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Well guys, I am trying something new. I have started a class called "Progessive self-defense" at the local YMCA that starts the week of May 19th. Note that I have not called it Modern Arnis and this hopefully will be the method of my madness.
The local YMCA in my area of gig Harbor, Wa. has 12,000 members! the place is so jammed that they have to expand the Safeway store sized parking lot! They are always looking for new and exciting programs. I proposed a class for adults that specialize in real work self defense, shwed it to thier review board and they were very impressed. Not a kiddie class or hard core thing, justust simple, effective instinctive response class based on the shortened 6 angles of attack. No rattan, but De Kadena De Mano techiques expanded to the typical folding short umbrella and basic striking, coupled with street wise think to keep you out of trouble and proper mindset under stress or the threat of attack.
I have set up this program for this reason. Mainly, I am not interested in bieng paid $10.. per hour and the free membership, as This class is a 5 week progam with one week off then another 5 week program etc. etc. I expect a revolving door type of response. However this class will show Modern Arnis techique that I believe that some students will want to learn more of.....
This is the plan to generate new students for my Saturday class in Gig Harbor and to Help with Safety First's recruiting for thier "Safety First Adrenelin Responce Class. This class will be on Thursday evening at 8 pm. If sucessful, I have a possible "cheap" location available for a Thursday 6 pm Modern Arnis class just down the street from the YMCA. I can litterly teach the 6 o'clock class and get to the YMCA by 8 to teach this class as well.
Has anyone else out there done anything similar, I am flying by the seat of my pants here...
Note: The location where I teach my Saturday Gig Harbor class has made up a whole bunch of PVC 24" "sticks" with PVC end caps. Believe it or not, these sticks have been a regular for the kids class that this school (not FMA) teaches and none have broken. I am planning on making a bunch of these for the class, as a tool for beginner play in learning the basic angle defense. They won't hold up under the loads we put on our rattan, but are great for this class. Students can relate to the beauty of the stickwork can buy rattan and if more intriqued, move up to Modern Arnis instruction.
I think that the YMCA is an excellent recuiting tool if used properly.
Chris A
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