Martial arts instructor
Martial arts instructors teach martial arts like karate, jujitsu and judo.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
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
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.
You could become an examiner with a professional sporting association, assessing and grading students of martial arts.
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
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- be over 18 years of age
- pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
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
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
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.
You can gain useful experience through volunteering in clubs or at sporting events.
Find out about and apply for opportunities through Do IT.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a martial arts instructor from UK Coaching.
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