HOW TO HIRE · LESSONS & TUTORING · CHECKED OCTOBER 2026
How to hire a martial arts instructor in Ireland
The checks, the questions and the paperwork.
A martial arts lessons in Ireland costs €10–€30 per class, typically around €15. Here is how to check that in a minute, what to ask before you book, and what you must be handed when the job is done.
- Search and compare — no account needed
- Nearest to you first
- One score from Google, Trustpilot and Locufy reviews
THE 60-SECOND VERSION
Hiring a martial arts instructor in five steps
- Are you a trader, and can I see that in writing?No register covers martial arts instructor work, so trader status is what your consumer rights hang on — self-Defense Techniques — lessons often include self-defense training that equips students with practical skills for real-life situations.
- How does instructor's experience change the price?The rate follows the depth of experience behind it. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- How does location of the lessons change the price?A mobile visit costs more than going to them. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- How does type of martial art being taught change the price?The choice of style changes the skill the job needs. — ask before the quote rather than after.
- What is not included?Physical Conditioning — many martial arts lessons incorporate physical conditioning to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a martial arts instructor job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Check before you book
No register applies
NO REGISTER APPLIES TO PRIVATE TUTORS. Anyone may advertise as one. Where the student is under 18 the thing that matters is Garda vetting, obtained through an organisation under the National Vetting Bureau Acts 2012–2016 — and a parent cannot apply for it on a tutor's behalf, so the only practical check is to ask the tutor to show you the disclosure they hold and to read its date. A qualified teacher will also be on a teaching register, which is checkable.
Look for the trader badge and the ID-checked badge on the Locufy profile — both are checked by us, not claimed by the provider.
What to check instead
Garda vetting, shown to you, with its date; A subject qualification, and how much of their work is this subject at this level; Whether lessons are one-to-one or shared, and where they happen; For online lessons, whether sessions are recorded and who holds the recording; Cancellation and payment terms in writing — block-paid lessons are the commonest dispute; Two references from current families.
Ask for each of these before you agree a price, and get the answers in the same message as the quote.
Insurance
Expect public liability, and professional indemnity if they advise on exam strategy. From a company, ask for the insurer, the limit and the VAT number, and ask who actually attends: the team that turns up may be employed, subcontracted or both, and only one of those is supervised by the firm you are paying.
Ask to see the current certificate of insurance — the insurer's name, the limit and the date it runs to.
Trader or private seller
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2022 a trader must tell you they are a trader, and your consumer rights — work carried out with reasonable skill and care, and a cooling-off period on a contract agreed in your home or online — apply to traders and not to private sellers. On Locufy the trader status is shown on the profile.
Look for the trader badge on the Locufy profile, and ask anyone else for it in writing before you agree a price.
VAT
No VAT: this service is exempt, so there is none to add and none to reclaim. A quote that adds it is wrong. A trader under the €42,500 registration threshold does not charge it; one over it must, and must show it separately.
Ask whether the figure you were given includes it, and for the VAT number if they are registered — Revenue publishes the rate for this service. revenue.ie →
A good answer: No register covers martial arts instructor work, so trader status is what your consumer rights hang on — self-Defense Techniques — lessons often include self-defense training that equips students with practical skills for real-life situations.
A good answer: The rate follows the depth of experience behind it. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: A mobile visit costs more than going to them. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: The choice of style changes the skill the job needs. — ask before the quote rather than after.
A good answer: Physical Conditioning — many martial arts lessons incorporate physical conditioning to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance — get the exclusions named in the quote, because a martial arts instructor job is priced on what was agreed and not on what was assumed.
A good answer: Expect public liability, and professional indemnity if they advise on exam strategy — types of Martial Arts — martial arts lessons can include various disciplines such as Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
A good answer: A written scope and a price before the martial arts instructor starts, and an itemised invoice after — kids Martial Arts Classes — these lessons are designed for children, focusing on discipline, respect, and fundamental techniques in a fun environment.
Getting the quote right
- Instructor's experience — the rate follows the depth of experience behind it.
