Volunteer Self Defense Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WK Martial Arts is looking for an experienced martial artist who is also exceptional with children.

This is not a general fitness or entry-level childcare position. We are looking for someone who understands striking martial arts, can connect with children, and wants to grow into an outstanding martial arts instructor.

The right candidate may begin by assisting our lead instructors while learning the WK curriculum, class structure, and teaching system. Candidates with strong technical and teaching ability may be considered for a lead instructor position immediately.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Qualified candidates must have:

• A black belt in Taekwondo or Karate

OR

• Extensive training and coaching experience in a striking martial art such as kickboxing, Muay Thai, or MMA

Candidates must also have meaningful experience working with children in a structured learning environment. This may include martial arts instruction, athletic coaching, schools, camps, youth programs, physical education, or similar work.

A black belt alone does not automatically make someone the right fit. We need an instructor who can explain techniques clearly, recognize mistakes, give useful corrections, maintain a safe and organized class, and help children feel both supported and challenged.

WHAT GREAT INSTRUCTION LOOKS LIKE AT WK

Our instructors do more than demonstrate martial arts techniques. They:

• Learn students’ names and build genuine relationships with families
• Give specific corrections instead of only saying “good job”
• Adjust explanations for different ages and learning styles
• Keep children focused without humiliating, intimidating, or giving up on them
• Balance positive encouragement with clear standards and accountability
• Actively scan the floor and assist students who are confused or struggling
• Demonstrate safe, technically sound striking and self-defense skills
• Bring energy through their voice, body language, encouragement, and engagement
• Follow the WK curriculum and teaching system while contributing useful experience
• Help every student leave class feeling successful and motivated to return

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with and eventually lead martial arts classes for children, teens, and adults
• Demonstrate techniques, hold pads, supervise drills, and provide individual corrections
• Help manage groups while maintaining safety, structure, discipline, and positive energy
• Support nervous, distracted, frustrated, or struggling students
• Help students develop confidence, focus, discipline, fitness, and practical self-defense skills
• Communicate professionally and positively with parents
• Help track attendance, progress, engagement, and students who may need additional support
• Assist with belt promotions, camps, birthday parties, special events, and community programs
• Participate in paid staff training and ongoing instructor development
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and professional training environment

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Black belt in Taekwondo or Karate, or extensive experience in a striking martial art
• Experience teaching, coaching, or working with children in a structured environment
• Strong communication and group-management ability
• Dependable transportation and consistent weekday afternoon/evening availability
• Willingness to work Saturdays if needed
• Professional, punctual, patient, energetic, and coachable
• Comfortable receiving feedback and learning WK Martial Arts’ curriculum and standards
• Willing to complete a background check
• Willing to obtain and maintain CPR and AED certification

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience teaching martial arts classes
• Experience working with children ages 3–12
• Taekwondo experience
• Experience teaching beginner through advanced students
• Experience communicating with parents about student progress
• Familiarity with pad holding, sparring, self-defense, and safe partner drills
• Interest in a long-term martial arts teaching or school-leadership career

COMPENSATION AND ADVANCEMENT

Starting pay is based on the candidate’s martial arts qualifications, youth-teaching experience, availability, and demonstrated ability.

• Developing assistant instructors generally begin within the lower portion of the posted range
• Candidates who can effectively lead classes may qualify for higher starting pay
• Additional raises and responsibilities are available as instructors demonstrate technical quality, dependability, student engagement, class leadership, and commitment to WK Martial Arts
• Long-term opportunities may include lead instructor, program leadership, full-time employment, staff development, and school operations

WHY JOIN WK MARTIAL ARTS?

• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families
• Work in a modern, rapidly growing martial arts school
• Receive paid training in our curriculum and teaching system
• Develop advanced coaching, communication, and leadership skills
• Train and stay active while working
• Receive clear opportunities to progress from assistant to lead instructor
• Grow with WK Martial Arts as we expand

HOW TO APPLY

Please include:

• Your martial arts style, current rank, and total years of training
• The name of the school or organization through which you earned your rank
• Your experience teaching or coaching children
• The age groups you have worked with
• Whether you have independently led martial arts classes
• Your availability Monday through Saturday
• Whether you are seeking part-time work, full-time growth, or a long-term martial arts career

Qualified applicants will be invited to an interview and practical teaching audition.

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid training
• Martial arts training and gym access
• Professional development
• Opportunities for advancement

WK Martial Arts - Taekwondo Schaumburg is a fast growing martial arts school focused on building confident, disciplined, and resilient students through high quality instruction and a positive training environment. We serve hundreds of local families and pride ourselves on offering engaging classes, a supportive community, and a culture where both students and staff can thrive. Our team is dedicated, energetic, and passionate about helping every student level up in martial arts and in life. We are committed to high standards, ongoing staff development, and creating an exciting workplace where instructors can grow personally and professionally.