PE Karate Instructor

C001 New Jersey Institute of Technology; United States; On-site; USD 3,032,000 - 4,319,000; Part time

Job summary

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) in Newark seeks a part-time karate instructor to plan and deliver a safe, engaging introductory karate course for college students. The one-credit, pass/fail course emphasizes fundamental techniques, conditioning, and martial arts principles, fostering discipline, respect, and personal responsibility.

The role involves teaching basic techniques, terminology, etiquette, and safety, and assessing participation and understanding of core material.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated training and experience in karate.
• Appropriate karate rank or equivalent documented martial arts experience.
• Ability to safely teach fundamental karate techniques to beginning-level college students.
• Knowledge of appropriate martial arts training, conditioning, injury-prevention, and safety practices.
• Effective verbal communication, demonstration, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with students representing a wide range of abilities and previous athletic experience.
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain certification within a timeframe established by the college.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct regularly scheduled karate classes in accordance with the college's academic calendar and course requirements.
• Teach fundamental karate techniques, including appropriate stances, movement, blocks, strikes, kicks, combinations, and introductory forms or kata.
• Introduce students to appropriate martial arts terminology, etiquette, traditions, and principles.
• Incorporate warm-up, flexibility, mobility, conditioning, balance, coordination, and cool-down activities into class sessions.
• Demonstrate techniques clearly and provide appropriate individual and group instruction.
• Emphasize proper technique, control, and safe training practices at all times.
• Establish and enforce safety procedures for activities.
• Modify activities to accommodate differences in student experience and fitness.

Skills

Fundamental karate techniques

Knowledge of safety practices

Verbal communication

Instructional demonstration

Ability to teach diverse learners

Job description

Title

PE Karate Instructor Reports To: PE Specialist I

Position Summary

The College Karate Instructor is responsible for planning and delivering a safe, engaging, and educational introductory karate course for college students. This one-credit, pass/fail course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental techniques, principles, conditioning methods, and traditions of karate while promoting physical fitness, self-discipline, confidence, respect, and personal responsibility. The instructor will provide developmentally appropriate instruction for students with varying levels of physical ability and martial arts experience. Emphasis should be placed on proper technique, safety, participation, skill development, and understanding of karate principles rather than competitive performance.

Course Assessment

Because the course is offered on a pass/fail basis, assessment should emphasize consistent participation, effort, safe conduct, and demonstrated understanding of foundational course material rather than advanced technical proficiency. Students may be evaluated on:

• Attendance and active participation
• Appropriate effort and engagement
• Demonstration of basic karate techniques and movement
• Understanding and observance of safety procedures
• Appropriate martial arts etiquette and respectful conduct
• Demonstrated improvement during the semester
• Completion of any required practical skills assessment or introductory kata
• Compliance with established course expectations

Essential Functions

• Plan and conduct regularly scheduled karate classes in accordance with the college's academic calendar and course requirements.
• Teach fundamental karate techniques, including appropriate stances, movement, blocks, strikes, kicks, combinations, and introductory forms or kata.
• Introduce students to appropriate martial arts terminology, etiquette, traditions, and principles.
• Incorporate warm-up, flexibility, mobility, conditioning, balance, coordination, and cool-down activities into class sessions.
• Demonstrate techniques clearly and provide appropriate individual and group instruction.
• Emphasize proper technique, control, and safe training practices at all times.
• Establish and enforce safety procedures for individual, partner, and group activities.
• Modify activities when appropriate to accommodate differences in student experience, physical ability, and fitness level.
• Create an inclusive and respectful learning environment appropriate for a college population.
• Promote principles associated with martial arts training, including discipline, respect, perseverance, self-control, confidence, and personal responsibility.
• Maintain accurate attendance and participation records.
• Communicate course expectations, safety requirements, and standards for successful completion at the beginning of the semester.
• Evaluate students according to the established requirements of a one-credit, pass/fail course.
• Submit grades and other required academic records in accordance with college policies and deadlines.
• Monitor the condition and appropriate use of instructional equipment and training areas.
• Immediately report injuries, safety concerns, or facility issues in accordance with college procedures.
• Comply with applicable college policies regarding student conduct, nondiscrimination, accessibility, emergency procedures, and instructional responsibilities.

Pre‑requisite Qualifications

• Demonstrated training and experience in karate.
• Appropriate karate rank or equivalent documented martial arts experience.
• Ability to safely teach fundamental karate techniques to beginning‑level college students.
• Knowledge of appropriate martial arts training, conditioning, injury‑prevention, and safety practices.
• Effective verbal communication, demonstration, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with students representing a wide range of abilities and previous athletic experience.
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain certification within a timeframe established by the college.

Preferred Qualifications

• Black belt or equivalent recognized rank in karate.
• Previous experience teaching karate or another martial art to adults or college‑age students.
• Previous teaching, coaching, or instructional experience in a college, university, school, recreation, or martial arts setting.
• Experience developing introductory martial arts curriculum.
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification.
• Affiliation or certification with a recognized karate or martial arts organization.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of fundamental karate techniques and training principles.
• Ability to demonstrate techniques safely and effectively.
• Understanding of appropriate progression for beginning students.
• Knowledge of physical conditioning, flexibility, balance, coordination, and injury‑prevention principles.
• Ability to supervise partner activities and maintain appropriate control of the instructional environment.
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate expectations clearly and provide constructive feedback.
• Commitment to creating a respectful, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.

Physical Requirements

The position requires the ability to demonstrate and instruct physical activities associated with karate, which may include standing for extended periods, walking, bending, kicking, striking, blocking, stretching, and demonstrating martial arts movements. The instructor must also be able to observe students during physical activity and respond appropriately to safety concerns or emergencies.

Compensation

Compensation: $2668 per contact hour. At the university's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position. Range: Period Activity Grade. NJIT considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses, or other items. To learn more about the comprehensive benefits NJIT offers for this position, please visit our benefits page: https://hr.njit.edu/health-benefits.

Additional Information

FLSA: Exempt. Time Type: Part time. Pay Rate: Stipend. As an EEO employer NJIT is committed to building a diverse and inclusive teaching, research, and working environment and strongly encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women. Employment at NJIT is subject to the provisions of New Jersey First Act which mandates new employees, who are not NJ residents, to establish primary residence in New Jersey within one year of their appointment to certain positions. The law does not apply to any individual employed at NJIT on a temporary or per semester basis as a visiting or adjunct professor, teacher, lecturer, researcher or administrator. For more information on the act please. If special accommodations are needed in applying for a position, please visit the Department of Human Resources located in Fenster Hall, 5th Floor, University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102 or call [phone]. If you have questions, please email the Human Resources Department at [e-mail]. Information regarding NJIT campus security, personal safety, and fire safety including topics such as, disciplinary procedures, crime prevention, NJIT Police law enforcement authority, crime reporting policies, and crime statistics for the most recent three year period is available on the NJIT Department of Public Safety. NJIT is an E-Verify employer and uses E-Verify to confirm work authorization of each new hire. When you work at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), you become part of a dynamic and innovative community dedicated to advancing education, research, and technological excellence. Recognized as New Jersey’s premier public polytechnic university, NJIT serves a diverse population of over 12,000 students across six colleges and schools, offering a forward‑thinking academic environment in the heart of Newark, just minutes from New York City. At NJIT, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture rooted in inclusion, collaboration, and excellence. Employees are empowered to grow professionally, contribute to meaningful work, and support a mission that shapes the future of technology, education, and research. Learn more about what we offer.