Keeping people coming back

[Prince_Alarming92 28]

Just wondering, since we have people here with a great deal of experience, what's your take on how to retain members at a martial arts club? Personally, I stopped because I picked up an injury through bone-headed abuse of a training implement and subsequently got fat, but my experience is far from typical. Usually, I've noticed, people quit at brown or purple belt if they come back for the first three sessions. I followed my club hither and thither around the area, but most seem to fall off when the venue is changed. So how do you make a learning experience that keeps being fun, but at the same time remains genuinely challenging? Your thoughts?

 

[J. Pickard8 1]

I stopped "trying" to retain people. I just focus on running the best classes I can and accept that interests change and people move on. 99% of people who sign up are just casual hobbyists and not die-hard martial artists like some of us on this forum. I started training almost 30 years ago. Since then the only people who still train and participate are 2 of my instructors. Nobody in that time stuck it out and kept going. My longest lasting student was 8 years. I accept that I am the exception not the norm. My only hope is that the people who do train with me, regardless of how long, had a positive overall experience and feel like they gained something, anything, of value in that time.

 

[isshinryuronin45 44]

I've noticed, people quit at brown or purple belt

Cause #1. They feel they've learned enough. Solution: Show them there is so much more to learn and accomplish: Techniques, tactics, weapons, speed, bunkai, history, etc.

Cause #2. It's getting too hard for them as they don't have what it takes to persevere and overcome the challenges. Solution: Have them get over their ego and stress the work it takes to advance pays off in dividends throughout their lives. Encouragement and recognition of effort but not patronizing.

Cause #3. Financial or time restrictions. Solution: Work it out on a one-by-one basis.

what's your take on how to retain members at a martial arts club?

The word "club" may be frowned upon by some, but in a sense it's key. Maybe "fraternity" would be a better word. Despite being a place to learn how to inflict injury, it should be a "safe space" where one can go and be accepted as a fellow student, regardless of their background. There was camaraderie. Like a fraternity, long lasting bonds could be forged.

As a teen, the dojo was my "hang out" and I spent time there outside of classes, especially during vacations. There I could practice on my own, get tips from Sensei and senior students who also dropped by, or just BS'ing around, sharing life knowledge and experiences. A sense of "belonging" to the dojo rather than just a place to sweat for an hour, then leave behind after class was over. Two or three social events per year can be helpful in team building.

Develop a central core of motivated, dedicated students. This small number can provide the current that carries many of the other students along.

Simply put, a sense of loyalty to the dojo and sensei. This was very true of pre-commercialized schools where the sensei was not just a teacher, but a life coach. All the above can still be true today by a good sensei who sees students as something other than revenue. Loyalty works both ways.

Lots of colored belts, games, variety in drills, special rates for continuing, etc. are all used to foster retention, but IMO, pale compared to what I've described. I will admit this is a rare thing, but I believe the true answer to your question. In a word: HEART.

(Could be I'm just living in the past, but wouldn't it be nice.......?)

 

[Wing Woo Gar89 13]

The longer they come, the more consistent they train, the more I give them. I have had a few 8 year students myself, one of which I lost to Dr Yang (understandable since I also train with Dr Yang). I just lost a 4 year student to a family move out of state. I don’t advertise much, I don’t get many as a result. Keeping them has much to do with the culture of our gym family or “club”. We are very welcoming and supportive of new members. I don’t award rank and I don’t teach children unless the parent is training. There is no ceremony or special outfits or patches etc. I don’t allow spectators, either train, or go away. I don’t teach for the money, so I have the luxury of doing it that way. I typically teach 6-8 and max out at 16 students. I have quite a mix of ages. A few legacy students from the old days when my Sifu was alive and a 2nd gen student. I feel like I offer a very honest and valuable skill that applies and is useful outside of martial aspects. I also only charge $7.50 per workout.

 

[Kung Fu Wang155 185]

So how do you make a learning experience that keeps being fun,

Right after I have taught my new student the rhino guard, I then throw 20 punches at his head. After my new student finds out that he can use his rhino guard to block all my 20 head punches, he will have faith in rhino guard. He will have fun to teach rhino guard to his friends (have fun to show off). He will then have interest in MA after that day.

I like to show my new student the goal and path at the same time. I will never ask my new student to stand in San Ti Shi for 1 year before I start teaching him anything.