Summary/Objective
The Therapeutic Martial Arts Instructor provides for the physical, mental, social, and emotional growth of students through Summit Academy’s Therapeutic Martial Arts curriculum. This program is founded on the Kwanmukan martial arts system, adapted as a therapeutic and educational framework to promote self-control, discipline, confidence, and respect for self and others. The instructor implements lessons appropriate to each student’s age, development, and individual learning ability while modeling the principles and traditions of the martial arts in a therapeutic school setting.
Essential Functions
Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities in the area of Therapeutic Martial Arts instruction by:
- Effectively planning and implementing instruction using the Summit Academy Therapeutic Martial Arts curriculum, rooted in the Kwanmukan martial arts system.
- Employing a variety of instructional methods and techniques to meet diverse student needs, including students with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Physically leading a variety of Kwanmukan martial arts movements, forms, and techniques adapted for therapeutic use.
- Teaching the moral and behavioral tenets of Kwanmukan—courtesy, humility, integrity, self-control, and perseverance—as part of the school’s social and emotional learning framework.
- Creating an inviting and engaging learning environment that supports student confidence and cooperation.
- Encouraging proper care and safe use of all martial arts equipment.
- Leading discussions on self-awareness, self-management, and social thinking consistent with Summit’s therapeutic model.
- Evaluating and reporting student progress using approved tools and rubrics consistent with the TMA instructional design.
- Collaborating with the Therapeutic Martial Arts Director to ensure fidelity to the Kwanmukan philosophy, belt advancement standards, and curriculum integrity across all Summit Academy schools.
Competencies
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Must hold a valid Black Belt in Kwanmukan (or a recognized equivalent martial art) and demonstrate commitment to teaching within the therapeutic adaptation of that system.
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Strong organizational, planning, and communication skills.
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Ability to model and teach positive behavior management, social-emotional skills, and character education.
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Ability to maintain accurate student records and progress documentation.
Supervisory Responsibility
Work Environment
- This job operates within a professional school environment and routinely uses standard office, classroom, and martial arts specific equipment.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee is regularly required to lead and perform a variety of typical martial arts movements and techniques as well as basic calisthenics to develop and maintain student physical fitness. The employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
- This position follows the School/Teacher calendar and may require work outside of standard operating hours.
Travel
- Travel may be required for professional development during the school year.
Required Education and Experience
- Minimum of a High School Diploma
- Must hold a valid Black Belt Kwanmukan or equivalent.
- Professional experience in martial arts instruction.
- Valid Ohio teaching certificate or long-term substitute license.
Preferred Education and Experience
- Demonstrate knowledge of the Ohio Physical Education Standards and model curriculum.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the Ohio Social and Emotional Learning Standards and model curriculum.
- Experience with diverse learners and students with disabilities.
Summit Academy’s Therapeutic Martial Arts program blends the traditions of the Kwanmukan martial arts system with modern therapeutic education practices. The curriculum develops physical coordination, mental focus, emotional regulation, and social skills through structured movement, reflection, and personal goal-setting. The program’s holistic approach supports improved academic engagement and overall well-being for every student.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
