Scott Taylor

Handling Karate School Drop-outs

Have you had your share of Karate student drop-outs?

I remember reading more than one book discussing the problem where the instructor of a particular discipline takes it to heart and assumes dropouts are due to their teaching ability... they take it personally.

Students will drop out, you cannot prevent this, you can however complete this simple checklist to gauge if some of your student dropouts are preventable.

No matter how skilled you are and how enjoyable your classes are there will be students who for what ever reason decide that your dojo is not the place for them. This regrettable but it is okay. If they do not want to be at your school then the last thing you want to do is try to keep them there!

Here are some simple questions for you to help determine if recent dropouts are indeed preventable.

Dropouts based on the actions of the instructor – Answer these truthfully!

1. Are you treating all students with equal respect and attitude?

2. Are you prepared for your classes & conduct them with professionalism and authority?

3. Are you fair with discipline or do you treat (some) students harshly?

4. Are you punctual & organized in regards to your classes and scheduling?

5. Do you change school policies/practices on a whim or gradually introduce them?

6. Do you ask and listen to parents about their concerns and ideas?

Dropouts based on the student body

1. Does your class have 'groups' of students that bully others?

2. Do students often get injured when practicing with others?

3. Are students satisfied with what is being taught? How do you know?

4. Are some students obviously bored? How can you challenge them?

5. Are some students unable to keep up? Why are they behind & how can you help?

6. Are your fees too high for the area & economic standard?

Obviously there are many, many more questions you could (and should) ask yourself when reflecting on why a student has decided to quit your dojo; the important thing to remember is to look at the performance and atmosphere of your club to determine if the reasons for leaving were internal or if there were external reasons for the departure.

Do not take anything personally if you absolutely know that you were not at fault for a student quitting; the professional thing to do is explain to the student & parents (if applicable) that you regret the student leaving however should they ever decide to return the door is always open. You can do nothing but encourage a student search and find what they are truly looking for in a Karate school.

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