The KMG General Instructor Course
The KMG General Instructor Course (GIC) is widely recognised as the most comprehensive Krav Maga instructor certification programme in the world. Run by KMG's international instructor team across multiple countries, it produces fully certified instructors authorised to teach the KMG international curriculum. A diploma is awarded after each of the three levels, with every diploma personally signed by Eyal Yanilov. New Zealand candidates typically complete the course through KMG Australia.
When you train under a KMG-certified instructor, you are training under someone who has passed one of the most demanding instructor certification programmes in civilian self-defence. That standard exists because Eyal Yanilov built the GIC to ensure that KMG's curriculum is taught at the same level — by every certified instructor, in every country.
This page explains what the GIC involves, what it requires, and how New Zealand candidates can begin the process if they are interested in becoming instructors themselves.
What the GIC is
The General Instructor Course is KMG's primary instructor certification programme. It is not a short weekend workshop or a self-assessed qualification. It is a structured, multi-stage programme delivered by KMG's Global Instructor Team — senior instructors who operate internationally and are directly accountable to KMG headquarters.
The course combines intensive in-person training with an online learning library and a comprehensive written instructor manual. It covers not just Krav Maga technique, but teaching methodology, training psychology, lesson planning, the law and ethics of self-defence, and how to develop and run effective classes for students at different levels.
The course is structured across three progressive levels. A formal diploma is awarded after each level, with graduates advancing through three distinct stages of authority — from teaching beginners under supervision, to certified instructor status, to full G1 instructor authorisation. Every diploma is personally signed by Eyal Yanilov, KMG's founder and chief instructor.
Key point: the GIC produces instructors who can teach the full KMG curriculum to the same international standard — not instructors certified to a local or regional interpretation of the system.Course structure
The GIC is structured across three progressive levels, each building on the last. Candidates must meet the assessment criteria at each stage before advancing, and receive a formal diploma after each level passed.
Level 1 — 5 days
Foundation certification. Graduates at this level are authorised to teach beginner classes in a KMG-affiliated school under the supervision of a fully certified instructor.
Level 1 Diploma awardedLevel 2 — additional 7 days
Certified instructor status. Graduates are recognised KMG instructors authorised to run their own beginner and intermediate classes, teaching up to Practitioner 3 (P3) level in the KMG curriculum.
Level 2 Diploma awardedLevel 3 — additional 7 days
Full G1 instructor certification. Graduates are fully authorised KMG instructors with the ability to teach and assess students across the KMG curriculum, and are eligible to open and operate their own KMG-affiliated school.
Full G1 Instructor Diploma awardedThe three levels are typically completed in two segments of nine days each. Each segment concludes with technical, teaching, and physical conditioning examinations.
What the course covers
The GIC is designed to develop both Krav Maga capability and the ability to teach it effectively. Content includes:
- The KMG international curriculum — techniques, tactics, and principles across all Practitioner levels
- Teaching methodology — how to structure classes, plan sessions, and develop students at different stages
- Psychology of violence and stress — understanding how the body responds under real threat, and how to train students for it
- Law and self-defence — the legal and ethical framework instructors need to teach within
- Physical conditioning and functional training design
- Use of common objects and everyday carry (EDC) contexts
- Over 8 hours of online lectures covering course theory, available throughout the programme
What graduates receive
A formal KMG diploma after each level passed — Level 1, Level 2, and the full G1 Instructor Diploma — each signed by Eyal Yanilov. The final G1 diploma confers full certification, a KMG Graduate Grade in Krav Maga, and the authority to open and operate a KMG-affiliated school.
All certified instructors join the KMG global instructor network with access to regular instructor updates, advanced camps, and ongoing professional development events across Australia, New Zealand, and internationally.
Prerequisites for New Zealand candidates
Acceptance onto the GIC is through application to KMG New Zealand and requires authorisation from the KMG New Zealand Director. The prerequisites reflect the level of experience the course demands:
Minimum grade
Practitioner 3 (P3) in the KMG curriculum, preferably achieved with a score of 90% or above.
