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drkev
20th July 2004, 19:07
Hi there, I am planning to start a full time martial arts school but have encountered a very simple problem "MONEY"

The income from lessons and sales of equipment is not going to generate enough profit to run it as a business as the community is not big enough to support such a school.

Are there any ways anyone can suggest that I can supplement my income from the school. The rent is £12500 plus VAT plus Business rates.

Then there's the cost of mats equipment etc. My one and a half hour class which I teach at the community centre makes £90 minus rent (£13.50) I wish I could just multiply thuis by 7 days to guess my income but this doesnt work like that.

I know that full time schools exist but how do they stay above water never mind make a profit???

Also, is anyone aware of any grants that are available for sports clubs?

HinodeBuddha
27th July 2004, 05:21
If you are not using your facility every night of the week you may consider renting space to another group, i.e. another martial arts group, dance group or some other type. Beware on this though as it is important that the person can be trusted etc.

Another idea would be to offer self-defense seminars for local companies, colleges, or groups. These aren't too bad to set up and promote and are inexpensive as you already have a space. If you haven't done one before though curiculum may be time consuming initially.

Seminars are a great way to raise funds. If you have something unique to offer, which I think most instructors do, you could have a seminar inviting other schools to attend for a small fee. Being in the martial arts I am sure you know other instructors in other styles. Ask some of them if they would like to teach a class at the seminar. This way you can offer something for everyone.

I organize a camp-out every year and invite several styles to teach classes. The other teachers are kind enough to volenteer their time and it provides a great opportunity for your own students to cross train. The last time I attended a hand drill seminar another instructor put on I got 3 new students.

Hope this helps. Let me know how it works out.

Kurokawa
4th August 2004, 08:42
me and my Sensei use a park to train if the weather allows , I assure you that your students will understand circumstances, especially if they are committed, I wouldnt worry about facilities I would worry about eqipment, matts are tranportable so save some money and use the out oors, if there is no parks around use whatever area you can

pildo
6th August 2004, 08:47
money is my problem too
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Blackwood
6th August 2004, 11:47
. . . the community is not big enough to support such a school.

You've done the research and made this determination already.

1. I would suggest finding another community if you really want to start a full time school.

2. Find cheaper digs! I certainly hope the rate you quoted is per annum! Still, that's a lot of money!

3. Look for someone else that has space that is used only part time. If you can get a small room that you lock and control, the larger space only has to be available during your class times. Private schools, perhaps, dance studios. You might even talk to the local 'real estate' maven to find out if there are properties that aren't being used that you could run in cheap between tenants. Something is better than nothing and much of what you need can be moved in and out quickly.

4. Second floor digs are going to be cheaper than first floor!

5. Check out the local church! You might be surprised!

SamboSteve
10th August 2004, 19:58
I would say ditto to all Blackwood mentioned...
I share my space with another instructor, we are on the 5th floor of the building, and in a good location. I have a buddy who teaches in an old church gymansium also. I run my school part time with my buddy for 1.5 years before I decided to go full time (this October). We hold classes in central park often...this is good for the students but, also brings in new interested parties.

A few ways to make rent...
1) Private lessons during non-class times
2) Kids programs
3) Hosting seminars on a regular basis - people will pay good money to spend a few hours with famous fighters
4) Marketing, marketing, and more marketing
5) A Good PROFESSIONAL looking website will work wonders. I can't tell you how many folks come in and tell me that they chose my school because of the website. Most MA websites look pretty shabby. Spend a little and have a good professional site built.

Blackwood
10th August 2004, 20:51
Yes, a web site can be an asset. I just set one up for the dojo I train at Shido Kan Detroit (http://www.mendersdojo.com) which includes a couple pages for my kid's branch (Blackwood Dojo). And don't make it too flashy! I really dislike sites with many moving graphics and sound blasting away.