There is no one-size-fits-all approach to becoming a kickboxing instructor; it all depends on where you live and what skills you already possess. While a black belt in any form of martial arts is not required, it can certainly help and will be beneficial as you progress. You should look into different professional kickboxing organizations and join one or more of them, as this will help you establish a reputation and references as you work to advance your career. Various professional fitness associations in various countries also offer kickboxing instructor certification programs.
It is certainly advantageous if you have some kickboxing experience, though professional kickboxing is not a requirement. There are several different programs available to assist you in beginning your career as an instructor, and you should consider which one will be most beneficial to you. Different countries may have different fitness and athletic groups that you can join to become certified as an instructor, and you should look into them before making a decision. If you’re looking into these groups online, make sure to look at sites other than the group’s official website to ensure they’re legitimate.
For example, the Professional Kickboxing Association® is a multinational organization dedicated to competitive fighting and kickboxing. While membership in such a group is not required to become a kickboxing instructor, it can certainly help, especially if you want to start your own business. If you prefer to concentrate on the exercise side of kickboxing and work primarily in the fitness industry, there are a number of organizations that can assist you in obtaining the necessary training and certification.
Several organizations in the United States provide certification in various forms of kickboxing and can assist you in your quest to become a kickboxing instructor. The American Fitness Professionals & Associates® (AFPA) offers a variety of courses to assist you in becoming a certified fitness instructor. These courses, which primarily focus on what the AFPA refers to as Cardio Kickboxing®, can be taken at specific locations or online from the comfort of your own home and include a written exam and a visual demonstration of certain techniques.
Other organizations, such as the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America® (AFAA), offer certification courses in kickboxing instruction. Whatever path you choose, you should think about focusing on a specific area or offering lessons to a specific demographic, such as “Kickboxing for Kids” or “Kickboxing for Women,” as these services may be more desirable than general lessons. As you complete these courses, you should consider getting certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Although CPR certification is not required to become a kickboxing instructor, many fitness centers require it before hiring instructors.