The martial arts industry is rife with tales of what makes a school successful. From the suburban strip mall dojang to prestigious training institutes, myths about growth engines churn from one instructor to another. In this article, we will “Soo Do” through the common myths about growing a martial arts school and reveal the truth beneath them. Whether you’re a school owner or an instructor aiming to boost your student numbers while preserving the integrity of your art, this read is for you.
The Myths of Quantity Over Quality
Myth 1: “Big Schools Only Care About Attendance”
The Reality: Successful schools understand that student attendance is crucial because it correlates with their engagement and progress, not because numbers are the end-all. Consistent attendance leads to skill development, fostering a sense of achievement and loyalty to the school.
Myth 2: “Large Schools Grow at The Expense of Smaller Ones”
The Reality: The growth of one school does not necessarily spell the downfall of another. The martial arts community is not zero-sum; there’s room for everyone. A successful school promotes interest in martial arts within the community, potentially benefiting all surrounding schools. Your biggest competition if you run an activity-based school is other activities.
Myth 3: “It’s Either Quality or Quantity”
The Reality: This binary thinking is a false dichotomy. Quality and quantity can coexist in harmony. Quality leadership and training can attract more students, naturally leading to quantity. Conversely, more students demand refined quality and better business systems and methods to maintain standards.
Myth 4: “You Must Compromise the Art to Grow a Large School”
The Reality: Growth does not require watering down one’s martial arts discipline. Authenticity attracts; by staying true to the art, a school can appeal to students seeking genuine experiences and maintain integrity while expanding.
Myth 5: “Commitment Is a Turn-Off for Students”
The Reality: Commitment is not anathema to growth; it’s about how it’s framed. By promoting commitment as part of martial arts’ personal growth and benefits, you tap into students’ desires to improve themselves, not just enroll in a class. It is why we teach all five Moo Do values or pillars. It is a Master’s Path.
Myth 6: “Complete Dedication Guarantees Growth”
The Reality: While dedication is necessary, it’s not the sole ingredient for success. Growing a martial arts school is a complex recipe that requires managerial skills, marketing savvy, community involvement, and adaptability.
Myth 7: “There Is One Secret Key to School Growth”
The Reality: If there were a secret key, it might be understanding that there is no secret key. Growth results from multifaceted approaches and constant learning from various sources, including wisdom from long-standing successful school owners.
Learning from the Masters (We all Stand on the Shoulders of Giants.)
Myth 8: “You Can’t Learn from Large School Owners”
The Reality: Every successful school owner has lessons to impart, whether they run a massive chain or a small studio. Exchanging knowledge can lead to insights that resonate with your business goals and personal teaching philosophy without losing your unique identity. This is why we offer Business Master Classes and Business Master Accelerator training and learn and share for instructors and school owners.
Conclusion
The key to debunking these myths is understanding that a successful martial arts school is dynamic and multifaceted. It serves the community by offering unparalleled martial arts training, leadership development, and character-building opportunities. It operates with SMART business practices, learns continuously, adapts, and is resolute in its sacred mission. The greatest lesson lies not in choosing between quality and quantity, tradition and modernity, but in marrying these elements to create a dojang that reflects both the enduring spirit of martial arts and the evolving needs of the student community.
Stand tall, stay humble, and open yourself to the myriad ways of achieving growth in your martial arts school. Remember – true martial arts mastery extends beyond the mat; it encompasses the wisdom to lead and expand your school without compromising its core values.