starting your own school...do's and don'ts

[Josh Passini]

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 :-).

Youre a Boss....and a shady fucker!

[Josh Passini]

Start of small and let the business grow. Dont rush it and be prepared to float the school for a few years. If you love it it wont matter.

[Chris Herzog]

If the expectation is to earn alot of money, you are in the wrong bussiness. If you want to make just enough to get by and enjoy the hell outta life, then go for it!

[sean applegate]

Yea, start small for sure. Expect nothing, but don't hold yourself back. I just opened my affiliate in January and I support my family on it.

[kevinculp]

Not about the money but would love to devote all my time and energy to doing what I love. I have had a successful business for the last 7 years but don't make a ton of money so would much rather do what I love and barley get by. As soon as I can cover essentials I would be putting any profit right back into the school. Would love to sponser my guys to compete and give back to jiu jitsu. It's been such a great part of my life!

[kevinculp]

Tony you are inspiring! Thanks Coach...Thanks Sean...Thanks Josh.

[Tony "The Goods" Garcia]

Haha Thanks Josh! Thank you too Kevin :-)

[John T]

Tony, I must echo the prior posting and agree, very inspirational. What you are doing for those children is quite special.

Regarding starting a business. I ran my father's insurance agency for seven years after being in the business for seventeen (note, the agency was eventually sold for a nice profit allowing my father to retire and make a graceful exit from work life). Certainly liability insurance is a must. I never wrote a liability policy for a martial arts school or dealt with an insurance carrier that did, but, again this is crucial. There are groups in my area that meet in the community college that will match young entrepreneurs, like you, with retired local business professionals. This can be invaluable. The value of the advice and contacts someone like this could provide could save you a lot of grief and hopefully help you to grow exponentially.

Best of luck in your business and as the late Joseph Campbell said follow your bliss.

[Ryan Brick]

you need a ridiculously large banner to be successful

[johnatkin]

hi i live in newcastle england and have trained for 30 years in the martial arts and had a full time gym for 20 years build your gym with you pushing and being there word of mouth is the best advert !! good luck and big love from the afc newcastle england