As martial arts professionals, we understand the numerous benefits of learning martial arts. However, we also recognize that adults often face busy schedules, financial constraints, and the exhaustion that comes from working long hours—sometimes in jobs they don’t particularly enjoy.
Much like an actor asking, "What’s my motivation?" before a scene, your adult students are asking themselves the same question as they walk into your studio each week. They may be tired and tempted to go home and relax in front of the television, so it’s your job to convince them that their time and money are well-spent learning martial arts at your school.
Understanding and Engaging Adult Students
For many adults, starting martial arts can be intimidating. Unlike children, adults may not be as adaptable when learning something new. Walking into a studio full of martial artists can be daunting, especially if they’re not in the best shape or haven’t been able to touch their toes in years.
As a martial arts instructor, it’s crucial to approach teaching adult students with understanding. Your classes should be challenging, interesting, and fun—giving your students a reason to keep coming back.
Your adult class structure should consist of three 20-minute increments: warm-up, basic drills, and education, similar to how you would structure a class for younger students.
Ending Your Class on a High Note
Start your class with a relaxed warm-up, making yourself available for questions and guidance.
During the basic drill portion, help your students review essential defensive techniques like kicks, punches, and blocks, which they can use in various situations.
In the education segment, introduce a new move and then pair up your students to practice at their own pace.
As the class nears its end, bring everyone together to practice the new move in unison. In the final few minutes, challenge your students by calling out rapid-fire commands. Push them to work hard, making them sweat and giving them a sense of accomplishment. This high-energy finish will leave your students feeling exhilarated and eager for the next class.
Visualization and Motivation
Repetition is key in martial arts training, but it can sometimes lead to complacency. Students may forget that the techniques they practice could one day be used in real-life situations to protect themselves or their loved ones.
Incorporating visualization into your training methods can help keep students motivated. Encourage them to imagine themselves in dangerous situations while practicing their moves. For instance, when practicing a knife defense, have them visualize a real attack scenario, adjusting their movements to reflect the seriousness of the situation.
People react differently under threat—some freeze, others become confused or angry, which can hinder their ability to defend themselves. Through visualization, you can help your students improve their techniques while preparing them mentally to handle real-life threats.
Visualization Exercise
To introduce visualization, have your students close their eyes and imagine a terrifying confrontation with an attacker. Encourage them to visualize the attacker in detail—what they look like, what they’re wearing, and how they move.
Next, have your students shadowbox around the studio, confronting their imaginary foes. While nothing can fully replicate the terror of a real threat, this exercise helps build confidence and reduces fear.
Keeping Adult Students Motivated
Motivating adult students requires a balance of fun and challenge. As we age, our ideas of what’s fun and challenging evolve.
Challenging your students doesn’t necessarily mean pushing them to their physical limits. Instead, it’s about helping them push beyond their comfort zones to accomplish something slightly more difficult than what they’re used to.
Keep your students engaged by introducing spontaneous, unpredictable drills and techniques. Long-term goals can sometimes feel out of reach, leading to waning interest. To combat this, provide a series of short-term goals that allow students to feel successful and see progress more quickly.
Remember, what’s fun for one person may not be for another. Pay attention to your students' energy levels and expressions—when they’re enjoying themselves, it will show in their enthusiasm and commitment to the class.