𝗧𝗵𝗲 "𝗟𝗮𝘃𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝘁" 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

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When it comes to retention, sometimes the simplest changes make the biggest impact.
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Let me introduce you to a game-changing strategy we use at our school. It's simple, effective, and a great way to build relationships with both students and their parents.
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We also like to call it the "Lava Mat" strategy. Here’s why…
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The Problem:
After class, where are your instructors?
If they’re still hanging out on the training mat, they might be missing out on crucial moments to connect with students and parents. Parents often feel awkward flagging an instructor down from a distance, and students are just waiting for a quick word of encouragement.
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But if your instructors are stuck on the mat, they’re too far away to be engaged.
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The Solution: Lava Mat.
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Here’s the rule we follow: After class, the mat is lava. You’ve gotta get your feet off the mat and into the waiting area.
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This accomplishes two things:
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Instructors are in the perfect position to give feedback to students. A quick word of encouragement, a tip for improvement, or just a “great job today!” can go a long way in keeping students motivated and excited to come back.
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Parents are much more likely to engage with instructors when they’re in the waiting area, where they can easily strike up a conversation. Whether it’s to ask about their child’s progress, the class schedule, or just to get to know the team better, this creates a natural bridge for communication.
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Why It Works:
If your instructors are physically off the mat, they become more accessible—to both the students and their parents. The more approachable and present your instructors are, the stronger the relationships they’ll build. And stronger relationships mean better retention.
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How to Implement:
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It’s easy.
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After each class, make it a rule...
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The mat is lava, get off the mat!
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This is the time for instructors to:
Engage with students
Answer any questions from parents
Build rapport
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In our school, we actually physically check to see if our instructors have their feet off the mat after each class. This keeps us all accountable and ensures we’re always connecting with our students and their families.
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If you’re not doing this already, you could be missing out on a lot of small but significant interactions that keep students and parents happy. The little things matter.