audience to impose beliefs on
audience to learn
kata
shotokan
slow movement
sparring
sword work
two person exercises
Did your Martial Arts club or Dojo ever put on demonstrations?
By writersedge
@writersedge (22563)
United States
July 7, 2008 10:57am CST
The Shotokan Dojo I belonged to did. We had self-defense demonstrations and a demonstration of Kata and sparring. We explained many things. Most times some people would yell, "Break a board or something," so we had someone who had transferred from another style break a board to make them happy. That wasn't what our style was all about and sometimes people just have narrow views of Martial Arts.
The T'ai Chi club I belonged to went through a period of time where we did demonstrations. Most people think of moving slowly in unison in the park. So we do that plus sword work and two person work.
I like demonstrations, but I get very, very nervous.
So did your Dojo, club, or class ever do demonstrations? Were you nervous? Did people seem to appreciate your efforts? Did the audience impose their beliefs on your demonstration or were they more open to learning than that? What did your group demonstrate?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@Foxfire1875 (2010)
•
12 Aug 08
We haven't done that yet but we are a very small group and there is not a lot of interest in Krav. I was asked to go to a class to help out with complete beginners but was busy doing something else so didn't go.
We train in a leisure centre and sometimes people ask us about Krav after having seen us practice though. I'm always happy to explain anything they want to know.
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
12 Aug 08
That sounds like something that will probably happen in the future, then. We actually did a demonstration as a small group once, only 5 of us. It still worked out. That was Shotokon.
As T'ai Chi demonstrations, we had a large group for that, but with that style showing everyone doing solo set (looks like group Kata) at the same time, it is impressive, esp. when people of all ages are in the group. But we did that as a small group too, after the instructor had taught some people sword. Then there was more variety and you want fewer people around/to keep track of when you demonstrate sword.
So when you do, I hope you will tell everyone. So do people watch you practice?
1 person likes this
@Foxfire1875 (2010)
•
12 Aug 08
Sometimes we are watched as we share a hall with football practice in one half and in our half we have first badminton and then Muay Thai. None of the Muay Thai group has spoken to us though, too busy practicing although they sometimes watch and look a bit jealous as they spend most of their time just practising kicks. While we are doing sparring most of the time.
@Foxfire1875 (2010)
•
13 Aug 08
That's the best way and that is what we do, as there is nothing worse than every week doing the same drills 
The class I go to should be just the techniques for passing grading but it was decided ages ago to have some real life situation training as well, to make it more interesting.
The class I go to should be just the techniques for passing grading but it was decided ages ago to have some real life situation training as well, to make it more interesting.1 person likes this
@SoulofHell (39)
• Mexico
11 Jul 08
Im on Soo Bahk Do we put a demostration of sparring, Katas/Hyong, ive been in some demostrations around my city and i wasnt really nervous but is kind of exciting because i think the people see us dont appreciate wat we do until the sparring XD
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@writersedge (22563)
• United States
12 Jul 08
Yes, it's interesting what people expect/appreciate when it comes to a demonstration. Glad you fid it exciting. Thanks and take care.
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@bluishrose (2289)
• Philippines
7 Jul 08
Yes alot, they show demonstration every practice. I practice aikido or self defense martial arts. I belong to kiryukan dojo here in the philippines. At first I got really scared that my partner always laugh!
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
8 Jul 08
Yes, I know your instructor or other students demonstrate during class, but I mean put on a show for an audience or demonstrate for future students or put on an exhibition of abilities for non-students. Not part of practice, a special type of performance. Something usually done once or twice a year like at a Mall, at a special event, etc.
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