Call or not

[Jiffy]

I read once that 68% of all people quitting is because of perceiced indifference. In other words, most people think that nbody cares whether they come or not. Treat your school like a learning center where everyone is valued, and you will have a much better retention.

That doesn't surprise me at all. I completely agree. For a lot of people, you just need to bridge that gap with a bit of personal attention and they will come back.

[Jiffy]

We send out exit surveys. If the student left because of a "dojo issue" then we would want to see if it is something that we can prevent from happening in the future.

That's a great idea! That do that at my work when someone resigns, and yet I never thought to do it at the Karate club.

Maybe a good idea would be to send out a letter inviting them back, then a couple of months later, if not reply, send out a survey.

What you think of the idea?

[AngelaG]

What is everyone's retention rate? What percentage make it to black belt at your club? Have you ever looked at the biggest drop out grades and why that might be?

[bushido_man96]

What is everyone's retention rate? What percentage make it to black belt at your club? Have you ever looked at the biggest drop out grades and why that might be?

I think our retention rate to black belt is around 10%, but I can't confirm this. Some groups of starters stick around better than others, for some reason.

[Jiffy]

I don't think our retention rate would even be that high. I'm guessing it's more like 1-2% of all students make it to black belt.

[cathal]

I don't think our retention rate would even be that high. I'm guessing it's more like 1-2% of all students make it to black belt.

As I recall that's an accurate statistic in our dojo as well. Also about that percentage go on to nidan, etc.

[bushido_man96]

I don't think our retention rate would even be that high. I'm guessing it's more like 1-2% of all students make it to black belt.

I remember years ago when I started in the ATA, there was a group of between 10 and 12, maybe 13 of us. Something like that. Only 3 of us tested for 1st degree together. And, to my knowledge, I am the only one remaining from that group. I was a certified instructor and a 2nd dan, and they were both out of it. Now, although in a different organization, I am going to test for 3rd recommended in April.

[Jiffy]

Last night, I was sorting through the software I use to manage my dojo. In there, it has a whole load of letter templates. Anyway, I found a couple in there that are made for when people leave the school. They were really good. If I remember, I'll paste them in here some time...

Alternatively, you might be able to find them on the website.... maybe..... https://www.martialartsorganizer.com

[Eric_]

My instructor typically calls if he sees an unusual period of absence. I have to say that i would do the same.

[Scotty]

Our instructor didn't call, but he used friends of the students whose attendance slipped to chase them up.

I would guess the retention rate of our entire school (my class is just one of 12 in the area) something like 5% probably make it to blackbelt. Of course, it takes some students alot longer than others