To become a martial arts instructor, one needs to have a high degree of proficiency, the ability to teach, and good business sense. Obtaining a black belt takes dedication and commitment, while teaching ability is crucial as students are paying customers. Good business sense is important for self-promotion and contributing to the success of the school. Aspiring instructors can test the waters by offering starter classes at organizations like the YMCA or community centers.
In addition to having a deep love for martial arts and the specific discipline one trained in, there are three main requirements for becoming a martial arts instructor. First is a high degree of martial arts proficiency, with a rank of at least a black belt. The second requirement is the ability to teach. Many people acquire experience in a subject, but lack the ability to teach their knowledge to others. Especially in a field like martial arts, the ability to teach successfully is critical because the students are also the paying customers. The final requirement & emdash; a good business sense & emdash; may be considered optional by those planning to work for a school operated by someone else, but even so, the ability to self-promote can be a critical element of success for anyone wishing to become a martial arts instructor.
Obtaining a high degree of martial arts proficiency, as evidenced by earning a black belt, is the most difficult and time-consuming requirement to fulfill. Achieving a black belt in one of the many martial arts disciplines such as karate, kung-fu or taekwondo takes dedication, commitment and perseverance, and for someone who faithfully attends classes at least twice a week, it usually takes at least two years and can take up to four or five years, depending on the specific discipline. Also, many instructors specialize in one discipline but also train in others so as to offer more to their students when they become martial arts instructors.
Most disciplines have national and international federations that certify instructors and schools, and authorize them to award ratings and emdash; “Belts” & emdash; about students. A good instructor should be able to confer black belt ranks on deserving students.
Teaching ability, the second necessary requirement for becoming a martial arts instructor, is absolutely critical. Martial arts are a combination of mental, physical and spiritual training, and while beginning students consider it a physical activity, advanced practitioners find it almost spiritual. Teaching martial arts, then, is much more than simply training someone to more or less punch you in the shoulder. The other reason why the ability to teach is so crucial is that students are the paying customers; if they are not satisfied with the instructions they are receiving, they will simply go elsewhere.
Good business sense, the third requirement for becoming a martial arts instructor, is important because most martial arts schools are small operations with only a few instructors. Each instructor contributes to the success of the school, both through the quality of teaching and the success of students, but also by promoting their activities outside the school environment. Also, martial arts instructors who want to start a school & emdash; sometimes called “dojong” or “dojo” & emdash; must have a strong tendency to self-promotion and the ability to convince others that their style is superior to those offered in the neighborhood.
Unlike other occupations, people who think they want to become martial arts instructors can actually give it a “test drive”. There are opportunities available for aspiring instructors that won’t require them to quit their day job or make massive capital investments by renting space for instruction and purchasing specialized equipment. Organizations such as the YMCA, health clubs, churches, gyms and community centers often have space available where starter classes can be offered without a large initial investment, although it may be a requirement that such classes be offered free of charge or for just a nominal fee. However, these are excellent opportunities to determine if they have what it takes to become a martial arts instructor.
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