Hanshi Iwao Yoshioka

[Wado heretic]

Then the offer is much appreciated. I wish we were more selective at our club sometimes, tend to get a bunch of people that cycle in and out, and really just cause disruption and steal time from those among us who go every lesson and then don't get much attention as the new white belts need it more.

[shep]

I've turned more people away this last couple of months than people that have joined over 2 years.

Hi wadoka

do you have a selection process then. Do you question their intentions, expectations, aims hopes etc?

shep

[wadoka]

I do. I also ask them to have a look else where.

[shep]

I do. I also ask them to have a look else where.

I think thats an excellent idea.

shep

[dkc]

At the risk of another conflict.............
Why do you turn people away? If they want to train and learn- they have to start somewhere surely with you they would be taught correctly.
Are you not pushing them into the mcdojos or similar.
I remember asking you some time ago about your Group and being told that they wernt looking for new members.
I really do find it strange that you turn people away............perhaps I am missing something again.

[wadoka]

Without sounding like the series with Grasshopper, if I point them in another direction or they at least have a look at some karate and are still interested and they come back then I know they have a bit of perseverance.

Someone recently took that as a major set back. If they thought that just because I said have a look at another local club, then they will be in for a shock. Too many expect it on a plate.

I have had too many that thought it might be something they would like to try but have never done it. All I am suggesting is have a look somewhere. There are enough leisure centres where they can watch from a balcony. If they actually like what they see then good.

I have had too many one night testers, far too many now. I value my time and the time of the students that have put a lot in.

[wadoka]

That was a very valid question and the answer is very much my personal approach.

[Tim49]

I can fully understand where Wadoka is coming from, he’s not being elitist; actually his position is the complete opposite.

What is surprising is that even with the Internet as a tool people still do not look around, and when they do it is too easy to be suckered by the smoke and mirrors of flashy websites and punchy Youtube clips, especially if you either don’t know what to look for, or have fanciful but ill-informed views of what martial arts are.

People have different personal specifications as to what they want out of a martial arts class. I’ve met people who would be quite happy doing a kickbox aerobics class, fine, if that’s what you want then I think I can help you on your merry way.

Wadoka is magnanimous in his suggestion to the casual punter, and above all honest and up front.

You don’t find Filet Mignon on the menu of McDonalds.

Tim

[kyudo]

I really do find it strange that you turn people away...

I'm seriously considering stepping up advertising for my dojo so that I can turn more people away. Seriously...
I have a rather specific view of the people I want in my dojo. For starters, I'd like people who are willing to put in considerable time and effort. As it turns out, most people are just seeking a bit of workout and leisure. That's fine with me, but not in my dojo if I can help it.

Wadoka appears to be in the fortunate postion to be able to select at the door. Good for him. It'll probably raise the overall quality of the dojo...

[wadoka]

Since I put a sign up on the club website to say that we are not taking on new members unless through recommendations I have had more people enquire than previously.

I am not clever enough to have thought of it being a reverse psychology piece of marketing. Even people I then said you can come to watch only, they insist they will come and then never do. At least those people waste my time by email and not in the class.

You might think I don't want more students. I do. But I only want or need a few more.