If you want to find a position teaching karate, you are likely going to need some form of certification. To prepare for certification, you should take karate classes for several years and advance to higher belts within the martial arts center. When you apply for instructor jobs, potential employers will not only take your certification into consideration, but years of practice as well.
Ranks
Before you can apply for certification, most organizations require you to have achieved a certain rank, or Dan. Most practitioners who have received the rank as Dan obtain a black belt in karate. The United States Council of Martial Arts Standards requires you to obtain rank as a 2nd Dan or higher before applying for their certification program. You also need to complete a basic college fitness class, a college martial arts class and a human anatomy course.
Considerations
Some organizations require less rigid pre-requisites to instructors wishing to receive certification. For instance, the American Martial Arts Certified Professionals only require candidates have at least two years experience practicing karate and have a diploma of no less than one rank below a black belt.
Testing
The type of test you are required to take to receive a certification diploma depends on the organization. After paying a flat fee, the American Martial Arts Certified Professionals gives you access to an online study manual that covers topics, such as blocks, stances, kicks, punches, strength training, salutations, martial arts creeds and first aid training. Once you are ready, you submit your certification exam via mail or e-mail. However to receive certification through the Japan Karate Association, you need to complete a formal test judged by a certified examiner. You must successfully complete the drills required by the organization to receive certification to teach a branch dojo or group.
Advanced Certification
After receiving a basic karate instructor certificate, you can advance to higher levels of certification. You'll need to obtain a higher rank and log more hours of instruction before being eligible for certification. For instance, to become a senior karate instructor through the United States Council of Martial Arts Standards, you need at least 468 instruction hours and must tbe ranked 3rd Dan or higher.
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