A martial arts school can be a great way to improve your community. Not only will you be teaching people self-defense, but you’ll also be instilling discipline and respect. In addition, a martial arts school can provide a much-needed sense of belonging for people of all ages. And because martial arts is an activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family, it can help to strengthen relationships within families. So if you’re considering setting up a martial arts school, know that you’ll be doing something great for yourself and your community.
But where do you start? How do you set up a martial arts school that will be successful? Here are a few steps to get you started.
Decide on your martial art
When setting up a martial arts school, choosing the right martial art is essential. You’ll need to consider your skills and interests, as well as the needs of your community.
For example, if you’re a black belt in karate, you may be tempted to open a karate school. But if there are already several karate schools in your area, you may have more success with a less common martial art like Taekwondo or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With careful planning, you can create a successful martial arts school that meets the needs of both students and instructors.
Find the right location
Before opening your doors to students, you must find the perfect location for your martial arts school. The first step is determining what type of atmosphere you want to create. Are you looking for a serene and peaceful setting or a more high-energy environment?
Once you have a general idea of the vibe you’re going for, start canvassing neighborhoods that fit that description. Pay attention to foot traffic and visibility when touring potential properties. You want to ensure that passersby can see your school and that it’s conveniently located for potential students. With effort, you should be able to find the perfect spot for your martial arts school.
Renovate the space to fit your needs
If you’re setting up a martial arts school, you’ll want to renovate the space to fit your needs. This means creating a comfortable training area for both students and instructors and providing enough storage for all the equipment.
The first step is to choose the right flooring. There are different types of martial arts, so you’ll need to decide which one you’ll be teaching before selecting the appropriate flooring. For example, Judo and Jiu-Jitsu require a softer surface to perform throws and submissions safely. Karate and Taekwondo require a harder surface to generate more power when striking. Once you’ve decided on the type of flooring you need, you can renovate the space. This may involve painting the walls, hanging mats, or installing mirrors.
Keep your school’s specific needs in mind whatever renovations you decide to make. With a little bit of effort, you can create a space that is both functional and inviting.
Get martial arts insurance
One of the first things you need to do when setting up a martial arts school or gym is to get insurance. Martial arts insurance coverage protects you and your business in case of injuries, property damage, or other legal problems. Having this coverage in place before you start taking students is important because it can help you avoid financial ruin if something goes wrong.
There are a few different types of coverage to choose from, so be sure to work with an insurance agent who understands the needs of martial arts schools and get a martial arts insurance coverage quote. With the right policy in place, you can rest assured that your school is protected against potential risks.
Market your school online and offline
To get students through the door, you must market your school online and offline. Start by creating a website and social media accounts for your business. Then, design promotional materials like flyers and posters that you can post around town. You should also hold an open house or grand opening event when your school is ready for students. Lastly, don’t forget to spread the word through word-of-mouth marketing! Tell all your family and friends about your new business venture and ask them to tell their friends as well.
Hire qualified instructors
The final step is to hire qualified instructors. This is perhaps the most important step of all because, without qualified instructors, your martial arts school will not be successful. Ensure all your instructors are certified in CPR and First Aid and have at least five years of experience teaching martial arts. Also, perform background checks on all of your instructors before hiring them. Once qualified instructors are hired, your martial arts school will be ready for students.
MMA gyms are becoming more popular than ever before, which makes now the perfect time to open up your own school. Follow these steps — decide on your focus, find the right location, renovate the space, get insurance, market your school online and offline, and hire experienced instructors — and you’ll be well on your way toward opening up a successful business.