- Location of the lessons — a mobile visit costs more than going to them.
- Type of martial art being taught — the choice of style changes the skill the job needs.
- Length of the sessions — the time agreed is what the quote is built on.
- In writing before anyone starts — a message on Locufy counts
- What is NOT included, named
- Who actually attends, and whether they are employed or subcontracted
- The VAT number, and whether it checks out on the Revenue register
Walk away if
- They will not talk about it: instructor's experience — the rate follows the depth of experience behind it
- They will not talk about it: location of the lessons — a mobile visit costs more than going to them
- They will not talk about it: type of martial art being taught — the choice of style changes the skill the job needs
- A price for the martial arts instructor before anyone has asked the size, the access or the condition of what they are working on
- Cash only, or a large deposit before anything at all has started
- No written quote, or one that moves once the martial arts instructor has begun
What a martial arts instructor costs: €10–€30 per class
The figures are for the job, per class, and a quote for your own is the only number that binds anyone. Karate lessons and Taekwondo lessons each carry their own band. Martial Arts Lessons price guide →
Guide prices compiled by the Locufy team from published Irish and UK provider price lists and 2026/27 cost guides. Updated 2026.
KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR? NOW FIND ONE
Martial arts instructors near you, with the badges that matter shown
ID checked, trader status and one score from every review — on the card, before you message anyone. Nearest first. No account needed to look.
Or post the job free and let them come to you.
- Look firstInstructor's experience — the rate follows the depth of experience behind it — that is what the martial arts instructor is judging on the first visit, and a price given without it is a guess.
- Agree what is being doneLocation of the lessons — a mobile visit costs more than going to them — put in writing before anyone starts, because it is the document you both read back at the end.
- The work itselfType of martial art being taught — the choice of style changes the skill the job needs — and anything found on the day that was not in that is priced before it is started.
- Check it togetherLength of the sessions — the time agreed is what the quote is built on — walked against the written scope rather than against the feeling of it, while the martial arts instructor is still there.
- What you are handedThe itemised invoice and any guarantee on the workmanship and the parts, instructors should have relevant certifications and experience in their martial art.
- Types of Martial Arts
- Martial arts lessons can include various disciplines such as Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
- Physical Conditioning
- Many martial arts lessons incorporate physical conditioning to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance.
- Self-Defense Techniques
- Lessons often include self-defense training that equips students with practical skills for real-life situations.
- Karate Lessons
- Focused on the traditional Japanese martial art, these lessons emphasise striking techniques, katas, and self-discipline.
- Taekwondo Lessons
- These lessons concentrate on high, fast kicks and jumping and spinning kicks, promoting agility and flexibility.
- Judo Lessons
- Focusing on grappling techniques, these lessons teach students how to throw and pin opponents effectively.
AFTER
When the job is done
Hiring a martial arts instructor: questions people ask
The cost can vary based on the instructor's experience, the location of the lessons, and the type of martial art being taught. Specialised classes or one-on-one sessions may also incur higher fees.
Most martial arts lessons last between 60 to 90 minutes. The duration can vary depending on the program and the specific goals of the students.
While many martial arts instructors are certified and experienced, it's important to choose a qualified professional, especially for advanced techniques or competitive training. Look for instructors with recognised qualifications and a good teaching reputation.
Yes, many martial arts schools offer packages for multiple lessons or group classes, often at a discounted rate. It's advisable to inquire about package deals when booking.
Out of scope services may include personal training outside of martial arts techniques, fitness assessments, or nutritional advice, unless specifically offered by the instructor. Always clarify what is included in your package.
NO REGISTER APPLIES TO PRIVATE TUTORS. Anyone may advertise as one. Where the student is under 18 the thing that matters is Garda vetting, obtained through an organisation under the National Vetting Bureau Acts 2012–2016 — and a parent cannot apply for it on a tutor's behalf, so the only practical check is to ask the tutor to show you the disclosure they hold and to read its date. A qualified teacher will also be on a teaching register, which is checkable.
MORE GUIDES