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.

They work with both adults and children, instructing them at an appropriate level. 

They:

• 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
• are responsible for the health and safety of students, and for teaching safe training habits. 

Hours and Environment

Martial arts instructors usually work evenings and weekends, when most people take part in recreation. Lessons usually last up to 90 minutes, but instructors may also be involved in longer lessons or on day courses, resulting in long working hours They also accompany students to tournaments and courses, and attend national and international courses to develop their own skills.

Instructors work in a variety of locations depending on their opportunities and preferences, from church halls and pub rooms to leisure centres and martial arts studios.

Skills and Interests

To be a martial arts instructor you should have:

• knowledge and ability in your discipline
• good verbal communication skills
• the ability to demonstrate techniques clearly
• perseverance and patience
• enthusiasm and the ability to inspire confidence and motivate others
• a tactful approach to students
• good organisational skills
• commitment to health and safety
• good knowledge of physiology 
• the ability to develop good relationships with the local community and media.

Entry

You will need to be 18 or over to train as an instructor, although it is rare that you will be allowed to teach independently or run your own club at that age. Most martial arts instructors are in their 30s or older, and there is no upper age limit or set retirement age.

You must have a coaching qualification recognised by the National Governing Body (NGB) for your martial arts discipline. These are listed in the Further Information section and you can also find details on the Sport England website - see Further Information. You will need:

• 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 bodies may require that you 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
• a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check (preferably enhanced).

Training

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.

Sports Coach UK run 'Child Protection and Good Practice' workshops to train coaches in awareness of child abuse issues and how to deal with potential situations.

NVQs/SVQS are available in Sport, Recreation and Allied Occupations. There is a generic level 1 award Active Leisure and Learning, which provides a pathway into NVQs/SVQs at level 2. NVQ/SVQ Coaching, Teaching and Instructing at levels 2 and 3 are awarded in the context of a specific sport/activity and age group.

A new national certificate, the UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC), is being developed by Sports Coach UK in partnership with NGBs and other agencies including SkillsActive, the Sector Skills Council for Active Leisure and Learning. This will be a five-level framework based on national standards, which will give coaches nationally recognised and transferable professional qualifications. Further details are on the Sports Coach UK website.

Sports Coach UK offers an extensive programme of personal development courses for coaches from all sports and at every level. All courses provide necessary underpinning knowledge to help coaches generate evidence for the NVQ/SVQs in coaching.

Opportunities

Instructors are generally self-employed and they promote themselves as businesses. Their work can be either a main source of income or a second income.

Instructors could also work in military, law enforcement or security roles. 

You may be able to set up your own school or association if you have a senior instructor award and some years' experience. Opportunities vary between disciplines. Please contact your NGB for details.

Annual Income

The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.

Instructors usually charge per lesson (lasting up to 90 minutes, at rates of up to £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.

Further information

3rd Floor
Victoria House
Bloomsbury Square
London
WC1B 4SE
Tel: 0845 850 8508 Castlewood House
77-91 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1PX
Advice line: 08000 933300 114 Cardigan Road
Headingley
Leeds
LS6 3BJ
Tel: 0113 274 4802

Tel: 01628 487555

Tel: 01509 631670 Tel: 01254 396806