Martial Arts Instructor
What is the work like?
Martial arts instructors help people learn the skills they need to take part safely and to the best of their ability in a particular martial arts discipline.
As a martial arts instructor you would:
- demonstrate techniques, explaining the principles behind them
- coach students, breaking techniques down into simple moves when working with beginners
- develop training programmes
- observe and assess students, and give them feedback on their progress
- take responsibility for the health and safety of students, and for teaching safe training habits.
You could work with both adults and children, instructing them at an appropriate level.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To train as a martial arts instructor you would need a coaching qualification recognised by the National Governing Body (NGB) for your martial arts discipline. You can find details on the Sport England website.
You would need:
- to be aged at least 18
- instructor membership of a NGB
- a minimum grade approved by your NGB – usually 1st degree (dan) Black Belt
- a valid first aid certificate
- a recommendation from your association before attending an instructor award course.
Some NGBs may expect you to have held an assistant coach qualification for six months. The NGB for your discipline will advise on appropriate qualifications.
Instructor awards differ between NGBs – they are usually studied either as short full-time courses or through distance learning.
You will also need:
- professional indemnity insurance
- child protection training
- CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) clearance.
What further training and development can I do?
Some NGBs will expect you to have a children’s instructor award before working with children.
Senior coach qualifications are available from some NGBs. You can do these if you have extensive experience of training 1st Dan Black belt students and have achieved at least 3rd Dan.
You can increase your knowledge and skills by attending short courses and workshops. These include 'Child Protection and Good Practice' workshops, and personal development courses for coaches run by Sports Coach UK. See the Sports Coach UK website for details.
You can also work towards NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Coaching, Teaching and Instructing.
See the UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC) website for details of the UKCC. This is a new national certificate which will give coaches nationally recognised and transferable professional qualifications. The martial arts disciplines involved at present include judo and Karate.
Where can I go for more information?
77-91 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1PX
Advice line: 08000 933300
Victoria House
Bloomsbury Square
London
WC1B 4SE
Tel: 0845 850 8508
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Instructors usually charge per lesson at rates starting at around £5.
When starting out there will be the expense of acquiring equipment and premises, and it may take some time to build up student numbers.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work evenings and weekends, when most people take part in recreation. Lessons usually last up to 90 minutes, but you may also be involved in longer lessons or on day courses, resulting in long working hours. You would also accompany students to tournaments and courses, and attend national and international courses to develop your own skills.
You could work in a variety of locations, from church halls and pub rooms to leisure centres and martial arts studios.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- knowledge and ability in your martial arts discipline
- good spoken communication skills
- the ability to demonstrate techniques clearly
- perseverance and patience
- enthusiasm and the ability to inspire confidence and motivate others
- good organisational skills
- commitment to health and safety
- good knowledge of physiology
- the ability to develop good relationships with the local community and media.
What opportunities are there?
You would usually be self-employed, with instructing either as your main source of income or as a second income.
You may be able to set up your own school or association if you have a senior instructor award and a lot of experience. Opportunities vary between disciplines. Please contact your NGB for details.
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