What is JIT (Junior Instructor Training) all about??

You hear us mentioning regularly in class about our Instructor Training courses, and you may have even been lucky enough to have had a warm up from one of your fellow classmates who is already on the one of the programmes. But what are they, what happens, and is it for me?

At Family Martial Arts Centres, we believe that training goes far beyond just learning the kicks and punches of Tang Soo Do, we believe there is a mental as well as physical journey to be made by students.

One of the most valuable pathways for younger students is the Junior Instructor Training (JIT) Programme - a structured course run by current Masters and Instructors (once a month), designed to transform dedicated martial artists into confident leaders and role models within the school and hopefully the wider community.

What is the Junior Instructor Training Programme?

Junior Instructor Training is a programme aimed at younger students who show commitment, maturity, and enthusiasm for martial arts and want to look at both pushing their own training development and understanding of the art, while also being able to help and support others in their classes. Rather than focusing purely on physical techniques, the training courses introduces participants to the fundamentals of teaching, leadership, and responsibility.

The goal is simple: to help students move from learning martial arts to helping others learn it.

Through this process, students gain:

• Confidence and communication skills

• A deeper understanding of martial arts techniques

• Leadership and teamwork abilities

• A sense of responsibility within their club

This aligns with the wider philosophy of the organisation, which emphasises life skills such as respect, discipline, perseverance, and self-control alongside physical training.

What happens during the sessions?

Sessions in the Junior Instructor Training Programme are very different from a standard class the students currently take part in. The sessions take place for a couple of hours once a month, usually on the first weekend of the month at either the Bury or Swinton Centres. In the sessions those going through the programme combine practical training, teaching fundamentals and theory, mentoring, as well as giving them the opportunity to practice teaching techniques with their peers.

All of this is overseen by Master Parkinson and Master V Smythe, and assisted by current instructors. The aim of the sessions is to arm the students with the knowledge and skills that they can take back to their own classes and help their own Instructor to deliver the classes, by assisting with warm up sessions, and helping new students settle into Martial Arts.

The benefits of being on the Junior Instructor Training?

1. Assisting in Real Classes

One of the most important parts of the programme is hands-on experience. Junior instructors:

• Help line up students and assist with drills

• Demonstrate basic techniques like kicks, blocks, and stances

• Support beginners who may be nervous or struggling

This allows them to learn by doing, under the supervision of fully qualified instructors.

2. Learning How to Teach

Students are coached on:

• How to give clear instructions

• How to correct technique positively

• How to motivate and encourage others

They begin to understand that teaching is not just about knowledge - it’s about communication and empathy.

3. Leadership and Role Modelling

Junior instructors are expected to set the standard in class. That includes:

• Demonstrating excellent behaviour and discipline

• Showing respect to instructors and fellow students

• Leading warm-ups or small group activities

Younger students often look up to them, making their role especially important.

4. Technical Development

Participants also deepen their own martial arts skills by:

• Refining fundamental techniques

• Understanding why techniques work

• Learning how to break movements down step-by-step

This deeper understanding helps them progress faster in their own grading journey.

5. Personal Development Activities

Sessions often include elements beyond physical training, such as:

• Goal setting and progress tracking

• Confidence-building exercises

• Communication challenges

These reflect the broader ethos of Family Martial Arts Centres, where programmes are designed to support social, emotional, and academic growth alongside martial ability.

The Structure of a Typical Session

While sessions may vary by centre, a typical Junior Instructor session might include:

1. Briefing – outlining goals for the session

   
   

2. Skill Development – refining techniques and drill

   
   

3. Teaching Practice – assisting in a live class

   
   

4. Feedback – instructors provide guidance and improvements

   
   

5. Reflection – students review what they learned and set goals

This cycle ensures constant improvement and builds confidence over time.

Why it matters

The Junior Instructor Training Programme is more than a stepping stone—it’s a foundation for future leadership.

For many students, it leads to:

• Assistant Instructor roles

• Advanced instructor training programmes

• Opportunities to pursue martial arts as a long-term passion or career

More importantly, it equips young people with skills they can use anywhere - school, work, and everyday life.

Final thoughts

At its core, the Junior Instructor Training Programme at Family Martial Arts Centres is about growth. Students don’t just become better martial artists - they become more confident, responsible, and capable individuals.

By stepping into a teaching role, even in a small way, they begin to understand one of martial arts’ most powerful lessons:

True mastery isn’t just about what you can do - it’s about what you can pass on to others.

Kyo Sa Nim Nick Ogden