Martial Arts Instructor Resume examples & templates
Copyable Martial Arts Instructor Resume examples
Like architects who transform empty spaces into functional structures, martial arts instructors shape raw human potential into disciplined skill and focused power. But while architects work with concrete and steel, instructors build something far more dynamic—they construct confidence, resilience, and technical precision within their students. The martial arts industry has evolved dramatically in the last decade, moving beyond traditional dojos to incorporate specialized fitness programs, online training platforms, and even corporate wellness offerings. With the pandemic pushing many studios to develop hybrid teaching models, instructors who can navigate both physical and digital training environments are seeing 27% higher retention rates than those solely focused on in-person instruction.
The path of a martial arts instructor isn't just about teaching punches and kicks anymore (though that's still pretty fun). Today's instructors blend physical training with mental conditioning and often serve as mentors, especially for younger students. As martial arts participation continues growing—particularly in non-competitive forms focused on wellness—skilled instructors who can balance tradition with modern teaching approaches will find themselves at the forefront of this expanding field.
Junior Martial Arts Instructor Resume Example
Jordan Lee Rivera
Portland, OR | (503) 722-8156 | jlrivera@email.com | linkedin.com/in/jordanleerivera
Passionate martial arts instructor with 1+ year teaching experience and 8+ years training in Taekwondo (2nd Dan black belt). Strong ability to develop engaging classes for students of all ages, with particular focus on youth development. Known for balancing discipline and fun while maintaining the traditional values of martial arts. CPR/First Aid certified with clean background check.
Experience
Assistant Martial Arts Instructor
Portland Martial Arts Center – Portland, OR
March 2022 – Present
- Teach 12 weekly classes to students aged 5-16, focusing on Taekwondo forms, sparring techniques, and self-defense
- Developed a “Tiny Tigers” program for 4-6 year olds that increased enrollment by 31% in first quarter
- Assist head instructor with belt testing ceremonies and quarterly student evaluations
- Coordinate with parents on student progress, addressing behavior concerns and celebrating achievements
- Maintain training equipment and ensure dojang cleanliness before and after each class
Martial Arts Camp Counselor (Seasonal)
Summer Warriors Camp – Beaverton, OR
June 2021 – August 2021
- Led daily martial arts sessions for groups of 15-20 children aged 7-13
- Created themed activities combining martial arts with character-building exercises
- Managed safety protocols during physical activities, resulting in zero injuries during 8-week program
- Collaborated with 5 other counselors to organize end-of-camp tournament and demonstration
Volunteer Junior Instructor
West Side Taekwondo Academy – Hillsboro, OR
January 2020 – February 2021
- Assisted lead instructors during belt testing and special workshops
- Demonstrated techniques and provided one-on-one guidance to beginners
- Helped organize studio’s annual fundraising event that raised $3,450 for local youth programs
Education & Certifications
Associate of Arts, Physical Education
Portland Community College – Portland, OR
Graduated: May 2021
Certifications:
- 2nd Dan Black Belt, Taekwondo – World Taekwondo Federation (2019)
- CPR and First Aid Certification – American Red Cross (renewed Feb 2022)
- Youth Sports Coach Certification – National Alliance for Youth Sports (2021)
- Basic Child Psychology Workshop – Portland Family Center (2021)
Skills
- Taekwondo forms and techniques
- Class management and student engagement
- Conflict resolution
- Curriculum development
- Basic injury prevention
- Parent communication
- Tournament coordination
- Beginner-level Hapkido training
- Sparring techniques and safety protocols
- Traditional martial arts philosophy
Additional Information
Active competitor in regional tournaments (3 gold medals in forms, 2021-2022)
Volunteer twice monthly at community self-defense workshops for women
Fluent in conversational Spanish
Mid-level Martial Arts Instructor Resume Example
Marcus Reyes
San Diego, CA | (619) 555-8074 | m.reyes@emaildomain.com | linkedin.com/in/marcusreyes
Dedicated Martial Arts Instructor with 5+ years experience teaching students of all ages and abilities. Black belt in Taekwondo (3rd Dan) and blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with a focus on youth development. Skilled at creating personalized training programs that build physical skills while emphasizing discipline, respect, and self-confidence. Successfully coached 7 students to regional championship titles.
