Volunteer with Tiger Martial Arts
Duke of Edinburgh volunteering and work experience, side by side with one of our instructors.
For current Tiger Martial Arts students aged 14 and over, with Junior Helpers for ages 10 to 13.
Ask about volunteering Junior HelpersLearn from an instructor, side by side
As a student, you see a class from the training hall floor. As a volunteer, you see it from the front.
You spend time with an instructor in a different role: setting up, warming up a group, holding pads, and helping a nervous beginner with their first kick, with the instructor guiding you as you go. You learn how a class is planned, how an instructor keeps a whole class focused and safe, and how to encourage someone who is finding it hard.
And there is real pride in being asked. Younger students look up to the helpers in their class, and being trusted with that responsibility is something young people remember for years.
Growing up in martial arts classes, one of the best things for me was spending time with my instructor in a different capacity and learning from them. I always felt a real sense of pride in being asked to help. That is what we want to give young people here.
Instructor NickFounder, Tiger Martial Arts
Helping alongside an instructor
Usually one class a week, arranged with your instructor.
Before class
Help the instructor set up the training hall and hear the plan for the session.
Warm-up
Lead a part of the warm-up or a game once you are ready, with the instructor beside you.
Main session
Hold pads, demonstrate techniques and encourage students who need it, always in the same room as the instructor.
Coached as you go
The instructor guides you during the class, with quick pointers between drills, and sometimes a quick word at the end.
Skills that last well beyond the training hall
Leadership
Leading a group, giving clear instructions and keeping everyone involved.
Confidence
Standing in front of a class and speaking up, a little more each time.
Responsibility
Being someone younger students and the instructor can rely on.
Communication
Explaining things simply, listening, and encouraging children of different ages.
Work experience
Regular, real experience of working with children for your CV and personal statement.
Extra tuition
Time in the training hall with an instructor helps your own martial arts too.
Junior Helpers
Not old enough for the DofE yet? Start as a Junior Helper.
Senior-grade students aged 10 to 13 can be invited by their instructor to help within their own class, or the class just before it: demonstrating techniques, partnering younger students and helping to set up.
It is part of their own training, it builds leadership early, and it brings the same pride of being asked to help. It isn't part of the DofE, which starts at 14, but it is a natural first step towards DofE volunteering.
Ask about Junior HelpersOr ask your instructor at your next class.
How Junior Helpers works
- Invited by their instructor, as a senior grade
- In or around their own class time
- Always alongside their instructor
- With a parent or carer's consent
How it fits your Duke of Edinburgh's Award
The DofE has three levels and four sections (five at Gold). Here is how Tiger Martial Arts can fit in.
Volunteering
Helping one of our instructors run a younger class, as a supporting volunteer.
Physical
Training as a student. Martial arts, including Tae Kwon Do, is on the DofE's list of Physical activities.
Skills
Learning how to coach: the DofE says sports coaching can count for Skills.
Expedition
An expedition with your DofE group.
Residential
Gold only: a shared activity away from home.
Sources: dofe.org sections, Physical programme ideas, Skills FAQs, timescales
| Level | Who can start | Volunteering | Physical and Skills |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | From the school year you turn 14 (Year 9) | 3 months | 3 months each, plus 3 more months on one section of your choice |
| Silver | From the school year you turn 15 | 6 months | 6 months on one, 3 months on the other (longer if you skip Bronze) |
| Gold | From age 16 | 12 months | 12 months on one, 6 months on the other (longer if you skip Silver) |
The instructor signs it off
You log your activity and evidence in eDofE, online or in the DofE app. At the end of the section, your Assessor writes a short report about what you did and how you progressed.
The instructor you help can be your Assessor. They are over 18, not a family member, and they will have worked alongside you, so they can write about your progress in detail.
Sources: DofE Assessors, Assessor's Report
At your club or nearby
Volunteering is for current Tiger Martial Arts students. You'll help in a younger class at your own club, or at another club arranged with your instructor, alongside one of our instructors.
Not training with us yet? Start with a free month first.
Try a month freeSafe for everyone in the class
Helpers help; they are never in charge. Every club follows our safeguarding policy, and each club's instructor is its Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Always working alongside an instructor
- Written consent from a parent or carer
- Volunteers aged 16 and over have a free DBS check
FAQs
Who can volunteer?
Current Tiger Martial Arts students aged 14 and over, at their own club or another club arranged with their instructor. They don't have to be doing the DofE. Students aged 10 to 13 can be invited to become Junior Helpers.
Do they need martial arts experience?
Yes. Volunteering is for our current students. If your child doesn't train with us yet, start with a free month first.
How much time does it take?
Usually one class a week, arranged with your instructor. For the DofE, each section needs at least an hour a week on average, for 3, 6 or 12 months depending on the level (DofE timescales).
Will they be left in charge of children?
No. Helpers always work alongside an instructor and are never in charge of a class.
What's the difference between Junior Helpers and volunteering?
Junior Helpers (10 to 13) help within their own class or the one just before it, as part of their training. Volunteering (14 and over) is a regular role helping in a younger class, and it can count towards the DofE.
Is it paid?
No. Volunteering is unpaid, which is also a DofE requirement.
Who signs off the DofE section?
The instructor they help can act as their Assessor and write the Assessor Report through the DofE's online system, once your child has added the section in eDofE.
Can they do their Physical section with you instead?
Yes. Martial arts is on the DofE's list of Physical activities, so training with us as a student can count towards Physical.
Ask about volunteering
The same form is for volunteers (14 and over) and Junior Helpers (10 to 13).
- Ask your instructor at your next class, or fill in the form below.
- Your instructor arranges which class you'll help at, and when.
- A parent or carer gives consent, and you start.
Thinking further ahead? Find out about our instructor apprenticeships.