Martial Arts Instructor

Impact Kids; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Impact Kids is seeking a highly motivated Black Belt instructor to lead martial arts sessions for students aged 4 to 18 across our programs in California. The role focuses on safe, engaging instruction, feedback, and curriculum delivery while upholding the organization's values.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years working with youth, a black belt or equivalent, and the ability to communicate clearly with children and parents. Background checks and CPR/First Aid are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience working with children.
• Black belt or equivalent rank in karate or a related martial art.
• Fingerprint-based background check and safety clearances required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; teaching certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily martial arts instruction to ages 4–18.
• Demonstrate techniques and give progress feedback.
• Supervise groups ensuring health, safety and behavior.
• Ensure safe training habits and enforce martial arts rules.
• Plan daily, engaging lessons and fun activities.
• Collaborate with fellow staff and be a positive role model.
• Adhere to Conduct Code and company policies.

Skills

Martial arts instruction

Child supervision

Classroom management

Communication with parents

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Teaching certification (preferred)

Job description

About Us:

Impact Kids has been providing safe, fun, and meaningful enrichment programs for over 10 years, and today we serve students at public and private schools across the country. Students have a safe space to develop, learn, play, and most importantly, just be kids in our before, during, and after school programs!

Who We Are Looking For:

Impact Kids is seeking a highly motivated, energetic, professional black belt instructor who believes deeply in our mission and who displays a record of achievement in effective supervision and management of youth, teaching martial arts skills and techniques, building positive relationships, and ensuring the safety and well-being of students. We need an instructor who has experience working with children between the ages of 4 and 18.

The ideal candidate would be a martial artist with considerable skill in an art form compatible with karate and be passionate about teaching martial arts. This individual must provide constructive feedback, implement company curriculum, and be a team player. Also demonstrate outstanding communication skills with children and their parents, which include the ability to use clear, concise, and grammatically correct written and oral language in all aspects of professional interaction with students, their families, peers, the leadership team and the larger community.

A fingerprint-based criminal background check (Live Scan), child abuse clearance, mandated reporter training, and current CPR/First Aid certification are required. Background checks are conducted only after a conditional offer of employment. Impact Kids will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act and applicable local fair chance ordinances.

Experience Requirements:

A minimum of 2 years of previous experience working with children; examples include but are not limited to: academic/athletic tutoring, camp counselor, and youth volunteer. Martial arts teaching experience (1-5 years minimum) required.

Certification Requirements:

Black belt or equivalent rank in karate or a compatible martial art required. Teaching certification (preferred but not required).

Education Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree (preferred but not required)

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Provide daily martial arts instruction to students between the ages of 4 and 18 with different ability levels.
• Demonstrate martial arts techniques, explaining the principles behind them, observe and assess students performing martial arts, and give them feedback on their progress.
• Group supervision of students with attention to: behavior and group management, health and safety, security, and personal and skill development.
• Ensure the safety of students and team members in and out of the martial arts area, and teach safe training habits. Enforce all martial arts rules and regulations.
• Organize and prepare daily lesson plans in a fun and creative manner.
• Use effective classroom management skills to lead the activity and effectively create a fun environment where everyone feels included.
• Work effectively with fellow Activity Specialists and collaborate on daily responsibilities. Serve as a positive role model to students.
• Follow the Impact Kids Code of Conduct and maintain the Impact Kids look at all times.
• Exhibit Impact Kids Core Values at all times and adhere to all company policies.
• Have fun!

Position Competencies for Success:

• Knowledge and ability in your martial arts discipline.
• Understand and support the mission of the organization.
• The ability to work effectively with others in all levels of the organization in a professional manner.
• Positive attitude and commitment to the growth and development of youth.
• Commitment to producing consistent, high-quality work, and commitment to the growth of the organization.
• Excellent judgment, and the ability to identify problems and work quickly to find solutions.
• Patient, caring, and creative.
• Flexible, adaptive, and a team player.
• Desire to make a difference in the life of a child.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

Be willing to travel between schools and program sites. Ability to demonstrate martial arts techniques, including kicks, strikes, stances, and movement on mats or gym floors. Ability to respond to emergency situations that may require running and climbing stairs. Good physical condition which enables candidate to execute all responsibilities associated with this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Impact Kids is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified applicants with disabilities upon request.