Help children find their courage
Every week, thousands of children walk into one of our dojos a little unsure of themselves. They leave standing taller. Our team makes that happen, and we are looking for more people who want to do work that matters.
Who we are
The Warrior Academy is the largest martial arts academy in the Middle East and East Africa. We teach children character, confidence and courage through martial arts at our academies in Al Quoz, Arjan, Jumeirah Islands and Abu Dhabi, with a team of 85 across 9 countries.
We were founded by Sebastian Bates, who was bullied as a child and built The Warrior Academy so that every child learns to stand up for themselves and others. We hold ourselves to a premium standard in everything we do, and in 2023 we won Gold for Customer Happiness at the Gulf Customer Experience Awards.
Our values
Three values shape how we teach, how we work together and who we hire.
Team First
We win together. We put the team, our students and their families first, and we always have each other’s backs.
Take Risks
We step outside our comfort zone, just as we ask our students to. We try new things, own our mistakes and learn fast.
Think Big
We’re building something bigger than any one dojo, inspiring a generation of children across 9 countries.
What it’s like to work here
We are a high performance team, and character is not something hidden underneath. It is who we are. Every year the whole team comes together for our Annual: gradings, a pitch competition, challenges and a lot of laughter.
“I am passionate about developing world-class instructors who can go on to make an impact, as I have.”
Matt, Area Manager, The Warrior Academy UK
“The Warrior Academy is not just a place for you to work. It’s a place where you feel supported. You’re with a team, and you’re with a family.”
Team member, The Warrior Academy
See our culture for yourself in the film we made about our team: watch Annual 2022 on YouTube.
We hire for three roles
Every role at our academies is one of these three. Pick the one that fits you, read what it involves, then apply below.
Instructor
Our instructors are the heart of The Warrior Academy. You will teach a full timetable of children’s classes that blend martial arts with character development, from our Little Warriors to teens.
What it involves
- Lead safe, disciplined, high-energy classes, and give every new child a win on the mat
- Run mat chats and our character development workbooks
- Keep parents close with progress reports and regular calls
- Prepare students for gradings four times a year, and help run competitions and events
- Grow from assistant instructor to instructor, senior instructor and head instructor, with training and a mentor at every stage
What we expect
- A qualified black belt in karate, taekwondo, judo, jiu jitsu or a similar martial art
- Competition experience, ideally
- Warm and patient with children, and confident speaking with parents
- Excellent English communication skills
- Organised with your admin, and always on time
- Available afternoons, evenings and weekends, when our classes run
“I want to help people, and help kids, to change their character.”
Fedi, Instructor
Now hiring
Senior Sales
This is not like any other sales job. Every family you help is a child who grows up stronger.
You will own the journey from a family’s first enquiry to their annual membership. You will speak with parents, guide them through a trial, and help them commit to a year that changes their child. It should always feel like guidance, never a pitch.
Why this sales job is different
- You sell something that changes lives. Over 2,000 children train with us across the UAE, and every family you help is building confidence, character and courage in their child.
- Parents already trust us. We are the largest martial arts academy in the Middle East, with over 2,250 five-star Google reviews and Gold for Customer Happiness at the Gulf Customer Experience Awards.
- Your results reach further. Our performance here helps fund the Bates Foundation, which brings the same programme to thousands more children in Kenya and beyond, free of charge.
- You grow as we grow. We are expanding fast, with our new Jumeirah Islands academy opening in October 2026, and that means growth for everyone on the team.
- You are never on your own. A proven sales process, and coaching and support from our Head of Sales and his team.
In our sales team’s words
“I have always been ambitious about helping people. When I was in the fitness industry, helping people lose weight and get in the best shape of their life, my work felt fulfilling. That doesn’t come close to this.”
Our Sales Team
“Knowing you play such an important part in a child’s life, not just right now but in the person they will become one day, is great. And not just the 2,000+ students we have in the UAE, but also the effect our performance here has on the lives of thousands more in Kenya. That has been truly fulfilling.”
Our Sales Team
“If you’re someone who wants to come in, do your job and go home, this is probably not the right place for you. If you’re ambitious, need a challenge and are willing to go the extra mile to make a difference in your life and in so many other people’s lives, this is the place you want to be.”
Our Sales Team
“By no means is it easy. The expectations are high, we’re a growing business and we push very hard. But for the right person it opens up many doors. The support always outweighs the expectations, and that’s what matters.”
Our Sales Team
What it involves
- Handle enquiries by phone, WhatsApp and email, and follow up with interested families
- Book trials, and speak with every family after their child’s trial
- Sell our annual memberships, and handle objections with care and honesty
- Keep careful records of every conversation in our CRM
- Track your results against clear targets, and help us improve how we talk to families
What we expect
- At least 5 years of proven sales experience in the UAE
- Strong closing, negotiation and objection-handling skills
- A proven track record of selling premium products or services
- Excellent English communication skills
- Ambition, high standards and the drive to go the extra mile
Dojo Host
You will make every family feel looked after from the moment they arrive. Our dojo hosts bring premium hospitality to the dojo: a warm welcome, a coffee for parents, and an academy that always looks its best.
What it involves
- Welcome every family, and greet each child by name
- Prepare and serve coffee and refreshments for parents
- Keep the dojo spotless, safe, stocked and looking its best
- Make sure every parent leaves with a clear next step
- Set up and help run gradings, competitions and events
What we expect
- Previous hospitality experience preferred
- A friendly, welcoming and professional attitude
- Able to prepare and serve coffee and refreshments
- High standards of cleanliness and safety throughout the academy
- Physically able to carry out daily cleaning duties
- Basic English communication skills
- Reliable, punctual and presentable
“Every week we have over 1,000 parents coming through our academy, and it’s my responsibility to ensure they have incredible experiences.”
Chrislyn, Dojo Host
Hours for every role: our busiest times are afternoons, evenings and weekends, when classes run.
What you get
- A clear career path and ongoing training
- Employment visa and medical insurance
- Paid annual leave and end of service gratuity
- A professional, premium place to work, with a team that has your back
Work that reaches further
Through our charity, the Bates Foundation, the same programme reaches vulnerable children in Kenya and beyond, free of charge. The work you do here helps make that possible.
Apply to join our team
Tell us which role you’re applying for, a little about you, and upload your CV. We read every application. If we feel you are a suitable candidate, we will be in touch.
