John Graden book reviews?

[gubbs]

Has anyone read any of John Graden's books on running a martial art business? Thanks for any info!

[bushido_man96]

I have actually read his book called Black Belt Management. He has some good ideas and concepts, and has run some very successful schools. He is endorsed personally by Joe Lewis, and the two are good friends. He has some interesting concepts on the business side of the MAs, which some people may not agree with. However, you can't argue with the success that he has had. Another interesting point that he made was that he didn't charge for testings. He mainly makes his money through the regular tuition.

I would recommend reading it, and taking a few ideas from him, and trying them out.

[gubbs]

Thanks for the info bushido_man96! I appreciate it and I am going to buy the book.

[bushido_man96]

Thanks for the info bushido_man96! I appreciate it and I am going to buy the book.

Cool. Let me know what you think of it.

[learning kempo-karate]

Hello, In our system...only the Black belt testing is free and you can retake as many times too ( Very rare here). Your Instructor will not sumit you name unless you are ready.

Collecting money will always be a hard part of the business. NO payments, NO promotions. Let them train anyway.

Just an Idea here? . ....collect the first month payment and a deposit of the same amount, to be given back when they quit. (keep a special account for this).

Never give uniforms and equitment unless pay for!

Expect students not paying things (monthy dues,equitment)...especially when they quit......expect this! Write it off as a loss...taxes...let the problem go...do not harbor resentments...they may come back one day!

PS: Running a school is a BUSINESS....treat it as one. People expect you also to be humble and kind. (tools for collections- staff,swords,kali sticks, etc.)

[KarateTips]

Has anyone read any of John Graden's books on running a martial art business? Thanks for any info!

Hi,

Somehow when I was a member of MATA, I ended up with a copy of John Graden's book - The Truth About the Martial Arts Business. I don't think I ever actually ordered it, but I received a copy anyhow. Lol.

Anyway, it's a good read whether you buy into his system or not. I don't outsource my billing to a 3rd party company, or teach the way MATA promotes, etc. In fact I do a lot of things very differently.

However I did discover some creative ways to structure certain parts of the business - and if I had actually purchased the book to begin with I think it would have been worth the money.

Hope this helps!

[bushido_man96]

I had not read that book, KarateTips. I may have to look into it.

[KarateTips]

I had not read that book, KarateTips. I may have to look into it.

Thanks for your reply, bushido_man96. It's definitely worth a look - some good stuff in there. The thing I like about John Graden's work is that he's studied hundreds if not thousands of successful schools and found common successful traits amongst them. And like I mentioned it doesn't mean you have to change your system to follow his, however you might pick up one or two things that might make a HUGE difference. That's the way I look at it...