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Rabbis-Ranks-Titles
BY MOSHE KATZ
CEO
ISRAELI KRAV INTERNATIONAL
October 7, 2025, Israel
I personally see value in ranks; I have written about this before at length; they serve as motivation and as a source of recognition. I remember the moment I received my first strip on my white belt back at the Oyama dojo when Sempai Terroa walked up to me and without saying a word taped a blue strip to my belt. I can say that was a great moment in my martial arts career, I worked very hard for that strip and that made me believe that if I could actually achieve that first blue strip, anything is possible.
I recall my green belt as I had an amazing high round house kick that knocked down my opponent. I have a vague recollection of my first black belt with Itay Gil, but other than that most of the belts just blend into some sort of general memory. I worked long and hard for all my ranks, none were gifts, or deals, I paid with blood, sweat and tears, and cash. I believe as you are moving up the ranks the belts serve as a tangible motivation. And, your ranks serves as recognition, you worked hard and you are recognized for your achievements,
But then comes the more important elements, the truth.
It is great to be able to write on your resume that you have earned a black belt in karate or judo or whatever, but the real test is can you actually defend yourself.
I recall speaking to a woman, from another style of Krav Maga, about her rank. She was very evasive but finally said, OK, I have the rank of black belt. But why was she so evasive? She told me that once she came to train with us she realized that she did not earn a black belt, she simply purchased one. In her previous school, you pay for your belts up front. i.e when you join and register, you decide what ranks you want, you sign a contract, and you pay upfront for all the ranks. In her case she paid for one full year of lessons, which at the conclusion of she received a black belt. All part of the contract, but not something that left her with a sense of pride or achievement. That is why when I inquire about someone rank, I ask the following questions: How long did you train, and who awarded you the rank? The answer to those questions is more important than your rank.
And now the analogy of rabbis.
There are many people with the title rabbi, but the title itself does not tell us what kind of a rabbi, or the level of knowledge the individual possesses. There are many different institutes where one can obtain such a title. For example, if one goes through the official Israeli rabbinate, the process takes 14 years. If you go privately to some local rabbi, it can be 6 months, or in some cases you can just pay for it. So how do we know? The only way we can know is by getting to know the individual. We can ask about him, who awarded him this title? and how long was the process? This can tell us a great deal about his level of knowledge.
If someone says Louis Ginzberg ordained me, well then, that means you are a true scholar. Rabbi Louis Ginzburg was one of my grandfather's teachers, and I know that to obtain a title from him is second to none. And indeed, my grandfather, Rabbi Isaac Klein was a world renown rabbi and scholar. To say one was ordained by such a man is all one needs to know.
But about levels or "ranks"? What if you earned your rabbinical ordination a the age of 26, and now you are 50, or 60, do you receive a higher rank? No, there are no more ranks, or titles, and here is the key point for today, it is your name, not your title that matters. The great Rabbi Moshe Feinstein was simply known as Reb Moshe, his name meant more than title. The great Rabbi Menachem Mendel Shneerson was known simle as "The Rebbe". His name meant more than any title.
as time goes on your reputation increases, if you are worthy of it. You do not become an Associate Rabbi, or a black belt rabbi, you always have only the title of rabbi, it is what comes after that title that matters, i.e. your own name.
It is the same with martial arts; I have been offered many grandiose titles by various organizations trying to recruit me and gain from my 40 years of hard work. I reject all titles, I don't need them. I just have my name, the name my parents gave me, that is enough. If I am worthy, you will hear my name and know that Moshe Katz stands for quality, honesty and innovation. If not, no title will help.
Krav Maga Ranks and Recognition
Moshe Katz, 7th dan Black Belt, Israeli Krav Maga. Certified by Wingate Institute. Member Black Belt hall of fame, USA and Europe.
Understand the Israeli Fighting Mentality - Israel a Nation of Warriors by Moshe Katz
What is the cultural background of Krav Maga? What makes it unique? What makes the Israeli military so effective? Why are Israeli security systems used all over the world?
What are the Biblical origins of Krav Maga and who was the first Krav Maga instructor?
What weapons and military strategies did our Biblical ancestors use?
How has Krav Maga developed in Israel and what are its goals?
All that and more in this unique book.
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