Small tips to help with retention - making it easy

We have noticed some significant differences among our customers regarding providing their students with belts and uniforms.

Some schools require that their students obtain these for themselves from a retail supplier like us. We get regular inquiries from new martial arts students wanting to buy uniforms and from more experienced students who have to find a new belt for themselves after grading.

This can be daunting for a new martial arts student as they need to learn about martial arts and where to find a good retailer. Often, they will buy from an online provider who charges ridiculous prices for relatively cheap items.

For a student who has just graded, it takes the polish away from their achievement if they then have to go out and source a new belt for themselves. They will also often be charged a hefty amount for what is also a reasonably cheap item.

Based on our observations of students and parents who buy directly from us, these experiences can dampen the enthusiasm and motivation of the students concerned.

Instead of burdening the students with the task of obtaining belts and uniforms, a more convenient approach is for the school to provide these items. While it may require an initial investment from the school, it significantly eases the process for the students, especially the new ones. This convenience can be a key factor in retaining them.

If holding a stock of belts or uniforms is not feasible, consider buying belts for your students. Even if you don’t charge a grading fee, you can charge them for a new belt and order the belts before the grading. Presenting the belts to the students after they have been graded makes them feel their achievement has been recognised and inspires them to strive for their next grade.

Having experienced the initial struggle of finding a shop to buy a uniform and then purchasing my belts after paying a grading fee, I can attest to the joy a new student feels when receiving their first uniform from me or one of our Instructors. Similarly, the sense of achievement in a student’s face when presented with their new belt just after they have graded is truly rewarding. This is the option I prefer, as it instils a sense of pride in the students.