when do you become an instructor

JKA certificate

Just earning your blackbelt doesn't automatically qualify you as an instructor, you may be able to take acouple of first nighters and show them basic stances, punches and kicks but that doesn't mean you are a qualified instructor to teach the art of karate freely.

There are certain qualities that an instructor has to have and these are aquired by applying and if accepted attending seminars, coaching classes, instructor training and examinations.

Below is the JKA model of instructor certification, don't know how up to date it is but it can be used as an example.

Japan Karate Association (JKA)
http://www.jka.or.jp/english/about/dojo.html

JKA Authorized Instructor Certification

Class D instructor
Application Prerequisites
2nd Dan 20 years of age or older
Testing Location
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Authorized Function
Upon Certification Qualified to instruct at branch dojo or group

Class C instructor
Application Prerequisites
Min 3 months wait after receiving 3rd Dan
Class D Instructor Certification
Testing Location
Regional HQ
Authorized Function
Upon Certification Qualified to instruct and train at National (Prefecural) level

Class B instructor
Application Prerequisites
Min 3 months wait after receiving 4th Dan
Class C Instructor Certification
Testing Location
Tokyo JKA HQ
Authorized Function
Upon Certification Qualified to instruct and train at Regional level

Class A  instructor
Application Prerequisites
Min 3 months wait after receiving 6th Dan
Class B Instructor Certification
Testing Location
Tokyo JKA HQ
Authorized Function
Upon Certification Qualified to instruct and train at International level
Qualified to instruct at International training sessions


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