If you are a martial arts expert looking to start a studio with limited funding, this article has all the information and resources needed to launch a small-scale martial arts school. Give it a look!
Money-wise, martial arts school organizations are very profitable as they focus on specific teaching. Martial arts is a one-of-a-kind manner of guarding yourself with your bare hands. In short, it is an art to vanquish competitors and shield against dangers.
Mixed martial art, a form of self-defense or offensive action and a popular sport around the world, is also a widely accepted type of exercise.
As one of the various forms of martial arts, it has become especially popular in recent years. Even though the industry offers services to many different kinds of people, we can anticipate further potential markets. The majority of customers are males and young people.
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Different Types of Martial Arts
In the industry, there are five separate types of styles: stand-up or striking, grappling, low impact, weapon-based, and a mixture of them all – MMA.
Striking or Stand-Up Styles
- Boxing
- Karate
- Krav Maga
- Kung Fu
- Kickboxing
- Tae Kwon Do
Grappling or Ground Combat Styles
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Russian Sambo
- Shootfighting
- Wrestling
Throwing or Takedown Styles
- Aikido
- Judo
- Hapkido
- Shuai Jiao
Weapons Based Styles
- Iaido
- Kali
- Kendo
Styles that are low impact or meditative.
- Baguazhang
- Tai Chi
- Chi Gong-based styles
MMA is an amalgamation of various sports.
Mixed martial arts is especially popular and provides increased financial returns. Finally, it’s the most sought-after option.
10 Steps to Start A Martial Arts School
1. Get Expertise & Skill
Verify if you have the right qualifications or not. Owning the essential qualifications is necessary, but they vary depending on the region you desire to launch a martial arts school.
A black belt in master arts is obligatory for initiating a school. Normally, a black belt has attained adeptness in the style’s strategies.
Advanced practitioners, or masters, of martial arts, may have an additional degree attached to their black belts (such as a 2nd-degree black belt).
2. Craft Business Plan
Making a business plan is an integral part of any business, like yours. You must decide how much capital you will need. Who is your target demographic? Additionally, what techniques will you use to draw in clients? What marketing strategies will you employ? Setting goals for your business and a plan of action for achieving them is crucial. Moreover, identify your enterprise’s mission statement.
Coming up with the finance should also be considered. Estimate the necessary startup costs and the cost of working capital in order to obtain an expected ROI and cash flow. The plan documents for your martial arts studio must have information regarding the following basic topics:
- Initial and recurring costs.
- Target customers.
- Pricing plan.
- What is your strategy for selling your training services?
3. Register your Business
To run a martial arts school legally, you must register it with the relevant authority and decide the best business structure. Consult a professional to ensure you’re compliant.
If you are based in the U.S., your most common business types include sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. Choosing either an LLC or a corporation will shield your personal assets while making filing taxes easier.
Once you’ve registered your business, apply for the taxes and permits needed to run a martial arts school in the area.
4. Name your Martial Arts School
A memorable business name is key to creating a powerful brand in the industry. Make sure to also check if your desired website domain is available. Our guide on how to name a business offers more insight.
5. Procure Licenses for Martial Arts School
To be able to operate a martial arts studio, you must obtain the necessary licenses. These can vary depending on your government’s regulations so it is best to check with your local authority.
To discover the licensing regulations for a martial arts school in the U.S., consult the Small Business Administration’s website.
6. Selecting a Location & Setting up Martial Arts Studio
When starting a school, it is important to find an appropriate location, such as near upscale housing. Ensure that the space needed meets the requirements of a dojo. Avoid buying a space right away; it would be more profitable to start with renting.
Beforehand, you must give a professional and pleasant interior for your customers. Consult an interior decorator to create a floor plan. Reserve space for a waiting room and changing room.
Adorn the interior walls with big mirrors and artwork related to martial arts. Put up a bulletin board to pin the schedule of classes or tournaments. Focus on the floor covering; additionally, acquire full matting for them. Showcase a belt holder rack.
7. Cost & Investment
Setting up a martial arts studio involves taking into account many costs, such as rent, insurance, equipment costs, registering and licensing fees, and marketing expenses. These expenses are largely dependent on the size of the training center and what types of equipment are needed.
The specific equipment required for opening a martial arts or Taekwondo school will depend on the training provided. Items needed include mats, a sparring ring, kick pads, strike shields, uniforms, sparring gloves, foot protectors, head guards, shin pads, and body armor.
Opening a martial arts school in the U.S. is roughly estimated to cost $50,000.
8. Fix Pricing
Take the time to set appropriate fees. For increased customer engagement, consider providing complimentary sessions. Martial arts classes typically taught include karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu, Aikido, and Judo and the expenses are typically comparable. Differentiated charges can be applied for both children and adult customers.
When creating a pricing model for a martial arts school, one should consider their competitors’ fees and the amenities they offer. Typically, this is in the form of either a monthly or annual membership.
9. Staffing
Hire employees according to the plan. They should have a deep understanding of the subject and a love for helping others learn.
10. Create a Marketing Plan
Advertising and promotion are essential. To get started, develop a logo. Then create business cards, brochures, and pamphlets with the logo and distribute them to potential customers.
To publicize your school, a combination of online and offline approaches should be taken. Developing an official website is essential to providing information about your school.
Utilizing the power of social media can spread word of mouth throughout the community. Additionally, researching potential teams, schools, or groups to sponsor that is connected to your school may prove beneficial and advantageous for both parties involved.
Conducting an analysis of cost against reward through this course is necessary before making any commitments; on completion, it will have a positive impact on the perception of your school in the community.
To start your own martial arts school, be sure to read Mike Massie’s book “Small Dojo Big Profits.” This classic text has guided thousands of martial arts school owners over the past decade and provides a comprehensive guide to setting up a profitable school.
Obtain printed stickers, as they are effective tools to raise recognition. Additionally, offer an after-school program for children.
Give free displays at regional schools. Try every possible method for promoting your martial art school online. Some of the most promising choices are a Facebook advertisement and Google Adwords, etc.
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