
Krav Maga
SELF-DEFENSE FOR EVERYONE
Based on natural instincts. Quickly learnable. Effective in real-life scenarios.
- 12 levelsfrom beginner to expert
- Online + in personApp, courses and centers
- No experience neededStart at level 1
- 4.8 App Store · 126 ratings
- 5,200+ technique videos
- 60,000+ registered users
- Trainer of police and special forces
What is SAMI-X Krav Maga?
SAMI-X Krav Maga is an effective self-defense system that builds on natural instincts and can be quickly learned as an emergency program for everyone.
The system is designed around instinctive reactions and simple, direct techniques that work under stress – regardless of size, strength, or athletic background. With 12 progressive levels, SAMI-X Krav Maga offers a structured path from absolute beginner to advanced practitioner.
As the flagship defense system within the SAMI-X family, Krav Maga combines proven principles of self-protection with modern training methodology and a clear, level-based curriculum.
- 01
Instinct-Based Self-Defense
Your body already knows how to protect itself. Krav Maga refines these natural reactions into effective defense — no athletic background needed. - 02
Emergency Program – Fast to Learn
No years of training needed. Learn practical self-defense skills from the very first session — designed for people who want to feel safer now. - 03
12 Progressive Levels
12 levels from beginner to expert. Clear goals, measurable progress, and a structured path that keeps you motivated long-term. - 04
Realistic Scenario Training
Every technique is pressure-tested against realistic resistance — punches, grabs, weapons, multiple attackers. It works when it matters most.

Who Is SAMI-X Krav Maga For?
- Complete beginners with no martial arts experience
- Women looking for practical self-protection
- Busy professionals with limited training time
- Martial artists and combat sports practitioners
- Security professionals and law enforcement
- Aspiring and existing instructors
Not required: martial arts experience, high fitness level, and physical size or strength
12 levels – from your first session to expert
Every level has clear goals. You take your exams online or at a center and receive your official SAMI diploma.
- Levels 1–4FundamentalsWhere everyone starts — no experience needed. Stances, strikes, escapes, and de-escalation. Candidate to Associate Instructor.
- Levels 5–8AdvancedReal threats, real pressure. Armed attacks, multiple attackers, ground situations. Advanced Instructor 1–4.
- Levels 9–12ExpertFull system mastery. Complex scenarios, tactical decisions, teaching methodology. Expert to Master Instructor.
Choose your path
In the app
Videos, guided trainings and live trainings – whenever and wherever you want.Start for freeOnline course with certificate
Krav Maga level by level, with an exam and an official SAMI diploma.View courseAt a center
With a coach and a group at a SAMI center near you – request your trial class directly from the center.Find a trial classBecome an instructor
The certified SAMI instructor education for Krav Maga.View the education
Next seminar: SAMI-X Krav Maga Intensive Course · November 20, 2026 · All Krav Maga seminars · All training formats
Start today – for free
Full Membership
Recommended… / month
- 5 Combat Systems: Krav Maga, Panantukan, Stick, Knife, and Axe
- Learning tracks and guided trainings
- Live trainings
- Online certification
Online course with certificate
€390 one-time
Krav Maga level by level, with an exam and an official SAMI diploma. No subscription.
View courseExams at a center: SAMI International Membership · Learn more

Peter Weckauf
Founder of the SAMI Combat Systems. Trainer of police and special forces, seminars in over 50 countries.
About SAMIQuestions about Krav Maga
The six most important ones here, all others below.
What is SAMI-X Krav Maga?
SAMI-X Krav Maga is an effective self-defense system that builds on natural instincts and can be quickly learned as an emergency program for everyone. It focuses on instinctive reactions, simple techniques, and realistic scenario training to prepare you for real-world threats.
Who is SAMI-X Krav Maga for?
SAMI-X Krav Maga is designed for everyone – men, women, young and old, beginners and experienced martial artists alike. The instinct-based approach means no prior experience, special fitness level, or physical strength is required. It is equally suitable for personal self-protection and professional security training.
How does SAMI-X Krav Maga differ from other self-defense systems?
SAMI-X Krav Maga stands out through its:
instinct-based approach – techniques build on natural reactions rather than replacing them
12-level structure – providing clear progression from beginner to expert
integration within the SAMI-X ecosystem – it can be combined with other SAMI-X systems like SDS, Panantukan, or EBC for a comprehensive skill set
modern training methodology – combining online, live, and in-person formats
Is SAMI-X Krav Maga suitable for complete beginners?
Absolutely. SAMI-X Krav Maga was specifically designed as an emergency program for everyone. The system starts with your natural instincts and gradually builds skill and confidence. Level 1 assumes zero prior experience, and the structured curriculum ensures you progress at your own pace.
