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Post by jimlukelkc on Feb 14, 2012 14:08:48 GMT
I wonder if any of you folks have had the same difficulties I am currently experiencing and if so any advice? We have used the local primary school facilities for training for the last 4 years. Due to "budget cuts" they are proposing to almost double our hall hire fees with effect from the end of March. We mistakenly believed we were in a protected position due to our having worked very closely with the school in many projects, including an anti-bullying campaign, and our inclusivity scheme for kids with many challenging disabilities. Steve can personally attest to our success in this area and we have had some real results with kids with Autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD and general behavioural issues. So much so that the Head teacher would recommend parents to send their kids to us as she recognised the benefits to be had from discipline and regular exercise. We explained to the school that we charge little for a lesson and that although we teach on a voluntary basis, there would not be enough fees collected in an average class to cover the proposed increase. We were met with little sympathy apart from to offer us a slot within school time which was impractical. I have contacted local councillors and the school board of governors, been passed to local community workers and have met with indifference and apathy. We presented them with a petition signed by parents and kids alike for us to remain in our present location , which has cut no ice and consequently we are being forced to look around for other venues. At present it looks like we will be forced back down to 2 nights per week and split between 2 locations. I fear we may lose students because of this and for some , location ( or mobility) is an issue. Local halls seem almost as expensive. They used to be called community centres but I personally cannot see how average members of the community could afford to use them. I am discouraged to say the least and angry on behalf of some of our kids who gain so much benefit from this. We have a young chap with us at present who has a lot of physical problems ( and the heart of a lion). His parents were told 2 years ago that he would probably never walk and yet he does! We were getting the kids to kick over an outstretched obi last week and I was talking to this childs father who was very emotional at the sight of his son being able to lift his bent knee to the height of the belt and step over it. Karate has the potential to do so much more for people than just what we see on the surface and yet there is no recognition, no funding, no help for volunteers and for an educational establishment to put cash before kids is, to me , completely incomprehensible. Right, rant over! Any thoughts or suggestions gratefully received.
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Post by kensei on Feb 14, 2012 15:55:37 GMT
Jim,
We tend to get ourselves in the same boat as well and it is a bone of contention with me as well. When did Community centers become a business for making money? Perhaps its time to actually get some governements with the "Nackers" to realize that it was about the time that youth crime went up and about the time we all seemed to forget that the youth of today...will be changing our diapers later in our lives.
Time to vote with our feet, approach local politicians and let them know...if our Community clubs become a business more than they are...then their jobs will become smoke!
I for one, as a father with a daughter who is special needs applaude the living hell out of your efforts and hope they pay off...not just for your kids that have needs outside of the norm...but for all your students.
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Post by jimlukelkc on Feb 14, 2012 16:14:54 GMT
Thanks for that James and you are absolutely right, there are more kids hanging around the High street in my village being a bloody nuisance,than we have ever had in the class, due in the main to the fact that nothing youth-oriented is on offer anywhere. The boys club closed many years ago ( where I first started Karate) and community centres have been re-named "access points" and are more to do with adult education classes than they are with leisure facilities. It is beyond me it really is. More and more pubs close, there are less and less places for the community to be....a community I guess! I have worked for some time (as my job ) with kids with specific needs and most of them just want the same as other kids. When they get that chance there should be the right support in place to enable it to continue.
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Post by Allan Shepherd on Feb 14, 2012 17:02:52 GMT
Hi Jim
As James mentioned approach local politicians but also local press might be able to help by inviting them down to do a cover story from the community perspectve. Peer pressure sometimes shames people/organisations into what is sometimes described as "not being able to see the wood for the trees" scenario. Best of luck in your endeavours.
Best Regards Allan
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Post by malk103 on Feb 14, 2012 19:33:51 GMT
Budget cuts seem to be blamed for a lot of good things disappearing lately, one of the downsides are lots of people - mainly teens - with nothing to do and nowhere to go. Then they wonder why we get soo much anti-social behaviour?
The pig headed side of me says to just pull the plug on the whole thing and write to all the parents clearly stating why you stopped and the hire fees doubling, this should hopefully cause an outrage and lots of complaints towards the school. Of course the level headed side of me says to seek alternative funding as you will be stopping the kids Karate!
Tricky situation and it must be frustrating when everyone else doesn't seem interested.
Where abouts are you, maybe a few more letters from OSS Karateka members could help (hopefully not hinder), or maybe a few local clubs could help out with funding - or turn up and peacefully protest! The sight of a few other people in Gi's may convince them.
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Post by jimlukelkc on Feb 14, 2012 22:31:19 GMT
Mal we are a small ex-mining village equidistant between Durham and Sunderland. I do not think many of you are within " turning up in Gi`s" distance lol ! thanks for the offer though! Not the first time I have considered packing it in but I have some good people with me and I simply cannot let them down.
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Post by malk103 on Feb 14, 2012 23:32:11 GMT
Where there is a will there is a way - hopefully you will be able to resolve it.