EXPERIENCE
Lead Instructor | Golden Dragon Martial Arts Academy | San Diego, CA | Jan 2021 – Present
- Teach 14 weekly classes in Taekwondo and kickboxing to 90+ students ranging from ages 4 to 65
- Developed a progressive belt curriculum that improved student retention by 27% compared to previous system
- Manage a team of 3 assistant instructors, including scheduling, training, and performance reviews
- Coordinated and led 6 self-defense workshops for local businesses and community organizations
- Implemented a student tracking system that monitors attendance and progress, allowing for better feedback
Martial Arts Instructor | Warrior Spirit Dojo | San Diego, CA | Mar 2019 – Dec 2020
- Taught 8 weekly classes in Taekwondo fundamentals to beginners and intermediate students
- Created specialized training programs for 12 competition team members, 5 of whom placed in regional tournaments
- Assisted in organizing quarterly belt promotion ceremonies for 50+ students
- Designed and led an after-school program that attracted 23 new youth members in its first semester
Assistant Instructor | Master Kim’s Taekwondo | Los Angeles, CA | Aug 2018 – Feb 2019
- Supported head instructor in teaching fundamentals to beginning and intermediate students
- Led warm-ups and basic drills for classes of up to 25 students
- Provided one-on-one coaching to students preparing for belt tests
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – California State University, San Marcos (2018)
Taekwondo – 3rd Dan Black Belt, Kukkiwon-certified (2020)
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – Blue Belt under Professor Carlos Mendes (2022)
First Aid & CPR Certification – American Red Cross (renewed 2023)
Youth Fitness Specialist – National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (2021)
SKILLS
- Class management & group instruction
- Form (poomsae) & sparring technique
- Youth development & coaching
- Tournament preparation
- Self-defense instruction
- Physical conditioning & training program design
- Conflict resolution
- Student progress assessment
- Basic Korean terminology
- Martial arts equipment maintenance
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Active competitor in regional Taekwondo tournaments (2019-2022)
Volunteer instructor for “Kicks for Kids” community outreach program
Fluent in Spanish – used to teach bilingual classes at previous position
Senior / Experienced Martial Arts Instructor Resume Example
MARCO RIVERA
Seattle, WA | (206) 555-8714 | marco.rivera.martial@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/marcorivera
Dedicated martial arts instructor with 9+ years of experience teaching traditional Taekwondo, Karate, and self-defense to students of all ages and skill levels. Black belt (4th Dan) in Taekwondo with additional training in Hapkido and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Known for creating personalized training programs that balance physical development, mental discipline, and practical self-defense skills. Successfully prepared over 75 students for belt advancement and tournament competition, with 28 placing in regional and national events.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Lead Instructor & Program Director | Rising Dragon Martial Arts Academy | Seattle, WA | 2019 – Present
- Manage a team of 6 instructors and oversee curriculum development for 250+ students across youth, adult, and competition programs
- Redesigned youth program curriculum resulting in 37% increase in student retention and 42% growth in new enrollments
- Personally coach the academy’s competition team (22 students), producing 13 state champions and 4 national medalists since 2020
- Developed and launched “Warrior Wellness” program combining martial arts with mindfulness practices, attracting 45 new adult students
- Host quarterly self-defense workshops for community organizations and local businesses (avg. 30-40 participants per event)
Senior Instructor | Kim’s Taekwondo Center | Bellevue, WA | 2016 – 2019
- Taught 12-15 classes weekly to students aged 4-65, focusing on traditional Taekwondo techniques, forms, and sparring
- Created individualized training plans for 35+ students preparing for belt tests, achieving a 94% first-time pass rate
- Implemented after-school program in partnership with 3 local elementary schools, growing student base by 28%
- Coordinated and judged bi-annual in-house tournaments for 75-100 participants
Assistant Instructor | Pacific Northwest Martial Arts | Portland, OR | 2014 – 2016
- Assisted lead instructors with classes of 15-25 students, focusing on proper technique and form
- Taught beginner and intermediate level classes for children ages 6-12, emphasizing discipline and respect
- Developed supplementary training materials for home practice that improved student progression by 22%
- Managed front desk operations, including scheduling, payments, and new student orientation
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology | University of Washington | Seattle, WA | 2013
Certifications:
- Kukkiwon-Certified 4th Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo (2021)
- Certified Personal Trainer – National Academy of Sports Medicine (2017)
- First Aid/CPR/AED Certified – American Red Cross (renewed 2023)
- Youth Sports Coaching Certification – National Alliance for Youth Sports (2019)
- Adaptive Martial Arts Instructor – Martial Arts for All Foundation (2020)
SKILLS
- Traditional & Olympic-style Taekwondo
- Curriculum Development
- Tournament Coaching & Judging
- Self-Defense Instruction
- Adaptive Teaching Methods
- Student Assessment & Progression
- Conflict Resolution
- Program Management
- Staff Training & Development
- Child & Adult Pedagogy
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Languages: English (Native), Spanish (Conversational)
Tournament Experience: Competed in 17 regional and 6 national tournaments (2010-2018)
Professional Memberships: USA Taekwondo, National Association of Professional Martial Artists
How to Write a Martial Arts Instructor Resume
Introduction
Landing a martial arts instructor position isn't just about your skills on the mat—you need a resume that kicks just as hard as you do. After reviewing hundreds of martial arts instructor resumes over the years, I've seen what makes hiring managers take notice. Whether you're a 2nd-degree black belt looking for your first teaching gig or a seasoned sifu with 15 years of experience, your resume needs to showcase both your technical expertise and your ability to connect with students.
