Working with new martial arts students

Martial arts are challenging and as a result, many people quit within the first few months. In my last blog I focused on some of the challenges new students encounter, based on our experience as instructors and school owners in the traditional Korean martial art of Kuk Sool Won™.
 
The first few months are exciting for new students, but they can also be daunting. How instructors respond to these challenges can make a big difference to how new students experience their introduction to martial arts. Here are some of the ways we try to make these early stages less overwhelming and more enjoyable for white belts at our Kuk Sool Won™ school.

• Making new students feel welcome: It is important to create a welcoming, friendly and safe environment. If the instructors and students make a new person feel welcome, they are more likely to feel comfortable and their early experiences will be enjoyable.
• Providing good information: There is a lot to learn when you first start a martial art. To make this process easier, we provide all of our new students with a fairly comprehensive induction pack. This gives information for example, about our martial art, etiquette, the rules of the dojang, their syllabus, and martial arts terminology. We also provide our new students with a complete uniform (with badges sewn on) and t-shirt so that they feel like the fit in and look and feel part of the school from the beginning.
• Having a buddy: One of the best forms of support comes from other students. Our more senior students look out for our new students, particularly at the start of their training. They answer questions about etiquette, help with basic skills like how to tie a belt correctly, and provide guidance and support. This also helps build a sense of collegiality and makes a new student feel much more welcome.
• Developing patience: Learning a martial art requires the development of many new skills. It takes time and patience. Many new adult students are particularly hard on themselves. We work with our new students to build their martial arts skills at their own pace and in a way that encourages the development of patience. This also means being creative with teaching methods as everybody learns differently.
• Gradually conditioning the body: The first few months of training can be physically challenging. There is a risk that new students will push themselves too hard, resulting in injury. We teach our students how to gradually condition their bodies for martial arts training. They also learn how to listen to and work within the physical limitations.
• Building trust: Martial arts training is all about relationships. If a new student develops a good, trusting relationship with their instructor, they will listen, learn, and want to keep training. If they don’t, they won’t want to be there and are more likely to quit. By working with new students respectfully, patiently and gently, instructors build that trust. Students are more likely to ask for help or advice (and follow that advice) if their instructor has taken to time to build a respectful relationship.

 
Starting a martial art can be a little daunting but it is also an exciting time. A white belt in Kuk Sool Won™ learns so much in their first few months and it is incredibly rewarding as an instructor to see their growth and development. It is also our job to make sure we make these first few months as easy and stress free as possible, as they transition into martial arts training.
 
JKN Jane Hurst
First degree black belt and school owner
Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero
 
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