Do I need a Certification?

[spinaltap]

hi all:
I have been doing martial arts (kickboxing/Grappling). Just wanted to know if you needed a certification to teach in NY? or even start a school. I teach now at my church. But the class grew and decided to get a space. But do not know if a cert was needed to teach MMA?
Please let me know
thanks

[Hardball]

What's your rank?

[spinaltap]

cert?

well I just got my red belt? I am not a black belt yet, after red is high red and then brown and then high brown and then black belt test...
Does that answer your question?

[Hardball]

I don't think you can be legit as a school owner without a Black Belt. I don't think you need a state certificate but most martial arts associations issue teaching certificates outside of your Black Belt test.

[spinaltap]

ok cool... I have to ask my sensai about the teaching cert... At least for now I can teach cardio kickbox with a few moves in.. I do have a cert as a trainer and cardio kickboxing cert as well...
Thanks Hardball for answering my questions.

[Hardball]

No problem, keep us posted on your progress.