How to Become a Kickboxing Instructor

Kickboxing is an exciting and intense form of exercise. It has grown in popularity in recent years, and consequently the need for trained and certified kickboxing instructors in the United States is rapidly expanding.

Nine percent of Americans participate in at least one kickboxing class or session each week. Another 13 percent hope to eventually give kickboxing a try. If you’re a kickboxing enthusiast interested in becoming an instructor, there has never been a better time to enter the profession.

What Does a Kickboxing Workout Look Like?

Kickboxing, which is also known as cardio kickboxing, is a hybrid of boxing and martial arts. It is not a form of combat, however, but a simulated sport that incorporates kicking and punching along with selected core-strengthening exercises like crunches and side bends. The application of the proper technique provides a fantastic athletic workout.

A typical kickboxing class will last for 30–60 minutes. It can be one-on-one training or in a small group. Kickboxing is designed to boost cardiovascular fitness, build better muscle tone and cause improvements in coordination and balance. It provides robust cardiorespiratory training. Workout routines are customized to the fitness level of each individual student, who may participate in an instructor-supervised group class or practice on their own, either with or without the guidance of a trained kickboxing instructor.

Over the course of a cardio kickboxing workout, students will perform punches, kicks and other stimulating or muscle-toning movements in succession. Kickboxing is classified as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), since each mini-session in a routine involves a two- to five-minute burst of intense physical activity, followed by a short rest before the next round of kicking, punching or core-strengthening exercises begins.

A standard kickboxing workout at a gym or fitness facility will normally include heavy punching bags, speed bags and pads as targets. But kickboxing movements can also be executed without the use of such equipment.

Cardio kickboxing is a vigorous activity that requires focus, concentration and endurance. If you become a kickboxing instructor, you’ll help your students plan safe and productive routines, teach them the proper techniques to perform all the required exercises and movements, and offer advice and encouragement during their kickboxing workouts.

Qualities and Characteristics of a Successful Kickboxing Instructor

As a professional cardio kickboxing instructor, it will be your job to design carefully crafted workout programs that are appropriate for each client’s fitness and skill levels. The challenge of class design and of creating individualized programs should excite you, and you should relish the opportunity to apply your knowledge to teach proper form and to help other people achieve important life goals.

When working with students during kickboxing classes, in a small group or in one-on-one training, you must monitor their performance closely. This is so you can detect any flaws or mistakes in their movements and ensure that they are making proper progressions.  You must be diligent, attentive and observant at all times: you can prevent injuries and maximize the effectiveness of a workout by promoting proper warm ups and correcting errors in real time.

Your enthusiasm for your profession must be sincere. If it isn’t, your students will notice and their motivation will lag.

Kickboxing workouts can be physically strenuous and sometimes even frustrating, as students struggle to learn and execute unfamiliar movements. What they’re doing is difficult, and they will depend on your support and encouragement to help them achieve their fitness goals. If you show a true and genuine interest in their success, they will be inspired to keep on trying even when the going gets tough.

Certification for Aspiring Kickboxing Instructors

You must have at least a high school diploma or GED certificate. Beyond that, you can become certified as a kickboxing instructor in one of two ways.

The first is to take a comprehensive online training course, accompanied by a final exam that grants, on successful completion, official certification. Many of these are self-paced, working with online videos as examples, accepting video submissions of coursework and providing expert feedback. The second is to seek certification as a personal trainer or group fitness instructor first, and then acquire supplementary kickboxing certification by completing a continuing education course in that specialty.

Two respected, accredited fitness organizations that offer full-length certification courses are American Fitness Professionals and Associates (AFPA) and the National Counsel for Certified Personal Trainers (NCCPT).

The most comprehensive of these courses is the AFPA certification program in Cardio Kickboxing Instruction. For a cost of $449, you’ll be enrolled in a comprehensive preparatory course that features 50 hours of online, self-guided study and practice, which you can complete at your own pace. Materials provided in the course will include instructional videos, physical textbooks, photos and illustrations, sample training programs with or without equipment and access to the final certification online exam.

