about krav maga
KMW INSTRUCTORS
Our experienced instructors are all certified to teach Krav Maga through the International Krav Maga Federation (IKMF), the world’s largest and most professional Krav Maga organisation. All of our instructors have completed the 23 day instructor training course, undertake a minimum 2 official update training per year and complete weekly instructor training at club level.
Important Information:
KMW covers and teaches Krav Maga as close to its original inception as it is outside of Israel. Krav Maga West teaches only the genuine system of Krav Maga that was developed by Imi Sde-Or (Lichtenfeld), which has been continually developed and updated by the Global instructor team of the International Krav Maga Federation (IKMF) headed by Chief Instructor Avi Moyal.
Please be aware of other styles that are using the Hebrew term ‘Krav Maga’ along with Military terminology for promotional reasons. These are completely different styles and may not be based upon the principles which Krav Maga was developed. We therefore advise anybody who wishes to begin training in Krav Maga to thoroughly research what is being taught before making a commitment.
HARJ SOHAL
Harj started his KM journey under Steve Maycock in 2008. After progressing through all of the student ranks he completed the instructorship programme with the IKMF in 2012. He has been predominately involved at a senior level in Krav Maga for the last 10 yrs running classes and seminars in the West Midlands area.
He has taught 100's of students in all types of settings, more recently on the international seminar circuit.
He is passionate about teaching and loves seeing students grow in confidence. He has taught fighters, service personnel, various institutions but for him it's about teaching the people that truly need it, everyday people.
Harj also has years of training experience and Instructor qualifications in various martial arts and self-defence systems including Filipino Martial Arts, Filipino Boxing, Dacyana Eskrima and Rapid Assault Tactics (Paul Vunak). In 2018 he completed the UC teaching exam and gruelling stress test to become a Senior Urban Combatives Instructor under Lee Morrison.
RICHARD TALBOT
KMW INSTRUCTOR
IKMF Civilian Instructor
First Aid Qualified
Richard began training in Krav Maga with Krav Maga Central in 2011. He then transitioned to Krav Maga West where he began to work his way through the student ranks. Richard became an integral member of the class often selflessly helping other students with their own progression.
He qualified as an instructor with the IKMF in 2017 and now runs KMW Telford.
Richard has trained in a variety of combat sports and other self defence systems.
ABOUT KRAV MAGA
Krav Maga came to prominence following its adoption by various Israeli Security Forces and is now used by military and law enforcement personnel, as well as civilians, around the world. Today, it is widely acknowledged as the number 1 self defence system in the world.
Krav Maga was developed by Imi Sde-Or (Lichtenfeld) in Israel in the 1940s.
As Chief Instructor for the newly-formed Israeli Defence Force, he developed Krav Maga as simple but effective way of enabling soldiers to defend themselves. It needed to be quick to pick up and easy to remember under pressure, being taught to conscripts who may never have fought before.
Since 1996 the IKMF has expanded globally and is now the largest and most appreciated KM institution worldwide.
The IKMF has branched out and is successfully active locally, in Israel as well as in Australia, North America, South – east Asia, the Far East, most EU countries, and ex-communist countries (such as Poland, Russia and Hungary).
The IKMF trains and educates all types of trainees, with or without Krav Maga (or other martial art) background, such as civilian students, military personnel, security and protection staff, law-enforcement officers and instructors.
GRADING SYSTEM
Our primary focus at KMW is to provide a student with the ability to prevail in potentially life threatening situations.
A patch or belt is no true indication of how well a student will achieve that. Having said that the curriculum/grading system that we have in place provides the student with a logical, focused and systematic approach to learning core material which in turn makes the process of learning how to defend oneself easier.
The Krav Maga grading system is divided into 3 main categories; Practitioner, Graduate and Expert Levels. IKMF students can participate in classes, testing or workshops/seminars worldwide where they see the IKMF logo by simply showing their IKMF Passport, which they receive after taking their first test. Most Krav Maga students are ready for the level 1 test after 3-6 months (mandatory minimum) and thereafter every 6 months (subject to regular and intensive training). IKMF gradings are conducted by expert members of the IKMF global training team.
Each level has its own badges of merit which are colour coded as described.
Practioner Level (P1-P5)
These are practitioner grading levels for Krav Maga students. The Students’ uniforms have white trim & logos on black attire. Their grading patches are gold with black bars representing their level i.e. 2 bar = Practitioner Level 2 (P2). The Practitioner Levels of Krav Maga are the core of the system. Students learn how to defend against the most common attacks, as well as building on their fighting skills and learning how to avoid a situation or what to do after a confrontation. Training also improves fitness, strength, flexibility and mental determination.
Graduate Level (G1-G5)
These are mainly Krav Maga instructors who wear red trim & logos on black attire. There may also be G level students who have not taken the instructor’s certification, thus don’t wear red trimmed uniforms. The grading patches are cobalt blue with black bars representing their level i.e. 1 bar = Graduate Level 1 (G1). Students are eligible to move into the Graduate program 6 months after completing their P5 grade. More advanced skills are taught at G level, including dealing with more complicated situations. Students are expected to have a full understanding of all the P grades and continue to keep those skills at a high level whilst progressing through the Graduate program.
Expert Level (E1-E5)
These are high level instructors. Usually specialising or assisting in other areas such as Police, Special Units or Military instruction, in addition to their civilian qualification.
Their grading patches are gold with red bars.
