Changing school structure

[terryl965]

I'm thinking about adding a Arobic or kickboxing class in the AM for one of my instructors to make some money. I myself only teach Traditional and Olympic TKD so it will not effect, but teh other persons believe it will help the school and bring them in some extra cash. What do you folks think about this subject?
Terry

 

[AceHBK]

I think it is a great idea. There are many people who may end up taking the class. They may want the work out and hate the idea of going to a "gym" and it not being serious enough. At your dojo they would feel secure in knowing that the aerobic work out would be great and the kickboxing class would be from actual practitioners. The more you can offer the more marketable you make your school. Having a seperate instructor teach it also gives it some legitimacy in some people's eyes instead of one person doing it all.

 

[mantis]

I'm thinking about adding a Arobic or kickboxing class in the AM for one of my instructors to make some money. I myself only teach Traditional and Olympic TKD so it will not effect, but teh other persons believe it will help the school and bring them in some extra cash. What do you folks think about this subject?
Terry

is your motivation the legacy in your art, or is it cash, or is it just to teach TKD, or is it to help people exercise?
you opened the school and you know why it was opened in the first place, right?
I do not see anything wrong with teaching kickboxing or aerobics, but I do not agree with prioritizing cash flow highly in martial arts. that's just my opinion. I know of people who give private lessons too for extra cash. Just an additional thought.

 

[terryl965]

is your motivation the legacy in your art, or is it cash, or is it just to teach TKD, or is it to help people exercise?
you opened the school and you know why it was opened in the first place, right?
I do not see anything wrong with teaching kickboxing or aerobics, but I do not agree with prioritizing cash flow highly in martial arts. that's just my opinion. I know of people who give private lessons too for extra cash. Just an additional thought.

Mantis my school is differently not about cash. I put out about 3000.00 a month to keep it the way I want it. My other instructor is a college kid that would love to spend more time here then at a real job for now and the money would help him and not me.

I must say most people know about me and my school and why it was built in the first place. I'm shocked that you where not aware!
At any rate I would love to hear from folks thta have this in place.
Terry

 

[Martial Tucker]

I'm thinking about adding a Arobic or kickboxing class in the AM for one of my instructors to make some money. I myself only teach Traditional and Olympic TKD so it will not effect, but teh other persons believe it will help the school and bring them in some extra cash. What do you folks think about this subject?
Terry

Terry,

I'm sure a lot depends on the demographics of your area, but our school has had better luck augmenting the regular curriculum with Tai Chi and Yoga than
with kickboxing or anything like that.

 

[mrhnau]

Terry,

I'm sure a lot depends on the demographics of your area, but our school has had better luck augmenting the regular curriculum with Tai Chi and Yoga than
with kickboxing or anything like that.

Would it be more difficult to find a decent Tai Chi or Yoga teacher though? Conceivably that might be an issue...

 

[Andrew Green]

but I do not agree with prioritizing cash flow highly in martial arts. that's just my opinion.

And it's not one that would keep the doors open. Martial arts schools ARE businesses, they need to pay rent, utilities, pay for supplies, pay the instructor.

And like any other small business, need to do whatever they can to keep their doors open, otherwise there is no martial arts...

 

[Martial Tucker]

Would it be more difficult to find a decent Tai Chi or Yoga teacher though? Conceivably that might be an issue...

Again, I think it depends on the area. I'm in Chicago, so it's not hard.
Tai Chi and/or Yoga just seems to appeal to a broader audience that may
not want a more "martial-like" experience like kickboxing, or whatever.

 

[AceHBK]

Hey soem people may only be interested in those 2 things and not TKD itself. What is wrong with having that option available? Never know, they might tell a friend who may also join for that reason and low and behold they have a kid who wants to learn TKD.
Not bad.

 

[matt.m]

The school I train at holds classes tkd mon-thurs 7-830, and hapkido thurs 830-930. I was talking with the grandmaster, the building rent alone is 500.00. I know the utilities cost at least 150 a month if not more.

It has been widely taught, believed, and practiced that the instructors don't make a cent of instruction. That is why we are able to stay more like a club. When it is lean it is tough. All the teachers have outside jobs.

Too boost membership at my dads school in southern missouri they began offering a pre hapkido class 2x a week, also they have a class for people with disabilities. the pre hapkido class is for little kids. Like a jr. dragon kind of thing.

 

[MJS]

I'm thinking about adding a Arobic or kickboxing class in the AM for one of my instructors to make some money. I myself only teach Traditional and Olympic TKD so it will not effect, but teh other persons believe it will help the school and bring them in some extra cash. What do you folks think about this subject?
Terry

I think it would be a good idea Terry. One suggestion that I would make, would be to make sure that the peson teaching, give the class proper instruction on how to properly and safely execute the punches, kicks, etc. on the bags. I've seen a few of these classes, and the students are just wacking away at the bags with no form. That IMHO, is an accident waiting to happen.

Mike

 

[mantis]

Mantis my school is differently not about cash. I put out about 3000.00 a month to keep it the way I want it. My other instructor is a college kid that would love to spend more time here then at a real job for now and the money would help him and not me.

I must say most people know about me and my school and why it was built in the first place. I'm shocked that you where not aware!
At any rate I would love to hear from folks thta have this in place.
Terry

oh nono. im aware of that. I apologize if I sounded like i was suggesting otherwise.
I am not saying your school is all about cash. and i am not saying martial arts school should not make profits either.
You have asked a question whether you should open classes teaching other than what you teach. I say if it feels good and serves your initial goal then go for it.
You may have great intension, but with wong marketing you might ruin the reputation that you already have. Just be careful is all I am saying.

Again I am not bashing your school, but suggesting an opinion that you may or may not have considered.

 

[beau_safken]

Do it. It will not only bring in new students but also if you have the chance to hold your classes before, the cardio kickboxing students might join. It would be a great way to cross market your school and help to broaden your student base. If the instructors are helping with the costs of the space and you make a little slice of the profits...why not? I'm assuming the last line based off my previous experience, no idea if that is how it would work for you.

Anything to get more students in the door and help reduce that 3000 a month outflow sounds like a great idea to me.

 

[Eternal Beginner]

My BJJ club also offers cardio kickboxing classes...works out great for everyone. Instructor makes some extra cash (it is during hours where the regular MA classes aren't offered)and the students are getting healthy and fit so I can't see where there is a bad angle to this. Win/win if you ask me.