As an avid follower of martial arts business seminars and courses, I have committed myself to attending as many virtual and in-person events as possible. Upon retiring from my corporate management position, I took a deep dive into the current trends in the martial arts industry. After summarizing numerous seminars and reviewing my extensive notes, I decided to compile the best recommendations for developing an effective martial arts school curriculum. This article presents key insights gathered from experts in the field, combined with my 40+ years of experience as a Sensei.
Developing a Martial Arts School Curriculum
A well-structured and documented curriculum is often missing in many martial arts schools today. The most common approach instructors use is the “technique of the day” strategy—randomly selecting techniques without a unifying theme or continuity. While some instructors plan a few weeks ahead, the lack of a structured roadmap makes it challenging to integrate new students and maintain retention, particularly in grappling or jiu-jitsu schools where a vast number of positions exist.
A well-designed curriculum should ensure both retention and program quality, keeping students engaged and excited about their training. Below are key considerations when structuring your school’s curriculum.
Structuring Your Curriculum Around Basic Techniques
The foundation of any effective curriculum is mastering the basics. Beginners require the most guidance, structure, and repetition to build a strong foundation. However, rank criteria alone may not always serve as the best framework for curriculum development. Instead, focus on:
- Listing all fundamental techniques, especially for beginners.
- Identifying the core principles each technique embodies.
- Associating 2-3 appropriate attacks for each technique.
- Outlining escapes and defensive maneuvers for each technique.
- Estimating the number of classes required to cover each technique comprehensively.
Once these elements are identified, align them with your class schedule. If launching a new school, build your schedule around your curriculum. This structured approach ensures consistency and clarity for both students and instructors.
The Introductory Session
Even with a structured curriculum, new students need time to adjust to terminology, basic movements, and school expectations. This is where an introductory session proves invaluable. An assistant instructor should guide new prospects through foundational aspects without overwhelming them with details. Key elements include:
- Proper etiquette, such as bowing and dojo traditions.
- How to correctly wear the training uniform, belt, or equipment.
- Basic martial arts etiquette specific to your school.
- An overview of what to expect in their first few classes.
- A simple introduction to fundamental movements like stances, blocks, strikes, or holds.
This introduction minimizes confusion, eases the transition into formal classes, and enhances student retention.
Adult Instruction
Adult students present a unique challenge due to their diverse goals, prior experiences, and expectations. Unlike children, adults have pre-existing opinions on learning methods and training preferences. To successfully engage this demographic, consider the following factors:
Scheduling Classes for Adults
Adults have busy lives, so scheduling flexibility is essential. Researching your local demographic can help optimize class times. For instance:
- If your school is in an area with young professionals, late-night classes might be preferable.
- If located near an industrial zone, offering multiple class times to accommodate shift workers may be necessary.
Surveying your students periodically ensures that your schedule remains aligned with their needs.
Fitness and Strength Training
A surprising insight from seminars is that many adults join martial arts primarily for fitness rather than tradition or philosophy. While self-defense is an appealing secondary benefit, the main draw is physical conditioning. To attract adult students:
- Emphasize the fitness aspects of your training.
- Avoid overloading new students with historical or philosophical lessons unless they express interest.
- Market your school as a place for physical development rather than focusing solely on traditional values.
Blending Traditional and Modern Training Methods
Long-time martial artists often resist change, but modern training advancements should not be dismissed. While traditional methods have value, integrating contemporary approaches can improve student engagement and effectiveness. Maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation enhances your curriculum’s appeal to a broader audience.
Children’s Classes
Teaching children requires a different approach from adult instruction. Younger students often struggle with concentration and abstract concepts. An effective method is incorporating games that reinforce techniques naturally while making learning fun.
Gamification—an approach that applies game-design elements to education—has gained popularity in business and learning environments. By structuring classes with engaging drills and activities, children can develop their skills without feeling overwhelmed.
When designing a children’s curriculum:
- Use your foundational curriculum as a guide, but adjust the pacing for young learners.
- Allocate more time for essential techniques and less time for complex or potentially hazardous materials.
- Incorporate interactive learning methods to keep students engaged.
Advanced Instruction
Advanced students require a curriculum that challenges them while refining their fundamentals. Key principles for structuring advanced classes include:
Student-Centered Instruction
Traditionally, martial arts instruction has been instructor-focused. While respect for instructors is important, a student-centric approach fosters better learning outcomes. Encouraging students to surpass their instructors is a sign of success, fostering continuous improvement within the school.
Results-Based Learning
The new generation of students learns differently due to increased exposure to technology and media. Results-based learning focuses on practical application rather than rigid adherence to traditional teaching methods. This approach:
- Prioritizes student comprehension over strict adherence to style doctrine.
- Encourages hands-on learning and real-world application.
- Adjusts instruction based on student progress rather than predetermined milestones.
Highly Structured Curriculum Delivery
A successful martial arts school should offer a diverse syllabus rather than relying on a single style. If your expertise is limited, consider supplementing your curriculum with professionally designed programs. Examples include:
- Pre-Skillz Program: A structured children’s program designed to engage young students effectively.
- Retention-Based Sparring: A program that introduces safe and engaging sparring techniques to increase student retention.
- Weapons Training Programs: Comprehensive courses such as the MAIA Flow System provide structured weapons instruction while maintaining safety and modern relevance.
By incorporating external programs, schools can enhance their offerings without compromising instructional quality.
Special Needs Instruction
If your school plans to accommodate students with special needs, additional considerations are necessary. Teaching special needs students requires specialized training, patience, and often compliance with governmental regulations. Key factors include:
- Developing a customized curriculum tailored to the abilities of special needs students.
- Understanding legal and regulatory requirements associated with teaching special needs individuals.
- Ensuring instructors are adequately trained to handle the unique challenges involved.
While demanding, teaching special needs students can be incredibly rewarding and contribute positively to the community.
Regular Curriculum Review
No curriculum is perfect from the outset. Continuous evaluation and refinement are necessary to ensure effectiveness. Consider:
- Soliciting feedback from students and instructors.
- Observing student progress and adjusting instruction accordingly.
- Staying informed about industry trends and evolving best practices.
A flexible, student-focused approach ensures that your curriculum remains relevant, effective, and engaging for all students.
Final Thoughts
Developing a martial arts school curriculum requires careful planning, adaptability, and an understanding of student needs. By implementing a structured, student-centered, and results-based approach, your school can maintain high retention rates, attract new students, and foster a thriving martial arts community.
Pruim Shihan has regularly travelled to Japan in order to train with one of the world's foremost Karate masters, the late Kanazawa Hirokazu Soke (10th Dan Shotokan Karate) and his present instructor Shuseki Shihan Manabu Murakami (8th Dan).
Pruim Shihan also attended the International Budo University, located in Katsuura, Japan on several occasions for advanced Budo training where he was introduced to Atarashii Naginata.
Andries Pruim has written several articles over the past 30 years, with his most recent work focusing on the business side of the Martial Arts Industry.
- Structuring a Successful Martial Arts Curriculum - February 14, 2025
- Martial Arts and Chess - December 22, 2024
- My Japanese NaginataExperience - September 8, 2024
Leave a Reply