I Lost Great Instructors Because I Skipped This Step

Let me ask you a question:

Why is it that someone can be incredible at martial arts… but terrified to teach a class?

I’m serious.
 

Someone could throw a spinning side kick that would KO a rhino or have a nasty rear naked choke setup…

But when it’s time to teach a jab-cross to a group of 5-year-olds, they freeze. 

Why?

Because public speaking is scary as hell.

In fact, more people are afraid of public speaking than they are of death. 

And if you throw your staff into the “deep end” of the pool before they can swim…

They’re going to resist.
They’ll hesitate.
And many will drown in the pool of lost instructors. 

I’ve made that mistake.
More than once.

I’ve pushed team members too fast. I thought they had what it takes.
But I skipped steps.

And in doing so, I lost some really promising people, just because I didn’t build their confidence first.

If you want your staff to eventually run classes, or even full nights, without you, here’s the path:

The Step-by-Step Progression:

1. Start with “Training Wheels”
Let them assist. Fix belts. Hold targets. Nothing scary. Keep it stupid simple. 

2. Walk the Line with PCP
Let them give feedback to students, but teach them how to do it the right way (remember the PCP method: Praise, Correct, Praise or Praise Challenge Praise).

3. Run Mini Private Lessons (5 Mins)
After class, have them help a student with one drill. Just five minutes. One-on-one. Super safe.

4. Teach Small Groups
Split the class into small groups and let them run a drill with 2–4 students. It feels like a class, but without the full spotlight.

5. Run a Portion of Class
Start with the warm-up or bow-in. Keep it light, simple, and low-stakes.

Each step builds confidence. Each step builds skill.

There should be role playing along the way so they feel like they are actually improving. You need to keep an eye on what they are doing and give them feedback along the way. 

Some people will fly through this. Others will take time.

The key?
Don’t skip steps.

Teenager or grown adult, it doesn’t matter. The process is the same.

Want to formalize this so your staff doesn't crumble the moment you’re not on the mat?

I created a 1-page Micro Meeting Template that walks you through exactly how to build instructor confidence step by step in a short 15 minute setup each week. 

It’s short, simple, and takes just a few minutes a week to implement.

If you want the Micro Meeting Template, comment “hook me up” and I’ll send it over (must be a subscriber to the Black Belt Business Newsletter).