Finding a place to teach

[octopic]

Greetings all. Here's the situation. I just moved to a new area (Northern Virginia) and am looking for a place to do some teaching. Do to my other responsibilities I can't run a school fulltime, but I still want to do some teaching. The nearest school to me that teaches my style (Shaolin Kempo Karate) is a forty minute drive away and I'm the same rank as the chief instructor there. I'm continuing to study my style by visiting master instructors every few months. I really enjoy teaching, and both me and my instructors feel that it would be a good way to help keep me current on my material. So far, I've tried talking to local rec centers, gyms, and to existing dojos, but I haven't had any luck finding space. I was wondering if anyone on this board has been through this process and had any pointers that might be helpful in my search.

 

Thanks.

[ladyj]

You might check with some of the local junior high or high schools, national guard armorys and a local dance school. If you have people who are wanting to train with you have them put the word out that you are looking for space, sometimes the best offers come because you know a friend of a friend. Good luck and don't give up.

[TangSooGuy]

I've been through it...and it can get frustrating.

 

My advice to vsit every YMCA, health club, rec center, Municipal Center, Community Center, Dance school, gymnastic club, etc in the area, whether they have an existing club or not....

 

Find out who is in charge of making decisions...usually they'll have the title of "program director" or "athletic director". That's who you want to talk to, no one else.

 

If they won't talk to you when you visit, try to get a phone number of someone you can call. Then mail something detailing your plan and why'd you be an asset directly to that person. Wait a little for them to respond, if if they don't within a few days, start calling, and keep calling until you get an answer.

 

Eventually you WILL find someone willing to talk to you, it just takes a lot of time and a lot of effort, and you can't get frustrated when they say no...move on to the next one on the list.

[delli04]

Health clubs for sure.. That is what i'm doing now and although they charge me to lease the space it is very inexpensive... GOOD LUCK

[Mr. Hall]

If you want to look toward Leesburg, I can help you! Please tell me more about yourself.

[octopic]

Mr. Hall, I've sent you a PM with more information about me. Thanks for your offer of help.

[bart]

I found that one of the biggest roadblocks was insurance. I tried unsuccessfully to go in at several places. After I promised to obtain my own insurance, doors opened up.

 

Also it pays to have a business plan and a reserve of advertising money. A list of potentially interested people is also a plus to them.

 

Good luck.

[octopic]

In case anyone out there is curious, Mr. Hall has offered to let me teach two nights a week at his school Loudoun Academy of Martial Arts. Classes will be on Tuesday and Thursdays, and the first class will be tonight!

[tommarker]

awesome! best of luck.

[searcher]

That is great. Best of luck to you.