Image by Vic, used under Creative Commons licence.

is the ability to lead a stand-out quality which is present… or it isn’t? Or is it a set of skills that any person can learn?

I think it’s a bit of both. There are definitely natural leaders: people who are born that way, not made. But we can all develop our personal skills. We can all step up to challenges and grow our personal capacities. The question is – how do we get help to do it?

At Panther Taekwondo Black Belt Academy, our Leadership Squad Program gives students enhanced responsibility in class and teaches them to be positive role models both in class and at school.

Students explore the behaviours that exemplify good leadership and develop confidence and public speaking skills by giving oral reports on life skills related to leadership.

Demonstrating desire, attitude and potential for leadership

They learn to set an example for others in class, to help mentor junior-ranked students, and to take on a variety of leadership roles.  As trusted senior leaders they also are eligible to practice advanced self-defence applications using release and restraint and pressure point control tactics.

Panther Taekwondo Junior Leadership is a program designed for students from the ages of ten who demonstrate desire, attitude and potential to become part of the Panther Taekwondo Community of Leaders. Leadership candidates are selected individually for the qualities that will make them good role models both at taekwondo and outside.

Leadership squad members learn to have positive attitudes and behaviours in all situations. They are supported to do their best to maintain a good academic record in regular school and to be helpful at home.

As young leaders’ skills improve, they move up through the ranks

As part of their training, Junior Leaders gain extra knowledge of the Panther Taekwondo curriculum and are often called on to participate in public and classroom demonstrations. They also have opportunities to increase their leadership skills by assisting other children under the supervision of a qualified instructor. As their skills improve, they are tested and move through the ranks until they can join the Panther Taekwondo Senior Leadership Team.

The experiences and responsibilities that Panther Taekwondo  Leaders acquire build self-confidence and skills which are transferable to many other aspects of their lives.