My thoughts about Taekwondo competitions and the problems I see

In our countries I see a couple of things what will limit our chances to become more successful in taekwondo competitions. First, we need more children who will start training in Taekwondo because from those we might find future Olympic gold medallists and word champions. Second, the schools must be better funded; without money it will be very difficult do anything.

So what should we do?

I think every school should do some serious thinking about how valuable their training is. My point? Taekwondo training is way too cheap. I believe that every school should raise their training fees and become more professional with how they work with beginners. The beginners will need the best possible teacher and the training program must be well planned.

At the same time we have to focus on marketing. Just an example, when I look around different web-sites, I can see that there is not too much thinking behind them. There is no salesmanship and not really any understanding as to what the future students are looking for. Too often I see pictures for high jumping kicks or even worst, I see someone being kicked.

What you think the people who do not train will think about high jumping kicks? They will think, “I could never do that”. How about kicking to the face? They will think, “I will get kicked in the face!”

Do you see my point?

My way of thinking is very simple. If we have better marketing and better training for the beginners, then the schools will have more members who will stay for a longer time. If training fees are higher then we can support our fighters much better and, of course, use more money for the marketing.

Do I make things seem too simple? Perhaps, but it might just be that simple a solution and it may be easier to execute. I feel we sometimes overcomplicate things and this way nothing happens!

What do you think?

Master Markku Parviainen

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