About 5 years ago, I became interested more in the fitness aspects of martial arts than the combat side. As a result of my interest I began studying everything that I could find on the subject of martial arts fitness. My search led me to become a nationally certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor. Needless to say that these certifications have been of more value to me than my black belt/sash and instructor certificates.
I realized that my martial arts training had not educated me in the areas of health and fitness.
Since becoming educated and certified in fitness and training, I see how very one sided most martial arts programs are. Very few dojo/dojang/kwoon offer fitness counseling. I’m not talking about just offering a “tae bo” class. I mean really offer fitness and health education to your students. This includes an initial fitness evaluation before they begin classes, advice on nutrition and diet, recommendations for resistance training, and advice on cardiovascular health. In most martial arts schools there is not much time for this sort of thing, but with the proper knowledge it is easily enough integrated into any existing program. And besides that, your students reap the benefits.
I believe that having fitness certifications in other areas aside from martial arts is only going to make the instructor a better instructor. Not to mention that it makes him and his school more marketable.