A few things I have learned about running a martial arts school from my travels.
Over the past few years I have the privilege of meeting and working with literally hundreds of school owners throughout the U.S., Canada, the UK and Australia. I’d like to think that I’ve helped out along the way…but I know beyond a doubt, that I have been helped out along the way. I have learned so much from so many people. It has been an amazing education. Some of my take always are:
# There are lots of ways to be successful in the Martial Arts industry.
# When it comes to teaching skills, today’s instructor is light years ahead of yesterday’s.
# If you aren’t working smart and hard, you won’t be in business too long.
# If you don’t know what you are doing, you won’t be in business too long.
# As a generality, most martial artists are more open minded towards other styles and systems than they used to be.
And…here is a bit of unsolicited advice to all of the Professional Martial Arts Instructors our there.
# Forget about what the guy down the street is doing. There is not a lot you can do about it and it is a waste of energy. Just hope that he has a good program. No one benefits from a badly run school.
# Try to be the best example that you can be. YOU represent the martial arts to your circle of influence.
# Share freely what you know with other martial arts professionals. Everyone benefits from an idea exchange.
# Never forget the impact that you can have on your students and your community through a well run program. Try to be a positive force in the lives of others.
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10 Things That I Have Learned (or relearned) About Running a Martial Arts School
1 – Don’t quit doing what you know works .
2- The difference between just surviving and thriving is in the details.
3-Schools that are always closed, always close.
4- It is never easy. But what is? All successful operators work hard.
5- Our product is what happens on the mat. Teach great classes.
6- Leave your personal troubles at the door. Don’t let a bad mood mess with your interaction with staff and students.
7- Go to battle for your staff. Be the best instructor and boss you can be.
8- There are people all around you that are just conversation away from being your student. You just have to look around.
9-When you know the names of your students and their parents, they train with you longer.
10- Be open to new ideas, but at the same time….. be wary of the next new trend. If you are not excited by it, and you don’t believe strongly in it…..it is not going to work for you anyway.
