Recruiting capable instructors is a common challenge for martial arts schools, but many potential instructors are often already part of your student body, waiting to be developed.
Establishing an internship or Leadership Team program can be an effective strategy to identify and nurture these hidden talents. Here’s how you can create a successful program to surround yourself with ready, willing, and able instructors.
1. Identify Potential Instructors Among Students
Start by observing your students not just for their technical skills, but for their enthusiasm, communication skills, and ability to engage with others. Often, the best instructors may not be your most technically proficient students, but those who are passionate and enjoy helping others.
2. Establish an Internship Program
Model your program on professional internships in education or healthcare, where interns gain hands-on experience under supervision. Design the program to include both teaching practice and formal training in martial arts instruction, leadership, and communication skills.
3. Structure the Training
Use the MATA Instructore Certification program as a framework to teach your team how to teach and reduce liability Break your classes into small groups, maintaining an optimal student-to-instructor ratio (about eight to ten students per instructor). Use this structure to give your interns manageable teaching responsibilities while under the supervision of a senior instructor.
4. Provide Regular Training and Feedback
Offer weekly sessions focused on teaching methods, leadership development, and effective communication. Provide continuous feedback to help interns improve and grow in confidence and capability.
5. Honor Their Contribution
Recognize the contributions of your interns. While monetary compensation might not be feasible, acknowledge their efforts through non-monetary rewards such as special uniforms, exclusive patches, or scholarships for advanced training. Public recognition can also be a powerful motivator.
6. Gradual Increase in Responsibilities
Start interns with simple tasks such as assisting in classes or making corrections. As they gain confidence and skills, gradually increase their responsibilities to teaching small groups or entire classes under supervision.
7. Monitor and Evaluate Progress
Regularly assess the progress of your interns. Ensure that they are developing not only their teaching skills but also their martial arts skills and leadership abilities. Adjust their training as needed to address any areas of weakness.
8. Encourage Career Development
For those interns who show a strong inclination and aptitude, provide opportunities to consider martial arts instruction as a career. Discuss pathways they might pursue to advance within your school or the broader martial arts community.
Conclusion
By implementing a Leadership Team program, you not only enhance your current teaching capacity but also invest in the future of your martial arts school. Such programs help in nurturing a dedicated team of instructors who are not only technically proficient but also skilled in leadership and communication, ensuring the long-term success of your school.