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Post by Bob Davis on Feb 15, 2012 12:19:42 GMT
Do the school have other people waiting to use the slot? if so then I doubt you'll get much movement out of them, if not then it's worth pointing out (and I'd guess you already have) that in these days of "budget cuts" and empty hall earns them nothing at all if you choose to just walk away, is some income worth more to them than no income at all.
I'm fortunate in that the church hall I use takes the long view. I started there 9 years ago at £10/hour and it has crept up to £11.25 over that time "to cover the costs of heating and lighting" which I think is probably fair enough. They've had approches from various "clubs" over the years who'd probably pay more for the duration of their current fad (Zumba is the word of the moment) BUT they see me there week in week out, every week for the last nine years and know that is a regular income rather than being able to bump the price for 3 months and then sit on an empty hall until the next fad comes along.
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Post by deckerdude304 on Feb 15, 2012 13:03:37 GMT
Its all about the money nowadays unfortunately, all about the money. If it does not generate income for councils, then its superflous to requirements. Such a shame.
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Post by jimlukelkc on Feb 15, 2012 13:48:40 GMT
We are sorted ! After many phone calls I have 2 new venues, promising to be even better than the school. We will have plenty of storage space and more latitude with times and hiring at weekends etc.It means some members having slightly further to travel but there is more scope for expansion. Bugger of it all is none of the students see any of the effort that goes into running a club, they think we just turn up and teach. Bob as far as I know they are not exactly queuing up to use the school. There was a zumba class on Monday evening and we had Tues, Wed and Thurs. Nothing on Friday. so they have three slots and no income, caretaker loses his overtime but sod them we are out of there next week. Anyway, thanks for replies and offers of help folks. Appreciate it.
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Post by Bob Davis on Feb 15, 2012 14:15:10 GMT
Perfection of character is all very well but isn't nice just to be able to say that sometimes Their loss, and (our experience has been) you may pick up a few new members with a change of venue, even in a small community
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Post by malk103 on Feb 15, 2012 14:26:53 GMT
Well done!!!
Maybe it was meant to be?
Maintaining perfection of character of course, but a good time to re-advertise the new locations and make the club better than before with more students.
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Post by jimlukelkc on Feb 15, 2012 18:25:29 GMT
Ah lads I never kid myself that I have come anywhere near perfection of character. I have been called " A right character " before! And any character traits have been forged in no small part through karate but as to perfection, striving for it is enough for me.
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Post by tomobrien on Feb 16, 2012 2:40:56 GMT
My dojo has been in my house for 40 yrs. No overhead, roll out of bed into my dojo, have to show up because I live there, no travel, no excuses. No where to run. Nowhere to hide. Thanks, Tom
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Post by genkaimade on Feb 16, 2012 9:44:48 GMT
My dojo has been in my house for 40 yrs. No overhead, roll out of bed into my dojo, have to show up because I live there, no travel, no excuses. No where to run. Nowhere to hide. Thanks, Tom Now this is a post which almost needs a video-blog of a day in your shoes (hint hint)
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Post by kensei on Feb 16, 2012 13:34:42 GMT
LMAO, I have a basement Dojo....to cold in the winter, to hot in the summer...just the way it should be!
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Post by genkaimade on Feb 17, 2012 16:57:48 GMT
LMAO, I have a basement Dojo....to cold in the winter, to hot in the summer...just the way it should be! I remember reading some research, thinking about it, which detailed how "bad" training conditions actually tend to produce better karate-ka than super plush dojo in which everything is comfortable!
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Post by fujicolt on Feb 17, 2012 19:09:21 GMT
I have had the honour of teaching at James's Club (I wrote about it here) and I would describe his work via the Club as a public service. Problem is we are all at the mercy of fickle 'committees' and this is definitely a case of a Major misjudgement.
Jim, knowing your 'business savvy' i would suggest find a run down old property that has been on the rental market for years with no takers - make an offer and then get all the parents help you 'do it up' as a Dojo.
I have done this several times - grants are available and it CAN be done. Once open you'll boom if you diversify and rent out hall time to other activities - Yoga, fitness classes etc. I'll help if you need any. Once in you'll be able to relax and you can call the shots. Don't sign anything until you have raised at least 3 months rent and ask for a 'rent free window' whilst you refurbish and get started. Beg steal and borrow everything you need including Labour.
It can be done!
Good luck Mate = tragedy if you cant continue.
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Post by deckerdude304 on Feb 17, 2012 22:55:02 GMT
An excellent idea fujicolt! I'me sure the Labouring stuff could be a bit of a work-out for the Karateka as well!
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Post by jimlukelkc on Feb 18, 2012 15:30:14 GMT
Ah Steve , that is the dream and as you know I have had thoughts along those lines myself. However at present I am trying to raise funds for another business venture but one could lead to the other so watch this space. I will certainly be in touch for advice Steve and much appreciated too.
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Post by tomobrien on Feb 27, 2012 1:38:54 GMT
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Post by tomobrien on Feb 27, 2012 1:44:20 GMT
Miguel got promoted to Rokyu (6th kyu), yellow belt, last Thursday night. There were only 4 of us but we have a little ceremony anyway. The best part of our promotion ceremony is that everyone gets to throw the guy! ;D Thanks, Tom Attachments:
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