Sometimes, new adult students and parents of our children, would like to know more about how our instructors turn into instructors. This blog is to tell you a bit about the people standing in front of you or your child.
All of our instructors are Black Belts. We have a range of instructors in your classes and there are a few things that may help you understand the structure of the classes.
Lead Instructors
Most often, the lead instructor in a class is wearing a Red or a Blue uniform. The Blue uniform as are Master Instructors. They’ve been teaching over 15 years and some of them up to 40 years. The red uniforms are 3rd Degree Black Belts or higher. They’ve been teaching longer than the Black uniforms but not as long as the Blue uniforms. Most of them have 3-5 years of teaching experience. In the Little Samurai class, the lead instructor might be a black uniform because they have had specific instruction in that age group and their personality fits pre-school kids better than some of the red or blue uniforms.
Assistant Instructors
Our Assistants are in black uniforms. They are all at least 16 years old and they have learned to lead a class. They have completed our instructor training course and we can put them in charge of a class, but usually they lead a few students at a time. We find them to be great back ups if the Lead Instructor has to deal with an issue in class. We can count on them for giving a little bit of extra attention to some students who need a bit more help.
Training Instructors
It’s actually hard to tell who these are, but they will be in black uniforms. We are having them shadow other instructors so they are learning to teach. They might be younger Black Belts who are not old enough to be employees. They have to learn the same skills as all of the other instructors. They will not be put in charge of anyone in class, but will shadow another instructor, so you may see two Black Belts working with one student.
Adult Instructors
Adult classes are always taught by adult instructors with many years of experience. There are no Training Instructors in classes unless it is an adult Black Belt in a Black uniform, learning to teach.
All of our instructors take regular classes on how to teach. They have learned our methods of positive reinforcement. They have also learned how to recognize an audible, tactile or visual learner so that they can apply the proper methods of teaching that student as an individual.
We all take certifications in first aid, CPR and concussion safety. Our instructors are great at completing their requirements to move up in their instructor skill levels. They have checklists and a supervisor to help them reach their goals.
We also have a weekly mandatory meeting to discuss curriculum and to air out any issues they need help with in any class. The instructors who have been teaching for 40 years and up are often able to give very creative solutions to the questions of the newer instructors.