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Martial arts instructor

Martial arts instructors teach martial arts like karate, jujitsu and judo.

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

36 to 38 variable

You could work

freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

How to become a Martial arts instructor

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

College

To train as a martial arts instructor you can do 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 need:

  • instructor membership of your NGB
  • 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 discipline can give you advice on qualifications as instructor awards differ between NGBs.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements for this route.

More information

Apprenticeship

You could do an intermediate apprenticeship for an activity leadership coaching qualification to become an instructor.

Training providers set their own entry requirements for this apprenticeship.

More information

More information

Career tips

You may need a children's instructor award before working 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.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to teach pupils how to do something
  • customer service skills
  • leadership skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work on your own
  • the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things
  • being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

  • preparing lesson plans
  • demonstrating warm ups, skills training, and physical conditioning
  • coaching students
  • developing individual training programmes
  • observing and assessing students, and giving them feedback
  • developing and practising your own skills
  • taking responsibility for the health and safety of students
  • promoting your classes

Working environment

You could work in a creative studio or at a fitness centre.

Your working environment may be physically demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

With experience, and a senior instructor award, you could set up your own school or association.

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Swimming Teacher

  • Wage : £111.00 Weekly
  • Location: Birmingham

Sports Coaching Apprentice

  • Wage : £160.00 Weekly
  • Location: Plymouth PL5 2RH
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a Martial arts instructor?

Search for training courses near you.

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