So you want to be a Krav Maga Instructor.....

I get a lot of questions from people wanting to teach Krav Maga. I welcome this.

There is often a misunderstanding about progression in Krav Maga. Some students think you progress to become an Instructor, like in martial arts. There is no need to become an instructor to progress. In fact, unless you want to become a professional instructor on some level, Krav Maga Instructor training is not appropriate for you.

Krav Maga is unique in that it separates the roles of teacher and practitioner. A student can be a Black Belt and still not be an instructor. An Instructor may teach, but still not be a Black Belt. The processes are separate and distinct.

How do you become an instructor ?

Potential Instructors under go an extensive training to teach in their own right. This includes teaching theory, technical training, fighting practice, fitness testing, learning to design training programes and extensive assessments of your ability. Perhaps the single hardest thing about training is changing between the roles of coach, fighter and trainee whilst being assessed and exhausted. The whole process is designed to create a highly competent and financially successful professional instructor.

If you want to teach Krav Maga casually, as a hobby - Krav Maga Instructor training may not be for you given the time and intensity of Instructor training. Training is tough, the commitments are high and our expectations from you are higher still.

If you really want a lifestyle change and to run own your own business - well then, maybe, just maybe its for you.

Instructor Training Candidates
We take applications from External candidates - (those who are not currently training with the British Krav Maga Association. Candidates typically need to meet the following requirements.

1. Have a credible and demonstratable background from Boxing, kick boxing or MMA or martial arts
2. Have the ability to pass the Instructor selection process.
3.The ability to pass a fitness test.
4. Make a regular commitment to attend training/bootcamps or courses with us (often free or or drastically reduced cost). Given that we have less exposure to external candidates - the required levels for external candidates needs to be higher initially.
5. Have entrepreneurial spirit, drive & commitment

Working to a different standard.

Krav Maga Instructors work to a different standard than 99% of people in the Martial Arts industry. Krav Maga views teaching Krav Maga as a professional vocation, not a hobby. There are higher costs, rewards, expectations and commitments. There are significant expectations for your continued professional updates and training. Most Krav Maga Instructors will commit around 9 days a year to update training. This is before they attempt to develop or progress in the system. (In 2009 I spent 14 days training - in addition to travel time).

To put this in perspective - as a qualified nurse, my professional update was a minimum of 5 days in 3 years. In krav it would equate to 27 days in 3 years - thats on a conservative estimate and still equals over 5 weeks training.

On completion of Professional Krav Maga Instructor - Basic Certification. You are then expected to continue their own training and development. You are not a Master - Black Belt or expert - you are at the beginning of your personal development. The British Krav Maga Association continues to support Instructors to develop as professionals.

In addition to this - at The British Krav Maga Association we promote a family approach - we view our instructors and members as our Krav Maga family and strive to help and support them. We are keen to support you to make a good living, are always on hand for professional support and will help you all the way.
But...........

For me it was the best move I ever made. I have not worked for 2 1/2 years now. Why ? I love what I do. Its not work.

I teach Krav because i love it. I have passion for it. Passion powers excellence. The rewards for excellence are always diverse. Often unexpected, and almost always include significant financial rewards.

Thank for reading
Paul