Aerobic kickboxing, sometimes called cardio kickboxing, is a workout that combines the techniques of martial arts with the fitness components of aerobics. The classes usually start with a martial arts-related warm-up that can include kicks and punches in combination with calisthenics. While there are many organizations around the world that certify instructors to teach aerobic kickboxing workouts, many black belt martial arts instructors instinctively know the aerobic benefits of martial arts and are allowed to teach the classes in their schools after years of training in martial arts. If you're interested in becoming a sanctioned aerobic kickboxing instructor check with your local martial arts school to see whether it certifies instructors in-house or whether they require an outside certification.
Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
The Aerobics and Fitness Association of America is an international organization that certifies instructors in a wide range of fitness areas, including aerobic kickboxing. The organization has issued certifications to more than a quarter million instructors in areas such as personal trainer certification, Pilates and Yoga instructors and even aqua fitness. The online certification courses cost $149 and require the purchase of a $59 textbook, while real-world workshops cost $469 and require the purchase of the textbook, as of November 2010. Through AFAA you will learn about the aerobic benefits of martial arts, kickboxing choreography and the different skill movements associated with aerobic kickboxing.
American Fitness Professional Certification
The American Fitness Professional Certification, or AFPA, is noted as the original organization that offered kickboxing instructor certifications. It offers a course that helps teach instructors how to challenge their students, teach the movements and identify skill levels of their students. This certification is combined with instruction in the proper way to throw martial arts techniques and how to recognize the techniques for practical self-defense scenarios. Once you complete the course you will be required to take a final examination and score a minimum of 90 percent.
Personal Trainers Association Certification
The Personal Trainers Association offers kickboxing instruction certification that allows instructors to teach aerobic kickboxing classes through their organization. The PTA focuses on teaching instructors how to incorporate the proper techniques in their classes, with special attention paid to the biomechanics of kickboxing. The organization requires that potential instructors first complete their basic personal trainer's certification and be certified in CPR before they can take the certification course. If you sign up for the course you will receive a study guide, kickboxing instructor's manual and a fitness textbook.
International Sports Conditioning Association Certification
Another sanctioning association that offers kickboxing instructor certification is the International Sports Conditioning Association. This organization requires you to complete a 10-hour course that includes instruction in the science of exercise, interval training and the physiology of your body. This course costs around $435, as of November 2010, and includes instruction in basic techniques, martial arts drills and kick-punch combinations that can be used in their classes.
Kickboxing Fitness Institute
This organization is one of many that have been formed by a current martial arts instructor as an accompaniment to their traditional martial arts classes. It is considered approved training by the International Sports Science Institute and the National Federation of Professional Trainers. This certification is similar to those listed above, in that it focuses on teaching the conditioning associated with aerobics with the self defense and self esteem components of martial arts. The certification offers students instruction in the proper way to teach aerobic kickboxing and the techniques incorporated in the class, how to throw proper techniques and different aerobic kickboxing combinations.
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