The 10-Second Rule That Turns Awkward Instructors Into All-Stars
Ever see one of your assistant instructors justโฆ standing there?
Like theyโre trying to solve the meaning of life while a student next to them is doing a side kick that looks more like they are trying to relieve a gi pant wedgie?
Meanwhile, you look at the studentโs parent, and their arms are crossed tighter than your belt before a sparring match.
Hereโs the truth: Most assistant instructors arenโt incompetent.
Theyโre just undertrained.
Theyโre worried about overstepping. Interrupting. Doing something โwrong.โ
So instead of stepping in, they freeze. They meander. They wait for someone else to fix it.
Thatโs why we implemented the 10-Second Rule.
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What is it?
Simple:
Every instructor on the mat must engage with a student every 10 seconds. Period.
It doesnโt need to be a 5-minute TED Talk.
It can be:
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A high five
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A short correction
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A focused watch with direct eye contact
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A challenge (โCan you do that just a little bit faster or stronger?โ)
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A word of encouragement (โThat kick had great snap, do it again!โ)
The rule keeps instructors present and students engaged.
It also prevents your staff from turning into human wavemasters.
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How to implement it..
Next class, assign a drill. Then observe your team from the sidelines.
Let your head instructor run the drill, let your assistant instructors know that you are watching to see if they can engage every 10 seconds.
The goal isnโt perfection. Itโs awareness.
Youโll instantly spot whoโs tuned inโฆ and whoโs zoning out.
Itโs a simple framework, but it teaches assistants to always be in the moment, and thatโs what makes good instructors great.
Better instructors โ Higher performing students โ Long-term retention โ โ Less burnout for you.
Pretty cool domino effect, huh?
As promised, 3 min read. No fluff. All strategy.
Your 3 Min Hype Man,
Matthew
P.S. Do you want to add 30 new students in 60 days organically this summer, without spending a dime on ads? I am the only coach that contractually guarantees your results or your money back.
๐ Schedule a 10-min Discovery Call with me HERE
P.P.S. Enjoying the 3-Min Black Belt Business Newsletter? Forward this to another school owner who wants better staff and more students without running more ads. They can subscribe here ๐ https://www.doubleyourdojo.com/newsletter-opt-in
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