The Cardio Kickboxing Instructor training course offered by the NCCPT is less intensive, yet still grants an official certification. It is also less costly, at $318 total for learning materials plus access to the final certification exam.

The courses offered by the AFPA and NCCPT will provide you with the certification you desire, from reputable organizations that are well-known to potential employers. Nevertheless, your chances of finding a job as a kickboxing instructor may be enhanced if you seek training and certification as a personal trainer or group fitness instructor first. Six-month programs that provide such training can also be purchased through the AFPA or NCCPT, and if you combine them with an official kickboxing certification it will add richness and depth to your resume.

Another route to employment is to acquire certification as a personal trainer or fitness instructor first, and then study kickboxing instruction through continuing education courses. Continuing education classes in cardio kickboxing instruction will take you at most a few weeks to finish, and since you can take them online they are not costly. At the end of your program you’ll receive a certificate of achievement, which verifies your completion of coursework in this specialized area.

There are two respected fitness advocacy organizations that provide opportunities to pursue this path. The first is the American Council on Exercise (ACE), which offers an online continuing education certification course that introduces aspiring instructors to the popular Urbankick style of kickboxing. The Urbankick instructor training course costs just $169, while an online program that leads to certification as a personal trainer or group fitness instructor at ACE will cost between $350 and $650, depending on the comprehensiveness of the certification package purchased. On each of these, you will learn instructor fundamentals.

The second organization that offers continuing education coursework in kickboxing instruction is the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). Their kickboxing module costs $149 to complete and makes an excellent companion to their personal trainer or group fitness instructor certification programs. The latter will cost you between $299 and $599 to purchase, and the more you’re willing to pay, the more access you’ll have to materials and fitness experts who can prepare you for your final certification exam.

To enroll in any of these programs, you must be a high school graduate, be at least 18 years old, have a government-issued ID and carry evidence of current CPR/AED certification.

The ISSA, with expert instruction from martial arts expert and nationally recognized presenter, Zak Lee, offers an online course leading to certification. While the purchase of the course and online materials does not imply a passing score in the ISSA exam, the use of these will guide you to translate technique into different combinations that challenge both the mind and the body, to understand how kickboxing is different from other exercise techniques, and to learn how to confidently and safely instruct a kickboxing class. Zak Lee, one of the world’s best recognized martial arts masters, makes this course one to watch.

The College Route to a Career as a Kickboxing Instructor

There are no university or community college degrees that will prepare you specifically for a career as a personal trainer or group fitness instructor. But an associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree in exercise science (or a related health or sports discipline) will help you establish a knowledge base that will make such a career path viable as a fitness professional.

Should you pursue a college degree in a subject area like exercise science, kinesiology, exercise physiology or physical education, you’ll study relevant topics like:

• First aid
• Anatomy
• Exercise theory
• Strength and conditioning
• Sports and fitness nutrition
• Weight management
• Biomechanics
• Sports psychology

Your academic credentials as a college graduate with an exercise science background should impress potential employers. But if you plan to pursue a career as a kickboxing instructor specifically, some type of certification that proves you have experience in that area will be helpful.

Salaries and Employment Prospects for Kickboxing Instructors

There are currently somewhere between 350,000 and 360,000 people working as personal trainers or fitness trainers in the United States. According to the the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs available in this sector is expected to grow by 13 percent between 2018 and 2028, which is nearly three times the expected growth rate for jobs in the economy as a whole.

Trained kickboxing instructors will encounter a diversity of opportunities when they enter the job market or look to change jobs. If you become a kickboxing instructor, you may find employment with:

• Fitness centers or studios
• Boxing clubs
• Physical education departments in universities
• Spas or resorts
• Recreational or community centers
• Martial arts academies
• YMCAs
• Corporate wellness centers

Approximately 11 percent of those who make their living as personal trainers work independently. They see students in home offices, at students’ homes, or online for virtual classes.

