Is it better to open a karate school or a gym?

[rayjag]

I am searching out the pros and cons of both a karate school or a gym.

I am involved with both industries at the present time and have weighed it out myself.

Just wondering what everyone else's take is on this?

[bushido_man96]

My instructor owns a gym, and has his dojang in the gym. That's the way to go.

[joesteph]

There's a fitness center in my town that has all the gym equipment you'd expect, but also has a section for cardio kickboxing.

I realize that the question isn't about cardio kickboxing, but my thought when I checked on it was that, if you have the room, why not consider an actual martial art? I like what Brian referred to: a successful real-world example.

You're fortunate to have experience in both, Rayjag. It may simply come down to a matter of space available.

Good luck with the new enterprise!

[Eisho]

I would go for a gym that includes a dojo / training hall. The people that I have known to be (very) financially successful from teaching martial arts have taken this route. Start up costs are higher but you will have attendees in morning and lunch time gym sessions, as well as in the evening. Plus fees for martial arts classes that include a decent gym are more easily paid by customers (given the current recession, something to consider...)

Cheers,

Eisho

[DWx]

Going down the gym+dojo route would also mean you have the potential of introducing your gym users to MA and getting your MA students using your gym. More revenue for both parts.

[Shotokan-kez]

Yeah seems like a good idea to have a gym and a dojo, i have seen that loads of times.

[Tiger1962]

Exactly, why not both? Open a gym and hold martial arts classes there.

[bushido_man96]

I know at my gym, for those that sign up for both, they get a bit of a break on the costs. It works out nicely.

[Eisho]

The other advantage of having a gym with a training hall is that you can rent out the training hall to teachers of other styles who want space to teach in.

Eisho

[tallgeese]

True. Having more people paying towards rent is a good thing and school floors are notorious for being unused a large portion of the day.

I think alot of us have probably trained out of the gym/dojo at one time or another. It's a good set up that gives you a couple of revenue streams.

If I had to pick, I'd say go with your a) strength and b) market research, which will fill more of a niche in your market. I'd go from there.

Is this just a hypothetical or are you looking to open?