Group instructor courses
SWIC • LWIC • TEHNIC • ADWIC
Becoming an ACT instructor is a path of both intensive learning and long-term practice. Group Instructor Courses provide the foundation for teaching ACT in your school or community. Each course combines concentrated training over a three-day weekend with a structured process of practice, testing, and continued development.
Completing even the first level of an instructor course grants the right to begin teaching ACT to your own group or private students, under the expectation that knowledge is deepened through ongoing practice and sparring.
The Path to Instructor Certification
Requirements
To enter the instructor track, participants must have sufficient martial arts background, either in ACT or in other combat martial arts. Group instructor courses participants are also required to have at least one student with whom they train.
Format
Instructor certification in ACT is divided into several branches. Each branch consists of progressive levels. Every level requires taking a group training course: 16-20 hours of theoretical and practical material, taught across a single three-day weekend.
Exams
After completing a level, participants are expected to train regularly with their own students or peers. To progress to the next level, participants must pass a test based on the material of the previous course. Tests are provided free of charge and may be taken at ACT seminars worldwide or with advanced instructors.
Ranking System
Progression in ACT depends on the chosen path. Participants advance through SWIC 1 to 3 or LWIC 1 to 3, while TEHNIC offers four additional levels connected to either track. Completion of the short or long weapons path requires a final exam that tests knowledge, teaching skill, and fighting ability. Those who pass receive the rank of Full Coach in short weapons, long weapons, or both. From this stage, they may continue into ADWIC, the advanced instructor courses that deepen the understanding of the system, refine tactical and teaching proficiency at the highest level.
Short weapons path:
The short weapons path in ACT consists of three Short Weapon Instructor Courses (SWIC). Its focus is on knife, machete, improvised weapons, multiple-opponent scenarios, and the ACT approach to empty hand versus knife.
SWIC 1
- Introduction to ACT principles and philosophy
- Fundamentals of knife fighting
- Introduction to machete fighting
- Introduction to empty-hand solutions
- ACT teaching methodology
SWIC 2
- Drills aimed at improving offensive and defensive skills through different ranges
- Expanded drills from the earlier level
- Advanced short-weapon combat drills
- Introduction to tactical scenarios
SWIC 3
- Advanced teaching skills and expanded drills from earlier levels
- Tactical responses to various fighter types
- Survival-oriented scenarios and multiple-opponent training
- Advanced drills, including empty-hand vs knife scenarios
Long weapons path:
The long weapons path in ACT consists of three Long Weapon Instructor Courses (LWIC). At the beginning, participants must choose between Japanese Katana or European Longsword, and between Jo staff or spear (Yari/Naginata). Training develops proficiency in the chosen weapons and expands into multiple-opponent scenarios while emphasizing the tactical principles unique to long-range combat.
LWIC 1
- Introduction to ACT principles and philosophy
- Fundamentals of fighting with two long weapons out of ACT arsenal
- Introduction to other weapons
- ACT teaching methodology
LWIC 2
- Drills aimed at improving offensive and defensive skills through different ranges
- Expanded drills from the earlier level
- Advanced long-weapon combat drills
- Introduction to advanced combat scenarios
LWIC 3
- Advanced teaching skills and expanded drills from earlier levels
- Tactical responses to various fighter types
- Multiple-opponent training
- Asymmetrical long-weapon fighting
TEHNIC: Translative Empty Hand Neutralization Instructor Courses
TEHNIC is designed to translate the skills and tactical mindset of ACT’s weapon-fighting system into a structured empty-hand approach. The goal is not to build a separate style but to use the same biomechanical algorithm and tactical principles that govern weapon combat, adapted for unarmed confrontation.
The purpose of TEHNIC is not to pursue victory in the sportive sense, but to neutralize an opponent. The focus is on sustaining control, avoiding defeat, and applying decisive damage until the attacker can no longer continue. In this way, TEHNIC develops empty-hand fighters who are able to withstand practitioners from martial arts dedicated solely to unarmed combat, while remaining consistent with the ACT methodology.
TEHNIC counts 4 levels, taught as group or private courses.
ADWIC: Advanced Weapons Instructor Courses
ADWIC is designed for Full Coaches who have completed the core ACT instructor paths. These advanced courses provide selected new tools and tactical solutions, yet their main purpose is to revisit and deepen the material instructors already know. The focus is on sharpening understanding, strengthening fighting ability, and refining teaching skills. Through this process, ADWIC turns experienced coaches into more complete fighters and more capable teachers, ensuring that the foundation of ACT is preserved while continuing to evolve. Three levels of ADWIC are available.
How to participate?
Course Details
Duration: 16 to 20 training hours over a three-day weekend (per level)
Cost: 500 € per person, per level
TEHNIC course cost is 300 € if taken with SWIC or LWIC course
Hosting an instructor course
If you are interested in organizing and hosting a Group Instructor Course in your country, please contact us directly. Instructor courses can be hosted at your school, dojo, organization, or another suitable location. Minimum group size: 3 participants when hosting a course locally.
Private Instructor Courses
In addition to group courses, ACT also offers PRACTIC: private instructor courses for those seeking more focused, individualized training, one-on-one with out top-level instructors.
Application form
To participate in group instructor course, please fill in the application form. We will notify you of the earliest opportunities to attend in your region.
Contact us directly
Alexander Zhelezniak
Chief instructor and founder
Phone: +972-50-547-2830
Email: alex.zhelezniak13@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +972-50-547-2830
Facebook: alexander.zhelezniak
International ACTivity Coordinator
Phone: +972-58-518-0619
Email: act.gitelman@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +972-58-518-0619
Facebook: gitelman.eli
