NWANA Education System
Part of the World Nordic Walking Movement
NWANA maintains a unified, age-specific, and performance-focused national education pathway.
The structure progresses from foundational instruction to advanced coaching and national-level expertise.
Level 1 — Instructor (Fundamental Level)
Purpose: foundational preparation for professionals leading introductory and recreational sessions.
Competencies:
• Nordic Walking technique
• safety, warm-up and cool-down
• basic biomechanics
• group management for all ages
• introductory error correction
Level 2 — Coach U0–12 (Early Youth Coach)
Purpose: working with children ages 5–12.
Competencies:
• game-based teaching methods
• development of motor skills and coordination
• age-appropriate Nordic Walking technique
• injury prevention for young athletes
• organizing youth festivals and skill tests
Level 3 — Coach 12–18 (Junior Coach)
Purpose: working with adolescents and juniors ages 12–18, preparing them for early competitive stages.
Competencies:
• speed and rhythm technique
• age-specific biomechanics
• introductory periodization
• preparation for junior competitions
• monitoring growth, load, and recovery
Level 4 — Coach Adults (Performance Coach)
Purpose: working with adult athletes, from recreational competitors to advanced performers.
Competencies:
• advanced technique
• strength and functional preparation
• season periodization
• tempo and control sessions
• sports nutrition and recovery strategies
Level 5 — National Coach (High-Performance Coach)
Purpose: preparing elite athletes, national team candidates, and those participating in national selections.
Competencies:
• advanced speed technique
• annual training plan design
• competition strategy and tactics
• application of national rules
• preparation for international events
• managing peak-performance cycles
Level 6 — Judge (National Technical Official)
Purpose: preparing officials according to unified NWANA national standards.
Competencies:
• national rulebook
• technique violations
• start/finish protocols
• on-course judging
• protests, appeals, and video review
• event and safety standards
Cross-Cutting Requirements
Mentoring:
Levels 2–6 include mandatory supervised practice under senior coaches or officials.
Recertification:
All levels require renewal every 2–3 years through webinars, practicum modules, and competency updates.
International Alignment:
The system is integrated into the global direction of the World Nordic Walking Movement.