Operations Order: Fall Blackbelt Retreat, Krav Camp, and Graduation
KMMA Blackbelt Retreat & Krav Camp 2026
An old-school weekend of training, testing, teamwork and transformation.
This September, KMMA returns to the roots of Blackbelt training.
The 2026 KMMA Blackbelt Retreat and Krav Camp will bring our Blackbelt candidates and Krav Camp participants together for an unforgettable experience built around challenge, preparation, leadership, brotherhood and growth.
This is more than a martial arts event. It is a deliberately demanding experience created to help students discover what they can accomplish when they prepare properly, refuse to quit and work together as a team.
Success is the goal. Growth is the guarantee.
Event schedule
Indoor Crucible — Saturday, September 19, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
KMMA Headquarters
This is an authorized alternative Crucible evolution for Blackbelt candidates who should not participate in the full outdoor training day. Candidates selecting this option remain part of the same candidate class and complete the same Friday and Sunday Blackbelt weekend requirements.
Blackbelt Speeches — Friday, September 25
Hope City
All Blackbelt candidates report for the traditional Blackbelt speeches and opening of the formal testing weekend.
Outdoor Crucible and Krav Camp — Saturday, September 26, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Hope City outdoor training area
A full day of practical Krav Maga, physical challenge, leadership development, teamwork and old-school outdoor training. This evolution includes the Blackbelt candidates completing the Outdoor Crucible as well as other eligible KMMA students registered for Krav Camp.
Formal Blackbelt Test — Sunday, September 27
Skybrooke
All Blackbelt candidates reunite as one candidate class for the formal Blackbelt Test.
Important distinction for candidates
Every Blackbelt candidate must complete one of the two authorized Crucible evolutions:
- Indoor Crucible on September 19, or
- Outdoor Crucible/Krav Camp on September 26.
Regardless of which evolution a candidate selects, all candidates remain part of the same class and report together for Friday’s speeches and Sunday’s formal Blackbelt Test.
No candidate is required to publicly disclose private medical information or justify their selection to the group.
What participants should expect
Participants should expect:
- Practical Krav Maga training
- Physical and mental challenges
- Leadership under pressure
- Team and squad responsibilities
- Preparation and accountability
- Outdoor training conditions for Outdoor Crucible participants
- Opportunities to demonstrate grit, discipline and the KMMA warrior spirit
The experience will be demanding, but it will be planned, supervised and supported. Hydration, water, food and appropriate safety measures will be incorporated into the outdoor evolution.
What Outdoor Crucible participants should bring
The final packing list will be issued directly to registered participants, but outdoor participants should plan for:
- Appropriate outdoor training clothing
- Sleeping bag and camping necessities, when participating in the complete retreat
- Insect repellent
- Personal hygiene items
- Any individually required medications
- A disciplined and prepared mindset
KMMA will provide food and water during the retreat as previously announced.
Transportation
Parents and adult participants are responsible for transportation to and from each applicable location and evolution.
Blackbelts are not created by comfort. They are forged through preparation, disciplined effort, adversity and the decision to keep moving forward.
Whether completing the Indoor Crucible or stepping onto the field for the Outdoor Crucible and Krav Camp, every candidate will be expected to demonstrate the same core qualities: focus, respect, discipline, confidence, gratitude, vision and grit.
Prepare to Live. Empower to Lead.
- Register for Krav Camp
- Blackbelt Candidate Information
- Contact the Academy With Questions
813-948-4844
KMMAUSA.com