I want to start my own MA school. Any advice?

[SifuGazz]

Having a years worth of costs saved is a great idea.

Have insurance.

Incorporate. If you were in the US I'd say:Maybe an LLC, they are easier to form / maintain formalities, and give a degree of personal liability protection. Also pass through taxation--makes for easier taxes. Have a separate bank account with LLC name on it. This will protect you from "commingling funds" and prevent someone from piercing the corporate veil to you assets should you get sued. (make them sign a waiver drafted by an attorney-I'd do it, but I'm not licensed in your country). See an attorney about this, could be well worth it. Maybe find one that will trade you lessons!

Advertise -- Google adwords is good, flyers, craigslist ads, offer free seminars, coupons, etc. I recommend a book called "guerrilla marketing".

As a customer I don't like contracts, but they are better for business. Perhaps offer a lower rate to induce people into contracts, also maybe give them a month to back out if they don't like it. I have a tiered pricing system for 6-9-12 month contracts. This can ensure a long-term cash-flow, required if you need to pay rent.

Get an auto-deduct on peoples accounts, they are less likely to feel the pain of writing you a check. Don't let them not pay for classes missed unless for illness. It's too easy to cast this sort of activity aside and expect credit for classes too lazy to be attended.

Give them more for the money. Better to under promise and over deliver than the reverse. Don't gouge for testing fees, etc.

Get a merchant account at Century Martial arts supply or another like company for supplies. They will cut costs something fierce, and you can even save your students money from retail, while making a profit for yourself if needed.

Have a pristine website, business card, and flyer and/or brochure. Don't cheap out on these things with free hosting / ads, and vista print cards. Ipowerweb has site hosting that is like 5 bucks a month, go to sign up then abandon your cart, they will have a pop-up offering a significant discount.

T-shirts-are cool and free advertising. Word of mouth is a powerful tool and a shirt on a student is a conversation starter.

Curriculum-- I really don't think your 10 styles and non-mixing of any of them is feasible nor desirable from a martial or business perspective. It appears you are a jack of all trades and a master of none (even if this is not true). Plus, unless you have hundreds of students, your classes are going to be very small / divided, it can create style conflict and bias among students as opposed to a cohesive togetherness classes like to feel, that is what keeps them coming back.

I also think you should mix styles so you are utilizing all your knowledge and martial tools more efficiently. People like Mixed Martial Arts these days, and know that they are very effective. Being a "purist" with that many arts makes you quite frankly look silly--its ok for you to learn and practice so many but not a student?? Why would you need so many arts if the student need learn only one?

I can't re-iterate enough how bad of an idea teaching 10 styles is. If you need that many styles I think you need to find new teachers in all of them yourself. I understand students may have different goals--workout, sport, combat as the main three categories. But 10 styles is excessive. Perhaps lump a few into those categories and offer the classes based on the students goals.

Hope that helps.

best,

G

[shanny_kimura]

Having a years worth of costs saved is a great idea.

Have insurance.

Incorporate. If you were in the US I'd say:Maybe an LLC, they are easier to form / maintain formalities, and give a degree of personal liability protection. Also pass through taxation--makes for easier taxes. Have a separate bank account with LLC name on it. This will protect you from "commingling funds" and prevent someone from piercing the corporate veil to you assets should you get sued. (make them sign a waiver drafted by an attorney-I'd do it, but I'm not licensed in your country). See an attorney about this, could be well worth it. Maybe find one that will trade you lessons!

Advertise -- Google adwords is good, flyers, craigslist ads, offer free seminars, coupons, etc. I recommend a book called "guerrilla marketing".

As a customer I don't like contracts, but they are better for business. Perhaps offer a lower rate to induce people into contracts, also maybe give them a month to back out if they don't like it. I have a tiered pricing system for 6-9-12 month contracts. This can ensure a long-term cash-flow, required if you need to pay rent.

Get an auto-deduct on peoples accounts, they are less likely to feel the pain of writing you a check. Don't let them not pay for classes missed unless for illness. It's too easy to cast this sort of activity aside and expect credit for classes too lazy to be attended.

Give them more for the money. Better to under promise and over deliver than the reverse. Don't gouge for testing fees, etc.

Get a merchant account at Century Martial arts supply or another like company for supplies. They will cut costs something fierce, and you can even save your students money from retail, while making a profit for yourself if needed.

Have a pristine website, business card, and flyer and/or brochure. Don't cheap out on these things with free hosting / ads, and vista print cards. Ipowerweb has site hosting that is like 5 bucks a month, go to sign up then abandon your cart, they will have a pop-up offering a significant discount.

T-shirts-are cool and free advertising. Word of mouth is a powerful tool and a shirt on a student is a conversation starter.

