Certification

Overview

The International Combat Fitness Institute (ICFI) offers one of the world’s most comprehensive, hands-on coaching certification systems for striking-based fitness. Our goal is to build coaches who are not only technically sound—but also safe, adaptable, and credible in any fitness environment.

ICFI certification is not an online quiz. It is a 3-day, fully in-person experience where coaches are evaluated on their technical, teaching, and ethical standards.

Whether you are a personal trainer, martial artist, or gym operator, ICFI gives you the structure and recognition to elevate your coaching and expand your career.

Three Progressive Level

ICFI’s education model is built on three progressive levels. Each level builds upon the previous, ensuring that certified coaches grow with clarity, accountability, and real-world application.

ICFI certification is not an online quiz. It is a 3-day, fully in-person experience where coaches are evaluated on their technical, teaching, and ethical standards.

Whether you are a personal trainer, martial artist, or gym operator, ICFI gives you the structure and recognition to elevate your coaching and expand your career.

Level	Focus	Core Competencies	Typical Candidate
Level 1 – Foundations	Safety, pad holding, core striking mechanics, warm ups & mobility, basic class flow	Coach safe jab/cross/hook/round kick sessions; run 45 min group class; conduct basic private lesson	Personal trainers, entry level striking coaches
Level 2 – Application	Advanced combos, energy system conditioning, small group programming, injury mitigation	Design weekly programs; progress clients across 12 week blocks; analyse movement errors; run up to 20 person classes	Experienced L1 coaches, studio leads
Level 3 – Mastery & Mentorship	Curriculum design, staff mentorship, assessment skills, specialty populations	Mentor junior coaches; build facility wide curriculum; audit safety & teaching quality; adapt programming for seniors, youth, corporate	Head coaches, gym owners, institutional partners

Certification Process

Application & Pre‑Screen
- Submit résumé + proof of CPR/First‑Aid (or equivalent)
- Sign ICFI Code of Ethics
Pre‑Course Study Pack
- Digital handbook (rules, terminology, module outlines)
- Video objectives to review before Day 1
In‑Person Training
- Day 1–2: Technical workshops, coaching labs, peer teaching
- Day 3: Exam day (see below)

Exam Components

Component	Weight	Passing Score
✔️ Written Theory (multiple‑choice + short answer)	30 %	≥ 80 %
✔️ Practical Skills Demo (pad holding, striking)	35 %	Competent ✓/✗ rubric
✔️ Teaching Simulation (10‑min mini‑class)	25 %	Competent ✓/✗ rubric
✔️ Professional Conduct & Safety	10 %	Continuous assessment

Results & Feedback
- Immediate debrief; retest window (if needed) within 90 days
Certification Issued
- Digital certificate + QR‑linked coach profile
- Official badge and marketing kit
- Listing in ICFI Graduate Database

Renewal & Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

CPD (Continuing Professional Development) refers to the structured learning and activities that certified coaches must complete to:

Stay updated with the latest knowledge,
Improve teaching and coaching skills,
Maintain active ICFI certification every 2 years.

It ensures that every coach carrying the ICFI name remains competent, credible, and evolving—not just someone who passed a test once and stopped learning.

Professional Accountability
Clients, gyms, and institutions trust coaches who are current. CPD proves you’re staying sharp and relevant.
Skill Expansion
Striking techniques evolve. Fitness science advances. CPD helps you adapt and offer better service.
Credibility & Renewal
CPD hours are required to renew your ICFI certification. Without it, your certification will expire and show as “inactive” on our system.

Item	Requirement
CPD Period	Every 2 years (starting from your certification date)
Minimum Hours	12 CPD hours (ICFI-approved)
Format	In-person or online learning, practical training, workshops
Proof Needed	Certificate of attendance, video evidence, or signed log
Renewal Exam	Short online theory check (open book)
Cost	Minimal admin fee for renewal process

ICFI-Accepted CPD Activities:

Attend an ICFI masterclass or refresher workshop
Join external seminars in sports science, biomechanics, or coaching
Assist as a junior instructor at a Level 1 event (peer mentoring)
Conduct a technical video breakdown and submit to ICFI mentor
Create a 12-week padwork program and have it reviewed
Join mobility or injury-prevention certification from a reputable source
Document 10 private sessions with coaching reflection (ICFI log format)

Graduation & Credentialing

Digital certificate with secure QR verification
Coach profile page on ICFI website
Official badge (PNG, SVG) for marketing use
Access to Trainer Hub (downloads & templates)
Invitation to apply for the next level

Certification Validity & Renewal

Item	Requirement
Validity	2 years from original date of issue
Renewal Cycle	Submit CPD hours + renewal exam (online)
CPD Options	Workshops, masterclasses, mentoring, webinars
Lapsed >90 Days	Must re-certify in person (partial exam)
Inactive Profiles	Marked as “Expired” on website; QR points to notice

Summary

Your path to becoming a certified, confident, and respected Combat Fitness Coach starts here.
Whether you’re a personal trainer looking to expand your skills, or a martial arts instructor ready to lead fitness-based striking classes — this is your roadmap:

Step 1: Explore & Decide
Learn what ICFI offers, read through the framework, and assess which certification level fits your background. Don’t worry — we’ll guide you if you’re unsure.

Ready for a new challenge?
Tired of just counting reps?
Want to coach with purpose and punch?

Step 2: Apply & Prepare
Submit your online application, including:

Basic information
Your coaching background or martial arts history
Agreement to ICFI’s Code of Ethics

Once approved, you’ll receive your:

Digital pre-course handbook
Suggested movement drills to practice
Personal checklist for gear, attire, and mindset

Step 3: Attend the 3-Day In-Person Certification
This is where theory meets sweat. Over three immersive days, you’ll:

Learn the technical “how” behind each strike
Practice proper pad holding and cueing
Design group and private sessions
Run drills, give feedback, and teach under supervision
Get real-time coaching from ICFI Master Trainers

It’s not about showing off — it’s about learning to coach responsibly.

Step 4: Demonstrate Your Skills (Exam Day)
You’ll be tested on:

Striking mechanics
Pad holding form
Teaching simulation (you’ll coach a mini-class!)
Safety, energy management, and communication
Written theory (short & clear, open-book)

Don’t panic — we’re here to help you pass with integrity, not trick you.

Step 5: Graduate & Get Recognized
Once you pass:

Receive your digital certificate (with QR verification)
Your name goes live on the ICFI website (profile page)
Professional ID Card and Name Card
Official Uniform of ICFI
Join our Coach Update mailing list for events & upgrades

You are now officially an ICFI-Certified Combat Fitness Coach.

Step 6: Coach, Grow, and Expand
Run sessions with confidence

Offer real padwork — not guesswork
Stand out in a crowded fitness market
Help people move, sweat, and feel strong

Use the ICFI framework to build client programs that work

Step 7: Stay Active & Level Up
Every 2 years:

Renew your certification (simple process)
Log 12 hours of CPD (workshops, sessions, peer feedback)
Level up to L2 or L3 when you’re ready
Apply to host or mentor in your city

Contribute to the future of combat-based coaching

This isn’t just a certificate.
It’s your journey to becoming the kind of coach people remember, trust, and rebook.