Martial-Arts Coaching Development

The Irish Martial Arts Commission in conjunction with Sport Ireland Coaching has developed a martial arts specific coach-development programme for IMAC-recognised clubs. The coaching programme is delivered through coach courses by IMAC’s Sport Ireland Coaching trained tutors.

As an introductory step, some IMAC systems offer an ‘Introduction to Coaching’ course to junior & novice members aged 16 and older. This allows martial artists, new to the world of coaching to train as class-assistants, while not trained to deliver aspects of coaching themselves, they offer assistance to a qualified coach.

The IMAC Level 1 martial arts coaching course is designed to develop assistant coaches. The course is open to members age 18 years and older and is run over 2 weekends. The course covers a mix of theory and practical elements of coaching. The course includes modules on Long term athletic development, physical preparation, sports psychology as well as training games for understanding.

The IMAC Level 2 coaching course has been developed for club chief instructors. The course which takes place over 4 weekends, include 4 days on a generic core syllabus that covers aspects of coaching such as periodisation & planning, nutrition, stretching & flexibility, strength & conditioning and performance profiling. In addition to this, Level 2 candidates also complete 2 weekends of art-specific coach education. In addition to the tutor contact time, candidates must also complete a season-plan logbook of sessions.

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The IMAC coach-development programme ensures IMAC-recognised coaches have attained a high-standard of coach education. These courses are only available to members of IMAC registered clubs. The coaching programme has played a large part in the continued success of our members in the competitive front, with Irish teams seeing a high-level of success internationally over the past number of years.