WHAT IS CLASSIC KRAV MAGA?
Classic Krav Maga is a combat and self-defence system built on simple, natural, and functional responses to violent situations. It is designed for adults who want to improve their physical abilities while learning to defend themselves in a sensible way. The training program has been adapted to meet the needs of today’s martial arts practitioners.
WHAT IS CLASSIC KRAV MAGA?
Classic Krav Maga is a combat and self-defence system built on simple, natural, and functional responses to violent situations. It is designed for adults who want to improve their physical abilities while learning to defend themselves in a sensible way. The training program has been adapted to meet the needs of today’s martial arts practitioners.
Authentic Roots and Experience
Authentic Roots and Experience
Our program follows the original principles of Krav Maga, refined and strengthened through decades of real teaching experience.
It was developed by European Krav Maga pioneer Jyrki Saario, who has worked in the martial arts industry since 1975 and taught Krav Maga since 1994.
In 2012, disappointed by how many systems had become watered down and commercialised, Jyrki decided to bring Krav Maga back to its roots — realistic, efficient, and true to its purpose.
Our program follows the original principles of Krav Maga, refined and strengthened through decades of real teaching experience.
It was developed by European Krav Maga pioneer Jyrki Saario, who has worked in the martial arts industry since 1975 and taught Krav Maga since 1994.
In 2012, disappointed by how many systems had become watered down and commercialised, Jyrki decided to bring Krav Maga back to its roots — realistic, efficient, and true to its purpose.
SIX LEVELS OF CLASSIC KRAV MAGA
Each belt colour represents a Classic Krav Maga examination level – from essential self-defense and combat to advanced tactical and fighting skills.
YELLOW BELT
The introductory level of Classic Krav Maga, designed for beginners learning essential reactions, footwork, fall breaks, and basic striking combinations. It provides a solid, practical foundation for safety, awareness, and confident movement.
ORANGE BELT
The next stage for students who already control the basics. This level introduces more advanced footwork and striking–kicking combinations, defenses against punches and kicks, and the first pressure-tested scenarios.
GREEN BELT
An intermediate level focused on defenses against dangerous holds such as grabs, chokes, headlocks, and bearhugs, both standing and on the ground. For students ready to apply their techniques under stress and dynamic movement.
BLUE BELT
An advanced level for practitioners who want to apply their fighting skills against an armed attacker. This stage emphasizes defenses against knife, gun, and stick attacks and threats.
BROWN BELT
The final step for practitioners. At this level students learn throws, takedowns, must show their skills from both left- and right-handed positions, and are required to perform fighting according to the Fighting Fit program.
BLACK BELT
The expert level of Classic Krav Maga. Reserved for certified instructors who demonstrate technical mastery, strong teaching ability, and a deep understanding of the entire system. This rank represents high-level skill, responsibility, and long-term commitment.
SIX LEVELS OF CLASSIC KRAV MAGA
SIX LEVELS OF CLASSIC KRAV MAGA
Each belt colour represents a Classic Krav Maga examination level – from essential self-defense and combat to advanced tactical and fighting skills.
