Every Class Needs a Headline and an Ask

Inspired by Grand Master William Clark’s October 26, 2026 Staff Meeting

A newspaper may contain dozens of stories.

But there is always one headline designed to grab your attention.

Grand Master Clark challenged martial arts instructors to think about class the same way.

Before students walk onto the floor, ask:

What is the headline of today’s class?

What Do You Want Them to Remember?

The headline might be:

Confidence.

Concentration.

Discipline.

Leadership.

Coordination.

A particular martial arts skill.

An upcoming event.

The exact topic will change, but students and parents should be able to understand the main message of the class.

If everything is treated as equally important, nothing stands out.

A clear headline gives the class focus.

Then Decide What You Want Them to Do

The second question is:

What is the ask?

Maybe the ask is:

• Come back tomorrow.
• Bring a friend.
• Attend the special event.
• Try Advanced Training.
• Join Leadership.
• Schedule a Progress Check.
• Practice a specific skill at home.

A great class should not simply end.

It should lead somewhere.

The headline tells students what mattered today.

The ask tells them what to do next.

Together, they create a stronger learning experience and a clearer path forward.

Before every class, know the lesson. Know the next step.

Give the class a headline.

Then give the student an ask.