Curriculum-- I really don't think your 10 styles and non-mixing of any of them is feasible nor desirable from a martial or business perspective. It appears you are a jack of all trades and a master of none (even if this is not true). Plus, unless you have hundreds of students, your classes are going to be very small / divided, it can create style conflict and bias among students as opposed to a cohesive togetherness classes like to feel, that is what keeps them coming back.

I also think you should mix styles so you are utilizing all your knowledge and martial tools more efficiently. People like Mixed Martial Arts these days, and know that they are very effective. Being a "purist" with that many arts makes you quite frankly look silly--its ok for you to learn and practice so many but not a student?? Why would you need so many arts if the student need learn only one?

I can't re-iterate enough how bad of an idea teaching 10 styles is. If you need that many styles I think you need to find new teachers in all of them yourself. I understand students may have different goals--workout, sport, combat as the main three categories. But 10 styles is excessive. Perhaps lump a few into those categories and offer the classes based on the students goals.

Hope that helps.

best,

G

Thank you so much !

[Kusotare]

Having a years worth of costs saved is a great idea.

Have insurance.

Incorporate. If you were in the US I'd say:Maybe an LLC, they are easier to form / maintain formalities, and give a degree of personal liability protection. Also pass through taxation--makes for easier taxes. Have a separate bank account with LLC name on it. This will protect you from "commingling funds" and prevent someone from piercing the corporate veil to you assets should you get sued. (make them sign a waiver drafted by an attorney-I'd do it, but I'm not licensed in your country). See an attorney about this, could be well worth it. Maybe find one that will trade you lessons!

Advertise -- Google adwords is good, flyers, craigslist ads, offer free seminars, coupons, etc. I recommend a book called "guerrilla marketing".

As a customer I don't like contracts, but they are better for business. Perhaps offer a lower rate to induce people into contracts, also maybe give them a month to back out if they don't like it. I have a tiered pricing system for 6-9-12 month contracts. This can ensure a long-term cash-flow, required if you need to pay rent.

Get an auto-deduct on peoples accounts, they are less likely to feel the pain of writing you a check. Don't let them not pay for classes missed unless for illness. It's too easy to cast this sort of activity aside and expect credit for classes too lazy to be attended.

Give them more for the money. Better to under promise and over deliver than the reverse. Don't gouge for testing fees, etc.

Get a merchant account at Century Martial arts supply or another like company for supplies. They will cut costs something fierce, and you can even save your students money from retail, while making a profit for yourself if needed.

Have a pristine website, business card, and flyer and/or brochure. Don't cheap out on these things with free hosting / ads, and vista print cards. Ipowerweb has site hosting that is like 5 bucks a month, go to sign up then abandon your cart, they will have a pop-up offering a significant discount.

T-shirts-are cool and free advertising. Word of mouth is a powerful tool and a shirt on a student is a conversation starter.

Curriculum-- I really don't think your 10 styles and non-mixing of any of them is feasible nor desirable from a martial or business perspective. It appears you are a jack of all trades and a master of none (even if this is not true). Plus, unless you have hundreds of students, your classes are going to be very small / divided, it can create style conflict and bias among students as opposed to a cohesive togetherness classes like to feel, that is what keeps them coming back.

I also think you should mix styles so you are utilizing all your knowledge and martial tools more efficiently. People like Mixed Martial Arts these days, and know that they are very effective. Being a "purist" with that many arts makes you quite frankly look silly--its ok for you to learn and practice so many but not a student?? Why would you need so many arts if the student need learn only one?

I can't re-iterate enough how bad of an idea teaching 10 styles is. If you need that many styles I think you need to find new teachers in all of them yourself. I understand students may have different goals--workout, sport, combat as the main three categories. But 10 styles is excessive. Perhaps lump a few into those categories and offer the classes based on the students goals.

Hope that helps.

best,

G

Spot on and...

If you need that many styles I think you need to find new teachers!

Very true.

K.

[Lupin1]

Have a pristine website

I'm glad you mentioned this. In today's world, it's vital. If I'm looking for schools, I'm much, much more likely to go to one that has a good website with lots of information. It doesn't have to be flashy (personally, I'd be more likely to go to a school with a cheaper website just because it'd strike me as more genuine, but that's a personal, non-fact-based bias and really depends on the type of atmosphere you're trying to create with your school-- polished and professional or more "average joe's").

On your website, write about yourself and your training, what people can expect when training with you, the class schedules (so people can envision where attending your school would fit into their lives), etc. Post pictures of your space once you get it-- especially during renovations and set up before you open. Looking at those pictures will help build anticipation and sense of family. Having watched a place grow from nothing ties people to it even if they've never set foot in the door. And post pictures of the classes and students (with their permission) once you get going. Also-- as a consumer, I'm much more likely to trust schools that advertise their prices openly on the website. I don't like the ones that make you call or go in to find out how much they cost so that they can use their used car salesman tactics on you. Complete turn off.

