Classic Arnis: The Legacy of Placido Yambao

The Complete Guide to Becoming a Karate Instructor

Author: Tl Kleban
Date Posted: December 18, 2007

There are a number of reasons why someone would want to become a karate instructor. They are the kind of people who simply enjoying teaching a skill they are knowledgeable of. The most demanding part of teaching martial arts, is the fact you need to be present for all classes. Your constant and regular presence is what drives your students towards success.

You need to realize that it takes a sharp mind to come up with an answer to every question about the martial arts. It takes knowledge and technical ability to acquire and hold the respect needed to be a great leader and instructor. In other words, to teach what you know, you must know what you know. Your philosophies must be morally correct since you are responsible for the usage of your teachings. Here are a few ways you can become a karate instructor:

* To properly teach karate you better know it too and that takes years or learning and training. I'm talking about being skilling in the upper levels of it such as a black belt. The idea is to develop your skills, coordination and confidence enough so you can teach these same concepts to your students.

* Visit other established karate schools and speak to their karate instructors. Try and get a good feel for what they do or if you can do it? It is a good time to decide if you really want to become an instructor. If you can, watch how they teach their students for any pointers.

* In order to teach properly, you will need strong communication skills so try to develop those along with some leadership skills. Just knowing karate doesn't mean you can automatically teach it. It also takes understanding people and the ability to talk to people. It requires you correctly Express yourself in an open, intelligent manner. These are all important skills needed to be a qualified teacher.

* CPR certification is a good idea. Actually there are a number of karate schools which require it in order to teach for them. True it isn't required, but it's a good thing to know in general since you will around physical activities. Though not required, obtaining an EMT card and getting supplemental training by becoming a certified physical education teacher can be helpful.

* A good place to start in the area of karate teaching is as an instructor trainee. Here you get to work and learn under the supervision of a certified head instructor. Most schools will not allow you teach any classes until you've been a trainee for up to three years or logged a certain number of hours. A great way to get experience is to teach anybody that wants to learn. This means to instruct both children and adults. Another plus is that being an instructor of both groups increases your marketability.

* Don't expect to get into this field and be an overnight success or for this to be your only source of income. Depending on the size of the school, karate instructors usually only work on a part time basis. Expect to work for more than one school to support yourself or don't give up your full-time job quite yet.

About The Author

AWMA provides the best service, the best prices and the most innovative martial arts products out there. We sell the best in karate uniforms, sparring gear and martial arts accessories. Get your AWMA advantage today. Visit us at www.awma.com.

Article Source: JKD Street Combat - online collection of Karate articles.

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