Deciding on a future career is a dilemma that most of us are faced with in our lives. Even those people who are dead set on a certain job when they are young regularly end up changing their minds as they get older. Some of us even do one job for a number of years and then change career paths at a later date due to whatever reasons. One of the problems seems to be that often the same more mainstream type jobs seem to be the one’s which most people know more about and this can limit choice when selecting a future job. I wanted to write about one of the less talked about jobs – being a martial arts instructor.
For most active types they tend to get into a more traditional sport or become a physical trainer etc. However it seems strange that martial arts are so popular as a hobby or sport to participate in and yet few make a career out of it. A good friend of mine did this so I asked him to share a bit of wisdom about how he came to be a martial arts instructor.
Experience
Clearly one of the key things you need to become a martial arts instructor is lots of time spent training in the discipline of your choice. Something you should maybe consider is how popular a certain form of martial arts is in the area you either live in now or where you wish to live in the future. Obviously this shouldn’t deter you if you are really determined to do a certain martial art but it may limit your opportunities. You will need to get as much possible experience as you can and reach the higher levels such as a black belt in karate.
Qualifications
Learn exactly what you need to achieve to become an instructor. This will vary from country to country and you should never assume what applies in one place will apply in another. Maybe you will have to do some unpaid training for a period of time so do you have the budget or alternative job to fund yourself through this time? Make sure to do extensive research regarding this.
Location
Having got to the point where you feel confident enough to teach and attract students then you will need a location. Try to keep the costs down as much as possible to begin with. Approach, village halls, leisure centres or anywhere appropriate and see where you can get the best deal, in a good location to attract students and with the appropriate space and set-up. Only once you have gained more experience and have set up your own respectable martial arts school should you rent a dojo of your own.
Advertise
It’s all well and good being a fantastic teacher with a lots of knowledge and your own place to teach but if you have no students to teach you will have no business. You will need to sell yourself. Whether it is through community events, posters, online advertising or even calling round, whatever it takes you will have to get the message out there. Perhaps you could teach children as karate is great for kids and there usually tends to be a great demand for it. Explore all avenues and make sure you are making everyone aware of what you have to offer and where.
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