Martial Arts Program Instructor I

Markham Arts Council; Markham; On-site; CAD 24,796 - 38,572; Part time

Job summary

The City of Markham is seeking a part-time Martial Arts instructor to plan, lead and supervise programs for children, youth and adults. The role requires delivering Tai Chi, Taekwondo or Karate sessions in the evenings and on weekends, with emphasis on safety and participant development.

Responsibilities include lesson planning, equipment management, attendance tracking and guiding volunteers while maintaining a positive, inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• Post-secondary training in Martial Arts (Tai Chi, Taekwondo, Karate) preferred.
• Minimum 3 years teaching martial arts to all ages.
• Current Standard First Aid/CPR C and AED certifications.
• Active NCCP Level 2 certification.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates and supervises Martial Arts program areas for all ages.
• Plans and writes lesson plans by week two and aligns with regulatory bodies.
• Prepares equipment and maintains inventory to ensure safety.
• Keeps attendance and notifies supervisor of absences.
• Directs volunteers and part-time assistants.
• Ensures safety regulations and risk reduction.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Customer service

Teaching basics

Education

High School Diploma

Post-secondary martial arts training

NCCP Level 2

First Aid/CPR

High Five certification

Ontario Martial Arts Association member

Job description

Department and Commission: Recreation, Community Services
Vacancy Type:Temporary
Posting Date: July 28, 2026
Application Deadline:Aug 24, 2026

About the City of Markham

The City of Markham is consistently ranked among Canada’s top municipal employers. In 2026, the City received its sixth consecutive Canada’s Best Employers recognition from Forbes and Statista Inc., placing third among municipalities and 15th overall in Government Services. An award-winning municipality, Markham is recognized for its leadership in sustainability, innovative urban planning, and strong fiscal management. Serving a diverse and growing community of more than 370,000 residents, Markham combines rich heritage with a vibrant local economy and offers employees the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, impactful work that helps strengthen the community we serve.

Join us and make a lasting difference!

Job Summary

Plans, organizes, instructs and leads Martial Arts programs for children, youth and adult participants. Movements, gestures, and approaches are moreinvolved requiring extensive, concentration and practice to master. Activitiesmay be combative in nature requiring a more mature participant base. Ensures a positive and safe environment forparticipants and peers.

Martial Arts areas

Tai Chi, Taekwondo, Karate

Hours of Work

Evenings & Weekends: Must be available for various evenings and weekends throughout the week and be willing to occasionally cover shifts for staff absences.

Job Duties

• Facilitates, leads and supervises a Martial Arts programarea including but not limited to Tai Chi, Taekwondo and Karate for the assigned participants. The purpose of the instruction context is to create an understanding of the basic techniques and skills of the specialized Martial Arts area being taught.
• Organizes and writes lesson plans to be handed in by week two of the program. Develops lesson plans specific to the abilities of each group. Level of content being taught is generally governed by a regulatory body e.g. Taoist Tai Chi Society of Canada, Karate Canada, etc. and prescribed according to the level beingtaught. Reviewslesson plans with the Recreation Supervisor/Program Coordinator prior to classand submits at the end of each session.
• Prepares and organizes program equipment andsupplies, maintaining an inventory of supplies, reporting to the ProgramCoordinator/Recreation Supervisor any items needing replacement. Ensures thesite, equipment and supplies are appropriate to the activity and environment toreduce and minimize risk to other staff and participants.
• Keeps attendance records and checks withparticipants who have extended absences. Gives all new participant names that are not on the list to the ProgramCoordinator/Recreation Supervisor.
• Checks and ensures all participant emergencyand medical information is obtained through the completion of a personal dataform on the participants’ first day.
• Directly guides volunteers and PT Program Assistantsas required.
• Ensures safety at ALL times, enforcing safetyregulations as set out by the Town of Markham sports, fitness, arts and leisureprograms policies and procedures and the requirements of the various regulatorybody e.g. Canadian National Martial Arts Society.
• Prepares and presents an orientation to patrons/participants at the beginning of each program session including:
• General rules and procedures of the programbeing taught
• Fitness and safety measures to be followed

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diplomarequired
• Post secondary education preferred. Technical and practical training in the specialized area e.g. MartialArts, Tai Chi, Taekwondo or Karate, is required
• Minimum of 3 years of previous experienceinstructing individuals of all ages and ability levels in a the specializedMartial Arts program area as well as more than three years of experiencelearning and developing technique/expertise in the discipline is required
• Current certifications in Standard First Aid OR Intermediate First Aid with CPR C and AED
• High Five Certificate and adherence to theprinciples of Healthy Child Development. (Children ages 6 to 12 years)
• Active member of the Ontario Martial ArtsAssociation
• Certified in NCCP Level 2 theory andpractical.
• Current membership is professional governingbody/association is required.
• Currently active in specialized area(s) ofMartial Arts
• Good verbal/written communication skills,leadership skills, customer service skills and sensitivity to interact with adiversity of patrons and staff in a courteous and efficient manner.
• Ability to read, understand, follow, andenforce safety procedures. Excellent customer service skills, strongcommunication with parents and participants and leadership skills.
• Ability to teach at a basic level (notcompetition level) in Tai Chi, Taekwondo or Karate

Core Behaviours

• Service Excellence:Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
• Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
• Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
• Communication:Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
• Accountable & Results Oriented:Demonstrates ethical behavior and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
• Management & Leadership:Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.

Core Values

At the City of Markham, our work is guided by a shared set of core values that shape how we serve our community and support one another.

• Service Excellence:the consistent delivery of high-quality efficient and customer-centric service that exceeds expectations.
• Accountability: our obligation to be responsible and accountable for our actions, decisions and performance.
• People-Focused: putting people first.
• Trust: the confidence we place in each other to act with integrity and fairness.
• Innovation:Investing in each other and the way we deliver our programs and services.

We are looking for candidates who bring these values to life through their actions, decisions, and leadership approach.

Conditions of Employment

Successful candidates will be required to submit a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Screening letter as determined by the City of Markham as a condition of employment.

AI Disclosure

At the City of Markham, we value transparency and fairness in recruitment. While our system (ADP Workforce Now) includes AI-powered features, we do not use AI to screen, assess, or select applicants. All evaluations are conducted by people.

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.

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