A practical guide for new applicants, existing members and parents.
The new intake is for Teen MA members in School Years 9 and 10 who are Purple belt or above. This gives members time to develop responsibility and coaching skills before potential Assistant Instructor opportunities from age 16.
Meeting the school-year and belt criteria does not guarantee a place. Instructors review applications alongside their knowledge of each member, including attitude, maturity, reliability and behaviour.
You will agree a regular Mini Ninjas or Junior MA class to attend each week. The minimum commitment is one 45-minute session. This programme needs consistent weekly support rather than occasional helping.
Where suitable, your placement can be before your own Teen MA training. You may offer to assist with both Mini Ninjas and Junior MA on the same evening if this works for you and your family; two sessions are not required.
When applying, select the classes you can realistically attend every week and identify your preferred class. Selecting several options helps us allocate a suitable placement; it does not commit you to all of them.
View the class timetable. Your regular placement will be confirmed by ZKS.
Under the instructor’s direction, you may help demonstrate techniques, support individual students, assist with partner work and help organise activities. You will develop communication, patience and coaching skills with guidance from the instructor.
The instructor remains responsible for the session. Leadership Team members are never left responsible for children or a class on their own.
Be punctual, set a positive example, listen carefully and follow the instructor’s directions. Your responsibilities can develop as your confidence and experience grow.
We understand that illness, exams, school commitments, holidays and family events happen. If you know you will be absent, please aim to give around one week’s notice wherever possible so the instructor can plan.
For unexpected illness or a last-minute change, let ZKS know as soon as you can. If the weekly commitment becomes difficult, speak to us so we can review the arrangement together.
Placements begin with an introductory period. We will explain the arrangements when confirming your placement. This gives the member, their family and ZKS time to check that the class, commitment and level of responsibility are working well.
Either the member or ZKS can decide during this period that the placement is not suitable at that time. This is not a failure; the aim is to find an arrangement that works.
The updated programme focuses on a regular weekly commitment. Please confirm whether you would like to continue, which Mini Ninjas or Junior MA classes you could support each week, your preferred class and your parent or guardian’s support.
Follow the continuation instructions sent to existing members. If you have not received them, contact ZKS through the Members Area so we can confirm your next steps and placement.
The school-year and belt criteria above describe the new intake. Existing Leadership Team members may have entered under earlier arrangements. Members must remain reliable and suitable for their supervised placement; a belt grade does not give an automatic right to join or remain on the team. If you are already a member and are unsure how the update affects you, ask us about your individual placement.
The young person should answer the application questions in their own words. We want to understand why you would like to join, what you can bring to the role and which classes you can commit to each week. A parent or guardian will also need to confirm their support.
Applications are reviewed after the application window closes. Instructors then select suitable members and confirm their proposed regular class. Submitting an application does not guarantee a place.
We send the Leadership Team application form out at the beginning of the training year. The form will explain how to apply and confirm your availability. If you have a question or have not received the form, please send an enquiry through the Members Area.
Enquire through the Members AreaThe Leadership Team is voluntary and unpaid. Assisting with a class is separate from your own martial arts training.
Suitable members may later be considered for paid Assistant Instructor opportunities from age 16. Leadership Team membership gives you experience and a chance to develop, but does not guarantee employment.
