All uses of the head are covered at the Green Belt level.
Blocking Techniques: Krav Maga practitioners are taught to go from defending to attacking as quickly as possible, and most blocking techniques are designed to facilitate this.
Throws and Take-downs: Throws are not covered much in Krav Maga, because the system stresses staying off the ground.
Ground Fighting: While Krav Maga stresses staying off the ground at all costs, it accepts that you may eventually have no choice but to fight there.
Gun and Knife Defenses: In addition to the illustrated techniques, realistic defenses against guns and knifes are an integral part of Krav Maga training.
- Level 1
Level 1 (Yellow Belt)
This entry level class is designed for all new Krav Maga students. The goal of the class is to teach the basics of self-defense and fighting. Students will learn Krav Maga’s fighting stance and movement, various punches, kicks from standing position as well as from on the ground, elbows and knees, and how to defend against punches, chokes, headlocks and wrist grabs. Students who train an average of two to three times per week should expect to complete the curriculum in four months before testing into KM Level 2.
Stances
- Neutral or passive stance
- Fighting stance
- Back position on the ground
- Side position on the ground
Striking
- Straight punch
- Palm heel strike
- Eye strike
- Throat strike
- Low punch
- Hammer-fist
- Hammer-fist to the back or side
- Vertical/Horizontal elbow strikes (there are 7 types of elbow strikes)
Blocking
- 360 defenses
- Inside defense against a straight punch
Kicks
- Groin kick
- Offensive front kick
- Round kick
- Knee strikes
- Roundhouse knee strike
Ground Fighting
- Back position on the ground
- Side position on the ground
- Front kick from the ground
- Side kick from the ground
- Round kick from the ground
- Getting up
- Level 2
Level 2 (Orange Belt)
Upon completing KM Level 1, students will participate in a Yellow Belt workshop and test into KM Level 2. In this intermediate level class, students will continue to review and hone the skills learned in KM Level 1, as well as learn additional punches and kicks, punch defenses with counterattacks, kick defenses, and defenses against various chokes, headlocks, and bear-hugs. Students who train an average of two to three times per week should expect to complete the curriculum for this level in six months before testing into KM Level 3.
Stances
Punches
Kicks
- Defensive front kick
- Side kick
- Back kick
- Uppercut back kick
Blocking
- Straight punch defense with counterattacks
- Defenses against a hook punch
- Defense against an uppercut
- Defenses against a front kick
- Defenses against a low round kick
Ground Fighting
- Stripping a foot grab
- Defenses against punches while mounted
- Being choked while mounted
- Trap and roll while mounted
- Techniques to escape from a guard
- In a headlock while mounted
- Level 3
Level 3 (Green Belt)
Upon completion of KM Level 2, students will test into KM Level 3. In this intermediate class students will continue to train on strikes, defenses against strikes, and self defense, including more advanced techniques that involve defending against weapons such as knives, guns, and sticks. Students who train two to three times per week should expect to be ready to test for Green Belt in nine months.
Kicks
- Back and side kicks with a spin
- Heel kick
- Inside and outside slap kicks
- Inward angle knee strikes
Blocking
- Defenses against 1-2 punches
- Outside defenses against a straight punch
- Defenses against a high round kick
Ground Fighting
- Arm bar
- Reversing a guard
- Being choked from the side
- In a headlock from the side
- Side mount
Headbutts
Krav Maga uses all of the tools available, including the head. All uses of the head are covered at the Green Belt level.
- Level 4
Level 4 (Blue Belt)
This class was designed specifically for Green Belt students interested in more advanced training with emphasis on Blue Belt techniques. The curriculum includes additional punches and kicks, more defenses against punches and kicks, defenses against knives, guns, and sticks, as well as advanced ground fighting techniques. Green Belt students are encouraged to continue training in KM Level 3 classes as well. Students who train two to three times per week should expect to be ready to test for Blue Belt in twelve months.
Punches
- Inside chop
- Outside chop
- Mouth of hand
Kicks
- Axe kick
- Spinning heel and slap kicks
- Sweeping techniques
Blocking
- Defenses against a heel kick
- Defense against a side kick
- General defense against a high kick
Throws and Take-downs
- Cavaliers (wrist locks)
- One-/Two-leg takedowns
- Toe-pick
Ground Fighting
- Straddled, with wrists pinned
- Triangle choke
- Guillotine
- In a headlock from behind
- Level 5
Level 5 (Brown Belt)
This class is for advanced students only and covers all the advanced curriculum including fighting, ground fighting, advanced self-defense, all weapons defenses, and third party protection.
Punches
Kicks
Throws and Take-downs