What training formats are available?
SAMI-X Krav Maga can be trained in multiple formats:
Online courses – structured video-based training you can do at home
Live sessions – interactive online classes with real-time instruction
In-person seminars – hands-on training with partner work and scenario drills
All formats complement each other and can be combined for optimal learning.
History and philosophy of Krav Maga
Krav Maga combines techniques from boxing, kickboxing, knife fighting, stick fighting, Aikido, Karate, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu and many more. One principle of Krav Maga is training a person's natural reflexes in a way that they can be applied effectively in dangerous situations. The basics you have been taught are simply combined with additional, dynamic moves. This freedom to improvise allows quick adaptation to any situation.
Origins of Krav Maga
Krav Maga was devised by Imi Lichtenfeld in Bratislava, modern day Slovakia, in the early 1940s. Following his escape to Palestine and Israel's establishment, he became a close quarters combat instructor for the Israeli Army. The system is now taught to Israeli Security Forces, military, Mossad, and Police.
The system was developed to reach maximum proficiency in the shortest time and to withstand violent situations as well as mental stress. Military Krav Maga has been adapted extensively for civilian use, becoming highly efficient and extremely practice-oriented.
Philosophy & Approach
Krav Maga is based on instinctive and natural moves and reflexes, which do not require lengthy practice and can be recalled even under extreme mental pressure. Training incorporates the latest insights in training methods without relying on tradition or esoteric elements common in Asian martial arts.
The instructor is a person who helps us to broaden our knowledge of self-defense; he is not an object of admiration. Krav Maga is a constantly evolving system — we strive for development and better solutions. The system must be adapted to the person, not vice versa!
10 more questions
How do the 12 levels work?
The 12 levels provide a progressive curriculum:
Levels 1–4: Fundamentals – basic defense, awareness, strikes, and escapes
Levels 5–8: Advanced – weapon defenses, multiple attackers, ground fighting, stress drills
Levels 9–12: Expert – complex scenarios, tactical decision-making, teaching methodology
Each level has defined techniques, drills, and testing criteria. You can progress at your own pace through online and in-person training.
Do I need a training partner?
No. Many elements of SAMI-X Krav Maga – including shadow drills, movement patterns, striking techniques, and conditioning – can be trained solo. Online courses are specifically designed for individual training. However, partner work and scenario training during live or in-person sessions significantly enhance your learning experience.
How does the Krav Maga Instructor Education Program work?
The SAMI-X Krav Maga Instructor Education Program follows the same 12-level structure and covers:
system principles and technique methodology
teaching didactics and class structure
scenario design and stress drill management
student assessment and progression guidance
professional development and certification
The program is open to participants without previous instructor experience and combines online education with mandatory in-person certification seminars.
How long do I have access to the online content?
Membership: Access is available as long as your membership is active.
Online courses & single videos: Access remains available as long as you have a valid account on the platform.
What is the difference between Krav Maga and SDS?
SAMI-X Krav Maga focuses on empty-hand self-defense and instinct-based reactions against physical attacks – punches, grabs, chokes, weapon threats, and ground situations.
SDS (Self Defense Stick Concept) specializes in the use of everyday objects and legal self-defense tools as force multipliers.
Both systems complement each other perfectly and can be trained independently or together within the SAMI-X ecosystem.
Who can learn Krav Maga?
Krav Maga was devised to train even untrained individuals to a substantial proficiency of self-defense in a short span of time. It is accessible to everyone regardless of age or gender and various physical conditions.
Why should I learn Krav Maga?
Learning self-defense improves handling of aggression and self-confidence. Practitioners develop the ability to assess dangerous situations and react sensibly according to the situation. Studies show people who display self-confidence are less likely to be victims of violent crimes.
What is civil Krav Maga?
Krav Maga is a simple and at the same time highly efficient system of self-defense which is based on instinctive moves, practical techniques and realistic training scenarios. It is self-defense in its purest form — it's no martial art or sport. Training also improves fitness through unorthodox training methods.
What is Krav Maga for professionals?
Security Krav Maga addresses professional groups facing workplace violence. The roots of Security Krav Maga are both in the military and in the civilian field. It combines self-defense with teamwork, consideration of mission and laws, vocational field, third party protection, approach techniques, fixing and transporting techniques. Designed for security staff, bodyguards, police, and those handling difficult customers or patients.
Is Krav Maga available for kids?
Yes! Children need to have the chance for physical activity, to develop dexterity and flexibility and to develop a healthy dose of self-esteem and confidence. Training emphasizes coordination, balance and understanding of the body with age-oriented methods with a lot of fun.
Ready for level 1?
Free, no credit card – Krav Maga is set up for you right away.

