How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- training with a professional body
College
You can train as a martial arts instructor by doing a coaching qualification at college that's recognised by the National Governing Body (NGB) for your martial arts discipline.
Before taking a coaching qualification, you'll usually need:
- instructor membership of your NGB
- to have reached a minimum grade approved by your NGB
- a recommendation from your association before attending an instructor award course
Some NGBs may expect you to have held an assistant coach qualification for 6 months. The NGB for your martial art can give you advice on qualifications as instructor awards differ between NGBs.
Entry requirements
There are no set entry requirements for this route.
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Community Activator Coach Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship or Sports Coach Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship to become an instructor.
Training providers set their own entry requirements for this apprenticeship.
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Volunteering
You could get experience as an assistant instructor by volunteering for a few hours a week with a club in your area.
When you're ready, you could start instructor training and work you way up through the levels.
Other Routes
You can train to become an instructor with a martial arts professional body that oversees your chosen sport.
You normally have to reach a minimum grade in your discipline before you can apply for a coaching course, for example 2nd kyu (grade) for judo.
Once accepted for training, you would complete several stages to become an instructor.
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Career tips
You may need a children's instructor award to work with children. It can also help you if you have experience of teaching or coaching another sport, and a first aid certificate.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a martial arts instructor from UK Coaching.