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Post by malk103 on Apr 13, 2012 18:54:34 GMT
We have been asked to perform a display in the local park as part of a pre carnival and fund raising day, i've also considered doing a display in the town centre whilst handing out leaflets. From our part it raises awareness and increases the new members to the club. Following on from the Gi in Public topic, just wondering if anyone has done this sort of thing before and if it worked - or did people just give you a funny look and walk past....?  |
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Post by kensei on Apr 14, 2012 8:21:18 GMT
Done a few of them, for different groups...mostly funny looks and walking past. However the students doing them were having fun. I find that in todays day and age of MMA and BJJ stuff being big that Karate demos seem to be a waste of time...however you may find that they work for you.
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Post by Paul Bedard on Apr 14, 2012 15:02:50 GMT
In regards to James comment about MMA & BJJ, if these are popular in your area then a karate display may seem lacking.
However if due to your geography there isn`t this type of competition close by then what you are considering Mal would be beneficial for the exposure of your club. In our case there is no MMA/BJJ types any closer than 1& 1/2 hours away, so I feel comfortable doing public demos.
Even if there is competition close by, just remember that not everything is for everybody. Not everyone wants to roll on the ground & get beat up. If you gain one student from a demo, it was worthwhile.
Osu
Paul B
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Post by Bob Davis on Apr 14, 2012 16:54:36 GMT
Is it just me that finds it sad that we shouldn't do a display if there's MMA or BJJ in the area as we can't compete  That's more a reflection on us than them I'd guess if we can't put on a show of what we do for fear of looking foolish or not measuring up to the "real men" doing proper martial arts. Come on guys! |
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Post by malk103 on Apr 14, 2012 17:52:15 GMT
There are plenty of others in the area but mostly small clubs and without being rude they are "not that great".
Some may go with the latest trend and join TKD, the green-dragons or Krap Magna but I would be proud to offer up a good display of Karate and might even show some of the others how hard we train.
Obviously not everyone will be enthusiastic about it and we would need to display something worth seeing - I personally think 5 or more doing Kata in perfect harmony/timing would need to be part of it.
Putting too much agression into it might scare some away I suppose.
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Post by fujicolt on Apr 15, 2012 16:54:28 GMT
it really depends on what students (and there abilities) that you have available to you to do the demo. Also, your ability to design and choreograph a display that maximises the opportunity for you to show your club and training in a positive light. Be warned - Joe Public has been inundated with 'martial arts' displays via the Movies and TV - so they aint gonna have any 'awe' anymore. Suggest you find someone whom is knowledgable and good at public speaking to do a 'Voice over' of the demo via a rehearsed complimentary commentary in order that you can explain what is being displayed. Be careful of exposing junior grades or children to a 'ridicule' situation that means you may have to step up and deal with some Ner'do'wells'! However, properly rehearsed, well planned and well presented Demo's can bring you good exposure and new members as a result! Good Luck!  |
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Post by malk103 on Jun 20, 2012 22:15:51 GMT
Well we got a team together but now not enough time to sort out a routine or voice overs. Most of them train at different nights so we can't practice a routine.
I guess we will have to do a mini lesson with plenty of Kiai's.
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Post by malk103 on Jun 26, 2012 12:13:31 GMT
We did it to a medium croud and was very warmly received, we did a mini lesson of the 3K's and finished with some wood breaking.
There was 1 white belt, 2 red, 2 yellow and a 1st Kyu. We got a few rounds of applause along the way, especially after my son and I did Basai Dai. All the participants thought it was great, including their parents/parnters/friends.
A few people took pictures of our display board and asked questions.
Time will tell if this turns into beginners joining up or people showing interest.
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Post by malk103 on Jul 3, 2012 13:21:50 GMT
Apparently the day as a whole was a flop as they only managed to attract a small number of people and a low charity fund.
We haven't had any enquiries either but it was fun all the same.
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Post by kensei on Jul 3, 2012 19:56:21 GMT
its often not about the whole "how many students" can I get off this one...its often How much fun can the current members have and if you get a few walk ins thats fantastic!
Glad it sounds like you and your crew had a great time.
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