How to Attract High School Students to Taekwondo
As a seasoned practitioner of Taekwondo (TKD), I can attest to the benefits of forming a TKD club in high schools. Over the years, my observations and experiences have shown that introducing and maintaining a TKD program in high schools can indeed attract a significant number of young students. In this article, we will discuss strategies to form a successful TKD club and market it effectively to high school students.
Forming a TKD Club in High Schools
To begin, consider forming a TKD club at your high school. This approach allows you to offer a structured and consistent training environment for interested students. Here are some steps to follow:
Establish a School Club
Speak to your school administration to see if a club can be established. Highlight the physical, mental, and social benefits of TKD. Diplomacy and clear communication will be key to gaining support. Many schools are receptive to introducing active and engaging extracurricular activities, and TKD can fit well into this category.
Invite Peers and Collaborate
Once the club is established, invite classmates who are interested in martial arts to join. Consider collaborating with martial arts clubs from neighboring schools to provide a broader array of training and competition opportunities. This can help build a community of martial arts enthusiasts and enhance the allure of the club.
Tackling the Perception of TKD as Child's Play
Taekwondo is often seen as merely a "child’s play" due to an aggressive trend in the market targeting young children. This perception has led to an imbalance in the adult to student ratio, making it challenging for schools with a focus on TKD championships or self-defense to attract adult students. Nonetheless, there are still ways to combat this perception and attract high school students.
Highlighting TKD's Benefits
Explain to potential students and their parents the benefits of TKD beyond the mere act of physical exercise. Emphasize the discipline, mental strength, and self-defense skills that can be gained. Additionally, stress the importance of TKD as an Olympic sport and its inclusion in the greater context of martial arts traditions.
Target Specific Student Groups
Determine the focus of your TKD club. Is it more about competition, self-defense, Korean heritage, or general fitness? Tailor your marketing efforts to the needs and interests of your target audience. For high school students, marketing should emphasize the role of TKD in personal development and the fun of training with peers.
Implementing an Attraction Strategy
Once you have formed a solid club and sold its benefits, it's time to implement an effective strategy to attract high school students:
After-School Get-togethers
Organize after-school get-togethers where you can introduce potential students to TAkdwon. Host these sessions in a relaxed environment like the school hall or gym. During these gatherings, focus on building a rapport with the students and then naturally transition to discussing the TKD club. Be sure to cover the safety and insurance issues beforehand to ensure credibility.
Partner with School Authorities
Approach the headmaster or principal with a proposal. Offer to train students after school in the school hall or gym. Highlight the benefits of your program and how it can enhance the school's extracurricular offering. Provide a brief demonstration, display achievements, and perhaps even outline a potential training schedule that aligns with their needs.
Success Stories
Recall a personal experience that may inspire other martial arts instructors. For instance, when I was in high school, a Krav Maga instructor offered self-defense classes after school. This experience piqued my interest, and I joined his club, which continued until I graduated. This approach can work well for TKD as well. Introduce your program in a way that captures the spirit of self-defense and physical fitness.
Conclusion
Acknowledge that the perception of TKD as "child’s play" is a significant challenge, but with strategic planning and effective marketing, it can be overcome. By forming a TKD club in high schools, targeting the right student groups, and implementing engaging after-school events, instructors can successfully attract and retain high school students. Luck to you in your efforts to promote TKD!