does kickboxing instructors need a certification?

Hello Alan, I am of the opinion that one doesn’t require a certification in order to teach a kickboxing class. I do believe that training from a reputable organization is important.

If an individual already knows how to teach and lead a group and holds a recognized certification then he or she has the basis on which to learn other techniques.

Addendum: The certification should be group fitness certification.

I’ve been teaching kickboxing now since 1998 and inititially started because the martial art school where I was training wanted to offer this type of a fitness class.

I was a 1st degree black belt at the time and had the knowledge to cue proper body alignment and technique, I had absolutely no experience with building choreographed combinations or routines structured to a 32 count block. Aside from that, I had little knowledge of anatomy and physiology.

I was certified to teach in a 2-day course to teach CardioKarate around the time that Tae Bo was popular but the course was offered through NAPMA for martial art instructors.

I wanted to expand my knowledge even further and eventually earned my group and personal trainer certification.

I have seen many martial art instructors teaching kickboxing with no group exercise certification and aerobic teachers teaching kickboxing with no martial art technique experience.

I really do think it depends on the nature and style of the program. In martial art schools, the classes are geared more to martial art technique (techniques to targets or freestanding bags) whereas in group exercise most classes focus on choreographed combos as in Tae Bo or Turbo Kick. Either kickboxing style can incur injuries if not properly instructed.
http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/knock-out-kickboxing-injuries

I agree with Joanne. I don’t have a specific certification in Kickboxing but I have experience with boxing, I currently take 2 forms of martial arts, and I teach a non-contact cardio kickboxing class (which required a certification) called Turbo Kick. If the gym wanted to me to teach just kickboxing (because we have that as well), then I would be well qualified.

I don’t believe you need a “specific” certification in Kickboxing but I do believe you need a Group Exercise certification which usually does include kickboxing.

It is my personal opinion that kickboxing instructors also take an intro course in martial arts as well! I’ve seen some very poor execution of both the side kick, roundhouse, punch/hook/uppercuts taught by certified kickbox instructors!

No, it isn’t required that you have a certification to train. However, If you are going to teach a class then I do think you SHOULD have a certification for training as well as a good knowledge of cueing techniiques. It will help when modifying movements for specific individuals (which will happen if your teaching these types of movements to a variety of differently structured people.) If you are to train the sport then I highly recommend a background in empty handed combat, sports conditioning, and a working knowledge of the rules and regulations of the sports. Thai, Western, and Savate kickboxing all have their own set of rules.