Mahj Life Instructor Guild: A Place Where Instructors Thrive Together
The Mahj Life Instructor Guild is a dynamic community built exclusively for mah jongg instructors who want more than just a network—they want a shared journey toward excellence.
When you join the Guild, you become part of a collective with a shared purpose: to teach, grow, and elevate the game of mah jongg with clarity, confidence, and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, this community gives you access to peer mentorship, expert resources, and proven tools to shorten the learning curve and amplify your impact.
As a member, you’ll experience:
- Skill sharing and cross-mentorship from instructors with diverse strengths—from teaching to tech, marketing to game mastery.
- Community and support to break the isolation of solo work, so you’re never navigating this journey alone.
- Standards and growth through the Merit Program, curated content, and best practices that raise the bar across the profession.
- Collaboration opportunities, such as co-hosted events, resource exchanges, and client referrals, help everyone succeed without competing.
This isn’t just a group—it’s a movement. The Mahj Life Instructor Guild is where Mah Jongg instructors go to refine their craft, build their brand, and rise together.
If you’re overwhelmed by the idea of “getting it right,” you’re not alone. The guild was built to help you gain clarity, confidence, and connection — all from the comfort of your home.
About the Guild Leader
Michele Frizzell, founder of Mahj Life and leader of the Mahj Life Instructor Guild, has been playing mah jongg since 1973 and teaching American Mah Jongg since 1990. She’s an author, speaker, veteran educator, respected YouTube creator, and nationally recognized coach who began producing educational content in 2017 and formally coaching instructors in 2019. In 2022, she rebranded her business under the Mahj Life name to create a modern, professional platform dedicated to community education, instructor development, and elevating how mah jongg is taught and played. Her mission is to empower instructors to teach with confidence, clarity, and integrity—while honoring the spirit and tradition of the game.
The Guild’s mission is to promote community awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the game. We also provide a robust support system based on real-world experience for our members, including ongoing training, microcredentials, courses, resources, tools, community coaching, and collaboration opportunities.
Community
The most recognized feature of a guild is community. Guild members have access to the same content and attend events where they can connect, innovate, and collaborate.
Credentials
Today's technology has opened doors for many ways to learn and teach. Guild members educational opportunities like training sessions, courses, and microcredentials that can help them gain experience and build their confidence.
Content
Every industry has best practices that are critical to efficiency and productivity. With access to a digital library with resources and assets, guild members can learn how to improve methods and processes by taking advantage of the collective experience of others.
Purpose
To provide a collaborative program that can help instructors build a sustainable mah jongg lesson business and teach with confidence.
Mission
To foster the advancement of the mah jongg teaching profession by empowering and supporting instructors for the benefit of students.
Vision
The Mahj Life Instructor Guild is nationally recognized as a support group and resource center for teaching in the community. We are leaders in the innovative use of technology and incorporate teaching best practices that promote high-quality lesson plans.
As a Mahj Life Instructor Guild member, you can run your business your way—with support, resources, and a shared code of conduct that values integrity and respect. If you choose to join the Pride in Excellence Initiative, we ask for transparency when teaching house rules. It’s all about growing the game with clarity, confidence, and a sense of community.
If you’re an instructor or aspire to be one, consider joining us to share ideas, get feedback, improve best practices, and help shape the game’s teaching culture.
These values guide our work, and we are committed to:
COLLABORATION | INNOVATION | PASSION | SERVICE
Application Process
To begin the application process, please submit the form below. By applying, you agree to abide by the contents of the Mahj Life Instructor Guild Bylaws and Membership Agreement. There is no fee to apply. After accepting your application, you will receive an email and a payment request for annual membership dues.
Applications are processed within 5–10 business days. You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been reviewed and approved. Thank you for your patience and interest in joining the Mahj Life Instructor Guild!
Annual Dues
Instructor Guild membership is $100 per year, plus standard transaction fees (PayPal, Venmo, Square). Dues are non-refundable and help sustain the ongoing development of our programs, resources, and instructor network.
What Your Membership Includes
Enhanced Visibility
Get featured through Mahj Life’s national promotional efforts—boost your credibility and attract more students.
- Featured listing above the fold on the Mahj Life homepage
- Monthly shout-outs on the Mahj Life Facebook group
- Quarterly directory promotions to Mahj Life email subscribers
- Inclusion in a 3-minute YouTube livestream pre-show highlighting the Instructor Directory
- Opportunity to be featured in an Instructor Spotlight episode (by registration and eligibility)
The Mahj Life Advantage
Access online courses, digital resources, teaching aids, and business tools—designed by an instructor, for instructors. Whether you’re leading your first class or refining an established teaching practice, these resources save time, build confidence, and help you teach with clarity and purpose.
- Access a Growing Digital Library: Explore a curated collection of teaching tools, planning templates, and done-for-you resources to simplify your workflow and spark fresh ideas in every class.
- Ongoing Learning & Connection Through the Learning Lab and the Nexus: Apply what you learn and stay current in a fast-evolving mah jongg landscape by participating in exclusive virtual events that support your personal and professional development, whether you’re new to teaching or a seasoned pro.
- Recognition Through the Pride in Excellence Initiative: Demonstrate excellence by upholding official rules and clearly distinguishing house rule variations, equipping your students with confidence and adaptability wherever they play.
- Credibility Through the Merit Program for Instructors: Earn rewards and contribute to a thriving teaching community by sharing your Mahj Life experience with prospective instructors.
- Rewards Through the Catalyst Referral Program: Share your Mahj Life experience with others and earn rewards while helping grow our community.
Apply to keep your skills fresh and your knowledge sharp.
Dream big. Start small. But most of all, start.
Simon Sinek