Running a School

[warrior-scholar]

There is much information and perhaps misinformation concerning the running of martial arts schools on the internet. Privates versus Groups versus both; monthly fees versus contracts; focus on children versus focus on adults. The list goes on and on. Are there any successful studio owners out there willing to share some tips or guidelines for running a financially viable and honorable school (in other words, no pizza parties etc.)?

[Lance C]

There is much information and perhaps misinformation concerning the running of martial arts schools on the internet. Privates versus Groups versus both; monthly fees versus contracts; focus on children versus focus on adults. The list goes on and on. Are there any successful studio owners out there willing to share some tips or guidelines for running a financially viable and honorable school (in other words, no pizza parties etc.)?

I have learned some hard lessons while running a school.

#1 "Frenemies" Look out for people who are your friend, but do not have your best interests at heart. Surround yourself with considerate people who want your students to learn, grown and prosper. (I dropped a frenemie or two in the last year, and the class improved)

#2 Drop your ego at the door. Demonstrate what you know and only what you know. If you do not know, learn! If you are an instructor, that does not mean your are omnipotent. Therefore make a point of finding out and sharing with the student, even referals to other sources are acceptable.

#3 Keep your school out of the fantasy prone area. If you sell fantasy, you will get fantasy prone people coming in the door. Sell reality and get some of the best people to work and grow with.

#4 Make your school a warm, comfortable place. Some students do not have that at home and appreciate a safe environment where they are appreciated.

#5 WORK! Money does not come easy (even if it does, do not loose your work ethic) that is WORK HARD in class, and WORK HARD preparing for class. Keep in the best physical and mental shape you can in and out of class. Keep your classes organized!

#6 Do not feel discouraged. It is difficult starting up and you will take many hits on the way up. Many people have misunderstandings about martial arts and the people that teach. Never worry about someone else's view. Be Happy! Be Encouraged.

-Lance C

[Lance C]

There is much information and perhaps misinformation concerning the running of martial arts schools on the internet. Privates versus Groups versus both; monthly fees versus contracts; focus on children versus focus on adults. The list goes on and on. Are there any successful studio owners out there willing to share some tips or guidelines for running a financially viable and honorable school (in other words, no pizza parties etc.)?

Keep up good ethics (over money!) it pays in the long run. The other is hard work. Keep your personal practice levels up it shows, and keep the class working hard, it shows on them (they like it) and new students will see it too.

Don't feed self deluded people (fantasy prone) otherwise you will get all of them in your class. Keep it real and on the level. Take good students over bad students with thick wallets.

(Having trouble posting again)

-Lance C

[Lance C]

Certainly in running a martial arts school, one needs ethics and quality control.

Ethics brings in good students, helps build community spirit, is good for business long term.

Quality control during training gives students feedback in their training, keeps the student informed of progression, if everyone in class is getting better, then the school will have better students. Good positive energy that flows through the class keeps a class working, getting better. There is nothing like negative or stagnant energy to kill a class.

-Lance C

[Lance C]

Two things that are a must and often are poorly implemented in bad schools is ethics and quality control.

Ethics is good for everyone, your students, your community and certainly it will improve your school.

Quality control is part contiuous improvement. As a teacher you must have a good work ethic. Always working on the quality in which you do. Students, visitors will see this and you will show the hallmark of someone they want to learn from. Students who grow in a culture of excellence will help "raise the bar" and collectively build a better training environment.

Of course it's good leadership in the school that inspires students to participate and build a martial community where one succeeds.

This has been my challenge.

-Lance C

[Xperience]

Hi W-S ~
I don't mean to give you a 'pat' answer, but it's up to you man. Commerc vs art; where's the balance? Admin & Max have a good hand; but I don't know what to tell you. I'd like to be in their shoes someday. I'd say the web's the way to go; but then again, why limit your market? Private, group, seminars, the web (DVDs), it's all good. In my mind, if you're teaching a Kenpo that makes your heart swell because it's the best you can do, you want to see it propagated. You do what it takes; that's heart, what can I say? Good luck. :) X