YELLOW BELT - LEVEL 1
Footwork
Fighting stance and attack in place
Basic step, with and without punches
Angle change 45°, 90° (turn and step), and 180° (both sides)
Ground Fighting
Forward, backward, and side breakfalls with defensive stand-up
Defenses
Basic ducking
360° defense (teach both sides, test right)
A-block
Attacks
Straight punches to the head (fist and open hand)
Hammerfist (downward, forward, backward – both sides)
Elbows (forward and backward – various directions)
Front and groin kicks with footwork
Fighting Fit Level 1
90 seconds: push-ups → sprint → sit-ups → sprint → squats → sprint → burpees → sprint
90 seconds pad work: straight punches, elbows, and hammerfist combinations
YELLOW BELT - LEVEL 1
Footwork
Fighting stance and attack in place
Basic step, with and without punches
Angle change 45°, 90° (turn and step), and 180° (both sides)
Ground Fighting
Forward, backward, and side breakfalls with defensive stand-up
Defenses
Basic ducking
360° defense (teach both sides, test right)
A-block
Attacks
Straight punches to the head (fist and open hand)
Hammerfist (downward, forward, backward – both sides)
Elbows (forward and backward – various directions)
Front and groin kicks with footwork
Fighting Fit Level 1
90 seconds: push-ups → sprint → sit-ups → sprint → squats → sprint → burpees → sprint
90 seconds pad work: straight punches, elbows, and hammerfist combinations
ORANGE BELT - LEVEL 2
Footwork
Power-punch step
Half-step
Changing stance (back and front)
Defenses
Against straight punches and counterattacks
Against front and roundhouse kicks
Attacks
Straight punches to body
Hooks, uppercuts
Knees, stomp kicks, side groin kicks
Releases
From single and double wrist grabs (low/high)
Ground Fighting
Escape from mount
Fighting Fit Level 2
90 seconds: push-ups → sprint → burpees → sprint → sit-ups → sprint → squats → sprint
Pad work: punch–kick combinations and elbow–knee series
GREEN BELT - LEVEL 3
Defenses
Preventive defense vs. takedown or bearhug
Releases
From bearhugs (front, back, different heights)
From strangulations (front, side, back)
From headlocks (front, side, back)
Ground Fighting
Escapes from chokes and headlocks in mount and side positions
Fighting Fit Level 3
One 90-second boxing sparring round (head: light contact, body: full contact)
Standard physical Fighting Fit circuit
BLUE BELT - LEVEL 4
Attacks
Straight armbar
Rear naked choke
Defenses vs. Knife
Threats (chest, neck, approaching attacker)
Attacks (low stab, straight stab, slashes, and counterattacks)
Defenses vs. Stick and Gun
Baton or baseball bat attacks
Gun threats from front, side, or behind
Fighting Fit Level 4
One round semi-contact kickboxing (kicks to belly height)
Full physical Fighting Fit round
BROWN BELT - LEVEL 5
Ground Fighting
Forward and backward rolls
Bicycle kicks (training only)
Throws & Takedowns
Outer reap, hip throw, sacrifice throw, sentry takedown
“Machine-gun” takedown (training only)
Defense Skills
Perform all previous belt techniques in reverse stance and against a left-handed opponent
Fighting Fit Level 5
One round full-contact sparring (kicks to belly height)
Full physical Fighting Fit circuit
BLACK BELT - LEVEL 6
Topics
Level 1 Instructor – Group Leader
Level 2 Instructor – Club Instructor
Knife vs. knife (basic)
Multiple attackers (basic)
Fighting Fit Level 6
Three rounds full-contact sparring (kicks to belly height)
Full physical Fighting Fit session
Remember:
Keep techniques simple, direct, and effective.
Use proper protection during drills and sparring.
Focus on clean execution, balance, and control — not just speed.
Every Fighting Fit level builds stronger endurance, coordination, and real fighting ability.
Keep techniques simple, direct, and effective.
Use proper protection during drills and sparring.
Focus on clean execution, balance, and control — not just speed.
Every Fighting Fit level builds stronger endurance, coordination, and real fighting ability.
