Getting in a YMCA (or Rec Center)

Note: I currently teach at a YMCA, and have been asked by a fellow site member how I got my program in. So I would like to share the following with everyone.

The first thing to do is either visit their website or call to see if they offer a Martial Art or Karate program - if they do not, find out who you need to speak with...in my case, when I taught out of a Rec Center, it was the Fitness Director; at the YMCA, it was the Youth Sports Program Director.

Most of the time, depending on the size of the 'Y', if they already have a program, they may not interested in adding another program. My "Y' did in fact have a small Kung-Fu class. None the less, I asked to speak with the youth director anyway to see if they would be interested in possibly adding my program. During our conversation, I introduced myself and gave her a brief overview of my program, and then asked if I could stop in to give her a copy of my Program Proposal...twenty minutes later I was sitting in her office presenting my program, and myself to her.

What is a Program Proposal?

You might say that its a really brief, not so technical Business Plan. This is your presentation of what your program is about, what it offers, how it will benefit both the 'Y', its members and the community; as well as what you expect from the facility. The proposal should only be around 10 to 12 pages, as they will normally just skim through it. You should know it inside and out, and be able to present yourself as a professional, both in appearance and demeanor. If you do not believe in your yourself or your program, neither will they.

You proposal should include the following:

> Cover Sheet (Proposal for Martial Arts/Karate Class, Location Site/address, your contact info)
> Proposal (brief outline about your program, session length, number classes per week, possible class fees, etc)
> Personal Information (who you are...are you married, have children, where you live - how long, education, etc)
> Martial Arts Background (keep it brief)
> Teaching Experience (how long, when, where, with children - this is the most important part)
> Why Your Program (what are the benefits and values)
> Additional Information (brief history of your art/style, uniform/belt program, testing cycle, etc)
> Appendix Page (listing any included documents: sample lesson plan(s), copy of rank certificate(s))

How am I classified? How is the pay/fees figured?

When I approached both the Rec Center and the YMCA, I was looking to rent a room and have the students pay me and I would pay the facility. However, I was not able to do this at these locations, as neither had empty space. So in order to bring my programs into their facility, I had to be on their payroll as a staff member.

Both the Rec Center and the 'Y' followed six week session cycles. However, I was able set my session cycles at eight weeks with two classes per week, for a total of 16 classes per session. At the Rec Center, I was able to set up the class fees on a per student per class method. For example, $6.00 per class x 16 classes = $96.00 for eight weeks.
At the Rec Center, I was paid $5.00 per student/class...the center on wanted $1.00 per student/class. The only reason for being on the staff there, was to assure they got their $1.

It is my understanding that my 'Y' use to allow the same procedure as above, but ventured away from it a few years before I arrived. Session fees, although I was able to set mine - as based on fees I found listed at other YMCA's and Rec Centers, are basically set up by the program director. At the 'Y' I am paid by the hour. Note however, that there some Y's and Rec Centers that will allow you to set up a class based on a percentage split.

Who Controls the Program?

This is an area you want to be sure to clarify when you present your proposal, so everyone is on the same page. I am not sure how it works with other areas, and although I am under the Youth Program Director (YPD), I am have complete control of my program.

From day one, I made it clear that I would be running my program as if I was operating my own school...as a professional, not as a typical kick-punch YMCA program. By doing so, I have established the high value of my program.
According to the YPD at my 'Y', I am classified as a specialty, because no other staff member can fill in or teach for me, like they can for the other 'Y' programs. This in turn is what helped in determining my pay at the 'Y'. Is it comparable to what I would/will make in a commercial school? No! But it is a lot more than minimum wage.

Point! Present yourself and your program professionally - then you will gain their trust and maintain control of your program.

Also, all uniform, equipment sales and belt promotion fees go through me - which my YPD likes, as the last instructor was constantly bothering her for this and that...meaning I get the profits.

Training Area and Equipment

Your goal is to hopefully to hold your classes in the same room/area all the time. This may be in an aerobic room, gym, class room or a Racquetball Court. I have been using the same Racquetball Court for 2 1/2 years now. However,
in most cases, you are moved around to different areas, depending on the scheduling demands. If your program does not use a lot of equipment, this may not be a real problem - just an inconvenience of having to move from one room to another every time you come in for class.

In most cases, the facility will have some mats you can use - it they are not being used by another program at the same time! As a staff member, you should be able to have the program director purchase equipment for your program, such as kick shields, hand targets, etc.., however, keep in mind that this will depend on their budget. In my case, and
even though my YPD has told me to let her know when I need something and they will get it for, I buy and own all of my equipment, the 'Y' has not bought any of it for me. Why? I plan to have my own facility in the near future, so I want to take my equipment with me...in other words, less start up $$$. This is also the reason to have your uniform and equipment sales going through you.

Now of course, if you have your own equipment, you need to have a place to store it. When I presented my offer to bring my program to the 'Y', I informed the YPD that I had equipment and would need a place to store it, preferable near the room I would be holding classes for ease of access. It was agreed that we would need to build a cabinet. The size of the cabinet was determined by noting that as the program grew, I would need to add more equipment.

(As my program has grown, I have since had to build onto the original cabinet. Both are 7 feet tall - 8 feet long and 28.5 inches deep...and full. I also, feel that having the amount of equipment I have, is why I have been able to stay in the same room for my program.)

Remember, when you present yourself and your program with the program director, your goal is to establish the value of your program, how they, future students and the community will benefit from it; what they can expect of you and what you would like in return. Believe in yourself and your program! But do not be over bearing - learn to shut up and listen to there needs as well...are your values and theirs compatible?

> The YMCA's Mission: "To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind
and body for all."
> The YMCA Values: "Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility".
> The YMCA Theme: "We build strong kids, strong families, strong communities."

If your values are along the same line as above, and most true martial arts programs are, then they will welcome you with open arms.

Well, that is about it...for now. Not sure if the above will help, or cause confusion, as I just sat down and began hitting the keys. I will try to take a day shortly, and try to recall the complete process of how I got into my YMCA, and then hopefully present it in a more understandable manner. Any questions or comment, please send them my...might help jog my memory.