In this article we explore the topic of preparing for your Krav Maga Black Belt with Eitan Krav Maga.
A Belt Exam Like No Other
Preparing for your Krav Maga Black Belt is different to any other FEKM belt grading that you may have experienced. The only way I can describe it is that it’s like going back to the beginning of your Krav Maga training and revising everything you have ever learnt; with one big overriding caveat – everything must be executed at full fighting speed and delivered with absolute accuracy, perfect range, full body weight and rotation.
Essentially, you must revise the entire FEKM syllabus across all belts and be able to execute everything you have ever learnt, without thinking, at full fighting speed. Every defence, every counterattack, every kick, every takedown, every strike, every disarm must be executed with perfection and precision.
Some exam attacks are known in advance. For other sequences the attacks are completely unknown and random. One key element of preparing for your Krav Maga Black Belt exam is that you can never go backwards. Regardless of what’s happening, you either stand your ground or preferably, “attack the attacker” driving forward.
The Shadow Fighting Element
Interestingly, the most frequently failed element of the black belt curriculum is the Shadow Fighting. In this single black belt element you must demonstrate absolutely everything you know at speed, showing a wide variety of kicks, punches and strikes. There is a mandated set of 14 combat techniques that must be executed in a specific order, however after that, it is free form. You must show good movement and demonstrate “fight intelligence”.
Demonstrating Fight Intelligence
What does this mean? If I’ve just kicked my imaginary opponent with a spinning side kick, I can’t then throw a short hook or uppercut. The examiners are looking at this type of intelligence as you execute the prescribed and the free-style elements of the Shadow Fighting exam segment. It is nerve wracking and deceptively difficult and physically and mentally exhausting.
The Importance of Solo Training
There are a number of elements that you can practice on your own when preparing for your Krav Maga Black Belt exam. Ironically, the best way to train is to do everything slowly. Focus on the smallest movement. A piece of great advice I was once given: “To learn fast, train slow!” Never is this more true than preparing for your FEKM black belt grading.
Black Belt Signals a New Start in Your Krav Journey
In many ways becoming a Black Belt is a new start to your Krav Maga journey. You are finally awarded your Black Belt and then you start your Krav Maga journey again — but this time, with a wealth of knowledge and experience behind you. As with any martial art or fighting system, achieving a Black Belt means you have reached a degree of competence. But there is always something more to learn.
Achieving your Black Belt in any fighting system is a massive endorsement of your hard work, dedication, focus and progression. Only a tiny fraction of students who begin ever progress to Black Belt. Enjoy the journey, see yourself develop and grow.
Fast. Simple. Effective.
Find out more at eitankravmaga.com
— Nicholas, Eitan Krav Maga