Mentors and Forming a Group

- by Steve Gilshenen of Gold Tiger Kung Fu (located in Saitama, Kanto, Japan) 

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...In the previous article I mentioned trust. It is also a big part of who you have in your team. We don't keep secrets and don't introduce anyone we don't trust. If someone is untrustworthy they have no business being a part of your team. Selecting your team is not a difficult process... . ....................................................................................................... Read More...

Word Of Mouth and Public Relations

- by Steve Gilshenen of Gold Tiger Kung Fu (located in Saitama, Kanto, Japan) 

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When marketing your Tai Chi Chuan school, advertising may feel easier. You call a magazine/newspaper and don't have to deal face-to-face, allowing you to stay in your comfort zone. Even printing flyers feels easier than public relations but the reality is that if I see your ad or receive your flyer, it might do nothing to persuade me to go to your school. Ok, your flyer may tell me why I should go but where is the trust? I don't know you. There is no relationship built up where I feel comfortable to give you my money and be open enough to accept you as my teacher. Public relations introduces you without a sale being mentioned. It lets potential students know who you are and allows them to see that you are someone from whom they may want to learn. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...

Personal Image and Business Systems

- by Steve Gilshenen of Gold Tiger Kung Fu (located in Saitama, Kanto, Japan) 

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Know yourself and your enemy, you will win 100% of the time. Know yourself but not your enemy, you will win 50% of the time. Know neither yourself nor your enemy, you will lose every time.
- Sun T'zu

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Now, I wouldn't exactly say students are enemies but the concept translates. In its simplest form, know yourself refers to know very well what you teach. We've all heard of "teachers" who learn a form and begin teaching classes. Does knowing how to play 1 song on a guitar qualify someone to be a guitar teacher? This is common sense! Know your Art deeply and keep learning. Don't DO Tai Chi Chuan, BE Tai Chi Chuan! As far as the students side of it, if you are that way inclined, do the Market Research, find Demographics and know who are your potential students. I don't, but it makes sense from a business perspective.

Digging deeper, we break it down into sections:. ....................................................................................................... Read More...

The Mixed Martial Arts Expo took place in Toronto on June 12-13, 2010 at the International Centre on Airport Road.

We were there representing the Canadian Taijiquan (Tai Chi) Federation and teaching "Tai Chi for MMA", Tuishou (Pushing hands), and Internal Martial Arts secrets for improving speed, power, and agility. In all about 50 people stepped onto the mat with us (not including the "bikini babes" from W-1.)

The Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) expo in Toronto was a wonderful event, with great competition in a variety of disciplines. . ....................................................................................................... Read More...

Tags: tai chi, taiji, taijiquan, tai chi chuan, tai chi fight, self defence

...Some students and I have been discussing ways to promote tai chi. One of the results of our ruminations was this poster...... ....................................................................................................... Read More...

Tags: tai chi, taijiquan, tai chi chuan