YELLOW BELT - LEVEL 1
Footwork
Fighting stance and attack in place
Basic step, with and without punches
Angle change 45°, 90° (turn and step), and 180° (both sides)
Ground Fighting
Forward, backward, and side breakfalls with defensive stand-up
Defenses
Basic ducking
360° defense (teach both sides, test right)
A-block
Attacks
Straight punches to the head (fist and open hand)
Hammerfist (downward, forward, backward – both sides)
Elbows (forward and backward – various directions)
Front and groin kicks with footwork
Fighting Fit Level 1
90 seconds: push-ups → sprint → sit-ups → sprint → squats → sprint → burpees → sprint
90 seconds pad work: straight punches, elbows, and hammerfist combinations
YELLOW BELT - LEVEL 1
Footwork
Fighting stance and attack in place
Basic step, with and without punches
Angle change 45°, 90° (turn and step), and 180° (both sides)
Ground Fighting
Forward, backward, and side breakfalls with defensive stand-up
Defenses
Basic ducking
360° defense (teach both sides, test right)
A-block
Attacks
Straight punches to the head (fist and open hand)
Hammerfist (downward, forward, backward – both sides)
Elbows (forward and backward – various directions)
Front and groin kicks with footwork
Fighting Fit Level 1
90 seconds: push-ups → sprint → sit-ups → sprint → squats → sprint → burpees → sprint
90 seconds pad work: straight punches, elbows, and hammerfist combinations
ORANGE BELT - LEVEL 2
Footwork
Power-punch step
Half-step
Changing stance (back and front)
Defenses
Against straight punches and counterattacks
Against front and roundhouse kicks
Attacks
Straight punches to body
Hooks, uppercuts
Knees, stomp kicks, side groin kicks
Releases
From single and double wrist grabs (low/high)
Ground Fighting
Escape from mount
Fighting Fit Level 2
90 seconds: push-ups → sprint → burpees → sprint → sit-ups → sprint → squats → sprint
Pad work: punch–kick combinations and elbow–knee series
ORANGE BELT - LEVEL 2
Footwork
Power-punch step
Half-step
Changing stance (back and front)
Defenses
Against straight punches and counterattacks
Against front and roundhouse kicks
Attacks
Straight punches to body
Hooks, uppercuts
Knees, stomp kicks, side groin kicks
Releases
From single and double wrist grabs (low/high)
Ground Fighting
Escape from mount
Fighting Fit Level 2
90 seconds: push-ups → sprint → burpees → sprint → sit-ups → sprint → squats → sprint
Pad work: punch–kick combinations and elbow–knee series
GREEN BELT - LEVEL 3
Defenses
Preventive defense vs. takedown or bearhug
Releases
From bearhugs (front, back, different heights)
From strangulations (front, side, back)
From headlocks (front, side, back)
Ground Fighting
Escapes from chokes and headlocks in mount and side positions
Fighting Fit Level 3
One 90-second boxing sparring round (head: light contact, body: full contact)
Standard physical Fighting Fit circuit
GREEN BELT - LEVEL 3
Defenses
Preventive defense vs. takedown or bearhug
Releases
From bearhugs (front, back, different heights)
From strangulations (front, side, back)
From headlocks (front, side, back)
Ground Fighting
Escapes from chokes and headlocks in mount and side positions
Fighting Fit Level 3
One 90-second boxing sparring round (head: light contact, body: full contact)
Standard physical Fighting Fit circuit
BLUE BELT - LEVEL 4
Attacks
Straight armbar
Rear naked choke
Defenses vs. Knife
Threats (chest, neck, approaching attacker)
Attacks (low stab, straight stab, slashes, and counterattacks)
Defenses vs. Stick and Gun
Baton or baseball bat attacks
Gun threats from front, side, or behind
Fighting Fit Level 4
One round semi-contact kickboxing (kicks to belly height)
Full physical Fighting Fit round
BLUE BELT - LEVEL 4
Attacks
Straight armbar
Rear naked choke
Defenses vs. Knife
Threats (chest, neck, approaching attacker)
Attacks (low stab, straight stab, slashes, and counterattacks)
Defenses vs. Stick and Gun
Baton or baseball bat attacks
Gun threats from front, side, or behind
Fighting Fit Level 4
One round semi-contact kickboxing (kicks to belly height)
Full physical Fighting Fit round
BROWN BELT - LEVEL 5
Ground Fighting
Forward and backward rolls
Bicycle kicks (training only)
Throws & Takedowns
Outer reap, hip throw, sacrifice throw, sentry takedown
“Machine-gun” takedown (training only)
Defense Skills
Perform all previous belt techniques in reverse stance and against a left-handed opponent
Fighting Fit Level 5
One round full-contact sparring (kicks to belly height)
