“How I Gained 60 Students Overnight” ~ True Story
It’s called Advertising. Generally speaking it gets a bad rap when applied to traditional Karate. No real reason; its a common misconception that it goes against what Karate stands for.
How that comes together is anyone’s guess….Many think that to market and/or advertise is to become ‘commercial’. If you think Karate Master’s taught for free back in the day, you are in for a rude awakening.
Times have changed for sure; we know for a fact Kanbun Sensei accepted students only on the recommendation of an existing student. In our time we don’t use this method as often but it still happens.
This was effective word of mouth advertising (yes, advertising) that ensured only quality students were attracted.
While methods can change, the purpose remains the same. Instead of limiting your view about advertising; use it to promote your club and help it grow!
By using ads effectively you can target your ‘desired’ student and share Uechi-ryu Karate with others.
If you have no students because no one knows you are teaching…..how will Uechi-ryu grow in your area?
The headline is true; by using creative advertising when I first opened a small school near where I live; I went from 1 to 60 in 24 hours.
I didn’t cheapen the quality of the art, I didn’t ’sell out’ (or any other nonsense term) … I used effective advertising to build a student base.
I used a short advertisement to draw in interested people; it was my ‘word of mouth’ advertising.
How do you advertise?