Martial arts instructor

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

• search for courses

You could do an intermediate apprenticeship for a community activator coaching qualification to become an instructor.

Training providers set their own entry requirements for this apprenticeship.

More Information

• guide to apprenticeships

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.

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
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• be over 18 years of age
• pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults

In your day-to-day duties you may:

• prepare lesson plans
• demonstrate warm ups, skills training, and physical conditioning
• coach students
• develop individual training programmes
• observe and assess students, and give them feedback
• develop and practise your own skills
• take responsibility for the health and safety of students
• promote your classes

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.