The pay scale for work as a fitness trainer covers a broad range. Hourly wages in the field average around $20 per hour, and the median annual salary for such a position was $39,820 in 2018. But employees and independent contractors can earn anywhere from $25,000 on the low end to $72,000 on the high end, demonstrating the possibility of advancement for those who work hard and stay in the profession for the long-term.

Wages and salaries for kickboxing instructors will fall generally within the above parameters. But the specialized skills you gain while training to teach kickboxing may give you a competitive advantage. The number of people qualified to become kickboxing instructors is much lower than the number certified as general fitness trainers, and since cardio kickboxing instructors are in demand this may give you leverage when you enter the job market.

What a kickboxing instructor actually does

As a kickboxing instructor, you plan and lead group fitness classes built around punching, kicking, and footwork drills. You teach proper form, correct technique in real time, and keep participants safe during high-intensity movement. Most instructors also handle class scheduling, equipment checks, and client progress tracking.

The role sits at the crossroads of fitness coaching and martial arts instruction. You do not need a black belt or a competitive fighting background. What you do need is a recognized certification, a solid grasp of exercise science basics, and the ability to coach a room full of people at different fitness levels.

Types of kickboxing formats you may teach

Not all kickboxing classes look the same. Knowing the formats helps you choose the right certification path.

Cardio kickboxing

This is the most common group fitness format. Classes follow choreographed combinations set to music. There is no contact between participants. The focus is cardiovascular fitness, not combat sport. Most gym-based instructor jobs fall into this category.

Bag work classes

Participants hit heavy bags or focus mitts. Classes are less choreographed and more technique-driven. You cue power, stance, and breathing rather than following a set routine. These classes appear in both commercial gyms and dedicated boxing or martial arts facilities.

Muay Thai and kickboxing fitness hybrids

Some studios blend traditional Muay Thai techniques, which include elbow and knee strikes, with a group fitness structure. Teaching these formats often requires additional training beyond a standard group fitness certification.

Certifications that qualify you to teach

There is no single government license required to teach kickboxing fitness in the United States. However, most gyms, studios, and fitness clubs require at least one of the following before they hire you.

General group fitness certification

A group exercise instructor credential from a nationally accredited organization, meaning one recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), is the standard baseline. The most widely accepted credentials come from organizations such as ACE, NASM, AFAA, and ACSM. These certifications cover anatomy, exercise programming, cueing, and class management. Many employers accept any NCCA-accredited group fitness credential.

Kickboxing-specific certifications

Several organizations provide certifications focused specifically on kickboxing or combat fitness instruction. These programs train you in footwork patterns, punch and kick mechanics, class flow, and injury prevention specific to striking movements. Some are standalone credentials. Others are add-on specialty certificates that stack on top of a primary group fitness certification.

Common kickboxing-specific options include programs from AFAA, the American Council on Exercise (ACE specialty workshops), and proprietary brand certifications such as those tied to Les Mills BODYCOMBAT or TITLE Boxing Club training. Proprietary certifications qualify you to teach that brand’s format at affiliated locations only.

CPR and AED certification

Almost every employer requires current CPR and AED certification (AED stands for automated external defibrillator, the device used to restart a heart in an emergency). This is a separate requirement from your fitness credential. You renew it every one to two years depending on the certifying body.

How to get certified step by step

1. Choose a primary credential. If you do not already have a group fitness certification, start with an NCCA-accredited general credential. Study the exam content outline, which each organization publishes for free.
2. Complete a CPR/AED course. The American Red Cross and American Heart Association both offer in-person and blended courses. Plan for a half-day commitment and a cost of roughly [VERIFY: current CPR/AED course fee range].
3. Add a kickboxing specialty. Once you hold a primary credential, add a kickboxing or combat fitness specialty. Some employers accept a primary credential alone for cardio kickboxing roles, so check job postings in your target market first.
4. Get hands-on practice. Take classes as a participant before you teach them. Shadow an experienced instructor if your certification program allows it. Many studios offer a mentorship period before you lead classes on your own.
5. Apply to facilities. Gyms, YMCAs, boxing studios, and community recreation centers all hire kickboxing instructors. Some positions are employee roles with a set hourly rate. Others are independent contractor positions that pay per head or per class.

