I'm looking for a systema or any other martial arts instructors to help youth-at-risk. Can anyone help?

Question

I help run a youth centre for Out-of-School youths and youths-at-risk here in Singapore. I have around 20 to 30 youths who are quite interested in martial arts. They seem to have developed an affinity for systema, but I'm wagering that they can accept other arts.

I'm looking for anyone who could help out, at least point a way, for me to help these youths find an instructor. I'm from a volunteer welfare organisation, and we couldn't afford much, so please take that into mind.

Answer 1

The "Brothers of Charity" have a global network that might be able to help, also known as St. Vincent.

If you have already tried networking with other NGO's, then maybe consider placing a print ad seeking a qualified instructor who can donate some time. Singapore does have plenty of Kung Fu in the Chinese areas, and Tae Kwon Do, from the Koreans.

You could also have the youth group participate through handing out fliers, if this is allowed. I know Singaporean law prohibits hanging fliers, but am not sure about handing them out. Having them participate in your search would teach them the value of setting goals, and working as a team to reach a common goal.

Good Luck

Answer 2

In traditional martial arts there is a principle that is sometimes stressed and taught that they call' "giving back to the community". This principle has many meanings and connotations associated with it one of them being taking a student on for little or nothing in so far as money or payment of fees. In fact some styles frowned on taking payment for profit for lessons and teaching. The influence of culture and heritage stressed passing on that which others had learned earlier not payment of money.

Some instructors still subscribe to this in some small ways today and perhaps you can find an instructor that would be willing to help you out. Perhaps he has a senior student that could be asked to teach instead as sometimes this is a requirement to rise in rank and level in an organization as well. Many schools, instructors, and students "give back to the community" in many different ways except the most greedy and most selfish ones.

Besides this I would also approach the local police agency. In the United States there is an organization that is very active in the Ohio, Michigan area that does this with boxing and martial arts with underprivileged and at risk youth in hopes of giving them more self esteem, self discipline, and self confidence so that they do not become a burden on society as they grow older. If they don't have such an orgaization perhaps they would consider starting one and it could become a good vehicle for the youth to help better themselves and for the police so that they have some communication and influence with for all the right reasons.