We did two martial arts demonstrations this week, with very different responses.

One group, the younger, was very engaged and asked endless insightful questions.
One child was even physically and emotionally moved by what they saw, to the point they had difficulty speaking when they approached us after the presentation, to ask about regular children’s classes and how they could learn the art.

The other group barely asked anything and when they did it was all focused around how much did it hurt and had we ever injured anyone.

Essentially the same demonstration was given to both groups – we do a lot of such presentations and have a well honed format.

Perhaps our target audience should be primary school children, who have yet to suffer the Weltschmerz of teenagers.

Kai Cho
www.warriorway.net