What you earn as a kickboxing instructor

Kickboxing instructor pay depends on how you work, where you work, and how many classes you teach. The role falls under the fitness instructor and aerobics instructor category tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

According to BLS May 2025 OEWS data, fitness trainers and aerobics instructors earned a median annual wage of [VERIFY: BLS May 2025 median wage for fitness trainers and aerobics instructors]. Pay varies significantly by setting. Instructors at private fitness studios often earn more per class than those at large chain gyms, but chain gyms may offer more consistent scheduling.

Part-time instructors who teach a handful of classes per week earn much less than full-time instructors who combine teaching with personal training or group fitness management. If you plan to make kickboxing instruction your primary income, most career advisors recommend building a schedule of at least 15 to 20 classes per week across multiple facilities, or pairing teaching with one-on-one personal training sessions.

Skills that make you a stronger candidate

Certification gets you in the door. These skills help you keep the job and build a client base.

Music and timing

Cardio kickboxing runs on music. Instructors who can cue movement on the beat and build playlists that match class intensity are easier to retain than those who ignore the music. If you have no background in music timing, spend time practicing with a metronome before you lead your first class.

Modification cueing

Every class has participants at different fitness levels or with past injuries. You need to offer lower-impact alternatives without interrupting the flow of the class. This is a skill you practice, not one that comes automatically from a certification exam.

Voice and energy management

You are teaching for 45 to 60 minutes, often in a loud room. Projecting your voice clearly without straining it is a practical skill. Many instructors use a wireless headset microphone. Learn to use one before your first paid class.

Safety awareness

Kickboxing involves fast, powerful movements. Poor form leads to wrist, shoulder, and knee injuries. You watch the room constantly, correct technique proactively, and know when to tell a participant to stop. This is part of the job, not optional.

Where kickboxing instructors work

The setting you choose shapes your schedule, pay structure, and career path.

Commercial fitness clubs

Large chains such as LA Fitness, Planet Fitness, or Gold’s Gym hire group fitness instructors on a per-class or hourly basis. Class sizes are large, scheduling is set by the facility, and pay per class tends to be lower than at boutique studios. The benefit is consistent access to members and equipment.

Boutique kickboxing studios

Studios built around a single format, such as TITLE Boxing Club or 9Round, hire instructors who are trained in their specific method. Pay per class is often higher, and the client base is more focused. These jobs usually require completing the brand’s proprietary training program.

YMCAs and recreation centers

Community facilities hire group fitness instructors with NCCA-accredited credentials. Pay is typically hourly and may include benefits if you work enough hours. Classes serve a wide age range, so modification cueing is especially important here.

Independent instruction

Some instructors rent studio space and run their own classes. This requires business skills on top of fitness credentials: marketing, liability insurance, scheduling software, and payment processing. Income potential is higher, but so is the risk, especially in the early months.

Continuing education and career growth

Most NCCA-accredited certifications require renewal every two years. Renewal involves completing continuing education credits (CECs), which are hours of approved coursework or workshops. You can use CECs to expand your skills while you satisfy the renewal requirement.

Growth paths for kickboxing instructors include moving into personal training, becoming a group fitness coordinator or director at a larger facility, or adding specialty certifications in nutrition coaching, corrective exercise, or youth fitness. Each adds to what you can offer clients and may increase your earning potential.

Some instructors use kickboxing teaching as a foundation and build toward roles in martial arts coaching or sports performance training. If that interests you, look into whether your state has specific licensing requirements for martial arts instruction, because a small number of states regulate that category separately from general fitness instruction.

Next steps to start your training

If you are ready to move forward, start by comparing the NCCA-accredited group fitness certifications to find one that fits your study style and budget. Then identify kickboxing-specific specialty programs that align with the type of facility where you want to work. Many certification organizations let you explore their exam content outlines and study materials before you pay anything.

Browse the program options on this site to compare certifications, costs, and what each credential covers. The right starting point depends on your current experience level and where you want to teach.