Just like any good academic institution, your staff should regularly meet and assess each student’s progress. The easiest way to do this is by running an attendance report from your computer, listing each student’s rating right next to their name. You’re rating students based on four key factors: attendance, enthusiasm, attitude, and effort. The ratings are simple: A, B, or C.
Anyone rated below a C has already dropped out, even if they haven’t told you yet. The goal is to move as many C’s to B’s and B’s to A’s as possible. This needs to happen on a weekly basis. Make sure your instructors can access the report so they know who needs a little extra attention. As always, it comes down to your instructors’ ability to communicate, motivate, and spark that desire in students.
Here’s how the rating system works:
A Students: These are your top third. It’s not so much about perfect technique but more about their enthusiasm for training and the school. A students rarely miss class, attend every special event, and wouldn’t dream of skipping class just to hang out with friends. Karate is a priority in their lives.
B Students: These guys are a mix of A and C students. They show up consistently and have pretty good attendance, but their enthusiasm and effort can be hit or miss. They’ll come to some special events, but not all. They’re the ones who might consider skipping class if something else comes up. Because they’re always around and seem fine, it’s easy to take them for granted—but that’s a mistake. B students are right on the edge of slipping to a C. They need you to reach out and re-energize them because they’re not going to do it on their own.
C Students: These students lack motivation. They hold back in class, skip special events, and show up to train only when there’s nothing else going on. You need to flood these students with attention and encouragement. They’re not focused on earning a black belt—they’re just trying to get through the next class. Most of the time, they’re just bored and need something to light that spark.
Your staff should go down the roster every week, rating each student and talking about their progress and how they’re doing toward the next exam. Whoever is in charge of reaching out to absent students should also share what they learned from those conversations.
Remember, while it’s great to have a few A students who would train in a parking lot for hours if you asked, B’s and C’s make up about two-thirds of your school. The challenge is finding ways to re-ignite their excitement and keep them engaged.