Starting Up a Dojo

[James Kovacich]

Thats an excellent point! Im sure a place like the Y or a church would be very receptive towards giving kids an activity after-school.

I've never done any research there, but Id be willing to bet that it would be fairly inexpensive compared to actually owning your own place.

Mike

My first Karate class was in a church hall. not much equipment but a ton of space.

Also, in the past my brother-in-law rented out a local church hall for $30 an hour. With that as an example. One could run their class (1 class, twice a week) for as little as $120.+ a month. Not a bad start.

 

[Eternal Beginner]

Parents and students will look up to you to be a role model to follow....CAN YOU BE ONE!!!

Very important!!! If you are the type of person that is not a "people person" and can't deal with problems or issues without bursting into tears or taking everything personally, this may not be for you.

Remember, people are entrusting you with their children (if you have kids classes) or their own well-being - they can be demanding. You'll have to be able to deal with problems, and there will be problems, maturely and confidently. If you don't set the lead, things will get out of hand.

Otherwise, study the demographics of the area you want to set up in. Make sure there is adequate population of the type of people you want in the surrounding area. If you have good location you can do well. Really special instructors can draw people to them so if you have credentials such as tournament wins, or you are a title holder make sure to capatilize on that. Truly, my BJJ instructor could set up three hours outside of town in the middle of a swamp and make money just because his reputation is so good. If you are just beginning and are still building a reputation, location will be everything to you.

Good luck!

 

[masherdong]

Thanks for all your advice. Any other suggestions??

 

[Grenadier]

Thanks for all your advice. Any other suggestions??

Just plain ol' patience and perserverence. There may very well be some dry times, when the money isn't flowing, and times when you, as an instructor, might very well be doing everything right, but bad luck hits you.

Even some excellent instructors that have had good schools will go through some dry spells. Don't let a bit of setback kill your dreams. If you're teachings are good, if your program is solid, if you have the patience, and if the fortunes of good business are in your favor, then things will fall into place, as long as you remain vigilant.

 

[MJS]

My first Karate class was in a church hall. not much equipment but a ton of space.

Also, in the past my brother-in-law rented out a local church hall for $30 an hour. With that as an example. One could run their class (1 class, twice a week) for as little as $120.+ a month. Not a bad start.

I agree, that isn't a bad start!! As long as you're getting some quality training, the location IMO doesnt matter. Ive had some of my best workouts out in the backyard or the garage.

Mike

 

[tsdclaflin]

I started a thread a while ago called "How to open a school for under $10"

http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17700

You might find it helpful.

That was a great thread. I used it to start my school. I also bought and read Graden's book which was also very good.