Being hired as a Martial Arts Instructor (TKD) in New York?

Question

Ok so, Next week; we are going to have a sparring session for taekwondo. I was asked that if I wanted to get the Job then I should show up Monday for the sparring and they will pit me against their blackbelt.

But please hear me out first, here's the thing. I am a Kickboxing practitioner and a bluebelt in BJJ. the reason I wanted to teach TKD is because on their ad they said they will train the person who had experience in MA and *applying for a martial arts instructor*  (generally, it ACTUALLY says Martial arts Instructor not TKD) but then they said "Preferably" TKD at the caption note.

Now I am not against that, actually I want to teach tkd too saying I was a a blue belt before in college. But they want to pit me against their blackbelt with the issue that I've been learning kickboxing and BJJ for almost 7 years!

What should I do? go over there and show them what I'm made of? kick the guy that they will pit me against with til kingdom come? Or just say "I think you are demanding too much coz this was my third return?"  *yes you got that right, This would be my third comeback after the 2nd interview.
OR just probably, it's ok to tell them that my TKD is almost on the OBSOLETE term because of my other training?

All in all, I still consider it as A JOB, so I don't want to pass the opportunity.


Any tips will help for my upcoming sparring, and thanks guys, you are all the best! :D

Doc Hudson · Accepted Answer

My "martial arts interests" center on firearms and cold steel so I really don't know enough about taekwando to offer real advise.

Let me ask you three questions.

Do you really want this job?

Is the job contingent on you winning the fight with the higher ranked black belt?

Do you think you can kick this guy"s A$$?

If you really want this job, and it is contingent on beating their expert, if you think you can, go in there and kick the guy's a$$ all the way to Philly.  I'd suggest you use any combination of Kickboxing, taekwando and BJJ (whatever the hell that is) that you think necessary to win.

Basically rather than even attempt to fight tournament style, go into that dojo with the intent of using street fight tactics and determined to win.  After you knock the opponent down enough he doesn't bounce back up spoiling for another round, ask the owners if they want to teach tournament style or do they want to teach their students to defend themselves in real world situations.  Tell them that you've just shown them how to do that.

Good luck.

Doc Hudson

possum · Answer

If the place was legit, then, win or lose, the quality of your good technique will land you the job.  Your kickboxing will probably come in real handy.  But if the place was a meat market - like Tiger Schullman - then you winning at any cost will likely land you the job.

Therefore, do you homework, and find out first and foremost - are they a meat market?

I suspect they are a meat market, since they asked you to come in to "voir dire" you with sparring, knowing that you have little TKD experience, and yet they want you to teach TKD.

My gut says they are not a serious martial arts place.  Therefore, give it all you got - but do it with style and grace, and don't lose your temper.

? · Answer

You are being hired to teach TKD because you had a blue belt in college?
You don't actually know how to do TKD.
Why are you teaching it.

That's like me teaching Wing Chun because I've boxed.

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Being hired as a Martial Arts Instructor (TKD) in New York?

3 Answers