Case Study: How two dojos used the Parent's Night Posters to create community.
Make Parents feel they are a part of the Dojo, too!
I’d like share with you, a couple of ideas from coaches who recently used the Bring a Parent Night poster to hold fun family nights.
Both clubs have created dojos with welcoming family environments:
Sensei Ralph Mesite teaches junior judo at the Valiant Martial Art in Connecticut. This year, Ralph is looking to double numbers at his dojo, and promote the sport in Connecticut regularly holding open mats.
Sensei Alison Finn coaches at the Patchway Judo Club in Bristol. A well established club which prides itself on being a family club. They welcome friends of judo players to join in on club activities and events.
So, how did these coaches use the recent Bring A Parent Night resource? Here’s how:
RALPH MESITE, VALIANT MARTIAL ARTS: “I recently used the Koka Kids idea of Bringing a Parent to Judo. Great Idea. I took it a little farther. Prior to the parents night, I had the kids ready to show the techniques step by step. Then, I told them: it’s time to teach the parents. They were so excited. At parents night, we gave Gi's to the parents and kids showed them how to put them on and tie belt. The kids showed the adults how to bow before entering mat. Then we lined up the parents and had all the kids line up with us Senseis and told the parents theses are the "Junior Senseis for this class. Parents must listen your child! At the end, the kids will give you a a small test. Everyone passed. We had ice cream sundaes after.”
ALISON FINN, PATCHWAY JUDO CLUB: “We used the Koka kids poster to promote our first Parent’s night and we were absolutely blown away by the number of parents who attended. During the night, the parents earned Kesa Gatame certificates! which, while maybe a little thing, still gave them something to go home with and chat with the rest of the household about. We thought this was a really nice touch.”
Inspired by the Parent session and earning Kesa gatame certificate, one of the parents (Mark) returned to the mat on Saturday, receiving “Judoka of the week” certificate! Both certificates are now on his fridge!”
The feedback has been really positive and some of the comments are shared below:
“It was great me and Nathan enjoyed it thank you”
“It was a great intro for us oldies. Thanks for letting us play”
“Thanks Team Patchway… a great night and a certificate as well ”
🥋 MORE COMING NEXT MONDAY. MAKE SURE YOU’RE SIGNED UP!
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Have a great week!
Nik
Nik Fairbrother MBE 8th Dan
Olympic Silver 1992
World Champion 1993
Triple European Champion