Martial Arts Club Trouble....?

Hi, I'm the president of a martial arts club at a high school. The club has been opened for quite a while... Yet, we are lacking attendance. Hence, I wish to recreate it with a new method. If there's any one out there who has a club or dojo going, can you please teach me someways to promote the club?

Martial Arts Club Trouble....?
You certainly know the people who might attend your club better than any anonymous stranger. With that in mind you have to consider what your fellow students enjoy. If it isn't fun, your attendance might be low.





Some suggestions- Clearly define the purpose of your club. You can then make up a questionnaire to identify what they like and don't like.





A guest speaker is a good idea if the people in your club are interested in what he/she has to say. If its too technical, they will see it as a lecture. Not too many high school students are interested in more lectures. Hands on exhibitions might suit them better, but then again you know them better than I do.





Organize group road trips for the club to see live Martial Arts events, even movies. Group rates will save everyone some money. Plus you organize the transportation. This will build some more unity within the group.





Create a list of activities. Maybe start with 10 different activities and measure what works by attendance. Don't forget the girls.





Keep you meetings short. Don't ever allow the meeting to drone on. Instead always leave them with something to think about.





Contact your area martial art schools. They should be open to the chance at new students. Visiting the schools sounds like more fun than having a teacher visit you, but do what you can.





Do not ever allow anyone in the club to speak poorly of another. This is a common rule in fraternities. It is a great life skill to learn, but it has to be practiced. Also maybe concentrate on incoming Freshman. They are already going through a hard time adjusting to high school. Most are looking for affiliation.





I would take down all of the suggestions you get here and organize them into a plan of action. Good luck.
Reply:latch on to the ufc no more karate...aloy more judo brazilian jj and kick boxing
Reply:I respectfully disagree with Brandon W. Simply latching on to something only makes you a leech. If you want to recreate a club with a new method you'd need something to help bring attention to yourself but make you stand out.





I'd recommend spicing up your meetings by possibly getting guest speakers or instructors from local schools or doing some demos or workshops in your area to help create awareness. Things like that.





Good luck in your recreation!
Reply:I too disagree with Brandon W, and agree with Sune-Templar.





I can see what Brandon W is leaning towards...a martial arts group that is working with what is "hot" in the martial arts community will bring more people...but this also waters down the group and is a cop-out to your beliefs and purity of your art.





Sune_Templar is very right with getting the word out. Advertisement is key to generating interest. Being seen and informing others is the best way to get people to you. Demos, guest lecturers, working out in local parks with fliers, general assembly shows that are sponsored by your group to bring in a reputable Karate group, then show your affiliation to them, or a segment in the annual high school talent show.





There are several free and easy ways to gain recognition if you and your people are willing. The easiest is fliers around campus, and training in a public place with available information and literature for interested people.





Hope this helps!





Keep training and good luck!





Instructor McWethy
Reply:If you are around the same age as the students you are not going to get a big enrollment .No kid wants to call another kid sensei.


Advertising will create an interest but it won't get them to join .No one is impressed anymore with a few fancy kicks in a demo except those that think movies show real martial arts and have fantasys about being JEAN CLAUDE.


GOING THE GRAPPLING ROUTE WONT DO IT EITHER NO ONE WHO ISN'T FAMILIAR WITH IT LIKES TO GET THROWN OR ARM LOCKED OR WRESTLING AROUND ON THE GROUND IF THEY DID JUDO CLUBS WOULD BE PACKED.Then there is the competition down the street if you onlly posses a rank lower than 4th dan you have a lot to overcome just on experience and teaching know how.

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