The Grading System — P1–P5 and G1–G5

Krav Maga is not a belt art in the traditional sense, but federations developed grading systems to give students a structured progression. The most widely used is the P (Practitioner) and G (Graduate / Expert) system originated by Eyal Yanilov and used by KMG and most IKMF-derived bodies.

The 10-level ladder

• P1 (Practitioner 1): stance, movement, basic strikes (palm heel, hammer fist, front kick to groin), choke defenses, falling, basic ground.
• P2: kicking expansion (round, side, back), headlock defenses, headbutts and elbow strikes integration.
• P3: defense against punches at multiple angles (the 360 system), defenses from disadvantaged positions.
• P4: defenses against kicks, more complex chokes (e.g., behind with a pull-back), introductory ground attacks.
• P5: introductory weapon defenses — stick and knife at slow speed, basic disarms.
• G1 (Graduate): full knife defense curriculum, handgun at contact distance, retzev under stress.
• G2–G5: long-gun defenses, third-party protection, advanced weapon retention, multiple attackers, scenario-based examinations at increasing complexity.

Time expectations

Most schools test once every 6 months for early levels and 12–18 months for higher levels. A diligent student reaches G1 in roughly 4–5 years of consistent training. The gradings are tested live — the student must perform under instructor-controlled pressure, often after a fatigue warm-up.

Lineage differences

Krav Maga Worldwide uses Level 1–5 plus expert and master. KMF / Bukan uses a 10-level system closer to the original Imi numbering. The technical material covered at each level is broadly equivalent — the labels differ, the curriculum doesn't.