WJJC Instructors: Training and Certification
WJJC instructors are black belts with a strong commitment to teaching others what they have learned through years of dedicated practice. To become an instructor, candidates must pass a teaching qualification exam administered by the National Technical Director. The official certification is then issued internationally by the WJJC.
There are three teaching levels:
- Level 1 (Trainer): Authorized to teach up to 5th Kyu (white to blue belts). (Minimum age requirements can be found in the international rulebook.)
- Level 2: (Instructor): Authorized to teach up to 1st Kyu (Brown Belt), covering all colored belts.
- Level 3 (Master): Authorized to teach up to 1st Dan black belt, inclusive.
For example, a 4th Dan Sensei with Level 3 certification can teach up to 4th Dan.
Instructors are required to attend seminars, congresses, masterclasses, workshops, and national events organized by their national federation to maintain their certification (see international rulebook).
Certification Validity and Renewal
Instructor certifications are valid for three years and are renewed annually by the National Technical Director through the application of a validation hologram. After three years, instructors must retake the certification exam for another three-year period. This recertification process helps maintain the high professional standards of WJJC training.
Official Uniforms
Instructors wear a distinctive uniform to set them apart from students:
- Official Gi featuring a red jacket with a black collar, the instructor’s name embroidered over the heart, and pants identical to the student’s Gi. A special badge indicating their teaching level is sewn onto the jacket and awarded upon passing the certification exam.
- Uniforms for Official Events:
- Winter: Black jacket, official tie, level badge, and the national flag sewn on the chest.
- Summer: Black pleated pants, official black polo shirt, black shoes, and black belt with buckle (see International Rules Book and Summer Uniform guidelines).