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Apprentice Instructor Program

Train Under a Master.  Become a Leader.  Carry the Lineage.

 

The Apprentice Instructor Program: The Opportunity

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Warrior Combat Arts Academy is seeking one exceptional individual to join our school as an Apprentice Instructor.

This is not a typical job.
This is a long-term mentorship and apprenticeship for someone who wants to grow into a skilled martial artist, instructor, and leader — and potentially become a future senior instructor or successor within the Academy.

If you are looking for a quick title, casual training, or a short-term gig, this is not for you.

If you are seeking discipline, purpose, mentorship, and mastery, keep reading.

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About Warrior Combat Arts Academy

 

Warrior Combat Arts Academy teaches a complete, real-world martial arts system rooted in:

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  • Jeet Kune Do (JKD)

  • Filipino Kali / Escrima

  • Silat

  • Muay Thai

  • Functional self-defense and movement

 

Our approach blends lineage-based knowledge, modern biomechanics, and practical application — with a strong emphasis on character, humility, and leadership.

This apprenticeship is taught directly under the Academy’s founder and head instructor, SiFu Adrian Tandez.

 

About the Apprentice Instructor Role

 

The Apprentice Instructor assists in classes and private lessons while being trained in both martial skill and how to teach.

 

Responsibilities include:

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  • Assisting during group classes and private lessons

  • Supporting beginner students with fundamentals

  • Demonstrating drills and basic techniques

  • Helping with warm-ups, class flow, and organization

  • Learning JKD, Kali, and Silat systems directly under mentorship

  • Developing communication, leadership, and teaching skills

  • Upholding the Academy’s culture, standards, and professionalism

 

This role starts small and grows over time.

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Who This Is For

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We are looking for someone with strong character and long-term intent.

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Ideal candidates may come from backgrounds such as:

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  • Martial arts

  • Fitness or personal training

  • Athletics or sports

  • Dance or movement arts

  • Acting or stunt performance

  • Kinesiology or sports science

  • Military or veteran experience

 

You do not need prior experience in JKD or Kali — but you must be teachable, reliable, and committed.

 

The Growth Path

 

This position is designed as a structured progression, not a shortcut.

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Your development may include:

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  • Private mentorship and technical training

  • Access to instructor curriculum

  • Leadership coaching

  • Teaching and class-management experience

  • Certification opportunities

  • Event and seminar involvement

  • Long-term path toward senior instructor status

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The right individual may eventually be groomed for a larger leadership role within the Academy.

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Expectations & Requirements

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  • Age 18+

  • Able to commit 6-10 hours per week (evenings/weekends)

  • Willing to learn from fundamentals upward

  • Comfortable speaking and demonstrating movement

  • Professional, respectful, and dependable

  • Interested in a long-term commitment (1–2 years minimum)

  • Open to correction and structured instruction

 

This Role Is NOT For:

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  • People seeking quick titles

  • Ego-driven martial artists

  • Individuals unwilling to follow a system

  • Those looking for casual or short-term training

  • Anyone who struggles with humility or consistency

 

The Selection Process

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This role is highly selective.

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Qualified applicants will move through:

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  1. Written application

  2. Screening questionnaire

  3. Short video introduction

  4. In-person assessment

  5. Trial shadow period

 

Only one apprentice will be selected. Women and men are encouraged to apply.

 

How to Apply

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To begin the application process, click the button below and complete the Apprentice Instructor Screening Form.

Applicants who demonstrate strong alignment will be contacted for the next step.

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Final Note

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This apprenticeship is about legacy, not ego.

 

If you are looking for:

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  • Growth

  • Discipline

  • Mentorship

  • Mastery

  • A place to belong and contribute

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We invite you to apply.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Apprentice Instructor Program

 

Is this a paid position?

This role begins as a mentorship-based apprenticeship with a stipend and growth opportunities. Compensation increases as responsibilities, skill, and teaching capacity increase. This position is designed for long-term development, not short-term income.

 

Do I need prior experience in Jeet Kune Do, Kali, or Silat?

No. Prior experience in movement, fitness, athletics, martial arts, or coaching is helpful, but not required. The most important qualities are coachability, humility, consistency, and long-term commitment.

 

How many hours per week are required?

Most apprentices commit 6-10 hours per week, primarily evenings or weekends. As your role grows, hours and responsibilities may expand by mutual agreement.

 

Is this role suitable for beginners?

Yes — if you are serious. Beginners with strong discipline, movement awareness, and a desire to learn properly often develop faster than experienced practitioners with ingrained habits or ego.

 

Is this a job or a training program?

It is both, but it is structured first as an apprenticeship. You will assist, observe, train, and gradually take on responsibility as you grow. This is not a shortcut to teaching — it is a path to earning it.

 

What qualities are you looking for most?

 

Above all:

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  • Humility

  • Reliability

  • Coachability

  • Respect for lineage

  • Calm professionalism

  • Long-term mindset

 

Skill can be trained. Character cannot.

 

Is this a path to becoming a full instructor or successor?

For the right individual, yes. This program is designed to develop future instructors and leaders within the Academy. Advancement is based on merit, consistency, and trust, not time alone.

 

Can I apply if I currently train at another martial arts school?

Possibly. Applicants must be open to learning a new system and philosophy and must disclose any current affiliations during the application process. Transparency is essential.

 

What is the time commitment expectation?

We are seeking candidates interested in a minimum 1–2 year commitment. This program is not suitable for those seeking short-term training or casual involvement.

 

What does the selection process look like?

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Qualified applicants move through:

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  1. Written application

  2. Screening questionnaire

  3. Short video introduction

  4. In-person assessment

  5. Trial shadow period

 

Only one apprentice will be selected.

 

Can this role fit around school or another job?

Yes — many strong candidates are students, trainers, or professionals. Scheduling is discussed openly, but consistency is required.

 

What makes this apprenticeship different from other programs?

This is a lineage-based, mentorship-driven program taught directly under the Academy’s founder. The focus is not only on technique, but on how to teach, lead, and represent a martial arts academy with integrity.

 

What happens if I’m not selected?

Not being selected does not reflect personal failure. This role is highly specific and selective. Some applicants may be encouraged to train as students first or reapply later.

 

How do I apply?

Click the Apply for the Apprentice Instructor Program button and complete the screening form. Qualified candidates will be contacted for the next step.

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JEET KUNE DO - KALI ESCRIMA - MUAY THAI - BOXING - SILAT

1931 Old Middlefield Way, Unit C, Mountain View, California
Phone: 408 373 0204 / contact@warriorcombat.net
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