Martial Arts Instructor : Job Description, Education & Career Opportunities

The major job responsibility of martial arts instructors is to guide people, both adult and children, to learn skills the latter need for self defense. There are different forms of martial arts. Many of these skills are internationally recognized. Different types of martial arts use different techniques and principles for personal safety. These professionals specialize in specific disciplines and teach students skills to lean the arts of self defense.

Job Description
The job of a martial arts instructor is quite a challenging one. They help students learn the skills at different levels. Their responsibilities include training students and teaching them the techniques so that they can defend themselves. While working with beginners, instructors need to teach them basic techniques of the art. Depending on the specific requirements, instructors also develop various training programs which may include combating skills and breaking techniques.

Martial arts instructors coach students, observe them while practicing and assess their skills. They keep an eye on how students are practicing and how they are progressing. A major challenge for the instructors is to make sure students practice the martial arts abiding by the safety guidelines. They guide the students on how to acquire safe training habits.

Educational Qualification & Training
To become a martial arts instructor, candidates need adequate coaching qualifications. Before getting enrolled into a training program, candidates need to ensure that the program is recognized by the National Governing Body for the martial arts discipline they want to get trained in. Besides, you will also need to fulfill some eligibility criteria which are as follows.

You must alt least be of 18 years of age.
You must have a valid first aid certificate.
You must have a minimum grade approved by the concerned National Governing Body.
You must have recommendation from your association.
You must have an instructor membership of a National Governing Body.

Depending on what age group you provide martial arts training to, you may require some additional qualification. To train child, you should have child protection training. Professional indemnity insurance and a clearance from the Criminal Records Bureau are the other requirements that candidates need to fulfill for becoming a martial arts instructor.

There are various organizations that also offer free online training. A good example is the Martial Arts Tutor Company that provides free training in key self defense disciplines including Judo, Karate, Hapkido, Kendo, Kickboxing, Tai Chi, Tae Kwon Do, Jui Jitsu and Tang Soo Do among others.

Training & Development for Career Advancement
There are several National Government Bodies that provide senior coach qualification to instructors for the advancement of career. To get this senior level training, professionals should have extensive experience in training as 1st Dan Black Belt students. There are multiple other short term courses and workshops that you can attend for advancing your career. Child protection and good practice workshops and personal development training programs are offered to professionals by various NGBs.

Job Skills
Besides having essential coaching qualification, professionals should also possess some other essential skills to make the most of their careers. Excellent communication skills, capability to clearly demonstrate techniques, patience, perseverance, motivational skills, organizational skills, enthusiasm and good knowledge of physiology are some important skills professionals need to have to become a successful in the field of martial arts.

Employment Opportunities
A majority of instructors are self employed in the field of martial arts. Instructing could also be a second source of earning for you, aside from a job you do. If you have extensive senior coaching experience, acclaim and expertise, you can establish your own school or association for providing training to students. Owing to a number of disciplines, martial arts instructing offers diverse career possibilities.

Annual Salary
Martial instructors' salaries vary depending on the discipline and geographic location. The annual salary of these professionals ranges between $29,018 and $42,134. With growing senior coaching experience, instructors can earn a higher salary.