An invitation-only program for students who are ready to develop as leaders, mentors, and future coaches.

Leadership Team

What is Leadership Team?

Leadership Team is designed for students who want to make a greater impact within our school and beyond.

As members of the REAL Leadership Academy, Leadership Team students continue developing as martial artists while learning the skills required to become effective leaders, mentors, and coaches. Through advanced training, instructor development, mentorship, and hands-on coaching experience, students learn how to communicate, motivate, serve others, and lead with confidence.

Leadership Team members help shape the culture of REAL Martial Arts. They lead by example, support younger students, encourage their teammates, and demonstrate the professionalism and character expected of future coaches.

While Leadership Team creates a clear pathway for students who may one day want to coach at REAL, the skills developed throughout the program extend far beyond martial arts. Leadership, communication, responsibility, professionalism, and the ability to work well with others are qualities that create success in school, college, careers, and every area of life.

Athletic Development

Leadership begins by continuing to challenge yourself.

Leadership Team members continue developing strength, speed, mobility, endurance, balance, coordination, and overall athleticism through structured athletic development. Every six-week cycle emphasizes a different athletic attribute, helping students continue progressing as well-rounded martial artists while leading by example through their own commitment to growth.

The Three Pillars of Leadership Team

Every aspect of Junior Elite has been intentionally designed around three key areas of development. Together, these pillars help students become stronger athletes, more skilled martial artists, and confident young leaders who positively influence those around them.

Every training session is built around these three pillars, creating a well-rounded experience that develops students both on and off the mats.

Martial Arts Excellence

Great coaches never stop being students.

Leadership Team members continue receiving advanced Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction while expanding their understanding of technique, strategy, and problem solving. Live training remains an important part of every cycle, helping students continue sharpening their own skills while building the technical knowledge needed to teach others effectively.

Leadership Development

JLeadership is a skill that can be developed.

Students learn how to communicate effectively, teach techniques, provide constructive feedback, motivate others, demonstrate professionalism, and confidently assist students of all ages. Every six-week cycle also includes a personal development focus designed to strengthen habits that support success both inside and outside the academy. Mentorship discussions, and practical leadership experiences help students grow into leaders who positively influence their teammates, families, schools, and communities.

What It Means to Be a Leadership Team Member

Being part of Leadership Team is both an honor and a responsibility. Every student who joins the program is expected to embrace the values that make the REAL Leadership Academy a positive, challenging, and supportive environment.

Leadership Team members are expected to:

  • Continue growing. Great leaders never stop learning. Leadership Team members are expected to continue developing their martial arts skills, leadership abilities, and personal character.

  • Lead by example. Younger students and teammates look to Leadership Team members as role models. They set the standard through their attitude, effort, professionalism, and respect for others.

  • Be coachable. Effective leaders are lifelong learners. Leadership Team members welcome feedback, seek opportunities to improve, and understand that growth comes from being willing to learn.

  • Serve others. Leadership is about making the people around you better. Leadership Team members encourage teammates, support instructors, and look for opportunities to help others succeed.

  • Take initiative. Rather than waiting to be asked, Leadership Team members look for ways to contribute, solve problems, and make a positive impact on the school.

  • Represent REAL Martial Arts with integrity. Leadership doesn't end when class is over. Leadership Team members understand that their actions, both inside and outside the academy, reflect on themselves, their teammates, and the culture of REAL Martial Arts.

F.A.Q

  • Leadership Team is designed for students who want to continue growing as martial artists while developing leadership, communication, and coaching skills. It is a great fit for students who enjoy helping others, want to take on greater responsibility, and are excited to make a positive impact within our school.

  • Most students are invited based on their consistent attitude, effort, coachability, maturity, and leadership potential.

    Students who would like to be considered may also submit a Request for Consideration form. While submitting a form does not guarantee an invitation, taking the initiative to request consideration reflects positively on a student's desire to grow and will be considered during the selection process.

  • No.

    Leadership Team creates a pathway for students who may one day want to coach at REAL Martial Arts, but coaching is not the only goal of the program.

    The communication, leadership, responsibility, confidence, and professionalism developed through Leadership Team benefit students in school, college, careers, and every area of life.

  • No.

    Competition is encouraged because it provides valuable opportunities to test skills, build confidence, and learn through experience. However, students can fully participate in and benefit from Junior Elite without ever competing.

  • Yes.

    Students who continue demonstrating the skills, maturity, and professionalism expected of Leadership Team members may have opportunities to become paid assistant coaches, lead coaches, or even head coaches in the future.

    While coaching is one possible path, our bigger goal is to help you develop leadership skills that will serve you wherever life takes you.

  • Leadership Team is designed as a year-round program with a minimum three-month commitment.

    Students are expected to attend weekly Leadership Team training, continue attending their regular classes, and actively participate in the leadership and personal development components of the program.

  • Leadership isn't about being the loudest person in the room.

    It's about learning to communicate, take initiative, serve others, and continue growing. Some of the best leaders begin as quiet students who simply choose to challenge themselves and step outside their comfort zone.

  • We understand that vacations, illnesses, and family commitments happen. While occasional absences are expected, consistent attendance is important because Leadership Team is built around continual growth, mentorship, and teamwork.

  • No.

    Leadership Team isn't about being the most talented student in the room. We're looking for students who consistently demonstrate strong character, coachability, responsibility, and a genuine desire to continue growing. Those qualities are the foundation of great leaders and great coaches.

  • Students who become active members of the REAL coaching staff are eligible to receive a Leadership Team scholarship, allowing them to participate in the Leadership Team at no additional cost.

    The scholarship is our way of investing in the continued development of the coaches who invest their time and energy into serving our students.

    *All new Leadership Team members must be active for a minimum of 3 consecutive months to be eligible for coaching and scholarship opportunities.