It is easy to think of children as followers.  In many ways, they are.  They learn everything they know from their parents and the world around them.  They know nothing when they are born but from that moment on they learn and grow and their personalities flourish.

From this perspective, children are truly learners and followers.  As they mature, however, they begin to understand the differences between being followers and leaders.  Martial arts are the perfect kick-start to cultivate children as leaders.  These young students do not need to be any belt level or students for a long time to be a part of a martial art leadership culture. They can be trained as leaders at any age, and it all depends on you.

Leadership sounds like a big word for a young kid.  However, leadership roles come in all shapes and sizes just as kids do.  Leadership roles can be small or large, simple or difficult, mundane or unique.  When you think of it this way, there is a leadership role available for every student who wants to contribute as a leader.

It is up to you, the instructor, to recognize students who seek more than just class-time attendance.  Would-be student leaders can be forthright and ask, “Can I help teach the little kids today?”  Or, they may be subtle in their anticipation of a leadership role, come to class early, and linger around the sidelines waiting for some instructions.  These are sure signs that these students seek more from their martial art experience.

Leadership is not limited to those who are already assistant helpers or instructors in training, although those are good leadership roles for kids who already have some experience and training under their belts.  Another type of  leadership role for youth is a media assistant who turns music on and off during class, or a student who updates the monthly flyer with the class theme.  Child leaders take attendance and hand out stickers or newsletters at the end of class.  They make sure sparring equipment and targets are handy for the teen and adult classes and cleaned afterwards.  They organize papers and neaten the dojo.  These contributions are important, build confidence, and are truly helpful.

Do not underestimate the importance of leadership roles for kids.  Student leaders improve their self-confidence, accept responsibility, and understand commitment. They effectively engage with other students and leaders and express their opinions.  Each of these qualities translate to life skills, but student leaders may not recognize any of these actions as leadership skills until later in life.  They will not recognize, for instance, that they were not bullied as kids because of it, or that their leadership skills helped them get accepted to the college of their choice, or that their self-confidence landed them the job they wanted until much later in life.

One thing to remember is that even children who are martial art leaders are still children.  They thrive on being valued and appreciated.  Would you work for free and expect nothing in return?  At the very least, you should thank them and let them know that they did a good job.  Give them a small token of appreciation for their efforts and willingness to help, like a patch they can sew on their uniform.  This teaches them another important leadership quality which is to always appreciate others who contribute to their success.

These leadership roles give students the opportunity to develop practical, comprehensive, and useful tools that they will one day apply to life.  Yes, martial arts develop leaders in children.  All we must do as their instructors is point them in the right direction.

xoxo

Andrea

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