Venues for Instruction

[GoshinKaikuRyu]

Hey guys,

I don't have the time or money to be putting into my OWN space right now, but I'm really needing to get out on my own and teach.

I've been teaching for 5 years and right now I'm contracted through the county to different youth centers and teaching at those but I really need a venue to be my own boss as well as have adult students.

I've been in contact with some Gyms and even called Cheerleading places and Gymnastics gyms but nothing seems to be working out as far as me renting space from them goes.

I'm running dry of ideas and I'm putting everything I have into this... time, money, etc.

Where can I rent space and be my own boss? Any fresh ideas?

[red dawn]

well, I can't tell you exactly where to go to rent space. You're just going to have to keep an eye out for places renting (and I see about 2 or 3 places a day were I am.) as well as check your local newspaper everyday.

In the meantime while your looks keep getting practice with your art and teaching. Also, start makeing out your course plan for how you are going to run the school if you haven't started yet.

Work out how your going to advertise and start trying to recruit some people who would be interested in signing up. So when you do start your school you will have a small following. You could start offering private/small group lessons for a small price with people you know. Then when you do find some space transfer them over there.

Also, have you tried going to some colleges. They might let you teach there. At my college we offer a few different types of Martial Arts. My Sensei does this. This will help you advertise and maybe get you some money while your looking to get a real space. And I think most of those classes are only one day a week at a time of teachers choosing so it wouldn't have to interfer with anything else you are doing.

These are just a few ideas. Hope it helped! And good luck!

[GoshinKaikuRyu]

Yeah I'm looking more into renting out space at an existing place rather than starting up from my own in a rented space.

I was wondering what type of places might already be paying rent or own their building and possibly rent out to me....

Thanks for the marketing tips. I've been planning on emptying out my savings account on marketing as soon as i've got somewhere.

[red dawn]

Okay, I'm getting an idea of what your trying to do. I think you've hit all the major spots. That would be a good idea to rent. But maybe, and I'm not sure what your trying to get out this (experience, a following, money for own your own school.) but maybe instead of trying to rent space from a local gym you can offer to teach some your MA classes there (And you might have a chance, Especially if it gives a good workout or is good for relaxing. I'm not sure what art you are teaching.) It would bring the gym diveristy for what they offer to it's members and you will still get your class.

I know that it wouldn't run like a real MA school. But it might help you get a partnership with them. So they might rent some space out to you to run a school. And if not, it's still good for advertising.

But not just at the gym, but at the others places you tried. Cheerleading places and Gymnastics gyms, sport centers, colleges, maybe even high schools or clubs. (a got a high school who wanted me to teach kickboxing to their school.) I also know that Womans Crisis helps centers for abuse and rape are usually always looking for new people to teach self defense tatics. (Many of the above can help your reputation, wich would be a big part in owning your own school and can even be a deciding factor for some people if they want to join your school.)

And I'm assuming your overall goal is to own and manage your own school independently from any other organizations. But I think at the moment it would be a good idea to form some partnerships and ties with certain organizations and communities. And you never know, something good might present it self sooner than you think.

good luck with that! I hope you find a place!

[topdawg]

I ve heard that some churches that have gyms or large gathering halls are willing to rent them out on off nights

[atalaya]

you might talk to the city about just an open area. like a park or something and get a small following. then, try having activities on like a saturday or something in a very public area (farmer's market?) to put out the word. in addition to getting the word out to non-practitioners, it will usually draw a crowd of people who are already in martial arts and if they like what you do, may be willing to extend the offer of some rented space. it's a long shot, but there are less likely things.

[Rick_72]

I notice your in Tampa....what about McDill Air Force Base Gym? I'm in the Marine Corps, and at several of our base's, mostly in Japan, we have Karate class's at our gym's. You won't get rich, or make a ton of money teaching there, however, you can make a few bucks and you'll be teaching adults.

Just get in touch with their community service's people (I don't know what the Air Force calls it), and see what kind of deal and space you can strike up with them. All military gym's have aerobic's classroom's, and their not always filled up with class's.

[MisterRadley]

I notice your in Tampa....what about McDill Air Force Base Gym? I'm in the Marine Corps, and at several of our base's, mostly in Japan, we have Karate class's at our gym's. You won't get rich, or make a ton of money teaching there, however, you can make a few bucks and you'll be teaching adults.

Just get in touch with their community service's people (I don't know what the Air Force calls it), and see what kind of deal and space you can strike up with them. All military gym's have aerobic's classroom's, and their not always filled up with class's.

Rick_72, that's a really good idea. I never thought of that. Thanks.

[Zorbasan]

schools will often rent out their halls for MA instructors as well.

[Jiffy]

Just have a look at anywhere that has a decent room and give them a call. In the past, we have hired schools, churches, community centres etc.