Can curriculums and lesson plans be too structured? The question might seem absurd. In the old days, instructors would teach random techniques without rhyme or reason, making it difficult to learn a system and dramatically slowing progress toward mastery. So when structured curriculums came along, martial arts instruction was revolutionized and learners unquestionably benefited. But […]
Category Archives: Martial Arts Instruction
How to Motivate Students to Keep on Training
As instructors, we want our students to show up consistently, try their best, and put the work in. But there’s the problem: Students sign up for classes and then drop like flies. With student attrition rates so high, how do you motivate students to stay and put the work in? During my time studying Teaching […]
How an Ancient Greek Philosopher Can Help You Make Killers on the Mat
What makes a good instructor? Charisma and character aside, most people will say a good instructor is very detail-oriented or is a detailed communicator or doesn’t let you get away with poor form. Students appreciate the high standards, and instructors pride themselves. And, after all, detailed instruction intuitively feels like high-value instruction… But what if […]
Why You Should Be Tracking Attendance At Your Martial Arts School
Checking-in with a code or a membership card is a very common practice at fitness gyms, and is becoming common place in martial arts schools as well. While it sometimes seems like a needless hassle, there are significant benefits to tracking attendance, for both the instructors and the students.
How to Build a Curriculum for Your Martial Arts School
If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated or burnt-out on coming up with lesson plans week after week, you’re in the right place. Here’s the sad truth: A structured curriculum for classes is missing from too many martial arts schools… Instead, the most common approach is the “technique of the day” — where an instructor shows […]