November at ZKS Martial Arts

Thank you to everyone who applied. It was encouraging to see so many Teen MA members interested in taking on additional responsibility and helping the next generation of martial artists. Following a review of the applications and discussions with our instructors, 13 members have been invited to join the programme.

We will be in contact directly. The 13 selected members and their parents or guardians will be contacted individually to discuss and confirm their proposed Leadership Team placement.

What Will Our Leadership Team Do?

Leadership Team members will work alongside our instructors, supporting Mini Ninjas and Junior MA classes. They will assist with demonstrations, help younger members understand techniques, support partner work and contribute to the smooth running of lessons. Where possible, we would like members to assist with both Mini Ninjas and Junior MA at their allocated venue.

The programme develops confidence, communication, responsibility and coaching skills while giving younger students positive role models. Leadership Team members will always work under the supervision of an instructor.

Developing Our Future Instructors

This is an important part of our longer-term plans for ZKS. We want young members to develop beyond their own martial arts training by gradually gaining experience and responsibility. For some, this could eventually lead to paid Assistant Instructor opportunities from age 16 and potentially a longer-term coaching career.

Leadership Team participation does not replace a member’s own training. Members are expected to continue meeting their normal weekly Teen MA commitments.

Supporting Reviews and Competitions

We also hope Leadership Team members will support instructors at Reviews, competitions and other club events. These occasions provide valuable experience and a better understanding of how the club operates. Planned dates are available in our Term Dates and Events Calendar.

Leadership Team Uniform

Active Leadership Team members may choose to wear the ZKS Black Gi, helping younger students recognise those supporting our instructors. The black gi is optional, and members may continue wearing their existing ZKS uniform.

Looking Ahead

New members will begin an introductory period after October half term, running through to Christmas. During this time, instructors will support their development and help them settle into their new responsibilities.

Congratulations once again to everyone invited. We look forward to seeing our young leaders grow in confidence and become an important part of the future of ZKS Martial Arts.

←

1 of 19

❚❚ →

We also recognised members with stripes on their existing belts, acknowledging their continued development and commitment to training.

Why Are BJJ Belt Promotions Such a Big Achievement?

For anyone unfamiliar with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), the grading process is quite different from many traditional martial arts.

BJJ has just five main adult belt colours: White, Blue, Purple, Brown and Black. Members can also earn up to four stripes on each belt to recognise their progress along the way.

Unlike our children’s martial arts programmes, where Reviews and Belt Promotions take place at set times during the training year, BJJ progression is a much longer journey. It commonly takes around 10 years of consistent training to reach Black Belt, although everyone’s journey is different.

Promotions are not simply awarded for turning up to classes. Attendance and consistency are important, but we also consider technical knowledge, practical ability, improvement and how members apply their skills when training with others.

In BJJ, there is no hiding behind a belt. Ability is regularly tested through training with other people, making each promotion a genuine recognition of the skills a member has developed.

Reaching Blue Belt is already a significant achievement. Purple Belt represents years of experience and a much deeper understanding of the art, while Brown Belt is an advanced grade and an important milestone on the journey towards Black Belt.

More Than Just Belts

What makes Havoc special is not simply the grades. It is the people, the friendships and the willingness of our members to help one another improve.

Some train once a week and others several times, but everyone contributes to the atmosphere we are building.

I am incredibly proud of how far our adult BJJ programme has come, and the promotion evening gave us an opportunity to celebrate that progress together.

Sensei Ben Babbington
Head Instructor, ZKS Martial Arts & Havoc Grappling

Taijutsu and BJJ develop different but complementary skills. Neither is presented as better than the other, and eligible members are welcome to explore which adult training pathway suits their interests.

This session focuses on learning techniques and practising movements in a supportive setting. There is no sparring, making it a useful introduction for adults and eligible Year 11 members who are curious about BJJ or want to develop their technical confidence.

Interested members should message ZKS through the Members Area chat before attending. Eligibility and any necessary arrangements can then be confirmed individually.

Parents play an important part in supporting their children’s training. These events offer a chance to experience part of a class and gain a better understanding of what children are learning on the mats.

Thank you for getting involved and for the encouragement you continue to give your children.