How do you get people interested

[slowmo]

How do you get people interested in martial arts in america when the people are mainly interested in watching tv, having sex and shopping? They may be 20-40 years old and have never been in a fight and struggle to find free time as it is. I've noticed a LOT of people (mainly women) who take a week long "self-defense" class because they're afraid of being raped, but that obviously isn't enough training to mentally and physically prepare them.

What are some solid reasons you can give to the average american to get them interested in martial arts?

[Afthelador]

Possibly the sporting aspect of it, and the fact that its an excercise may intrest some, but I don't find that many of my friends like messing around that way...

[drunkenmonkey]

It's very difficu;t also because the government and big business want you to think that the army and law enforcment will save and protect you from harm. Unfortunatley most people are cowed under and accept this. Look at the situation in La these people are having to protect themselves not just from rapists and murderers but from the people who are supposed to be saving them. In the revolutionary war about only 10% of the people particpated thats a low number. People today are told as long as you do what we (the government) tells you you'll be safe. Plus who has time to train when the simpsons family guy and Fear Factor are on...right plus with gas at almost $6 a gallon most places who can afford it??? I agree Americans should take a more active role in thier own self defense we forget that is how this country was founded

[drunkenmonkey]

OK some reasons why Americans should learn martial arts. First it's your heritage like I said that is how America won it's independence from the Brits we the people fought for it.The regular guy did alot of the work in that war.Drafts were formed in WWI and WWII thats was the average joe fighting over there not captain america. This could always happen again especially with King George (Dubbyah) in orifice. Also natural disaters strike whenever whereever and however they want. Stranded with no help no transport no 'lectricity then thats when the baddies come outta the woodwork. Not just looters, shooters and thugs but also rapists oppurtunist and the police, which La is proving aren't always the good guys. Also Katrina has shown you better have a good CYA policy 'cause the Gov'mnt aint running to help you if you're not rich. Average joe's like mahself have to look after me and my family cause aint nobody else gonna and frankly I don't trust nobody else.

[Slindsay]

Tell them that 1 in 7 women will be at some point in their life be raped. To me thats enough of a motivation to make me try and get everyone female I know to at least try MA so maybe it will be motivation enough for them to do it.

[drunkenmonkey]

Thats why my wife trains with me and my instructor and she also carries a legal pocket knife as well.

[slowmo]

good posts and i agree with you guys, this is also why i supplement my martial arts training with knife and firearms and survivalism (how to survive off the land, in harsh environments and natural desasters, apply first-aid, etc)

People don't have to train for years to become a blackbelt to defend themselves, but they should learn self-defense techniques, how to use a knife/gun/improvised weapons and especially survivalism skills

[drunkenmonkey]

good posts and i agree with you guys, this is also why i supplement my martial arts training with knife and firearms and survivalism (how to survive off the land, in harsh environments and natural desasters, apply first-aid, etc)

People don't have to train for years to become a blackbelt to defend themselves, but they should learn self-defense techniques, how to use a knife/gun/improvised weapons and especially survivalism skills

100% dude you neverknow when a hurricane is gonna hit or a terrorist is going to attack or hell who knows whats gonna go down. prepare for the worst hope for the best.

[slowmo]

the main reason i use is 'fun'. I mean i dont really have to defend myself by fighting at all. but it's fun to practice martial arts, fun to swing weapons, do kicks and punches and all that. and most of all its fun to be in shape and have the confidence to walk around at night or alone without fear!

[drunkenmonkey]

the main reason i use is 'fun'. I mean i dont really have to defend myself by fighting at all. but it's fun to practice martial arts, fun to swing weapons, do kicks and punches and all that. and most of all its fun to be in shape and have the confidence to walk around at night or alone without fear!


Yeah its almost like when you're a kid and you get to go out and play with your friends and for awhile you don't think about anything else but having fun.