Demos

[ralphmcpherson]

Do the clubs you train/instruct at do demos as part of attracting new students? If so, do you have a specialised demo team, or is just whoever is available on the day? Also, do you have a set demonstration that you stick to, or does it change each time or does it get made up on the day? And, do you find its a good way of attracting new students to your club?

 

[granfire]

Our school did demos during PE time at the elementary schools.
The 'team' usually consisted of whatever adults could get off work that morning, the instructor and the kids from the school - the academic school, that were enrolled in the program.

We had kicked around (no pun intended) to start a demo team, but in reality, the schedul was full anyhow and the opportunities to showcase a full scale demo team were few and far between.

So we usually did a few different forms, broke some wood, do a few one-steps and then let the school kids do a few kicks and punches.

Every kid got a flyer and a card for a free class (yes, only one, didn't know that other schools offer a week). No telling how many never made it home to the parents. Some years were better than others and the kid classes grew quiet a bit during May and June.

Other times not a nibble from the tour.

So the program looked something like this (same for each grade, 6 or 7 times):
Short introduction of the 'performers'
explanation of Taekwondo (no, it has nothing to do with Tai Bo or Thai Chi...)
Oath not to use the inspiration to cause trouble (that day. The other days were not covered in the promise )
a few forms, preferably from the kids, but by adults if the kids were sparse that morning
One steps (done by the instructor...the jump spin kick ALWAYS got the AAAAHHHHHHHHs going! )
Board breaking.
Short segment of exercise for the assembled kids:
How to make a fist, Sitting/horse(riding) stance basic punches.
maybe a few pushups
a simple front kick
handing out pamphlets
reminder not to kick and punch another.

 

[granfire]

Added:
If you have the talented youngster who can do acrobatics, it is always impressive to have somebody like this to compose a freestyle to a catchy tune.

 

[Gnarlie]

Each student is encouraged to keep at least one demeonstration technique 'polished' at all times. We pull them out at the end of gradings for a fun show for the parents.

 

[ATC]

We have a demo team. We also have quite a few demos planned out based on time. Some events want 10-15 minutes some want more. All of our demos try to show a bit of everything TKD has to offer. We schedule demos and practice them before we ever go out to do them. Without practice you get a really bad demo. Demos should excite and bring a crowd. Then during the demo we have little ones pass out flyers and cards. We also setup booths if possible, with adults to give more info and to sign up trial lessons. Usually a two class trial. You want the bodies in the door if you can get them there. This way they get to see and do a couple of classes. Demos are OK for getting in new students but good teaching and a good reputation is best. Word of mouth will spread like crazy.

 

[ralphmcpherson]

We have a demo team. We also have quite a few demos planned out based on time. Some events want 10-15 minutes some want more. All of our demos try to show a bit of everything TKD has to offer. We schedule demos and practice them before we ever go out to do them. Without practice you get a really bad demo. Demos should excite and bring a crowd. Then during the demo we have little ones pass out flyers and cards. We also setup booths if possible, with adults to give more info and to sign up trial lessons. Usually a two class trial. You want the bodies in the door if you can get them there. This way they get to see and do a couple of classes. Demos are OK for getting in new students but good teaching and a good reputation is best. Word of mouth will spread like crazy.

That sounds very similar to how we do it. we have a demo team, who train together once week and have their demonstrations rehearsed and ready to go. They usually do one demo a week and also do a demo at our coloured belt gradings. From what Ive seen it brings a lot of new students into the club and if they like what they see once they start training they will usually stay. I think its important in demos to incorporate some kids and lower level practitioners so the people watching realise that anybody can have a go, otherwise the people watching can be intimidated by it, they will like what they see but think "gee, I could never do that". Our demo team will just tailor the demo to who is there. I remember a couple of years ago when some korean delegates and tkdoin were visiting Australia and they asked us to demo, we put on a "korean tigers" style demo, no lower belts, no kids, just a super fast, flashy, demo to loud music. But, if we are doing a primary school, for instance, then we make it more 'kid friendly'.

 

[Grenadier]

My dojo certainly does demonstrations. We encourage students of all ages, ranks, and abilities to partake in the demonstration.

While a team of our top black belts could certainly put on a very nice, polished demonstration, you need to ask yourself if your message is going to reach the general public.

I've found that when you put all sorts of students in there, you tend to get a better response from the crowd, in terms of attracting more potential students. The crowd will see the younger and / or more inexperienced people making mistakes, yet they'll also see that they're going at it with a good intensity, and that they can relate to the ones who struggle.

 

[WC_lun]

The old school I belonged too did a lot of demoes. There were people who were relied on to participate in them. Lot of flash, not a ton of substance, but in the schools defense, that is what a lot of people expected.

The school I train at now does not doa lot of demoes. If we are asked to do one, we'll get something together. They tend to be about affective martial arts, rather than a lot of flash.