Your Role as a High Ranking Student

Kristine Jones • December 16, 2025

Why it Matters More than you Think

In every class, the higher-ranking students quietly set the tone—whether they realize it or not. Kids don’t just learn from instructors; they learn by watching the students a few steps ahead of them. How they line up, how they treat teammates, how they win (and lose), and how they respond to struggle all send powerful messages. Being a higher belt isn’t about being “better than” others—it’s about being better for others.


When higher-ranking students help newer teammates, something special happens. Confidence grows on both sides. The newer student feels supported instead of intimidated, and the advanced student deepens their own understanding by teaching. Helping doesn’t mean going easy or lowering standards—it means lifting others up while still training with purpose. This is where leadership is built: through patience, encouragement, and the ability to remember what it felt like to be the beginner on day one.


One of the biggest challenges we see is when a student starts to believe they’re “too good” for their class or dojo. That mindset can sneak in quietly, especially as kids rack up stripes, belts, and wins. But real growth in martial arts comes from humility. Every great black belt once trained with people below them—and they didn’t quit when things felt less challenging. They learned to find value in refining basics, being a role model, and pushing themselves internally rather than comparing themselves externally.


Imagine if, when your child first stepped onto the mats, every student with a higher rank had already left because they thought they were “too good” to train with beginners. No friendly faces to look up to. No one to demonstrate what progress looks like. No helping hands, encouragement, or proof that sticking with it actually works. The truth is, higher-ranking students are a huge part of what makes a dojo feel welcoming, inspiring, and strong. When they stay, lead with humility, and help others grow, they don’t just build better teammates—they help build the kind of community where everyone, including them, continues to learn, improve, and belong.


For parents, this is an important life lesson that goes far beyond the mats. The goal isn’t just skill—it’s character. We want our higher-ranking students to be confident and modest, skilled and kind, strong and grounded. Staying committed, helping others, and leading by example teaches perseverance, respect, and leadership—qualities that last far longer than any belt color. In the end, the students who grow the most are the ones who learn that true greatness isn’t about standing above others… it’s about standing with them.

Respect vs. Courtesy: What’s the Difference—and Why Both Matter

By Kristine Jones • December 13, 2025
Respect and courtesy are words we hear all the time, but many people use them as if they mean the same thing. In reality, they work together—but they are different. Understanding the difference helps young adults build stronger relationships, become better leaders, and carry themselves with confidence both on and off the mat. Respect is an internal mindset. It’s about recognizing the value, effort, and dignity of others—and yourself. Respect grows through understanding, experience, and character. You might respect a coach for their knowledge, a teammate for their work ethic, or a classmate for their perseverance. Respect isn’t about agreeing with everyone; it’s about acknowledging their worth even when opinions differ. Courtesy , on the other hand, is external behavior. It’s how respect shows up in your actions. Courtesy includes manners, tone of voice, body language, and self-control. Saying “yes sir,” holding the door, listening without interrupting, and bowing on the mat are all examples of courtesy. Courtesy can be practiced even when emotions are high—and that’s what makes it powerful. The key difference is this: respect is what you feel and believe; courtesy is what you do . A young adult might not fully respect a new instructor yet, but they can still show courtesy by paying attention and following directions. Over time, consistent courtesy often leads to genuine respect. In martial arts—and in life—this is why behavior comes first. Actions shape mindset.  Youth and adults can practice both respect and courtesy every day. Youth can show courtesy by listening, using respectful language, and being a good training partner; they build respect by appreciating others’ effort and learning from correction. Adults practice courtesy by staying calm, being punctual, and leading by example; they demonstrate respect by valuing others’ time, boundaries, and growth. When respect and courtesy work together, they create trust, discipline, and strong character—skills that last far beyond the dojo.

How Neuroscience Helps Your Child Thrive in SKILLZ

By Kristine Jones • December 11, 2025
Discover how SKILLZ uses neuroscience to boost children’s focus, confidence, and emotional growth through age-specific martial arts training.
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