The MAPLE Framework: A Child-Centred Coaching Model for Martial Arts
Why the MAPLE Framework is the key to child-centred coach Ben started training with us when he was five years old. I don’t think he…
Category: Child-Centred Coaching
The MAPLE Framework is a structured, research-informed approach to coaching children in martial arts.
It is built on principles from sports coaching, child development and education, with a clear focus on creating learning environments where children feel competent, connected and motivated to continue training long term.
For coaches, this means moving beyond simply teaching a set curriculum and towards designing and delivering sessions customised for each and every child. Considering their stage of development, their motivations and building a coaching environment that supports both their progress and their enjoyment of training.
Below, you’ll find articles that break down the key elements of the MAPLE Framework, along with practical strategies to help you apply them in your own classes.
25 ideas to help reduce excessive chattiness without impacting autonomy and motivation
You stop the class and start describing the next activity but there are a few children that continue talking. You know the ones, the usual suspects th…
8 ways to build children’s self-confidence through your martial arts classes
‘Confidence’ is often one of the main benefits listed in children’s martial arts ads alongside discipline and other such trigger words we think parents want…
Creating a positive club culture with a shared Mission vision and values
Your club has a culture. You may not have constructed it consciously or even have any guiding documents describing it, but it’s there. Documenting your…
Effective in action feedback: Replacing the tired praise correct praise model (PCP)
Praise correct praise is a method martial arts coaches often use to correct mistakes during their classes. This tactic is also used in businesses, though…
Queue busters: reduce downtime and maintain engagement in your kids martial arts classes
What the hell are queue busters? Let me explain………. When I first started martial arts back in 1990 at 16 (yep, I’m getting on a…
Do you know the difference between a linear, rotating and nested rotating curriculum?
You may have heard the term rotating curriculum thrown around in martial arts circles before but what about a nested rotating curriculum? For years I…
Are games for martial arts classes a good idea?
I know this article is looking at the question ‘Are games for martial arts classes a good idea?’ but you should know that I was…
25 tips to build engagement and fun in your kids martial arts classes
Every now and again I get a request from a martial arts instructor asking how to build engagement and fun in the classes they deliver…
3 reasons anxious children may not join in your martial arts classes
Have you ever had an anxious child attend your class and refuse to join in? You book a new starter in for a trial class…