How To Become a Taekwondo Instructor: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn about the steps important to pursuing a career as a Taekwondo instructor, including education, skills, salary and more.
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that is known for its kicks and punches. It is an Olympic sport and is practiced by people of all ages around the world. If you are passionate about taekwondo and enjoy helping others, becoming a taekwondo instructor can be a very rewarding career. In this article, we discuss what a taekwondo instructor does, the average salary and how to become one.
What Does a Taekwondo Instructor Do?
A Taekwondo instructor is responsible for teaching the Korean martial art of Taekwondo to students of all ages. They must be able to plan and execute lessons while also monitoring student progress and providing feedback.
Taekwondo instructors typically have the following duties:
- Planning and executing Taekwondo lessons for students of all ages and abilities
- Monitoring student progress and providing feedback
- Motivating students to stay engaged in learning
- Maintaining a safe and orderly environment in the classroom or dojang
- Demonstrating proper techniques and form
- Correcting student errors
- Helping students prepare for competitions
- Attending training seminars and workshops to stay up-to-date on the latest Taekwondo techniques
- Promoting the benefits of Taekwondo to potential students
Taekwondo Instructor Salary and Job Outlook
The average salary for a taekwondo instructor is $42,745. However, salaries can vary based on experience, education, location, and other factors.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the job outlook for taekwondo instructors will grow much faster than average over the next decade. The popularity of martial arts, combined with an aging population, is expected to lead to an increase in the demand for taekwondo instructors.
How to Become a Taekwondo Instructor
Here are several steps you should take to become a Taekwondo instructor.
1. Earn a black belt in taekwondo
Taekwondo is a martial art that uses kicks, blocks and punches to defend against an opponent. To earn a black belt in taekwondo, you must complete the 10th through 1st degree black belt forms with your instructor. The 10th through 1st degree black belt forms are more difficult than the previous nine degrees of black belts. You may also be required to teach classes or assist your instructor in teaching others.
2. Complete a training program to become a certified instructor
Once you earn your black belt, you can enroll in a training program to become a certified instructor. The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and the United States Taekwondo Association (USAT) both offer certification programs for instructors.
The WTF’s Instructor Certification Program is available online or in person. It consists of four parts that take about two years to complete. You must pass all sections to receive certification. The USAT’s Instructor Certification Program is also available online or in person. This program takes one year to complete.
3. Gain experience teaching taekwondo classes
Before you open your own studio or begin teaching at another facility, consider volunteering to teach taekwondo classes. This will help you gain experience in front of a class and develop your teaching skills. You can also ask a black belt instructor if you can observe one of their classes to learn more about how they instruct students.
You may also choose to work as an assistant instructor under a master level black belt instructor. Working with an experienced instructor will allow you to learn from them and practice the skills needed to become a successful instructor yourself.
4. Develop strong communication and leadership skills
Taekwondo instructors must be able to communicate effectively with their students and lead them through challenging workouts. Effective communication skills can help you keep your students motivated and encourage them to continue training. You should also have strong leadership skills so that you can direct your students during class and make sure they’re following proper form and technique.
5. Stay up to date on changes in the sport of taekwondo
Taekwondo is a fast-evolving sport, and new techniques are being developed all the time. It’s important for taekwondo instructors to stay up to date on these changes so they can teach their students the most effective techniques.
For example, in recent years there has been an increase in the use of electronic scoring systems during competitions. Instructors must be aware of how this technology works and ensure that their students understand it as well.
6. Join professional organizations such as the United States Taekwondo Association (USAT)
The United States Taekwondo Association (USTA) is the governing body for taekwondo in the United States. Becoming a member of this organization can help you stay up to date on changes in the sport and provide you with access to resources that can help you become an instructor.
The USTA offers several levels of membership, including affiliate, certified coach, master coach and grandmaster. Each level requires you to meet certain criteria and pay dues.
7. Consider becoming a certified referee or judge
Becoming a certified referee or judge can help you gain experience in officiating taekwondo competitions. Taekwondo competitions are often held at the local, state and national levels. To become a certified referee or judge, you typically need to attend workshops and seminars offered by your state’s taekwondo association. You may also need to pass an exam on rules and regulations for taekwondo competition.
