Unreliable Schools?

[Jake90]

Do most of you train in a permanent Dojo?

I've been training for two years in quite a large club with over ten schools throughout the country. I don't think one of them is run as a permanent Dojo. We as a club tend to rent out halls for two hours twice a week, with the fees going to pay these costs.

I guess i was just wondering if most of the Dojos you all train at are used and run more as 'businesses' or as non profit organisations?

[MartialArthur]

I think a big problem for many instructors is being afraid to charge what the training is worth. Even on this board there are so many people that don't want to see their instructor making a healthy profit.

If a school only charges enough to break even or make just a small profit, they will go out of business when they have a bad month or two. This is true of any business. On the other hand, an instructor that makes a tidy profit will be able to weather the inevitable down months. No matter how good the instructor is, there are always ups and downs in both revenue and expenses.

One way instructors can stave off the bad months is to require annual contracts. Instructors should also not be shy about charging for their additional services (i.e. testing, private lessons, etc.).

[IcemanSK]

I would imagine that a commercial school in the same area for a long time is rare. In my home town there's a guy who's had the same school (same spot) for 37 years! I know of few like it.

I've trained at more than a few schools that have closed up shop. The one's that do well know MA & business, too. Heck, Ernie Reyes Sr. has an MBA! Ya gotta be more than just a good MAist.

[glockmeister]

I think a big problem for many instructors is being afraid to charge what the training is worth. Even on this board there are so many people that don't want to see their instructor making a healthy profit.

If a school only charges enough to break even or make just a small profit, they will go out of business when they have a bad month or two. This is true of any business. On the other hand, an instructor that makes a tidy profit will be able to weather the inevitable down months. No matter how good the instructor is, there are always ups and downs in both revenue and expenses.

One way instructors can stave off the bad months is to require annual contracts. Instructors should also not be shy about charging for their additional services (i.e. testing, private lessons, etc.).

In some cases, it may just be the opposite. Some are charging a whole lot of money for mediocre training. Also, I for one, refuse to sign contracts. If I am learning, i will keep coming.

[cpw]

I think a big problem for many instructors is being afraid to charge what the training is worth. Even on this board there are so many people that don't want to see their instructor making a healthy profit.

If a school only charges enough to break even or make just a small profit, they will go out of business when they have a bad month or two. This is true of any business. On the other hand, an instructor that makes a tidy profit will be able to weather the inevitable down months. No matter how good the instructor is, there are always ups and downs in both revenue and expenses.

One way instructors can stave off the bad months is to require annual contracts. Instructors should also not be shy about charging for their additional services (i.e. testing, private lessons, etc.).

I agree w/ most of these points. It's the reality of business. There are always people (especially on the internet) who think that any business that is making a profit is, by definition, ripping them off. Wake up and realize that you live in a market-driven world!

The beauty of the market is that if people don't perceive value, they give their business to someone else. Contracts are just a tool for a business; if you don't like 'em, give your business to someone willing to take your money w/out one. I train at a dojo that has contracts and a billing svc but I avoid both by prepaying 3 mos at a time. That's where my comfort level is. I also support the dojo by ordering my supplies there. I could probably get the stuff cheaper somewhere else but I like the place and I want it to be around- unlike all the businesses described in the OP.

There's no such thing as a free lunch folks. Expect to pay for what you value.

As to the contention that the most expensive places offer only mediocre instruction: by all means go somewhere else. I'm happy w/ my dojo even though it's more expensive than others because I think the instructor is great. You might not but, guess what? It's my money!

CPW

[pineapple]

I've said this before. I would rather pay $100.00 a month for classes that I enjoyed rather than pay $15.00 a month for a class that was not up to my expectations.

[Sensei Rick]

My current instructor had a school open for five years. In that five years he lost a total of 14k. He said that it taught him many vauable lessons. We now work afor a company and make a very decent living thru teaching. He also rents out a school on sunday. A complimentary style to our own and he has a 50-50 split witht the owner. I have seen so many schools open and close that I once tried to keep track, but ran out of hard drive space. When we had a school in the mid 80's there were around 80 schools in the phone book, now there are 1,200. And only about 3 of em give really good instuction. The most succesfull school has a kids climbing wall and those video game machines like at Mc Donalds. The guy has a huge house on a lake in a gated community. I want that kind of success. Anyone have a number for nintendo.

[MasterH]

It's not just martial arts schools. The majority of small businesses fail in the first year, and many more fail in the first five years. We notice the MA ones because we are interested in them.

So many owners are great instructors, and terrible businessmen. They don't know how to attract students, they don't do demographic studies, negotiate leases for advantage, choose bad locations, etc.

That's another reason that I love being in the ATA, is they have an incredible business support system, and require you to take their business intro before you can get a school license.

Aodhan

Aodhan has again nailed it! This is the reason why......most great martial artists do not make great sales people. Business is sales, and the bottom line is immportant. As MA instructors we want to help people, and unfortunetly we must draw a line........and rarely cross it to stay open. It's a shame really.