One of the programs that we’re most proud of at Championship Martial Arts 716 isn’t one devoted to punches, kicks, or armbars.
It’s our AIT, or Assistant Instructor Training program, which consists of a group of dedicated students who we see as talented martial artists and more importantly, role models for our entire student body.
Within our AIT program, we teach teaching skills, communication skills, and the inner workings of what makes CMA716 the premier martial arts school in Western New York.
From our founding in 2009, CMA716 has had a robust assortment of assistant instructors in our classes(Including Ms. Margaret, Mr. Brett, and Mr. Bryce at one point). We’ve relied upon our assistant instructors for the everyday tasks that help CMA716 run as smoothly as it can. You’ll see them helping with the white belt classes teaching your child their first roundhouse kick all the way through black belt holding shields for their millionth roundhouse kick.
Our AITs have provided for us a community of safe, effective, and most importantly, fun martial arts for our students. Without our AIT program, we would not be able to a good deal of the fun things that we’re able to do at CMA716.
It’s more than just the quality of martial arts instruction that we value as a result of our AIT program. Our AITs are more than coworkers; they’re friends. Doing something that you love with people who are your friends is one of the most rewarding things that you can do in life, and we love seeing the camaraderie and friendships that grow between our AITs.
Here are some of the things that our AITs, past, and present, have to say about our AIT program:
“The AIT program was one of the most influential things that I’ve taken part in my life. I learned the value of working with others, and I’ve found that teaching martial arts is my true calling in life. Some of the best friends I’ve had we’re fellow AITs, and we still meet up as often as we can. I would not be the person I am today without the AIT program or the friends I made from it.”-Mr. Brett, Lead Instructor
“Being an AIT has helped me grow as a person socially. When I started martial arts I never thought I would end up teaching, but I’m glad that I do”- Mr. Bryce, Instructor
“The AIT program to me means helping out with classes and building better and more meaningful friendships with the other AITs I work with”-Mr. Eric, Black Stripe
“Not only does being an AIT mean that I get to help teach classes, but it helps make us kids into good people, who have useful life skills. Also, being an AIT helps you learn strong communication and interpersonal skills. Learning these things has helped to prepare me for real-life situations”- Ms. Elysia, Black Stripe
“To me, being an AIT means helping others and creating a place where kids can feel safe and comfortable learning life skills such as focus, listening, following directions and a multitude of other things. Being an AIT means being kind and supportive of all students and understanding each of their limits.”-Ms. Alyssa, Blue Belt