1. Role Models for New Leadership Team Members New Leadership Team members should focus on being role models rather than wandering to help. Position them next to students who are struggling, allowing them to execute techniques at a pace suitable for these students.
2. Experienced Leadership Team Members More experienced Leadership Team members, with the instructor's permission, may wander and correct students as needed.
3. Brief and Friendly Corrections Wandering corrections should be brief and always led with a smile.
4. Keep Moving It’s crucial to keep moving and make gentle, guiding contact with each student twice during a class. Avoid hovering over one person, as it can make them nervous and prone to errors.
5. Quick Verbal Corrections If you make a verbal correction, make it quickly and move on. Avoid over-explaining or stating the obvious. Use concise phrases like, “this is a fist,” or “this is your belt.” Students appreciate concise and clear instructions.
6. Correct and Praise Always try to find something positive to say along with a correction. For example, “Joey, your sidekick is straight as an arrow, now let’s get that foot to blade and you’ll have a black belt kick!” Avoid insincere praise; it’s better to find a genuine aspect to commend, whether it’s effort, positioning, or technique.
7. Respect the Instructor’s Time Never speak to a student while the instructor is addressing the class.
8. Support the School Always support the school and its policies. If there’s a change or challenge, avoid negative conversations. If a student is negative, help them understand why supporting the school’s direction is beneficial.
9. Focused Corrections When leading a group or individual, avoid overwhelming students with multiple corrections at once. Focus on one correction per step, ensuring the pace remains engaging and effective. For instance: “Step. Eyes straight. Step. Square those shoulders. Step. Good power, now punch down the center. Step. Slide those feet like a cat. Step. There! Now point your feet straight!”
10. Use Your Voice, Face, and Body Project enthusiasm and energy through your voice, facial expressions, and body language. Avoid a monotone voice and stone face. Convey enthusiasm and power when needed, and adjust your tone to match the required technique. Ensure your energy is felt by all students to keep them engaged and motivated.Master the art of leadership in martial arts classes with these essential tips for engaging and effective assistance, from role modeling to energizing your instructions.
