A
Masters Degree in Kickboxing, ( 6th Degree Black
Belt ), is only awarded after more than 20
years experience as a full-time professional
Kickboxing Instructor.
Craig
began training as an ‘Assistant
Coach’ under Neil Holden in 1996, and
has
competed under Amateur and Professional rules
as a Lightweight.
Booth
was certified as a Thai-Kickboxing ( Muaythai )
Instructor by Grand Master
Sken ( Thailand ) receiving his Level-1
Instructor rank ( 1st Degree
) and the 'Instructor Insignia' (
RED BAND ) in March
1997.
In this photo, Referee Craig
Booth awards the prestigious I.K.F.
World Title belt to
Sam Bainbridge following his succesfull
bout.
Craig
is also a highly experienced 'World
Class' Referee and Chief-Judge, and has officiated
over 1'000 rounds in the ring.
He has officiated for championships, contesting
British, European and World Title bouts.
A
Masters Degree in Kickboxing :
When
you have passed your Black Belt examination, technically
you have a Degree in Kickboxing, ( you are a 1st
Degree Black Belt ). This grade is the Level 1 Instructor
Rank.
Many people, such as Engineers and Accountants,
have a Degree qualification in a particular profession.
Often they will continue their studies to expand
further their knowledge to attain their Masters
Degree.
A Masters Degree in Kickboxing is awarded once an
Instructor is ranked at Level 6 or higher.
These trainers are regarded as a Master Level Instructors
due to their extensive knowledge & having over
20 years teaching experience. The title of Master
Level Instructor, is awarded to those promoted to
the ranks of 6 Degree Black Belt. Booth is
due his next promotion, to the rank of Instructor
Level 7 - ( 7th Degree Black Belt ) ,
which will be 7 RED BANDS on
his Black Belt, on 15th March 2024.
The
relevance of the Instructor
Rank, is that it shows a potential new student
the level of experience an Instructor has built
up over his Martial Arts career.
NOTE:
If you were having an operation and you could choose
between a surgeon with only 2 years experience
or another one with 20
years experience, then you would be inclined
to go with the one with greater experience.
Likewise, you should do the same when seeking a
Martial Arts Instructor.
Checking an Instructors TRUE certification
and TRUE experience is something that is
now more important than ever within the martial
arts industry as increasingly people claim to be
'qualified' and 'experienced' coaches after merely
completing Personal Trainer courses lasting just
several weeks!
Craig
Booth
Craig
began training as an ‘Assistant
Coach’ under Neil Holden in 1996, and
has
competed under Amateur and Professional rules
as a Lightweight. 
