Become an IMAS Registered Instructor

Joining the IMAS Register of Qualified and Approved Instructors demonstrates your commitment to excellence in martial arts teaching. It reflects not only your dedication to your students, but also your ability to meet the highest professional standards within the martial arts community.

Being listed on our register signifies that you are a well-qualified instructor who has successfully met all the criteria required for accreditation.

Eligibility Requirements

Martial arts instructors seeking inclusion on our register must provide evidence of the following:

 1. Certificate of Technical Competence

A black belt (or equivalent) qualification, awarded by a recognised and accredited martial arts organisation. Certification must be signed and sealed by senior masters and/or the organisation’s grading examination officer.

 2. Coaching Certification

An in-house coaching certificate issued by your martial arts organisation.

 3. Modern Teaching & Assessment Training

Completion of an officially recognised course on contemporary teaching, learning, and assessment methods, awarded by an independent body outside your own organisation.

 4. First Aid Training

A valid and current certificate in basic first aid.

 5. Health & Safety Competence

Demonstrated knowledge of fundamental health and safety practices, including policies, risk assessments, and incident reporting.

 6. Safeguarding & DBS Clearance

A current Enhanced DBS certificate and completion of safeguarding training.

 7. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)

A clear understanding of EDI principles and how they ensure martial arts remains open, inclusive, and accessible to all.

Accreditation Process

Once all required documentation has been submitted and verified, applicants will undergo further evaluation and assessment. Successful candidates will:

 • Be officially listed on the IMAS Register of Approved Instructors.

 • Receive a certificate of accreditation.

 • Gain the right to display the IMAS Approved Instructor Logo on stationery and marketing materials—a recognised symbol of excellence and a benchmark of quality assurance in martial arts instruction.

Ongoing Commitment

Accredited instructors are expected to actively engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain their status and uphold the high standards of IMAS.

We recognise that many instructors may already meet most, if not all, of these requirements and can be accepted with minimal delay once checks are complete. Others may identify gaps in their training—where this is the case, we are committed to providing guidance and support to help you achieve full accreditation.

Whatever your current stage, IMAS will support you at every step in your journey to becoming a Registered IMAS Instructor.

For more information or to begin your application, please contact:

admin@imas-online.org