Finding a skilled and loyal martial arts instructor isn't as simple as posting an ad in the "help wanted" section of the classifieds. Martial arts is a specialized field requiring not only technical proficiency but also the ability to inspire and transform students from novices to confident martial artists. Here’s how to effectively recruit and interview potential instructors to ensure they meet your standards and contribute positively to your studio.

Recruiting from Within

The most reliable method for hiring is promoting from within your leadership team. These individuals already understand your school’s culture, values, and teaching methodologies. They are familiar with your expectations and have demonstrated loyalty and respect, making the transition smoother and more effective.

Hiring from Outside

When hiring externally, it’s essential to have a robust screening process, as outsiders lack the pre-established emotional connection to your school. Here’s how to approach this:

Conducting the Interview

Interviews can be daunting because they require making a long-term decision based on a short interaction. A poor hire means losing money on training and restarting the hiring process. Here’s what to focus on during the interview:

  1. Attitude and Enthusiasm
    Look for candidates who display a positive attitude and high energy. Their enthusiasm for martial arts and teaching should be evident.

  2. Open-Ended Questions
    Avoid yes or no questions. Ask open-ended questions to gauge how the candidate thinks and communicates. This will give you insight into their problem-solving skills and teaching philosophy.

  3. Listening Skills
    Your role is to listen more than talk. Pay attention to how the candidate discusses past experiences with masters and co-workers. This can reveal their interpersonal skills and attitude towards teamwork.

  4. Alignment with Your Values
    Discuss their teaching methods and what they expect from students. Ensure their goals, philosophy, and values align with yours. If not, they may not be a good fit for your studio.

Teaching Demonstration

Once you’re satisfied with the initial interview, have the candidate demonstrate their teaching skills by instructing a few classes. This allows you to observe their communication skills, energy levels, enthusiasm, and ability to motivate students. Pay attention to their true personality, as it will become evident after a few hours of teaching.

Hiring Office Assistants

For office roles, consider using a temporary employment agency. This allows you to hire on a “temp to perm” basis, providing a trial period to evaluate the candidate’s fit for the job. The temp agency handles interviews, background checks, and other pre-screening processes, giving you flexibility to find the right person.