Krav Maga should not consist of rankings nor constitute a belt system. The whole premise of proper Israeli KM is a system of easy-to-learn techniques and tactics to try and save one's life in a violent confrontation.

As a self-defence system, KM therefore should not be complex enough where gradings are required to progress onto more "advanced" techniques or tactics. Yes, there is progression where one can build on and/or enhance existing skills but these additions should not be so far removed from basic manuevers that they require months or years of experience before being able to do.

BJJ--which itself is a highly-effective system--does require one to learn basics and then step through a realistic rate of progression. BJJ techniques can be complex and difficult however KM (as it's own art) should not be the same.

You rarely walk into a boxing or kickboxing gym and see graded and colour-belted fighters. One simply starts, learns, and develops from that point. As they expose themselves to the training, they enhance their own abilities. Yet, there is never a requirement to successful display a series of techniques before being able to learn another one.

In my experience in boxing and Muay Thai, you learned the techniques of whatever the instructor had planned for that day. It didn't matter if you were a beginner or advanced. The instructor would have a plan for each session and if you showed up for it, you learned whatever was being taught.

KM--again, being for self-defence--should follow the suit of boxing and kickboxing in that you should be able to learn any technique that is being taught that day. I have come across KM gyms who withhold certain curriculum from students who do not grade. Despite months of training, if you could not or would not attend a grading, you would not be taught more "advanced" techniques. This is not Krav Maga. This isn't even proper self-defence. If you are being taught techniques that are so complex that you must learn something prior to it (other than basic striking and blocking), then, again, this is not Krav Maga. The one exception is learning certain elements of ground fighting which can require a substantial knowledge of techniques to be able to effectively complete (see BJJ paragraph above).