Full physical Fighting Fit circuit
BROWN BELT - LEVEL 5
Ground Fighting
Forward and backward rolls
Bicycle kicks (training only)
Throws & Takedowns
Outer reap, hip throw, sacrifice throw, sentry takedown
“Machine-gun” takedown (training only)
Defense Skills
Perform all previous belt techniques in reverse stance and against a left-handed opponent
Fighting Fit Level 5
One round full-contact sparring (kicks to belly height)
Full physical Fighting Fit circuit
BLACK BELT - LEVEL 6
Topics
Level 1 Instructor – Group Leader
Level 2 Instructor – Club Instructor
Knife vs. knife (basic)
Multiple attackers (basic)
Fighting Fit Level 6
Three rounds full-contact sparring (kicks to belly height)
Full physical Fighting Fit session
BLACK BELT - LEVEL 6
Topics
Level 1 Instructor – Group Leader
Level 2 Instructor – Club Instructor
Knife vs. knife (basic)
Multiple attackers (basic)
Fighting Fit Level 6
Three rounds full-contact sparring (kicks to belly height)
Full physical Fighting Fit session
BLACK BELT LEVELS
BLACK BELT LEVELS
BLACK BELT LEVELS
Classic Krav Maga is based on a clearly structured training program divided into successive levels of advancement. Each level develops specific technical, tactical, and physical skills required for real-life hand-to-hand combat. Through regular training and gained experience, participants gradually master new techniques and learn how to operate effectively under pressure. Each stage concludes with an exam that confirms readiness for further training.
1st Degree Black Belt
Minimum two years after the previous promotion.
Completion of at least two additional Saario Academy instructor courses beyond Level 1 and Level 2.
(Examples: Knife Fighting, Grappling, Striking, or other specialized courses.)Recommendation and approval by the Head Master.
Re-attendance at the Black Belt Course: assisting, teaching, and demonstrating a deeper technical understanding of Classic Krav Maga, with precise and high-quality performance.
2nd Degree Black Belt
Minimum two years after the previous promotion.
Completion of at least two additional Saario Academy instructor courses beyond Level 1 and Level 2.
(Examples: Knife Fighting, Grappling, Striking, or other specialized courses.)Recommendation and approval by the Head Master.
Re-attendance at the Black Belt Course: assisting, teaching, and demonstrating a deeper technical understanding of Classic Krav Maga, with precise and high-quality performance.
3rd Degree Black Belt
Minimum three years after the previous promotion.
Completion of at least three additional Saario Academy instructor courses beyond Level 1 and Level 2.
(Examples: Knife Fighting, Grappling, Striking, or other specialized courses.)Recommendation and approval by the Head Master.
Re-attendance at the Black Belt Course: assisting, teaching, and showing an excellent understanding of the system and performing all techniques with excellent technical quality.
4th Degree Black Belt
Minimum four years after the previous promotion.
Completion of at least four additional Saario Academy instructor courses beyond Level 1 and Level 2.
(Examples: Knife Fighting, Grappling, Striking, and other advanced courses.)
Recommendation and approval by the Head Master.
Re-attendance at the Black Belt Course: assisting, teaching, and showing a comprehensive and refined understanding of the entire Classic Krav Maga system.
5th Degree Black Belt
Minimum five years after the previous promotion.
Completion of all available Saario Academy instructor courses.
Recommendation and approval by the Head Master.
Re-attendance at the Black Belt Course: assisting, teaching, and demonstrating a master-level understanding of the system with full control, precision, and professional maturity.
6th Degree Black Belt
Minimum six years after the previous promotion.
Proven contribution to the development of Classic Krav Maga, both nationally and internationally.
Active involvement in mentoring instructors and supporting organizational growth.
Recommendation and formal approval by the Head Master / Founder.
Demonstrated exceptional leadership, technical excellence, and long-term commitment to the art.
1st Degree Black Belt
Minimum two years after the previous promotion.
Completion of at least two additional Saario Academy instructor courses beyond Level 1 and Level 2.
(Examples: Knife Fighting, Grappling, Striking, or other specialized courses.)Recommendation and approval by the Head Master.
