Many organizations rely on the martial rank of an individual alone as the indicator of their staff's ability to instruct, lead, and handle the underlying business of class management necessary to the successful running of their school. The American Institute of Kenpo firmly believes in martial rank, but primarily for an individual's personal progression on their Kenpo journey, not as a representation of their skill and ability to instruct or help run the school. Though we recognize that there is a required level of technical ability to operate at the professional level, we acknowledge that the person highest in martial ranking is not always the most qualified person for a given job. To this end, we utilize a separate Instructor Training Program (ITP), coupled with on the job training and performance observation to evaluate and place an individual dynamically in a Leadership or Instructing position that is best suited for them, regardless of their personal martial rank. 

 

It is important to note that the number of years one instructs does not determine an individual's level of certification. One's ability to instruct, matched with the responsibilities they are willing and capable of assuming within the organization, determines the instructor certification level and placement in our organizational hierarchy. As life evolves, we recognize one’s ability to serve will vary. The level of responsibility, certification, and service to our organization can and will increase or decrease according to the availability and ability of the individual.

 

All our instructors, as professional marital artists, must be able to provide dynamic service from the ground floor up to the position they are currently certified and selected to serve in. Certified ranking members of the American Institute of Kenpo's Instructor and Leadership staff must be willing to step into the role of any certification level at or below their active certification; they must also defer appropriately and respectfully to those instructors and professional marital artists actively serving in a position above the role they are actively filling.

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Here is a brief description of the different Instructor and Leadership Certifications:

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Leadership

This certification is for those individuals volunteering their time to function in a leadership role. They will get an early start on developing the skills and experience that are the foundation of instructing and teaching others. Though young, they will be exposed to many of the advanced teaching tools and work on developing their communication skills. They will be taught how to be a role model and a leader for their peers.

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Advanced Leadership

This certification is for those younger individuals who have substantially mastered the foundational skills necessary to be an Instructor and possess an above average communication skill set. 

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Ready Reserve Instructor

This certification is for those individuals who have functioned at a high certification level in the past and have been of great service to the organization over many years. Though they are not actively participating in the Instructor Training Program (ITP), these individuals possess exceptional teaching skills and are trusted to step in to assist with many of the organizational events, teach regular classes (should the necessity arise), teach seminar classes, and/or present specialized information. Only individuals with this experience and skill set that are still actively participating and actively training with the American Institute of Kenpo (AIK) will be listed as a Ready Reserve Instructor.

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Class Assistant  (Minimum Age of 14)

This certification is for those individuals developing the entry level skill for teaching the art. Individuals instructing for the American Institute of Kenpo (AIK) normally spend at least a year at this certification level. During that time, their teaching skills, reliability, and initiative will be evaluated for future placement at higher certification levels. 

 

A Class Assistant will work on establishing a mentor-to-student relationship with students attending classes they are assisting with. They will be studying actions of, and following the direction of, the experienced instructors while developing the clear and respectful communication skill set necessary for working with students and parents.

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Class Instructor  (Minimum Age of 18)

This certification is for those individuals who have developed the entry level skill for teaching the art. These individuals will be in direct charge of a group of students attending class. It is their responsibility to make sure all the required information is taught in an interest capturing manner that does not overload the students. Having a basic awareness of physical limitations, learning disabilities, and overall emotional well being, these individuals will tailor fit the required information they are in charge of presenting to the students. 

 

These individuals need to be able to deal with class disturbances. They should be able to efficiently direct and train Leaders and Class Assistants assigned to help them.

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Class Supervisor

This certification is for those individuals who have the knowledge and skill to control and coordinate the activities for the entire class. They need to be able to keep an eye on both students and lower level instructors while providing helpful feedback to all Leaders, Class Assistants, and Class Instructors in a respectful and constructive way. These individuals need to be able to act quickly and decisively to make sure classes stay safe and exciting. 

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Assistant School Director

This certification is for those individuals who have the skills to both instruct the students and assist with the general operations of the school. They must be capable of running the front desk of a school to include taking payments, answering the phone, and booking appointments. Assistant School Directors must be able to teach new student orientation lessons and provide private instruction.

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Program Director

This certification is for those individuals who are capable of running standalone programs outside of an official AIK school without oversight. They have to be able to handle the tailoring of the curriculum and programs for their teaching environment as well as the integration with and communication with any external organization that is involved with the program. 

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School Director

This certification is for those individuals who have the skills to both instruct the students and are capable of handling the operations of the school without oversight. They must be capable of handling the enrollment, renewal, and conferences with students. They will be able to access and be aware of the status of all students, accounts, and scheduling for the school's classes and activities. These individuals need to have a keen sense of detail and awareness that extends beyond simply instructing the students and the general operations of the school.

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School Manager

In most cases, the School Manager will be the owner of the school. It is the School Manager’s job to make sure the four pillars of the school (Accounting, Administration, Reception, and Martial Arts Instruction) are in place and maintained in a professional manner.