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The First Follower Principle

The First Follower Principle

Master Adrian Byrne teaches a practical workshop for anyone who supports a class from the front of the room – Assistant Instructors, junior instructors, senior students, and instructors-in-training. Using the “First Follower Principle” as the lens, he shows why personal qualities and behaviours matter just as much (and often more) than technical knowledge when you are trying to lead, assist, and influence others.

In the sample video above, Master Byrne shares his reflections on the session in a short interview – what he wanted people to take away, and how Assistant Instructors can make a bigger impact immediately.

What this session covers

The big idea is simple: when you are an Assistant Instructor, your value is not measured by how many techniques you know – it is measured by what you consistently model. Master Byrne breaks down the traits that build trust, create momentum, and help the lead instructor run a better class, even in busy, mixed-rank environments.

You will hear practical coaching language you can use in class, plus the “small things” that separate a helpful assistant from a distracting one – positioning, timing, tone, and how to support without taking over.

Why the “first follower” matters in a dojang

The first follower is the person who makes leadership visible. In a Taekwon-Do club, that often looks like the Assistant Instructor who sets the standard before anyone else does – being the first to demonstrate focus, the first to reinforce instructions, and the first to do the right thing when it would be easier to drift.

  • How to reinforce the lead instructor’s intent without repeating or undermining them
  • How to keep energy and standards high when the room is tired or distracted
  • How to lead by behaviour – not rank, volume, or personality
  • How to use simple, consistent cues that students quickly trust
  • How to help new students feel safe and included without slowing the class

Who this is ideal for

If you have people helping you teach (or you are the person helping), this session will give you a clear framework. It is especially useful for clubs developing instructor pathways, leadership training, assistant instructor checklists, and junior leader programmes.

Session length: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (full workshop).

Watch the full session (Premium)

Premium members can watch the complete workshop here:
The First Follower Principle – full session

Learn more about the Expert Coach

Learn more about our Expert Coach, Master Adrian Byrne:
https://tkdcoaching.com/about-master-adrian-byrne/

You may also like: Master Byrne Interviews

Grand Master Paul McPhail

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