Ranks and belts in the tactical training and Krav maga world

Shabbat shalom to all... Just some thoughts for the weekend -

Ranks and belts in the tactical training and Krav maga world

Many times I come across a question about the existence of belts or levels in the IKF organization. And many times I have to explain that the world of belts in Krav Maga as I see it is fundamentally wrong. I understand the need for certain clubs or organizations to create a goal structure that will give trainees some kind of ambition during training. But here, in contrast to Jiu Jitsu, Shuai Jiao, Sanshou or any  traditional art , rank has no relevance.

For many years i found many organisations ranking people and eventhough its great to receive recognition from your instructors showing your progression, also feel that rankings can give people a false sense of security because it doesn't translate how you will react to a real life situation. Remember all techniques are in a controlled environment with very few variables. 

The training structure may not be linked to a particular syllabus; threats are something that varies from country to country and from culture to culture. In Israel for example defence against a knife threat, teaching of  environmental awareness and audience behavior , is completely different from the knife threat profile that can be found in Germany or England. The basics and fundamental are of course the same but the perception or nature of the attack varies and is very unique to each culture.

Just as ridiculous to me as a Krav Maga instructor who has never fought or coped with operational stress and changing terrain conditions will come and guide an operational unit, so too will the quest to advance in belts when you are stuck  to an organization's syllabus rather than training and learning  the reality that surrounds you and is relevant to your daily life.

I teach seminars and security units all over the world, and I am honored to teach  a large number of operative units in Israel, for each unit, for each country, a different seminar is built, as I said the same basis, but the reference point for issuing the protocol will be different. It is important to me to see the soldiers, security guards and civilians  understanding their relevant threats, and carrying out the protocols that are right for their role in life.

I don't see any need for belts in the Krav Maga world, and unfortunately I came across quite a few "experts" who showed poor coping ability when I put them into pressure practice.

Tactical training, self-defense is not a class, it is not a hobby, it is a mind set , an understanding that I must acquire for myself skills and tools for survival.  A black belt, a pink belt, a gold belt, or an "expert" rank do not really belong here.

osu!