And in addition to a website, get a Facebook page and keep it updated. Make sure to add new pictures to it constantly (at least every other week) to keep people coming back to it and, again, to build that connection with people as they watch your school grow and develop.

I also agree that with that many classes, you may wind up with many very small, separate, possibly cliquey groups. More is not always better.

[ShotokanMaster]

I agree with lupin too its hard to have your own school because you have to deal with money and stuff

[DWx]

Can't really say much on the business side of things, think you've already gotten great advice on that.

However why don't you start small and work you're way up? Otherwise you might find yourself lacking in students (and money!). You might not even have a great enough demand in your area to go full time. Personally I'd pick one style, work out a curriculum and get some students then work my way up.

See you do ITF TKD (same as me ), who's you're master? Can go to them and see if they'll help you set up a club under them first and you can test the waters. Your NGB should also provide lots of help on the insurance and legal side of things.

[shanny_kimura]

Can't really say much on the business side of things, think you've already gotten great advice on that.

However why don't you start small and work you're way up? Otherwise you might find yourself lacking in students (and money!). You might not even have a great enough demand in your area to go full time. Personally I'd pick one style, work out a curriculum and get some students then work my way up.

See you do ITF TKD (same as me ), who's you're master? Can go to them and see if they'll help you set up a club under them first and you can test the waters. Your NGB should also provide lots of help on the insurance and legal side of things.

My master is Master MacNeil (4th Dan) who is under Master Carabin (7th Dan)

[sensei8]

Just to double check you here, you plan on opening a school and having 10 different styles available to gain rank in?

When will you schedule all these time slots for these students, just out of curiosity?

Oh I won't teach every student alone !!! Like private lessons. Ill teach in groups. The ppl I train now their are maybe 15 of them ? Give or take. The method is like this. Stretch, warm up all together. Then we use go over 2 techniques in an hour. Whether its a sweep, pass, submissions, transitions, or whatever I will demonstrate with my highest level student then the whole group watches and does it. If they have any questions or concern they ask. That's about it.

I think what he's asking is how where will you fit in the time slots for all these classes? Will you be holding four or five adult classes a day in addition to kids' classes?

MMA school schedule

--MON--

BJJ (GI) 830am - 930am

TaeKwonDo 930am - 1030am

Wrestling 1030am - 1130am

-----

BJJ (GI) 530pm - 630pm

BJJ (no-GI) 630pm - 730pm

TaeKwonDo 730pm - 830pm

Shotokan 830pm - 930pm

--TUE--

BJJ (no-GI) 830am - 930am

Judo 930am - 1030am

Kickboxing 1030am - 1130am

-----

BOOTCAMP 330pm - 430pm

BJJ (no-GI) 430pm - 530pm

Judo 530pm - 630pm

Boxing 630pm - 730pm

Kenpo 730pm - 830pm

Kyokushin 830pm - 930pm

--WED--

BJJ (GI) 830am - 930am

Shotokan 930am - 1030am

Kyokushin 1030am - 1130am

TaeKwonDo 1130am - 1230pm

-----

BJJ (GI) 430pm - 530pm

Wrestling 530pm - 630pm

Boxing 630pm - 730pm

TaeKwonDo 730pm - 830pm

Muay-Thai 830pm - 930pm

--THU--

Judo 930am - 1030am

Muay-Thai 1030am - 1130am

TaeKwonDo 1130am - 1230pm

-----

BOOTCAMP 330pm - 430pm

Kickboxing 430pm - 530pm

Judo 530pm- 630pm

TaeKwonDo 630pm - 730pm

Kenpo 630pm - 730pm

Muay-Thai 730pm - 830pm

--FRI--

BJJ (GI) 830am - 930am

Judo 930am - 1030am

TaeKwonDo 1030am - 1130am

-----

BJJ (GI) 430pm - 530pm

Judo 530pm - 630pm

TaeKwonDo 630pm - 730pm

Kyokushin 730pm - 830pm

Shotokan 830pm - 930pm

--SAT--

TaeKwonDo 800am - 900am

Judo 900am - 1000am

BJJ (no-GI) 1000am - 1100am

Wrestling 1100am - 1200pm

-----

Boxing 100pm - 200pm

Muay-Thai 200pm - 300pm

Kenpo 300pm - 400pm

Shotokan 400pm - 500pm

Kyokushin 500pm - 600pm

Kickboxing 600pm - 700pm

MMA/fight night 700pm - 900pm

--SUN--

Muay-Thai 1100am - 1200pm

BJJ ( no-GI) 1200pm - 100pm

Open roll 100pm - 200pm

TaeKwonDo 300pm - 400pm

Wrestling 400pm - 500pm

Boxing 500pm - 600pm

Aikido 600pm - 700pm

Wing Chun 700pm - 800pm

Open roll 800pm - 930pm

I have a couple of instructors with me. But I'd be doing most of the classes. But not all cuz I'm only human right. I am not doing an adults class/advanced class when I start. I will only determine that after I see the numbers I have. I know not everyone will be satisfied with those hours that's why I'd ask everyone what would be suitable for them. A lot of ppl want me to open up the school because they "like" my style. And the way I teach works, a girl used my techniques when someone tried to rape her. She used some Gracie Jiu-Jitsu techniques I showed her and I was so flattered. So that was a big confidence booster, big confidence booster for the girl that performed those techniques in a self Defense situation also. So proud of her

