Job post summary
Date posted: 23 March 2026
Pay: £12.50-£25.00 per hour
Job Description:
Do you love working with children and want to make a real difference to their confidence and development?
We are looking for positive, reliable and enthusiastic individuals to join our growing team delivering fun, structured children’s classes across Essex.
This role is as much about working with children and building their confidence as it is about physical activity.
About Us
Matt Fiddes Martial Arts is one of the UK’s leading children’s and family martial arts organisations, established for over 20 years.
We help children 4 years+ develop:
* confidence
* discipline
* focus
* resilience
Through structured, supportive and high-energy classes delivered in schools, after-school clubs and private venues.
All classes follow proven systems designed specifically for children in a safe and positive environment.
The Role
We are looking for a Children’s Martial Arts Instructor to join our team in Westcliff & Basildon.
Current openings:
Day:Monday
Hours: 4:15pm – 6:45pm
Location: Westcliff-on-Sea (SS0)
Day Tuesday
Hours: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: Basildon (SS13)
Day: Saturday
Hours: 10:30AM - 12:30PM
Location: Westcliff-on-Sea (SS0)
There is immediate opportunity to increase hours across nearby locations including Westcliff, Southend, Basildon, Laindon, Grays, Chelmsford, Braintree and Colchester.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Leading and assisting children’s classes in a fun and structured way
* Helping children build confidence, focus and coordination
* Following our proven class systems and lesson structure
* Supporting positive behaviour and engagement
* Building strong relationships with parents and students
* Maintaining high standards of safety, energy and professionalism
1.
Who This Role Is Suitable For
We are open to a range of applicants — what matters most is your attitude, reliability and ability to work with children.
Starting Out
* You have some experience with children (or a strong interest)
* You’re looking for part-time, active work
* You’re positive, reliable and willing to learn
Full training provided — no martial arts experience required
Already Experienced
* You have a background in martial arts, coaching or teaching
* You’re confident leading groups of children
* You’re looking for consistent, rewarding work
2.
Looking for Progression
* You want more than just a part-time role
* You’re interested in developing into a lead instructor
* You’re open to building a long-term career
Opportunities exist to take on more classes, responsibility and leadership
Business Owners / Operators
Already running your own martial arts club or children’s activity business?
Or an experienced instructor ready to grow your own locations?
We are open to partnering with the right individuals to:
* launch new schools
* expand into multiple locations
* build using our 20+ years of proven systems, curriculum and support
If this is you, we would particularly like to hear from you
Martial Arts Experience
Helpful — but NOT essential.
We provide full training in both martial arts and how to teach children effectively.
Important: You do not need to be highly skilled, super fit, or “able to fight” to start.
Our classes focus on:
* basic punches and kicks
* simple movements and drills
* structured, repeatable teaching systems
Most of what we teach at beginner level is simple, safe and designed specifically for children — not complex or intimidating.
If you can:
* move comfortably
* follow instruction
* and are willing to learn you will be absolutely fine.
A basic level of fitness and coordination is required, but this will naturally improve as you train and teach with us. Many of our best instructors started with no martial arts background at all.
Training & Development
All new instructors will go through a structured training process to learn our class systems and teaching methods. This typically involves 2–4 hours per week of training initially, alongside your classes.
Training is practical, supportive and designed to build your confidence step-by-step — especially for those with no prior martial arts experience.
This will include attending training sessions, guided practice, and some personal practice between sessions to help you progress and feel confident in classes.
Transport
A car is helpful but not essential, particularly if you live close to the class location.
However, for instructors looking to:
* lead their own classes
* work across multiple locations
* or progress within the organization
having access to a car (or use of a car) will be required, as this may involve transporting equipment such as pads and training kit.
In addition, all instructors will be required to attend training sessions at our central locations in Wickford or Witham. The ability to travel to one of these locations is essential.
Instructors who are able to travel between locations typically have access to more hours, increased responsibility and faster progression.
Progression Path
This role can develop into:
* additional teaching hours and income
* senior / lead instructor roles
* management responsibilities
* running your own schools
* building a long-term career within the organization
3.
What We Offer
* £12.50 – £25.00 per hour
* Bonus scheme
* Free uniform
* Full training (martial arts and teaching skills)
* Ongoing mentoring and development
* A rewarding role making a real difference in children’s lives
* Competitive hourly pay, with a clear pathway to build this into a full-time role as you take on more classes and responsibility.
4.
Senior instructors and school operators are able to generate full-time incomes through running multiple locations.
Important Information
* Part-time freelance contractor role
* DBS required (or willingness to obtain one)
5.
Apply Now
If you’re interested in joining a growing team and making a positive impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Please submit your CV and answer the questions below.
Application Questions
Application question(s):
* Which assignment is of interest Mon Westcliff - Tuesday Basildon - Sat Westcliff
* What experience do you have working with Children, how long and in what capacity?
* Do you have any martial arts, coaching or teaching experience? (If yes, please explain briefly)
* This role includes an initial training period, which typically involves 2–4 hours per week outside of classes (including training sessions and personal practice). Do you have the time and availability to commit to this?
* Which best describes what you are looking for right now?
A) Part-time work only
B) Extra income alongside other work/studies
C) Long-term progression and development
D) Business / ownership opportunities
* How many hours per week are you realistically available?
* What is your mode of transport?
* Why does this role interest you specifically?
Job Types: Part-time, Freelance
Benefits:
* Free fitness classes
* On-site parking
* Referral Scheme
License/Certification:
* DBS ( or willingness to undertake one)
* Reference ID: ID-MA-23