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General overview of grades

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

The KFM self-defense system created by Justo Diéguez and Andy Norman uses a patch ranking structure (White Patch to Black Patch Master) instead of belts. The system evaluates Pensador helmet guard mastery, 360-degree close-quarters crowd combat, elbow strikes, and hammerfists in real street environments.

1st Level – White Patch

White PatchRank #1

Typical gap since previous grade: 3 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Basic Pensador (Thinker) head guard, elbow strikes, and instinctive reactions.

Symbolism & Meaning

Entry to the harsh self-defense system developed for street combat.

2nd Level – Yellow Patch

Yellow PatchRank #2

Typical gap since previous grade: 6 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

360° awareness scanning, hammer fists, and basic ground survival.

Symbolism & Meaning

Developing predator mind and constant awareness of multiple attackers.

3rd Level – Green Patch

Green PatchRank #3

Typical gap since previous grade: 9 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Hard close-quarter combinations, joint destruction, and fluid fighting.

Symbolism & Meaning

Instinctive transition between defense and brutal counter-attack.

4th Level – Blue Patch

Blue PatchRank #4

Typical gap since previous grade: 12 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

KFM applications against knife/stick attacks, distance control, and falls.

Symbolism & Meaning

Gaining calm and tactical superiority under extreme weapon pressure.

5th Level – Brown Patch

Brown PatchRank #5

Typical gap since previous grade: 18 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Fluid elimination of multiple attackers from all directions, instructor prep.

Symbolism & Meaning

Pre-step to achieving full mastery in KFM.

6th Level – Black Patch (Master)

Black PatchRank #6

Typical gap since previous grade: 24 monthsestimate

Requirements & Focus

Full KFM instructor. Real contact combat and teaching modern close protection.

Symbolism & Meaning

Expert capable of using environment and instinct for total dominance.