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Instructor Certification
INSTRUCTOR Certification PROGRAM (ICP)
The AFTK recognises that it is important to establish best practice for instructors and to work towards establishing a professional benchmark for traditional karate instructors in Australia. The Instructor Certification Program (ICP) and the Certified Practising Traditional Karate/Kobudo Instructor (CPTKI) is designed to recognise the existing qualifications and formal education, alongside the knowledge and skills developed in practise, of traditional karate/kobudo instructors that they develop throughout their time as an instructor.
While in Australia there are a variety of options when pursuing a sport coaching qualification, there is no industry or government recognised qualification for traditional karate. The AFTK recognises that individual associations, dojo, and instructors may be qualified through various streams, such as the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), by a National Sporting Organisation (NSO), or their style-based karate or kobudo federation. The CPTKI does not affect these qualifications, and should be seen as a parallel pathway to further recognising those qualifications against industry standards.
The CPTKI is not a course-based instructor training program, but rather offers an independent certification and verification process for instructors who wish to have their qualifications endorsed by the AFTK. Following submission of an application to become an AFTK CPTKI, the AFTK Management Committee will review the submission and verify the instructor's qualifications.
CRITERIA For CPTKI
Instructors seeking certification must show competency across seven key criteria, including a practical observation.
Full CPTKI - For instructors who meet the full and complete Criteria below.
Provisional CPTKI - For instructors in their first year of instructing, who instruct less than 40 hours per annum, or who do not meet the full requirements of Criteria 5.
Criteria 1 - A minimum standard* of instructor training. Evidence of this competency can be displayed through: Completing SportAus' Coaching Essential Skills Course (previously called the General Principles Course); or An Association/Federation instructor training program that meets the minimum standard; or A Qualification in a relevant area (eg Sport Science, Coaching, Education, Fitness) under the AQF; and A minimum of one year experience instructing and a minimum of 40 hours instructing experience.Criteria 2 - Appropriately insured for their training At a minimum, this would include Public Liaiblity and Professional Indemnity Insurance (or are covered under their Dojo/Head Instructor's policy). Criteria 3 - A current First Aid Qualification AQF Unit of Competency HLTAID003.Criteria 4 - A current state-based child protection clearance Government issued "blue card" or "working with children/vulnerable people check"; and A 'Play by the Rules - Child Protection and Safeguarding Course' certificate of completion.Criteria 5 - An appropriate grade in traditional karate or kobudo A Black Belt (Dan) Grade in a traditional karate or kobudo style; or If Provisional Certification, a Kyu Grade or Under 18s Black Belt (Dan) GradeCriteria 6 - Demonstrated ability to instruct. Evidence of this is through a practical observation* Safely conduct a warm-up, lesson, and cool-down Teach traditional karate or kobudo techniques such as kihon, kata and bunkai Modify techniques to suit appropriate students based on age, physical limitations and Grade; and Communicate clearly and effectively the concepts of traditional karate or kobudo. Criteria 7 - An ongoing commitment to developing as an instructor. Re-certification every three years; and Evidence of ongoing learning***; and Evidence of ongoing 40 hours practical instructing per annum, or 20 hours practical instructing per annum if Provisional.
Criteria 1 - A minimum standard* of instructor training. Evidence of this competency can be displayed through: Completing SportAus' Coaching Essential Skills Course (previously called the General Principles Course); or An Association/Federation instructor training program that meets the minimum standard; or A Qualification in a relevant area (eg Sport Science, Coaching, Education, Fitness) under the AQF; and A minimum of one year experience instructing and a minimum of 40 hours instructing experience.Criteria 2 - Appropriately insured for their training At a minimum, this would include Public Liaiblity and Professional Indemnity Insurance (or are covered under their Dojo/Head Instructor's policy). Criteria 3 - A current First Aid Qualification AQF Unit of Competency HLTAID003.Criteria 4 - A current state-based child protection clearance Government issued "blue card" or "working with children/vulnerable people check"; and A 'Play by the Rules - Child Protection and Safeguarding Course' certificate of completion.Criteria 5 - An appropriate grade in traditional karate or kobudo A Black Belt (Dan) Grade in a traditional karate or kobudo style; or If Provisional Certification, a Kyu Grade or Under 18s Black Belt (Dan) GradeCriteria 6 - Demonstrated ability to instruct. Evidence of this is through a practical observation* Safely conduct a warm-up, lesson, and cool-down Teach traditional karate or kobudo techniques such as kihon, kata and bunkai Modify techniques to suit appropriate students based on age, physical limitations and Grade; and Communicate clearly and effectively the concepts of traditional karate or kobudo. Criteria 7 - An ongoing commitment to developing as an instructor. Re-certification every three years; and Evidence of ongoing learning***; and Evidence of ongoing 40 hours practical instructing per annum, or 20 hours practical instructing per annum if Provisional.
In addition to the above Criteria, the AFTK encourages all instructors to seek further development in key areas of instructor training, including ethics, teaching students with complex needs and/or learning support needs, the different approaches to pedagogy and andragogy, and risk management.
*Any instructor training course or qualification must address the instructor's ability to conduct classes in a safe and ethical way, to educate on injury and risk mitigation, to ensure instructors are able to meet student's needs and requirements, to develop the ability to lesson plan, and to develop a basic understanding of communication strategies and good management. If an instructor has not completed an in-house or association based instructor training program, the AFTK recommends the CCGP course as a minimum standard. Instructors in their first year of instructing or with less than 40 hours will be given Provisional status.**A practical observation may involve an in-person observation by an authorised AFTK Committee Member during an AFTK National Seminar or other event, or via video submission.***Certified Instructors must be able to show evidence of an ongoing commitment to developing as an instructor. Evidence for this may include attending National Seminars as presenters or completing relevant qualifications, courses, or short courses that contribute towards their instructor-relevant knowledge. This includes showing a current First Aid, Child Protection, and Instructing Hours by 31 December each year.
Application Form
Application fees are non-refundable and awarding of a Certified Instructor (CPTKI) status is at the discretion of the AFTK Management Committee, and in accordance with the Criteria outlined on this page.
Fees can be paid via Bank Deposit or Credit Card/PayPal. If you pay via Bank Deposit, you will be required to provide a Bank Deposit Reference. Fees are:
AFTK Members: For a Certification in a single art [ie Karate OR Kobudo] $75.00 / or $100.00 for Certification in both arts [ie Karate AND Kobudo] (plus a current AFTK Financial Membership)
Non AFTK Members: $250.00
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