At Sayokan USA, we have a small core of dedicated students. Even though it is difficult to promote a new system in America because of the lack of name recognition as Tanyu Isa and others experienced in the UK and other countries, we are doing fine.In Turkiye, Yabgu is well known but here we are just another system trying to promote itself. Traditional advertising has been worthless but word of mouth has been great. Every one that tries sayokan loves it. So we try to get people to try.
But as Yabgu says "slow by slow in the world" we have been careful to only allow people of good character. When Sayokan grows (and it's happening) we will and have a very good reputation.
We have not promoted the 108 hour program here because it would be a joke to people in the martial arts world here. Most don't understand the difference between self defense and gymnastics.
108 hour program is the only first stage of Self Defense program and there are 2 more stages which becomes equivalent to 2.5 to 3 years of minimum training which is also normal for usual full contact training. Some day we hope to make it clear.
We meet in a very nice gym called lifetime fitness. We also teach Cardio kickboxing classes with Sayokan techniques and foot work. It has been very popular and if they decide to try Sayokan, they already have a good foundation.
We have been invited to do a demonstration again this year at the Rochester Turkish society. I have been a little disappointed that the Turkish community has been slow to get involved but that only confirms what I stated about trying to promote a new system. Many of the local Turks send their children to the traditional Japanese and Korean schools. Too bad because we have the best and we promote Turkish culture and history besides. I guess we have our work cut out for us.
I am very optimistic however because we have a great system, a great heritage and good enthusiastic people. Most of all we have wonderful friends in Turkiye backing us up.
I am eager for the SWF to get better organised and keep a close relationship with us. Please feel free to email me. I will answer promtly. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Taygun David Cialini, USA Representative.