You might notice that we don’t do a lot of advertising of the club any more or run demonstations like we used to some years ago. Our numbers are pretty high and it’s a big job to keep everyone engaged, even with a great group of coaches. For all those who drop out over time, for example, because Judo can be too difficult, or they don’t have the time any more, or they lose interest (which I can’t relate to J), we seem to be able to get an intake of an equal number of people that find us. Maybe they find us through recommendations by our members and their parents (thank you so much), or by searching the web and finding our webpage, or by searching facebook and finding one of our two accounts, or on Instagram, or looking for martial arts/Judo on the Kidsbook community group. We are also very active in circulating our Newsletter, in maintaining good relationships with our local Council and State and Federal members, by nominating the club and its members for recognition and awards, by applying for Government grants, and so on.
- There are currently a lot of highlight videos on social media of major Judo events with huge throws and spectacular acrobatics. I suspect that these videos may not attract that many parents to putting their kids into Judo because it may look dangerous or they might think their child is too timid for such aggression.
- The fact is that marketing Judo and Budokan is about showing that we do understand what people need, that we care, and that we can help. We have so many stories in the club of members who have transformed from shy, introverted, non-athletic children, to confident, social and strong children able to challenge themselves in whatever Judo offers them, whether that means achieving a certain grade, learning a new throw or a hold-down, competing in an event or refereeing and coaching, the proof is in the outcome. We have seen Judo and the club help to make their lives better, whether they stick with it or not, the discipline and ability to take on the challenges will be preserved. Some may even turn into successful international athletes and Olympians who themselves become mentors and coaches. Feel free to tell your friends of your own experience through Judo and through Budokan Judo Club, or send your experiences to me and I will post them (anonymously if you like).