Over the years, through many different arts and schools I have noticed an ultra important tactic successful Coaches, Sensei’s and Professor’s utilize to truly impact the students of their academies. And although this action can enhance your schools tribe, create lasting relationships, help improve your students progress and in turn help retention, many schools still do not invest enough time doing it.
This ONE meaningful action is, listening. Now, that might sound trite or untrue because “What coach doesn’t listen to their students?”, but what I mean more specifically is actively taking the time before and especially after classes to BE THERE for your students.
Find a spot on the mat or in your school to engage with them, talk to them about their training or life issues, answer any questions, discuss parallels to martial arts and life, etc. Also do not rush through this time period that you are giving to your students, they must feel welcomed to approach you, especially for the new students. By doing this you are making not only yourself more valuable but how your students view their long journey on the mats with you and their teammates.
Its almost like a FREE Upgrade program to your students. They get to sit and soak up some of your knowledge and get all their questions about training or life answered. This allow’s lower and higher level students to get to know one another also. By doing this you are showing them you care more than just if they “tapped” that day or “paid their dues”.
Now although this can become a little draining, I urge you to do this as often as possible.
You will notice after awhile, such a positive response not only within the culture of your school, because you get to mold the minds of your student base, but within yourself as an instructor.
It will add a new level of meaning to your coaching, to your school and to your life.
Author : Cris Rodriguez
