Instructor Certification

Get Certified

Why become AKMF certified?

Becoming an AKMF certified instructor means joining a community committed to the principles of Krav Maga. These certifications offer an opportunity to be trained in-house by an organization that not only upholds the highest standards in martial arts instruction but also supports law enforcement and military training initiatives. As an instructor, you’ll contribute to the mission that aims to build individuals mentally, spiritually, and physically, ensuring they can defend themselves effectively in times of need.

Serious about your training? It's time to get certified

Process of Certification​

What are the actual steps to become certified with the American Krav Maga Association?

  1. Contact your closest AKMF school: Express your interest in becoming an instructor And inquire about their certification process.
  2. Assess your current skill level: Ensure you meet the minimum Krav Maga proficiency requirements (starting with a Green Belt for Level 1 Certification).
  3. Obtain CPR/AED First Aid Certification: This is a prerequisite for all levels of instructor certification.
  4. Apply for Level 1 Certification: Complete the 24-hour training program over three days and get approval from the Chief Instructor.
  5. Gain teaching experience: Before advancing to the next level, accumulate teaching or leadership experience as required.
  6. Advance through certification levels: Meet the specific requirements for each subsequent level, which include belt rank advancements, additional training hours, and approval from the Chief Instructor, AKMF Board of Directors, and, for higher levels, the AKMF President.
  7. Maintain and enhance your instructor status: Participate in Krav Maga exams, fulfill yearly leadership and training hours, and attend both AKMF and external continuing education seminars.
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“Train for a worthy opponent.”

Joe “Chappy” Bouchard

the principles of krav maga:

Techniques should be simple and direct, based on natural instincts as much as possible.

Techniques must address the immediate danger.

Seek to defend and counterattack simultaneously.

Train from a position of disadvantage.

Training must include the stress experienced in real attacks.

It is the initial movement that is important to save yourself.

The ultimate goal of self-defense is to get home safe.

Techniques should be focused on attacking the weak points of the body.

Techniques should utilize the concept of “closest weapon to closest target.”

Basic techniques should work against a variety of attacks.

Plan of action

Certification Levels

Below are the minimum requirements for instructor-
level advancement.

01

Yellow Belt Instructor

o 24 hrs. (3 days)
o Green Belt
o CPR/AED First Aid Certification
o Approval from Chief Instructor

02

Orange Belt Instructor

o 24 hrs. (3 days)
o Blue Belt
o 1 year of Teaching/Leadership since prior Certification
Course
o CPR/AED First Aid Certification
o Approval from Chief Instructor

03

Green Belt
Instructor

o 24 hrs. (3 days)
o Blue Belt or higher
o 1 year of Teaching/Leadership since prior Certification
Course
o CPR/AED First Aid Certification
o Approval from Chief Instructor

04

Blue Belt
instructor

o 30 hrs. (3 days plus live teaching in class)
o Brown Belt
o 1 year of Teaching/Leadership since prior Certification
Course
o Approval from Chief Instructor
o CPR/AED First Aid Certification
o Approval from AKMF Board of Directors

05

Brown Belt
instructor

o 30 hrs. (3 days plus live teaching in class)
o 1st Degree Black Belt
o 1 year of Teaching/Leadership since prior Certification
Course
o CPR/AED First Aid Certification
o Approval from Chief Instructor
o Approval from AKMF Board of Directors

06

black Belt
Instructor

o 38 hrs. (4 days plus live teaching, plus live Blackbelt
teaching)
o 2nd Degree Black Belt
o 1 year of Teaching/Leadership since prior Certification
Course
o CPR/AED First Aid Certification
o Approval from Chief Instructor
o Approval from AKMF Board of Directors
o Approval from AKMF President

07

Head Instructor

o 24 hrs. (3 days plus 2 mandatory teaching classes per day)
o 3rd Degree Black Belt
o 1 year of Teaching/Leadership since prior Certification
Course
o CPR/AED First Aid Certification
o Approval from Chief Instructor
o Approval from AKMF Board of Directors
o Approval from AKMF President

08

Chief Instructor
T4T Certification

o 40 hrs. (5 days)
o 3rd Degree Black Belt
o Ranked Blue Belt or higher in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
o Level 6 Instructor or higher
o CPR/AED First Aid Certification
o Approval from AKMF Board of Directors
o Approval from AKMF President
o Regular participation in AKMF events
o 10 or more students directly under candidate have attained
rank in Krav Maga

Jr

Junior (Kids) Instructor

o 16 hrs. (2 Days)
o Green Belt
o Level 1 Instructor or higher
o CPR/AED First Aid Certification
o Approval from Chief Instructor
o Approval from AKMF Board of Directors

Force Instructor

o 360 hrs. instructor evauation
o Defensive Tactics Level 3 (Instructor)
o M-3 Instructor
o LE-3 Instructor
o Master Firearms Instructor Certified (Pistol, Shotgun,
Carbine)
o Simunitions Instructor
o Black Belt
o 3 years of Teaching/Leadership of Military/Law Enforcement
o CPR/AED First Aid Certification
o Approval from AKMF Board of Directors
o Approval from AKMF President

Obligations for Maintaining Instructor Status​

Required for All Ranks

  • Attendance and participation in a minimum of 3 Krav Maga Exams per year
  • Minimum of 40 hours of Leadership per year
  • Minimum of 60 hours of Class Training Time per year
  • Attendance and participation in a minimum of 2 Continuing Education Seminars with AKMF representative per year (in-person or online)
  • 1 Outside Continuing Education Seminar (i.e., NRA, Dog Brothers, etc.) Level 6 +
  • Attendance and participation in a minimum of 2 Instructor Classes per year

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