I've always wanted to be one and I would be good at it, but whilst researching I found I may need a REP (license?) which I can only get after completing a course... which can cost £3000.

I hate the most part of the UK's education system and I am loathe to do this course. I see another option of becoming one 'one the quiet'. I understand the implications of getting qualifications because it is a job with resposibility due to its nature. I want to bypass this, and be ready for this summer to launch a business from it. I'm not talking about becoming a doctor. I welcome any help/critism on what I am trying to achieve, I also half-expect to be pulled down and told I should get the qualification.

Perhaps I'm missing a bigger picture somewhere.. insurance or anything?

Thank you for any help

Well, I live in Canada, and, while I hated the high school, I loved the university system. I would say that, if you're going to teach physical exercise and, especially, if you're going to teach children, you should get some education in that area.

I agree with you on that level but I intend on training 16/18+ year olds. I intend on educating myself for the most part through practice (not solely internet-based) and wouldn't offer any services until I felt confidence in my knowledge/ability. I don't want to stray into the education debate, but I'm at uni now studying photography, and I really don't need this course to start a business.

I've since found that I could attain public liability insurance and have clients sign a contract identifying me as a 'personal coach' type character and it would work as 'helping a friend'.

Thanks for your feedback taekwondofan