To be honest, I live in a very poor area. I had originally started teaching gi classes but no students could afford even a cheap gi much less 3 or 4 so I went full no gi. I had just lost my job and was walking home when I passed the gym. I figured I had nothing to lose so I went in and asked the owner if he was interested in starting a martial arts program. He was all for it so I literally started with a 10x10 section of walmart puzzle mats. Right off the bat we had injuries so he lent me enough money for two giant tarps and 3 layers of carpet padding. We worked like that for about two years lol. Eventually I found a decent 2 ring wrestling mat and took out a payday loan to buy it. I was originally charging $40 a month for 7 days a week of 2 hour classes. The plan was $20 to the gym and $20 to myself per student. Even at $40 a month , most of the students eventually quit because they couldn't afford it. I couldn't have a 10th Planet Hotbox because of the fees so we decided to lower it to $30/month and I would give up my share rather than being charged rent. So, I teach for free and lowered classes to 3 days a week. Even now, 1/2 of my kids can't afford the $30 so the owner rarely enforces tuition. I honestly have it pretty good though. I've been there about 3 years and still love every minute of it. I'll never make a living from jiu jitsu classes but I usually have a mat full of happy kids and that is far better to me than any amount of money :-).
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