The Event Is Over. Now What?

A tournament, Black Belt Testing, seminar, or certification can create an incredible amount of excitement.

Students feel accomplished. Parents see their children succeed. Friendships develop. Families experience something bigger than their normal weekly classes.

But what happens when everyone goes home?

That is where the real opportunity begins.

During the September 21 Warrior Leadership Briefing, Grand Master Clark emphasized that business should happen before, during, and after every event.

The goal is not simply to have a successful tournament.

The goal is to use that experience to build stronger relationships, create bigger student goals, and increase long-term retention.

Don’t Waste the Excitement

After an event, every participating student should have a Progress Check.

Ask questions such as:

• What was your favorite part of the event?
• What did you learn about yourself?
• Did you meet anyone new?
• What would you like to accomplish next?

Then help the student see how that experience connects to the next stage of their martial arts journey.

Perhaps they discovered a passion for competition.

Maybe they enjoyed helping younger students.

Perhaps they are ready to pursue Leadership, Coaching, or a higher-degree Black Belt.

The instructor’s responsibility is to help them recognize those possibilities.

Give Everyone a Reason to Participate

Grand Master also challenged schools to give students, parents, coaches, and former Black Belts meaningful assignments at events.

When people have a role, they feel needed.

And when they feel needed, they develop a stronger connection to the school.

That connection is one of the foundations of retention.

The event creates the experience. The instructor creates the next goal.

Do not allow the energy from your next event to disappear when the doors close.

Turn it into the beginning of something bigger.