Akroth wrote:Hey all!
Since the start of our realm, Thunder Guard has been allowing youth (Ages 8-15) to participate in combat on a separate battlefield. This has gone very well and we have large turnouts for youth participants.
Unfortunately I worry that this has affected our adult turnout. Our adult field has dwindled. It's not uncommon for us to have practices now with only 2-3 adult combatants.
Do you feel that having youth nearby playing the same sport makes it look immature or less legitimate? Would this have deterred you as a new player?
Hmm, as a first post I hope not to get stoned over this but I have been involved with martial arts my entire life, as well as having played 14 seasons of soccer. When I was with the SCA this subject came up frequently.
I am 46yrs old, I have 4 kids (17, 18, 20, 26), and I would not attend a mixed field event.
If you are running a training camp or a demo then I guess there are good points. Certainly the recruiting effort of planting the seeds has value.
But to answer your question, no. I have zero interest in the mixed participation.
I am certain there are those who would welcome the mix, but as I would be primarily interested in the fighting practice aspect and not an opportunity for hanging out with Joe and his kids...no.
For a beach trip, hanging out around the pool, meeting at the park, camping, or other related family event then absolutely!
But for fighter practice, not for me.
Most martial arts studios survive off the babysitting services but the majority of the serious players show up after the kids are long gone...no kids on certain days or after certain times, even to watch.
*****
All that aside, it sounds like you have a great program going on.
If you are wishing to maintain the kids program and gain your adult crowd back then I suspect you might want to create exclusive days of practice.
Kids and adults on one day or half day...adults only on another or half day.
Provide an option for adults to choose to hang with the kids or not.
It can be uncomfortable for some adults, especially those without kids, to mingle with kids and parents.
I would think to not mince or mingle the wording...Fighter Practice (adults only) and Open Practice (kids and/or adults)
Just a thought.
Have a good one all.
Raymond