Training history
At least two years of regular Krav Maga training. Consistency and depth of experience matter — not just the grade achieved.
Letter of recommendation
A letter from a current KMG instructor covering both technical skill and character. This is a reference for the kind of instructor you are likely to become, not just where you are technically.
Appropriate background
Candidates should have the physical ability, personal discipline, and commitment to complete an intensive multi-week certification programme.
The pathway for New Zealand candidates
New Zealand candidates typically complete the GIC through KMG Australia, which runs regular courses as the nearest active KMG regional hub. The process from interest to certification follows a clear sequence:
How to get started
Build your foundation. Reach P3 level through consistent KMG training in New Zealand. This takes most students a minimum of two years of regular attendance.
Express your interest to KMG New Zealand. Contact the KMG NZ team to discuss your readiness, background, and timing. Your instructor will assess whether you meet the prerequisites and are ready to apply.
Formal application and authorisation. Applications go through KMG New Zealand and require authorisation from the KMG New Zealand Director before you can be accepted onto a course.
Complete the GIC in Australia. Most New Zealand candidates attend the GIC through KMG Australia. Course dates and locations are published on the KMG international website.
Certification and ongoing development. After passing, you join the KMG instructor network with access to annual instructor updates, advanced camps, and events across Australia, New Zealand, and internationally.
Why the standard matters
The rigour of the GIC is not incidental — it is the mechanism by which KMG maintains the same teaching standard across 60+ countries. Every KMG instructor, wherever they teach, has passed the same programme, been assessed against the same criteria, and received their certification from the same source.
For students, that means training under a KMG instructor anywhere in the world carries a consistent expectation. The instructor may differ. The standard behind their certification does not.
For aspiring instructors, it means the KMG diploma carries genuine credibility — because the programme that produces it is not easy to pass and is not available to those who have not done the foundational work.
What people ask about the KMG instructor course
The full GIC consists of three levels totalling 19 days of in-person training, typically completed across two intensive segments of nine days each. Level 1 is five days. Levels 2 and 3 add seven days each. The course also includes an online learning component and a written instructor manual.
Most New Zealand candidates complete the GIC through KMG Australia, which runs regular courses as the nearest KMG regional hub. Applications go through KMG New Zealand first — you need authorisation from the KMG NZ Director before being accepted onto a course.
A minimum of Practitioner 3 (P3) in the KMG curriculum is required, preferably with a score of 90% or above. You also need at least two years of regular KMG training and a letter of recommendation from a current KMG instructor.
Yes. A formal KMG diploma is awarded after each of the three levels, each signed by Eyal Yanilov. Level 1 confers foundation certification — graduates can teach beginner classes under a fully certified instructor. Level 2 confers certified instructor status — graduates can run their own classes up to P3 level. Level 3 confers the full G1 Instructor Diploma — graduates are fully authorised KMG instructors and are eligible to open their own KMG-certified school.
That depends on which level you have completed. Level 1 authorises teaching beginner classes under a fully certified instructor. Level 2 makes you a certified KMG instructor able to run your own classes up to P3 level. Full G1 certification (completing all three levels) authorises you to teach the complete KMG curriculum, assess and grade students, and open your own KMG-affiliated school.
Every KMG diploma — from Level 1 through the full G1 Instructor Diploma — is personally signed by Eyal Yanilov, the founder of Krav Maga Global and the most senior Krav Maga practitioner in the world. That personal authorisation is part of what makes the KMG certification meaningful internationally.
Start by training consistently in New Zealand and working toward P3 level. Once you are approaching that grade, speak with your KMG instructor about your interest — they will be able to give you an honest assessment of your readiness and timeline, and guide you through the application process.
Interested in the Instructor Pathway?
The first step is consistent training under a KMG-certified instructor. Use the contact page to get in touch, or find your nearest training location to get started.