greetings from houston...I am an orthotist/prosthetist and a blackbelt...I am interested in starting a self defense program for the disabled here in houston...truth is I have no idea how to get started...any help would be greatly appreciated...thank you....
Just to help people out who might not be familiar with the terms you've posted here is a bit of info: Ok now past that and to your question... I'd have to ask what business model do you plan to base your school or group on. You've got several options. The first that sprang to mind would be some sort of non-profit model. It takes time and there are certain hoops to jump through but there is usually a fair bit of funding out there for those who are willing to put their ducks in a row and find it. Not all that different than scholarships... many of which are left unclaimed. So you might look at that end. Equipment, gear and space may all be out there for you free of charge or affordable on someone else's coin without having to invest your own money. I almost wonder if you couldn't set it up in conjunction with the company you work with now or with certain insurance companies that cover the costs of rehabilitation for people who've been fit with prosthetic limbs etc. Again... all of that angle takes a fair bit of work and set up... but it could be done and seems like one possible way to go about it. Obviously you can go about it running it under a standard business model... but the investment may have to come out of your pocket for the startup. On top of that I don't think many dojos probably turn all that great of a profit... I'm guessing here that your focus is not exactly 'let's get filthy rich' angle... so again I think the non-profit angle is still maybe a bit smarter. One huge issue is going to be insurance and liability. I'm wondering if you could even get insurance? At any rate... the safety and liability issue is a huge thing to consider. You'll need disclaimers... but even more so you'd need or at least want to work in conjunction with other doctors and specialists to show that what you're teaching/training is valid and has real value in help people with prosthetics adjust and cope with a normal life and the risks it entails. Very interesting topic. Man if there is one job that makes you count your lucky stars and never mope around about your own problems being an Orthotist would be it. I'd suggest you really take your time and do this slowly... make sure the way your organization is set up is water tight... if not you could find yourself in real hot water with liability issues (if you in the states all it takes is one overzealous lawyer to come after you and there is NO shortage of them). As you know the more planning and thinking you do on the front end the less stress and risk that is had on the back end of this sort of a business.
I know it has practically no relevance to what you were asking, but I can see that class being a really good idea I've seen a couple of good athletes who have lost limbs. Good luck with it
getting started greetings...would like to get in touch with him to compare notes...I've never done anything like this and could use some guidance...would you have him e-mail me please? thank you
Knowledge & Experience I currently teach 10 - 12 adults w/special needs weekly. They have a wide range of abilities. I've been working with special needs adults and children as a direct care professional, fitness and martial arts instructor for roughly 10 years. I have a mild form of fool CP myself. The combination of my personal and professional experience has given me unique insight into this subject. I am currently working on a book to help other instructors bring the joy of their arts to everyone. I am also available for workshops and seminars. I'm glad to help anyone who asks. Not to sound boastful, but to those who wonder if I'm qualified to teach, I've studied Shaolin Chinese martial arts for nearly 15 years. I've competed successfully in forms and sparring at the local, state, and national levels. I have fought in one full contact exhibition match and won. I train live and so do my students. Good luck to all who are bringing the arts to everyone.
Hey, BentMonk? Can i use some of that insight in the "Katas" thread I recently posted in this DMA forum?
