1) Walk around in garb. You wouldn't believe how many people come up and ask you about it. Sure, you're going to get the d-bags that chastise you for being "weird", but I think you'll find that most people have genuine curiosity. That curiosity can be changed to interest with the right conversation, and that leads to one more person willing to try the sword.
2) Media. Here in Stygia, we get featured in the media several times a year. The local news stations usually do a piece on us sometime mid-summer, the newspaper too, and the University paper has done pieces on a few of us. There's more than a few peeps out there who are looking for our style of fun; sometimes they just need to know where to go.
3) Propaganda. Get a Media Arts friend who isn't busy and have them do up some sick posters. Tasteful and to the point advertisement draws positive attention. Schools, gyms, comic book stores, dorms... take a pointer from Fox News, spin your message to your audience.
4) Retention. One of the problems I've seen is, when a new person does show up, we give them a quick tutorial and then turn them loose. Some greenhorns are gung-ho and totally itching to get into it. Great! Make sure they get the fundamentals down properly and let them have fun. Some newbs are a bit more timid and may need a good instructor to encourage their first few fights. Giving them the attention they need may lead to another productive member of the realm.
NOTICE TO VETS: Newbs are not simply for target practice! If you are hooking that poor greenie with a c-shot every single round, let them know about it. Give them tips about stance and guard to help them improve. If people think we care about them being there, they will be A) more likely to continue showing up and B) more likely to tell their buddies.