Re-attendance at the Black Belt Course: assisting, teaching, and demonstrating a deeper technical understanding of Classic Krav Maga, with precise and high-quality performance.
2nd Degree Black Belt
Minimum two years after the previous promotion.
Completion of at least two additional Saario Academy instructor courses beyond Level 1 and Level 2.
(Examples: Knife Fighting, Grappling, Striking, or other specialized courses.)Recommendation and approval by the Head Master.
Re-attendance at the Black Belt Course: assisting, teaching, and demonstrating a deeper technical understanding of Classic Krav Maga, with precise and high-quality performance.
3rd Degree Black Belt
Minimum three years after the previous promotion.
Completion of at least three additional Saario Academy instructor courses beyond Level 1 and Level 2.
(Examples: Knife Fighting, Grappling, Striking, or other specialized courses.)Recommendation and approval by the Head Master.
Re-attendance at the Black Belt Course: assisting, teaching, and showing an excellent understanding of the system and performing all techniques with excellent technical quality.
4th Degree Black Belt
Minimum four years after the previous promotion.
Completion of at least four additional Saario Academy instructor courses beyond Level 1 and Level 2.
(Examples: Knife Fighting, Grappling, Striking, and other advanced courses.)
Recommendation and approval by the Head Master.
Re-attendance at the Black Belt Course: assisting, teaching, and showing a comprehensive and refined understanding of the entire Classic Krav Maga system.
5th Degree Black Belt
Minimum five years after the previous promotion.
Completion of all available Saario Academy instructor courses.
Recommendation and approval by the Head Master.
Re-attendance at the Black Belt Course: assisting, teaching, and demonstrating a master-level understanding of the system with full control, precision, and professional maturity.
6th Degree Black Belt
Minimum six years after the previous promotion.
Proven contribution to the development of Classic Krav Maga, both nationally and internationally.
Active involvement in mentoring instructors and supporting organizational growth.
Recommendation and formal approval by the Head Master / Founder.
Demonstrated exceptional leadership, technical excellence, and long-term commitment to the art.
Special Appointments
The Head Master / Founder reserves the right to:
Promote an individual by exception, based on long-term contribution, leadership, or outstanding skill.
Modify or adapt the requirements in special individual cases.
1ST DEGREE BLACK BELT
Minimum two years after the previous promotion.
Completion of at least two additional Saario Academy instructor courses beyond Level 1 and Level 2. (Examples: Knife Fighting, Grappling, Striking, or other specialized courses.)
Recommendation and approval by the Head Master.
Re-attendance at the Black Belt Course: assisting, teaching, and demonstrating a deeper technical understanding of Classic Krav Maga, with precise and high-quality performance.
2ND DEGREE BLACK BELT
Minimum two years after the previous promotion.
Completion of at least two additional Saario Academy instructor courses beyond Level 1 and Level 2. (Examples: Knife Fighting, Grappling, Striking, or other specialized courses.)
Recommendation and approval by the Head Master.
Re-attendance at the Black Belt Course: assisting, teaching, and demonstrating a deeper technical understanding of Classic Krav Maga, with precise and high-quality performance.
3RD DEGREE BLACK BELT
Minimum three years after the previous promotion.
Completion of at least three additional Saario Academy instructor courses beyond Level 1 and Level 2.
(Examples: Knife Fighting, Grappling, Striking, or other specialized courses.)Recommendation and approval by the Head Master.
Re-attendance at the Black Belt Course: assisting, teaching, and showing an excellent understanding of the system and performing all techniques with excellent technical quality.
4TH DEGREE BLACK BELT
Minimum four years after the previous promotion.
Completion of at least four additional Saario Academy instructor courses beyond Level 1 and Level 2.
(Examples: Knife Fighting, Grappling, Striking, and other advanced courses.)
Recommendation and approval by the Head Master.
Re-attendance at the Black Belt Course: assisting, teaching, and showing a comprehensive and refined understanding of the entire Classic Krav Maga system.
