How to Get a Teaching Certificate for Martial Arts Online

There is no central authority that grants licenses to teach martial arts. A teaching credential comes from an individual teacher or organization that awards you a license based on your expertise, belt level and time in rank. Generally, a black belt rank is considered enough experience to teach martial arts classes. Many organizations require a rank of third-degree black belt or higher to teach independently. Though it is possible to obtain training and licensing through distance-learning programs, there is no substitute for hands-on training when it comes to learning martial arts.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access

Instructions

Find an Organization

1. Decide on which martial art you want to teach. Dozens of styles exist, with many hundreds of sub-styles under those general headings. Many of these styles now have distance-learning programs.

2. Find out what distance learning programs exist for the style you wish to teach. Try martial arts-related Internet forums and print magazines to find programs that may work for you.

3. Once you find one or two, look into how each organization is regarded in the martial arts community. You may want to call nearby martial arts schools or check related threads on martial arts Internet forums. When calling a school, speak with the school owner as she usually would be the most informed about the structure and organization of their style.

4. Decide on a single organization. Enroll in their program and stick with it.

Complete Your Training

1. Make sure you have the technical equipment needed to complete your training. This will usually include a uniform and possibly some weapons. It will also include the ability to record video and send it to an instructor via email.

2. Follow the step-by-step plan for training and certification according to the instructor training program you enrolled in. This process should take you through several belt levels and take years of training.

3. Be prepared to take a number of tests or exams, some of which may require travel or paying for an instructor to travel and see you. In most cases, the travel expenses will be your responsibility.

Tips & Warnings

• There are many less than reputable online martial arts training programs. Look for the following warning signs when considering distance learning for martial arts :

• Avoid programs that offer certification in a year or less.

• Avoid programs that will send you certificates before you complete your training.

• Avoid programs without a clearly expressed curriculum.

• Avoid programs that offer instructor certification without any kind of in-person training, testing or interview.

• Avoid programs with single, up-front tuition of $1,000 or more.