Creating a highly effective martial arts staff is a meticulous process that requires years of dedication and strategic planning. It's not a task to be taken lightly. The journey begins by grooming potential staff members at a young age, ideally starting around age 11. This early start provides the opportunity to mold them into the ideal instructors your school needs.
The Long-term Investment in Staff Development
Developing a competent staff should be done 3-5 years in advance. While teaching basic martial arts techniques can be accomplished quickly, transforming students into great motivators and leaders takes years. They need to learn how to communicate effectively, answer tough questions, build self-esteem, and instill confidence in others. This transformation requires consistent mental and motivational training.
The Step-by-Step Staff Development Program
Here's a structured formula that has been successful in developing high-quality instructors over the years:
1. Leadership Team
- Age Requirement: Minimum 11 years old.
- Responsibilities: Demonstrate in lower rank classes and observe instructors.
- Requirements: Attend 100 classes as a leader (1-year minimum), maintain regular class attendance (2 classes per week), attend weekly instructor training, and be a member of the Black Belt Club.
- Promotion: Write an essay on why they should be promoted to “Junior Instructor.”
2. Junior Instructor
- Responsibilities: Demonstrate, lead warm-ups/cool-downs, and assist with basic kata.
- Requirements: Minimum rank of Black Belt, teach 100 classes as a Junior Instructor (1-year minimum), maintain regular class attendance, attend weekly instructor training, and remain an active member of the Black Belt Club.
- Promotion: Pass a written and physical exam to become an “Assistant Instructor.”
3. Assistant Instructor
- Responsibilities: Demonstrate, lead warm-ups/cool-downs, teach basic techniques and kata.
- Requirements: Minimum rank of Black Belt, teach 150 classes as an Assistant Instructor (1.5 years minimum), maintain regular class attendance, attend weekly instructor training, remain an active member of the Black Belt Club, and be at least 15 years old.
- Promotion: Pass a written and physical exam to become an “Instructor.”
4. Instructor
- Responsibilities: Run classes under supervision, demonstrate, and teach.
- Requirements: Teach 200 classes as an Instructor (1.5 years minimum), maintain regular class attendance, attend weekly instructor training, remain an active member of the Black Belt Club, minimum rank of 2nd-degree Black Belt, and be at least 18 years old.
- Promotion: Pass a written and physical exam to become a “Full Instructor.”
5. Full Instructor
- Responsibilities: Run classes independently, stripe and belt test lower ranks.
- Requirements: Serve as a Full Instructor for 2 years, be at least 21 years old, train regularly, attend weekly instructor training and staff meetings, minimum rank of 3rd-degree Black Belt.
- Promotion: Pass a written and physical exam to become a “Chief Instructor.”
6. Chief Instructor
- Responsibilities: Handle all teaching and testing responsibilities, write lesson plans, attend all training and staff meetings.
- Outcome: Typically, you will get one Chief Instructor out of every 30 leaders who start the program.
Maintaining a Steady Flow and High Standards
To ensure the program’s success, continuously bring new leaders into the program throughout the year. Maintain high standards for exams to ensure only those truly ready for the responsibility are promoted.
By following this structured program, you will develop a team of highly skilled and motivated instructors who are prepared to handle the responsibilities of running a successful martial arts school.