5TH DEGREE BLACK BELT
Minimum five years after the previous promotion.
Completion of all available Saario Academy instructor courses.
Recommendation and approval by the Head Master.
Re-attendance at the Black Belt Course: assisting, teaching, and demonstrating a master-level understanding of the system with full control, precision, and professional maturity.
6TH DEGREE BLACK BELT
Minimum six years after the previous promotion.
Proven contribution to the development of Classic Krav Maga, both nationally and internationally.
Active involvement in mentoring instructors and supporting organizational growth.
Recommendation and formal approval by the Head Master / Founder.
Demonstrated exceptional leadership, technical excellence, and long-term commitment to the art.
WHAT WE ORGANIZE
WHAT WE ORGANIZE
WHAT WE ORGANIZE
Saario Academy organizes hundreds of events each year, giving tens of thousands of participants the opportunity to discover and develop their Defendo skills.
EVERYDAY TRAININGS
EVERYDAY TRAININGS
The system provides participants with professional and safe training. Classes are varied, improve physical fitness, build self-confidence, develop early-threat recognition skills, and teach how to survive in situations of direct danger.
We place strong emphasis on maintaining the highest quality of our training. We offer a wide range of courses and instructor programs, depending on the participant’s level of experience and preparation for the role of instructor.
The system provides participants with professional and safe training. Classes are varied, improve physical fitness, build self-confidence, develop early-threat recognition skills, and teach how to survive in situations of direct danger.
We place strong emphasis on maintaining the highest quality of our training. We offer a wide range of courses and instructor programs, depending on the participant’s level of experience and preparation for the role of instructor.
CAMPS, SEMINARS, COURSES
Saario Academy organizes regular training events in seven European countries, providing both beginners and advanced participants with the opportunity to develop their self-defense skills in the Defendo system. Each event has a clearly defined goal and program – from intensive camps and instructor courses to open thematic seminars.
Saario Academy also conducts professional training programs that prepare participants for the role of Defendo instructors – in the Red, Green, Blue, or White versions.
Each course includes both practical and theoretical modules, ending with an exam and the achievement of international certification.
The programs are led by experienced trainers, including former special forces officers, military instructors, and the creators of the system.
EXAMINATIONS
The Defendo system has been designed as a consistent and transparent development path, where each level ends with an exam. This gives participants the opportunity to confirm their skills and move on to the next stage—both as students and as future instructors.
Structure of levels
The Defendo Red program consists of six levels:
Level 1 – Hard Target
Levels 2–4 – Combat Tech
Levels 5–6 – S.T.A.R. (Special Tactics And Response)
At each level, you practice new techniques and self-defense scenarios. After completing the required number of training hours and mastering the necessary skills, you may take the practical exam.
CAMPS AND SEMINARS
Saario Academy regularly organizes training events in seven European countries, enabling both beginners and advanced participants to develop their self-defense skills in the Classic Krav Maga. Each event has a clear goal and program—from intensive camps, through instructor courses, to open thematic seminars.
Saario Academy regularly organizes training events in seven European countries, enabling both beginners and advanced participants to develop their self-defense skills in the Classic Krav Maga. Each event has a clear goal and program—from intensive camps, through instructor courses, to open thematic seminars.
COURSES
Saario Academy conducts professional training programs preparing participants to become Defendo instructors—in the Red, Green, Blue, or White versions.
Each course consists of practical and theoretical parts, ending with an exam and international certification.
Programs are led by experienced trainers, including special-forces officers, military instructors, and the system’s creators.
EXAMINATIONS
The Classic Krav Maga system has been designed as a consistent and transparent development path, where each level ends with an exam. This gives participants the opportunity to confirm their skills and move on to the next stage—both as students and as future instructors.
Examination levels are described here.
At each level, you practice new techniques and self-defense scenarios. After completing the required number of training hours and mastering the necessary skills, you may take the practical exam.
WANT TO ORGANIZE YOUR OWN EVENT?
WANT TO ORGANIZE YOUR OWN EVENT?
Contact us now!