Youth Martial Arts Teacher

Description In this role, you’ll teach martial arts classes for young children in age-specific programs, including Tiny Steps, Early Steps, and Growing Steps. Classes serve children from approximately 3 years old through 7 years old and are grouped by age and developmental stage.

You’ll lead fun, engaging, and developmentally appropriate classes that introduce children to basic martial arts skills in a safe, supportive environment. This role is focused on foundational movement, confidence-building, and having fun — not competitive or advanced-level coaching. You’ll work alongside an assistant instructor to help manage the class, support individual children, and ensure a positive experience for both participants and their families. Strong communication, enthusiasm, and the ability to create a welcoming environment for children and caregivers are key to success in this role.

Schedule & Location

This part-time position is based at our 298 College Street location in Burlington, VT. The Martial Arts Teacher will need to be available every Saturday morning, year round. Staff are expected to come to their shift at least 10 minutes before a class in order to set up.

Why You’ll Love This Job

• Make an
• Impact: Bring families together through creative programs, events, and community-building experiences.
• Be
• Creative: Plan and lead fun, age-appropriate programs for kids and families.
• Grow
• Professionally: Gain hands-on experience in program coordination, leadership, and youth development.
• Enjoy
• Y
• Benefits: Free YMCA membership, program discounts, and opportunities for professional development.
• What
• You’ll Do: Supervise participants during programs and events to ensure safety, positive behavior, and an inclusive environment. Take attendance, build appropriate relationships with participants, and respond to individual needs during and after class. Provide encouragement and constructive feedback to support participant growth and skill development.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years of age. Previous work experience with children. Proficient in martial arts.

Preferred Qualifications

Current YMCA Group Exercise Instructor certification or by a national certifying agency. Experience working with and coaching kids in martial arts WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those necessary for the role and are essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in our care. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. Ability to effectively supervise and ensure the safety of children by maintaining visual and auditory awareness in various environments, including classrooms, outdoor play areas, and other program spaces. Ability to lift, carry, or support children up to 35 pounds as needed for care, safety, and engagement. Ability to engage in active participation in all aspects of the program, including assisting with activities such as swimming and gym lessons. This may involve frequent movement, such as kneeling, bending, stooping, crouching, reaching, and standing for extended periods. Ability to respond quickly and appropriately to the physical and emotional needs of children, including in emergency situations. Staff in this role should expect to receive training, as needed, in basic medical support and physical assistance procedures to help ensure that all children can participate safely and fully. This may include but is not limited to tasks such as assisting a child who uses a wheelchair, helping manage medical needs like diabetes, or administering emergency medications as trained.