🌟 HSTS Taekwon-Do UTA Junior Leaders Academy Workshop – 17th May 2025 🌟
Today marked a significant step in the leadership journey of our young martial artists, as the HSTS Taekwon-Do UTA proudly hosted another Junior Leaders Academy Workshop. Held at our Hitchin location, the session was brimming with energy, enthusiasm, and a shared passion for learning how to lead.
This workshop was designed for our aspiring Junior Leaders – students with a commitment not only to their own Taekwon-Do journey but also to supporting others, especially the younger generation, including our vibrant Little Dragons.
🥋 Introduction: Setting the Scene for Success
The day began with a warm welcome and heartfelt thanks to all participants for applying and attending. From the outset, it was clear: this wasn’t just about learning to lead – it was about becoming role models in the dojang and beyond.
We kicked off by outlining the objectives of the workshop:
To understand the responsibilities and expectations of a Junior Leader.
To equip students with the skills to assist and eventually lead classes confidently.
To introduce the safeguarding and safety practices crucial in working with younger students.
Each candidate was introduced to the Junior Leader’s Manual, the Little Dragons syllabus, and our safeguarding procedures. We also reviewed the JLA Booklet, highlighting important aspects like attendance, self-presentation, and communication.
A Risk Assessment overview was given to demonstrate how we create and maintain a safe and positive environment in every session.
🎓 Teaching Strategies: Encouragement & Engagement
Next, we moved into one of the most important sections of the day – how to engage with students of different ages, levels, and personalities.
We explored:
Techniques to encourage and motivate younger students, especially our Little Dragons.
The importance of positive reinforcement, clear instructions, and adapting your approach to different learning styles.
How Junior Leaders can support instructors by being attentive, approachable, and confident in their presence.
Through discussions and role-play scenarios, candidates began to understand how tone of voice, posture, and empathy can dramatically change how a student receives instruction.
🏃♂️ Warm-Ups & Class Leadership: Stepping Into the Role
With hearts pumping and excitement building, we moved into the physical portion of the day. A full class warm-up was led by the Head Instructor, demonstrating effective ways to start a session while keeping energy high and focus sharp.
We asked the candidates:
What did you observe?
How was the voice projection, command delivery, and instructor positioning?
Why is structure and presence essential in a Taekwon-Do class?
This segment sparked fantastic conversations on the balance between authority and approachability – a cornerstone of strong leadership.
🌟 Practice Makes Progress: Taking the Lead
Then came the moment many had been anticipating – each Junior Leader candidate took their turn leading part of the class.
They applied what they had learned, guiding their peers through warm-ups, simple drills, and even beginner-friendly Little Dragons activities. Throughout, instructors provided real-time feedback, offering both praise and constructive suggestions.
This practical, hands-on experience is one of the most valuable aspects of the JLA programme – empowering our students to take initiative and learn through action.
📘 The JLA Workbook: Your Guide to Growth
The final session involved a detailed walkthrough of the JLA Workbook, an essential tool for tracking progress throughout the Junior Leader journey.
We covered:
Commitment to regular attendance and personal growth.
Responsibilities within class and outside of it.
Presentation and the importance of being a role model.
Contact & communication with instructors and parents.
Non-timetabled sessions, holidays, and absence reporting.
The activity checklist and activity record for logging leadership experiences.
Review sessions with instructors to reflect and improve.
Candidates left this session understanding the importance of self-discipline, reflection, and accountability in becoming a respected leader.
👨👩👧 Parents’ Session: Our Vital Partners
We wrapped up the day with a short but important session for parents. Junior Leaders cannot succeed without family support, and we truly appreciate the encouragement and time parents invest.
In this closing section, we:
Explained what comes next, including when students will receive their welcome letters.
Reviewed the JLA Booklet together.
Discussed expectations around class days, training session commitments, and maintaining communication.
Expressed our sincere thanks – because the journey is shared, and we need your partnership just as much as your child’s effort.
💬 Final Reflections
The 2025 Junior Leaders Academy Workshop was another success. It was a pleasure to witness so many young martial artists take their first confident steps into leadership, armed with knowledge, responsibility, and a genuine desire to help others grow. Also, thanks to those JLA leaders who attended and have already been on the program for a while, giving an insight and valuable experience gained from their time on the program.
These young leaders will play a vital role in future classes, supporting our instructors and enriching the experience of our Little Dragons and other junior students.
We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them.
Keep kicking, keep leading, and keep growing. HSTS is proud to walk this path with you. 👊
