How many "small & struggling" schools are ther

[pineapple]

I built a school up to 26 students. Students quit for different reasons but the majority quit because they didn't like the sparring (semi contact). I currently teach 4 students and the rent comes out of my pocket.

[elbows_and_knees]

I think one thing people will notice right off the bat is that making a living teaching martial arts is VERY hard, for a couple of reasons.

1. you don't always have enough students to live comfortably from tuition

2. students come and go. This really hurts you if you aren't using contracts.

[Ego Assassin]

I had a small school until I took a huge step and moved into a mall and I now pick up 10 to 15 students a month.

[Mr. Mike]

My school has been around for about 6 years, and currently is seeing a huge growth explosion...we went from 110 students to abotu 135 students in the last month or so...YEAH!!! those management and sales CD's, books, courses, etc. are paying off.

We also have a leadership team of about 7 members to help with the instruction, one head instructor, and 2 BB instructors. That is for our core program of Chinese Kenpo. Our other 2 programs maybe have 15 students between the two. But they are getting there.

[thekuntawman]

i have a small school, about 45 students. because i am very stubborn about how i teach, what kind of students i will take, and how i run the business. because we are small, i charge lots more money each month, then the other schools in my area. this way, i can pay my bills. when i need more money, i work or teach seminar. right now, i am saving to open a commercial school, with contracts and kids, and everything else. but the difference is, we are going to control the quality of teaching.

it is very hard when you are a traditional teachers.

[Balrog]

That defines me, anyone else in my boat?

Yep, I've got one of the oars. See?

We're a small school trying to grow. I don't want to get rich off of Taekwondo, I just want to have the school run in the black. Our problem is staffing; we need to open afternoon classes, but I don't have an instructor available because we all have day jobs. Catch-22 sort of thing.

Perseverance is the key.

[Aodhan]

That defines me, anyone else in my boat?

Yep, I've got one of the oars. See?

We're a small school trying to grow. I don't want to get rich off of Taekwondo, I just want to have the school run in the black. Our problem is staffing; we need to open afternoon classes, but I don't have an instructor available because we all have day jobs. Catch-22 sort of thing.

Perseverance is the key.

Balrog, sir, you know I'd come instruct for you in a second if you didn't live in Texas. Ever think of moving to Colorado? :D

Aodhan

[Balrog]

Balrog, sir, you know I'd come instruct for you in a second if you didn't live in Texas. Ever think of moving to Colorado? :D

Aodhan

Good grief, no. You guys have snow up there. Anything under 70 degrees Fahrenheit isn't fit for human beings to live in.

Ever think about moving to Texas?? I'd love to have you in my school.

[Aodhan]

Balrog, sir, you know I'd come instruct for you in a second if you didn't live in Texas. Ever think of moving to Colorado? :D

Aodhan

Good grief, no. You guys have snow up there. Anything under 70 degrees Fahrenheit isn't fit for human beings to live in.

Ever think about moving to Texas?? I'd love to have you in my school.

Yeah, I've thought about it, but I'd rather be up to my ears in snow than hoping the latest hurricane doesn't blow me away...

See, if it's hot, there are only so many clothes you can take off. Below freezing? Just add another layer.

There are some possibilities I'm considering though...I'll drop you a line when it gets closer.

Aodhan

[jaedeshi]

I have a small school with about 15 students currently. I teach for free and accept donations to pay for cleaning suplies, water, and heat. The best thing is I give people a chance to experience the martial arts that wouldn't be able to afford it. The second thing I don't need to leave the house to train.