How can we bring new members to the AKS?

[kick2aks]

Hi folks,

It's been some time since I last wrote anything on the bulletin board. As I have been somewhat remiss I wanted to pose a question to all of you. The title of this forum was stated in the subject line. What I'd like to know is how interested you are about helping to bring in new blood/student to your respective school.

At this past summer's camp I was disappointed in the lack of students below black belt. One thing I truly enjoy when I attend our annual summer camp is the opportunity to visit and share with students who have not yet earned their black belt.

What do we need to do to improve attendance at our summer camps?

What do we need to do to bring in new students?

Are we failing in some area? If so, where? Why?

What would you suggest for us to do to change this?

Even though I've been in the martial arts for what seems to be an eternity, some might say since dirt was discovered, I don't have all of the answers. That's why everyone's opinion is important.

Please take some time to give these questions some thought. As one of the senior leadership of the AKS I can assure you we to make improvements. We want to increase the numbers of new people so our organization will continue to endure the ages.

Respectfully yours,

Mike Sullenger

[kick2aks]

The question I posed in September of 2003 still stands. Sadly there have been no responses from any of our stateside members. We still need an answer to this question. What suggestions do you have?

[flipper0682002]

I'm not sure how to get new members. It seems that at the beginning of the school year, we have a bunch of new members. Then in a few mths they are gone. Is it that we can't get new memebers, or that the younger members don't want to stay with it?

Shelly

[jeffcobb71]

i would bet everyone has tried/thought of these before, but they have worked for me.

one of the #1 ways i have recruited younger students in the past is to go to the local elementary, middle, and even high schools , about twice a year, (spring a couple of weeks before summer break is the best) and offer to take over the PE classes (with the assistance of the PE coach of course) and teach basic classes. stretch, blocks, kicks, h-form, and take some small pieces of wood for breaking , and when possible, especially for older students....try to get several of your AKS students there for a bang up demo at the end. send all home talking about karate and with flyers with the name, location, and times of the club.

another great tool for kids and adults is bring a friend night. next class everyone has to bring one friend or relative to try a free class.

and of course.....DEMOS. at malls, at fairs , anywhere they will let you. it might an idea that all black belts be required to set up and lead "x" number of public demonstrations as a requirement.

[jeffcobb71]

POLICE

another good recruiting idea i have is to target police agencies. A large number of the black belts in the AKS are police, military or former police and military.

besides the obvious street self defense and officer safety benefits, there is a nationwide movement for more required fitness standards in municipal police departments. Target departments with flyers, (although we all know that prob wont be very effective, a cop in roll call has too much else on his mind)...but most police now have monthly training sessions. take them over for an hour or 2 hour block of training. half on the wrist locks, take downs, etc.....then a good kick butt session of anaerobic kicking and punching.....to remind some of them, and their department heads.....that they may need revisit the theory of "FIT TO FIGHT"

[flipper0682002]

All very good ideas... we should try them all.
With the first of the year comming up, I'm sure their will be a boom on the "get fit" craze. All we have to do is keep the students.
Shelly

[chadjohn]

Another way to get more people involved in AKS is to advertise in your local Gyms. I personally know many martial artists from different schools that I see in the weight room every week. Something as simple as a flyer with management or owner permission will create a buzz about your school. And let's face it. most people talk more than lift in a gym anyway, might as well give them something to talk about. The flyer thing works well at your place of work too, if you have a community bulletin board.

Chad

[kick2aks]

Chad, Shelly, Jeff,

I appreciate your comments and ideas. I wonder how many people are trying to use these tactics? I hope you all continue with your enthusiasm. A friend of mine who grew up in the Philipines said there were 500 who started training in shotokan with him. Five years later when he was testing for his 1st Dan there were only 7 left.

Many people get interested in the martial arts and start training. Sadly, only a very small percentage end up making a life long endeavor.

Keep plugging guys.

Mike Sullenger