← Back to martial art

General overview of grades

This ladder is not yet attributed to a specific organisation. Federations differ in belt colours and time requirements.

Scandinavian Defendo (Defendo Alliance), created by Jyrki Saario in Finland based on European military and police experience, utilizes 6 tactical levels (Level 1 Hard Target to Level 6 Master). Ranks evaluate realistic simplicity, instinctual Shield cover, knife/firearm threat elimination, and stress sparring.

Level 1 – Hard Target

Hard TargetRank #1

Typical gap since previous grade: 3 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Basic combat stance, forearm strikes (A-whack), kicks, and grab releases.

Symbolism & Meaning

Scandinavian tactical system created by Jyrki Saario for European self-defense.

Level 2 – Combat Tech

Combat TechRank #2

Typical gap since previous grade: 9 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Whiplash elbow locks, takedowns, clinch control, and ground defense.

Symbolism & Meaning

Uncompromising simplification of techniques for high-stress scenarios.

Level 3 – S.T.A.R. (Special Tactics)

S.T.A.R.Rank #3

Typical gap since previous grade: 12 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Specialized knife and stick defense, emergency disarming, and police escorts.

Symbolism & Meaning

Official module for law enforcement, security personnel, and rescuers.

Level 4 – Red Line

Red LineRank #4

Typical gap since previous grade: 18 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Multiple attacker drills in darkness/confined space, full-contact helmet drills.

Symbolism & Meaning

Testing physical and mental limits before instructor certification.

Level 5 – Defendo Black Belt (Instructor)

Defendo BlackRank #5

Typical gap since previous grade: 24 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Defendo Black Belt. Full certification to teach Hard Target & Combat Tech courses.

Symbolism & Meaning

Representative of Jyrki Saario's Scandinavian tactical concept.

Level 6 – Defendo Master Instructor

Defendo MasterRank #6

Typical gap since previous grade: 48 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Highest Alliance Defendo instructor rank. Trainer of national instructors & police.

Symbolism & Meaning

Defendo Master = Chief methodologist and developer of tactical training in Europe.