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POSITION SUMMARY
The Demakes Family YMCA is seeking an energetic, relationship-driven Lead Youth Karate Instructor to lead instructional classes for ages 3–12. We're looking for someone with experience leading and working with youth who can build the whole child — confidence, discipline, respect, and focus — not just physical skill.
Note: Classes and programs run based on enrollment; hours and sessions offered will vary accordingly.
Schedule: Varies by season, enrollment, and program needs. Afternoons, evenings, and weekends required.
Required Availability:
- Monday, 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Saturday, 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plan and lead age-appropriate karate classes per YMCA standards, helping youth build skills and belt progression over time
- Teach fundamentals — stances, strikes, blocks, kata, and self-control — while emphasizing discipline, respect, and focus
- Help each participant feel successful by recognizing and building on their individual strengths
- Open and close each class with the YMCA pledge
- Create a safe, inclusive environment; follow YMCA safety and risk-management policies
- Arrive early to set up, and stay after to break down and store mats and other equipment
- Check in with the Welcome Center upon arrival
- Learn participants' names and build genuine relationships with youth and their families
- Build positive relationships with participants, parents/guardians, and staff; communicate attendance, incidents, and progress to supervisors
- Model YMCA core values (Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility); arrive on time and prepared
- Attend bi-monthly staff meetings
- Assist with events, belt testing/promotion ceremonies, or substitute coaching coverage as needed
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & CERTIFICATIONS
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- 1-2+ years of experience leading and working with youth; prior training, competition, or teaching experience in karate or another martial art strongly preferred
- CPR/First Aid/AED certification within 90 days of hire, maintained thereafter
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills; ability to work nights/weekends
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus; martial arts instructor certification, black belt rank, or working towards those preferred
- Child Abuse Prevention training (provided in week one) and CPR/First Aid certification (AFFA, ACE, ACSM, NASM, or similar)
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