02/06/2022
Questions that come up quite often are; "why don't you offer a _____ class," "when are you going to offer (another martial art)" "can we put together a group or class for______," " would you be willing to conduct a demonstration for ___?"
While the immediate answers may very, it ultimately comes down to genuine interest and guaranteed attendance.
Practicality and a cost/effort investment vs outcome/benefit is often taken into consideration as well. That should seem obvious and reasonable. However, not all understand not immediately jumping at the potential opportunity.
You see, Instructors are asked all the time to hold demonstrations, or to conduct special classes for this group or that group (outside of normal classes), or hold a defens class for x group, etc.
Unfortunately, the reality is, those that ask --though sounding genuinely interested-- and they very well may be at that moment, too often don't realize the time, planning, or costs involved with putting together quality demonstrations or specialized courses. And. If an event is agreed to, they, the desired group, too often don't show up anyway or have to cancel last minute. Often, they can't seem to make the time on their end to promote or plan for the after all or the event the demonstration is for is a bust, leaving the instructor waiting in an empty facility or field, and/or having nothing to show for their time put in to and preparing for said event.
Obviously, this is part of doing business.
Nevertheless, it leaves past-burned instructors less than willing to take future requests seriously or have enthusiasm for them.
It's nothing personal, it's just just the nature of the beast. It's just how people are and how plans for events end up. Many people who run niche or specialize business will concur.
For every 10 people that express interest in regular classes, you'll only see a few actually follow through and darken the studio doorway. And, of those, fewer will stay for an extended period of time. Suffice to say, commitment level on extra classes or groups are even less. People are initially excited at the prospect of a special class or event, but loose interest or nerve, giving into fear or uncertainty at something new or potentially disappointing or overly difficult or awkward.
Demonstrations don't usually bring in new students. And, oddly enough, don't always "bring in," the crowd to events.
There is a lot of planning that goes into quality events. They cannot be just "thrown together." Nor do instructors appreciate being asked to merely entertain. Their art, their craft is something they tske seriously. New instructors may try doing it, but more often than not, the lack of preparation or desire to dazxle leads to injury, poor quality demonstration, or outright appearance of ridiculousness. Demonstrations should be a positive display. There are liability concers that have to be addressed for it too. Many have seen viral videos of demo mishaps. Some groups or venues cannot adequately handle the liability risk, even if a studio/instructor is insured.
Again, though, the biggest killer of special groups is the actual commitment and interest in special classes wanes as the date for the event approaches. People will say they don't have time, something came up, didn't have the energy for, a friendthat was goingto go with them canceled... something. It happens all too often.
Sometimes the liability or liquid costs cannot be justified. Supplies, printed material, the hashing out of agreements, the agreements with, and the review of waivers and contracts, specific equipment or safety measures, guaranteeing the presence of studens and instructors to assist or present, and just the time and energy needed to do the event, all has costs and not just monetary.
To conclude, Martial arts instructors, studio/Dojo/Dojang owners are professionals. A quality instructor will not just "throw something together." Nor are they typically interested in simply showing off gimics or "just entertaining" a crowd. If the event it agreed to, it needs to be done right.
I have done, and will do specialized classes. I will on occasion conduct a demonstration. And, if planned and agreed to, I will show up prepared with students and fellow instructors. However I'd expect those who requested the group show up too.
I've been burned too many times, wasted too much time.
So, if a class or demonstration is requested: I'll insist on a high commitment level before proceeding with putting it together. I'll make certain the material presented is what is desired and expected, and in the case of a demonstration-- it will be a quality demonstration with emphasis on showcasing Martial arts and its benefits.
Now, you may find an instructor who is a publicity hound, willing to throw something together, who will forego the proper planning and safety concerns-- great for you, more power to you! But it won't be me, and you probably won't get what you expect.
If you want a quality, specialized course, class, or demonstration, be respectful of all it entails. Be prepared to put in the commitment the professional instructors deserve and ask for! Obviously I can't speak for all, but most other instructors I've had the privilege of knowing or work with feel and operate the same way.
