KRAV MAGA INSTRUCTOR COURSE

How to Become a Krav Maga Instructor

Every so often, a student approaches me at the end of their first Krav Maga session and says something like, “I really enjoyed the class … How can I become a Krav Maga Instructor?”

We Israelis aren’t known for our tact, but I try to be as diplomatic as I can because I appreciate the enthusiasm. Normally I leave it at suggesting that before making a decision, the student attend a couple more classes.

If you want to become a Krav Maga instructor, the following details the rigorous process KMDI instructors go through to become and remain certified. After reading, I think you’ll agree KMDI’s instructors are a cut above the rest.

Step 1: Learn Krav Maga

You’d think it’s a no-brainer that before you teach Krav Maga you need to learn it yourself. Still, I’m constantly amazed that some people choose to skip this crucial step. A quick google search will bring up DVDs, online courses and shady instructors that promise to quickly and effortlessly turn you into a certified Krav Maga instructor. If you’re serious about Krav Maga, you will steer clear of such empty promises and find a legitimate instructor instead.

So, how do you choose an instructor to teach you Krav Maga?

To do your due diligence and make an informed decision, ask prospective instructors the following.

• Where did you learn Krav Maga?

• Who was your instructor?

• How long and how often did you train?

• What did your instructor certification entail?

• Who trains you now, and how often do you train?

It’s not rude to ask these questions, and any legitimate instructor should be proud to answer them. If you ask KMDI instructors, they’ll tell you they were certified by top Krav Maga instructors who flew in especially from Israel. They’ll describe a rigorous training and certification process that took years. They’ll also tell you they continue to train several times weekly to this day.

That’s the sort of response you want to hear from anyone who offers to teach you. Nobody wants to train with an instructor who takes shortcuts, as that would short-change your training, and risk your physical safety. If you really want to learn Krav Maga, you have to start with the basics and take the time to build from there. You have to treat this as a long-term goal, where investing the time and effort to do it right will lead to the greatest payoff over time.

Step 2: Make your way up through the rank and distinguish yourself

At KMDI, we single out from our advanced class a handful of the very best each year, offering them a spot to train among our certified instructors. This is a by-invitation-only opportunity based on skill level and attitude, and is an important part of how we ensure our team is and remains the best.

Insider Tip: If you think you’re ready, consider objectively your skills and attitude compared to your classmates in the advanced class. Remember, most people don’t make it on their first attempt. However, this is a good thing because it gives you the time you need to enhance and sharpen your skills. People who want to become instructors as quickly as possible usually lack the perseverance needed to become Krav Maga instructors.

Step 3: Attend the Instructor Course training program

In our instructors training program, students start learning the teaching aspects of Krav Maga, personally mentored by our instructor team. They start assisting our instructor team, gradually gaining experience in teaching Krav Maga. Our instructor training program participants continue their own Krav Maga training alongside our instructors.

Our instructors have to go beyond dojo techniques into real-world practical training. We make sure they’re prepared for the intensive Level 1 Krav Maga Instructor Certification Course, which means they have to demonstrate high levels of fitness and technical proficiency.

Step 4: Pass the Certification Course

After six to 12 months in the KMDI instructor program, the senior instructor assesses which participants are ready to take the intensive, seven-day Level 1 Krav Maga Instructor certification course. Leading Krav Maga authorities fly in from Israel especially to teach this course. Students train 11 hours daily, improving their skills, knowledge, and practical experience, so they can teach Krav Maga fundamentals at a level approved by the experts who oversee Krav Maga training of Israel’s elite units. At the end of this comprehensive course, participants undergo instructor and level assessments. Those who pass stand with the best Krav Maga instructors in the world.

Step 5: Continue post certification training

Once a new instructor is certified, we expect to see him or her back on the mat the following day. KMDI instructors are required to continue training regularly, advancing their skills as Krav Maga practitioners and trainers. If you visit our advanced classes, you will see many instructors training alongside the students. We also offer annual training events in Israel specifically for instructors.

Level 1 Instructor certification opens the door to specialised courses such as Krav Maga Law Enforcement Instructors Course, Military Krav Maga Instructors Course, and of course Level 2 and Level 3 Instructor courses. These courses require more than simply Level 1 certification. Indeed, entry into these courses requires experience in training students in the fundamentals of Krav Maga, as well as superior fitness and technical achievements. The most advanced courses require more than simply experience as an instructor, including attaining Fighter 4 or higher rank.

Insider Tip: Gaining your instructor certification doesn’t mean it’s yours to keep forever. All KMDI instructors must continue to train regularly to maintain their certification. As we see it, if you aren’t actively training in Krav Maga, you have no business teaching our students.

Becoming a KMDI instructor takes patience, perseverance, and a lot of hard work. Sure, it’s possible to take shortcuts, but we make sure none of our instructors are the sort to take them.

Sounds tough? You bet! This is why people come to KMDI. Because they know that with us, they train only with the best of the best.

Upcoming Instructor Courses

• Price for the 7-day course: US$1450

• Dates:

  • Tel Aviv, Israel: April 6-12, 2024. At Krav Maga Israel, HaYarkon St 167, Tel Aviv-Yafo.

• Chief Instructor: Ron Engelman

  At the end of the course you will receive a Krav Maga Instructor certificate from Krav Maga Israel.

Minimum Requirements

Our instructor course is not suitable for everyone. To ensure you are ready to begin, there are some requirements you must meet:

• 21 years old and above

• No criminal record

• Reasonably fit and technically practiced

• Willing to sustain intensive training

• Minimum of 3 years Krav Maga training experience + recommendation from a Krav Maga instructor, or minimum 4 years training experience in a striking-based fighting system (boxing/kick-boxing).

*Note from Krav Maga Israel Head Instructor:
The number one skill, above all others that you will need to have down well to get the most out of the instructor course is striking. Our instructors will work with you diligently on all of the techniques required to become a good instructor. Striking and footwork take time to master (and many hours of practice). They can not be mastered at an appropriate level over the duration of an intensive course. That’s why we require either 3 years of prior Krav Maga training or 4 years in a striking-based system (as a minimum). If you have any questions or are uncertain of where you stand, please email us so that we can help guide you.
Sincerely.
- Ron Engelman

APPLICATION PROCESS

If you meet the requirements and are ready to proceed;

1. Go on Krav Maga Israel website and complete the application form.

2. The form will be forwarded to one of Krav Maga Israel senior instructor who will assess you application and make a decision whether you will be able to attend the course in good standing. They may contact you for additional information to ensure you meet the minimum requirements.

3. Once your application is submitted, you receive an answer within 2 working days. If you have been accepted, you will be asked to put down a US$300 deposit to secure your spot on the course.

4. Once you’ve been accepted and made your deposit you are guaranteed a spot on the course. Feel free to contact them if you need need help securing accomodation or have any questions regarding your course or visiting Israel.

Do you have what it takes?

Email us at info@kmdi.com.au to learn about our upcoming Krav Maga instructor courses.