Martial Arts Instructor

YMCA of South Hampton Roads; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 48,216; Part time

Job summary

A community-focused organization in Suffolk, VA is seeking a Certified Martial Arts Instructor. The role involves teaching engaging martial arts classes to youth and adults while ensuring a safe and supportive environment. Candidates should possess a recognized martial arts certification and have at least 2 years of teaching experience. The position offers opportunities to influence the well-being of participants and foster personal growth through martial arts.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Strong knowledge of sport theory and training principles.
• Current certification in a recognized martial arts discipline.

Responsibilities

• Teach safe and challenging martial arts classes.
• Plan and tailor classes to students' skill levels.
• Motivate participants to build confidence.

Skills

Martial arts knowledge

Communication

Teaching experience

Safety practices

Motivational skills

Multi-discipline expertise

Education

Certification from a recognized organization

High school educational level

Job description

Description

Imagine going to work knowing that what you do each day positively influences the health and well‑being of children, adults and families in your community through martial arts. Working at the YMCA you’ll discover more than a job – you will have the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the community.

OUR CULTURE

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Certified Martial Arts Instructor is a leader who demonstrates a high level of commitment to program success. An instructor has the authority to make decisions regarding the safety and well‑being of all members and non‑members participating within the program. Instructors shall always be approachable and dedicated to providing participants with the most positive and rewarding experience possible. The Certified Martial Arts Instructor shall teach safe, challenging, and engaging classes that promote self‑discipline, respect, fitness, confidence, and personal growth to youth and adults. In addition, the Certified Martial Arts Instructor will incorporate the values of honesty, respect, caring, faith, and responsibility into the daily functions of the YMCA while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all participants.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Teach safe and challenging classes.
2. Plan classes and tailor them to the skill level of the students to include new techniques, the practice of basic moves and language appropriate to the sport.
3. Demonstrate techniques and help students perfect their own techniques.
4. Motivate participants to succeed through each promotional level or recital in order to build confidence.
5. Adhere to class format as listed in class description.
6. Develop and oversee leadership abilities in participants through recognition, i.e., assistant instructor, junior leader, and student of the month.
7. Schedule promotional testing or recitals of participants.
8. Maintain records of participant’s level to meet general requirements for promotion, if applicable.
9. Place, pick‑up and deliver orders for uniforms and other supplies to participants.
10. Attend staff meetings as required.
11. Fill out incident reports for all accidents that occur.
12. Promote the sport program through yearly demonstrations to the public.
13. Abide by YMCA COVID‑19 sanitation practices/standards to include maintaining the cleanliness of the Lobby and the Wellness floors
14. Follows all YMCA policies and procedures
15. Other duties as assigned

Requirements

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader)

• Communication & Influence
• Developing Self & Others
• Functional Expertise

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Must be at least 18 years of age
2. Possess the ability to deal with a variety of different personalities, as well as learning level of participants.
3. Must maintain a certification from a nationally recognized organization or substitution of two years of sport related education above the high school level.
4. Must have a minimum of 2 years instructor experience and possess a strong knowledge of sport theory, training principles, techniques and practices
5. Maintain all required sport certifications where applicable (active)
6. CPR/First Aid/AED/O2 (within 30 days of hire)
7. Current certification/rank in a recognized martial arts discipline (Black Belt preferred or equivalent instructor‑level rank)
8. Minimum 1–2 years of martial arts teaching or assistant teaching experience
9. Experience leading group classes for youth, teens, and/or adults
10. Strong knowledge of martial arts safety practices, warm‑ups, conditioning, and injury prevention
11. Multiple discipline background (Karate, Taekwondo, Jiu‑Jitsu, Judo, etc.)

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS, PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Walk, run, stand, climb, kneel, sit on floor and get back up, stoop, and jump.
• Continuous operations requiring attention to detail and multi‑tasking.
• Lift and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Stand or sit for long periods.
• Physically able to successfully complete required certifications.
• Perform the duties of direct reports.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

An offer of employment is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results to meet minimum requirements of the position. They may include criminal background and reference checks, E‑Verify, drug test, driver’s license record, and/or a Child Protective Services Check (CPS). Additional driver’s license check, CPS, criminal background check, alcohol, and/or drug testing may be required to be processed in the future in order to meet and/or maintain the requirements of this position