Martial Arts Instructors – Students First Class

No one likes to be embarrassed. Remember your first class. As you watched, the instructor may have asked you to join in. Did you hesitate Your initial reaction was probably one of apprehension. New students don’t feel ready to participate after watching experienced students take class. Most people, in seeing a class for the first time, see all the things that they cannot do. The thought of jumping in with a group of students who are more experienced in martial arts techniques can be quite intimidating. A new student doesn’t want to look stupid in front of their new classmates.

Becoming comfortable with a new class takes time in any other classroom instruction. In the first lesson, instructors must help new students feel comfortable quickly. Let them know that they will feel a little uncomfortable at first, and that this is natural. Introduce them to their new class, and let them know that every student there has felt the same way. Ask them to pay close attention, follow the instructions as well as possible, and be patient with themselves. Finally, explain to them that the moment they join in, they will be that much closer to feeling successful. Like learning to ride a bike, you don’t really begin until you start practicing.

After a student enrolls, here are eight golden rules to follow:

1) Never discuss the sale or how much the student signed up for.

2) Shake the new students hands, congratulate them for their decisions to join, and welcome them.

3) All instructors should take time out to meet and congratulate the new student.

4) Take the students picture and put it on the Future Student Board.

5) List the new students name in your monthly newsletter.

6) During the first discussions with new students, instructors should pinpoint 2 or 3 unique points about each one and discover unique qualities about the student and their goals for martial arts.

7) Always give truthful answers to student questions.

8) Always discuss problems or concerns privately with students or parents.

Follow these rules, and your students will be ready and willing to succeed. Do not make exceptions!

Lee Mainprize is a business and marketing expert visit http://www.MAinstructor.com for martial arts instructors resources.