The problem that I see with the class structures is that there is no break between classes in order to end/begin any said class. I.e...7pm to 8pm and then 8pm to 9pm.

This leaves the following classes to start late, and in late, students aren't getting the full time as posted. "Being on time is to be early, and to be on time is to be late!!" Students are to class early so as to not be late, but when you don't allow small moments between classes, that presents a problem.

This truly presents a problem if all classes occupy the very same space. If you have two spaces, then your class schedules are fine.

Here's an example of what I've done forever:

8pm-9pm

915pm-1015pm

1030pm-1130pm

This now allows 15 minutes for one class to end on time and the following classes to start on time. Business 101 states that when people are scheduled to be at work, for example, at 10, they get therejust early enough to clock in on time. Then they go to the restroom, fix their hair, fix their clothes, etc...THEN they're ready to start. Add all of the time getting to ready for work in the restroom is known as "stealing time".

A dojo, for example is no exception to the rule. However, adding in that 15 minutes allows students and YOU to "get ready for class". You can use that time to answer questions/concerns, go to the restroom, and to spent time with students just coming to class as well as those just leaving class. It's your 15 minutes, so use it smartly.

The above example adds 30 minutes to YOUR time, but it's time that is critical and vitally important to you as well as to your students.

[sensei8]

Having a years worth of costs saved is a great idea.

Have insurance.

Incorporate. If you were in the US I'd say:Maybe an LLC, they are easier to form / maintain formalities, and give a degree of personal liability protection. Also pass through taxation--makes for easier taxes. Have a separate bank account with LLC name on it. This will protect you from "commingling funds" and prevent someone from piercing the corporate veil to you assets should you get sued. (make them sign a waiver drafted by an attorney-I'd do it, but I'm not licensed in your country). See an attorney about this, could be well worth it. Maybe find one that will trade you lessons!

Advertise -- Google adwords is good, flyers, craigslist ads, offer free seminars, coupons, etc. I recommend a book called "guerrilla marketing".

As a customer I don't like contracts, but they are better for business. Perhaps offer a lower rate to induce people into contracts, also maybe give them a month to back out if they don't like it. I have a tiered pricing system for 6-9-12 month contracts. This can ensure a long-term cash-flow, required if you need to pay rent.

Get an auto-deduct on peoples accounts, they are less likely to feel the pain of writing you a check. Don't let them not pay for classes missed unless for illness. It's too easy to cast this sort of activity aside and expect credit for classes too lazy to be attended.

Give them more for the money. Better to under promise and over deliver than the reverse. Don't gouge for testing fees, etc.

Get a merchant account at Century Martial arts supply or another like company for supplies. They will cut costs something fierce, and you can even save your students money from retail, while making a profit for yourself if needed.

Have a pristine website, business card, and flyer and/or brochure. Don't cheap out on these things with free hosting / ads, and vista print cards. Ipowerweb has site hosting that is like 5 bucks a month, go to sign up then abandon your cart, they will have a pop-up offering a significant discount.

T-shirts-are cool and free advertising. Word of mouth is a powerful tool and a shirt on a student is a conversation starter.

Curriculum-- I really don't think your 10 styles and non-mixing of any of them is feasible nor desirable from a martial or business perspective. It appears you are a jack of all trades and a master of none (even if this is not true). Plus, unless you have hundreds of students, your classes are going to be very small / divided, it can create style conflict and bias among students as opposed to a cohesive togetherness classes like to feel, that is what keeps them coming back.

I also think you should mix styles so you are utilizing all your knowledge and martial tools more efficiently. People like Mixed Martial Arts these days, and know that they are very effective. Being a "purist" with that many arts makes you quite frankly look silly--its ok for you to learn and practice so many but not a student?? Why would you need so many arts if the student need learn only one?

I can't re-iterate enough how bad of an idea teaching 10 styles is. If you need that many styles I think you need to find new teachers in all of them yourself. I understand students may have different goals--workout, sport, combat as the main three categories. But 10 styles is excessive. Perhaps lump a few into those categories and offer the classes based on the students goals.

Hope that helps.

best,

G

Solid post!!