Resume Structure and Format
Keep your resume clean and organized—much like a well-executed kata. Aim for 1-2 pages max, with clear section headings and consistent formatting throughout.
- Stick with professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Georgia at 10-12pt size
- Use bold text for section headers and job titles
- Include plenty of white space—a cramped resume is hard to scan
- Save as a PDF to preserve formatting (unless specifically asked for a .doc)
- Name your file professionally: "FirstName-LastName-Instructor-Resume.pdf"
Pro Tip: Many martial arts schools are small businesses without formal HR departments. Your resume might be reviewed by the head instructor or school owner who values clarity over fancy formatting. Keep it simple and focused on what matters—your teaching abilities and martial arts credentials.
Profile/Summary Section
Your profile should pack a punch right at the top. This 3-4 sentence paragraph needs to capture your martial arts background, teaching philosophy, and what makes you different from other instructors.
For example: "3rd Dan Taekwondo instructor with 7+ years teaching children and adults at all belt levels. Specializing in tournament preparation with 14 students placing in regional competitions last year. Known for patient instruction style that balances discipline with encouragement. Certified in First Aid/CPR and conflict de-escalation techniques."
Professional Experience
This is where you showcase your teaching journey. List positions in reverse-chronological order, including:
- School/dojo name and location
- Your title and dates employed
- Class sizes and student demographics you've taught
- Specific achievements (student retention rates, belt promotions, tournament results)
- Growth in student numbers or program development
Focus on measurable results. Instead of "Taught children's classes," try "Increased youth program
enrollment by 27% through engaging curriculum and positive reinforcement techniques."
Education and Certifications
Martial arts is all about credentials and continuous learning. Include:
- Your belt rank/level and style(s) practiced
- Years of training and under which instructors (if notable)
- Instructor certifications from recognized organizations
- Related education (Physical Education degree, Sports Science, etc.)
- First Aid/CPR certification (a must for most schools)
- Seminars, workshops, or special training you've completed
Keywords and ATS Tips
Many larger martial arts chains and fitness centers use Applicant Tracking Systems. Include these terms naturally throughout your resume:
- Specific martial art styles you teach (Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, Kung Fu, etc.)
- Words like "instruction," "curriculum development," "student assessment"
- Safety terms: "injury prevention," "proper technique," "safe training environment"
- Age groups: "youth classes," "adult instruction," "senior programs"
- Business terms if applying to manage: "member retention," "program growth"
Industry-specific Terminology
Show you speak the language of martial arts by naturally incorporating terms like:
- Belt progression systems relevant to your style
- Forms/kata/poomsae terminology
- Sparring and competition terms
- Traditional terminology from your primary style
- Teaching methodologies specific to martial arts
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing too much on your personal achievements rather than teaching abilities
- Using generic terms instead of martial arts-specific language
- Forgetting to highlight soft skills like patience and communication
- Omitting business-related skills (many instructors help with marketing and retention)
- Including outdated or irrelevant certifications
Before/After Example
Before: "Taught karate classes to kids and adults. Helped students learn forms and sparring."
After: "Instructed 8 weekly classes for students ages 6-55, specializing in traditional Shotokan kata and point sparring techniques. Developed custom training plans that helped 5 students advance from white to green belt in just 6 months—20% faster than school average."
Remember, your resume should demonstrate not just your martial arts prowess, but your ability to share that knowledge effectively with others. Good luck on your instructor journey!
Related Resume Examples
Soft skills for your Martial Arts Instructor resume
- Clear communication that adjusts to different age groups and learning styles — essential when demonstrating complex techniques to both children and adults
- Conflict resolution skills honed through 5+ years managing competitive student dynamics and parent expectations
- Patience and emotional regulation, particularly during repetitive training sessions when progress seems slow
- Adaptability to accommodate students with varying physical abilities or limitations (once modified an entire curriculum for a student with partial mobility)
- Situational awareness that extends beyond physical space to reading students’ mental and emotional states
- Motivational leadership that balances discipline with encouragement — finding that sweet spot where students feel challenged but not overwhelmed
Hard skills for your Martial Arts Instructor resume
- CPR & First Aid Certification (American Red Cross, renewed 2023)
- Rank Certification in multiple disciplines (3rd Degree Black Belt Taekwondo, Brown Belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu)
- Weapons training proficiency (Bo Staff, Nunchaku, Kama)
- MindBody Studio Management Software
- Training program development for ages 4-65
- Competition judging experience (local and regional tournaments)
- Facility safety protocol implementation
- Zen Planner membership tracking and billing
- Video analysis techniques using Coach’s Eye software