Hil

Hi Guys

My company has dojo space in Acton, MA, and I'm not quite sure how to find instructors for it. My boss decided to rent it out per hour blocks (i.e. Mondays 1:00-2:00 PM). I think it's a really fantistic idea, and it gives people that are just starting out on their own a way to start with minimal cost. The only thing is I have no clue on how to advertise this space in the right manner I was wondering if you guys could let me know how you found your current spaces, and if (when starting out or now) you would have ever considered renting a space on a block basis. I'm looking for any ideas and input please Thanks so much!

-Hil

eXcessiveForce

I rented out space for a short time for $12 an hour. when it hit about $500 a month I opened up a full time location in that town.

problem is most people want the prime times and that leaves you with dead time.
But if the space is sitting empty then some money is better than no money.

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ddrive

This may seem high school-ish, but if you're looking for instructors, I would organize some sort of a callout by advertising it in the newspaper. Use your best judgement to see who is fit for the job and if the instructors seem like they get along [less property damage]. You may have a space for a dojo, but where is it located in acton, ma? It is near other business? another school? out there? See if it's okay to advertise your space at other business locations. How large is your space? Make sure that you know the legal capacity of members in that space to avoid the fire marshall.
Also try to design business cards for distribution and a website to get the word out.
What about insurance if someone gets injured at your space? The safety and amount of equipment used at your space? Those are some things you and your boss should consider as well. Good luck.

P.S. When I train, most classes no matter what style, usually last about 1.5 to 2 hrs.

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Hil

Thanks to both of you for your quick replies. It was most definately appreciated. You have both given many points for me to think about as well as bring up to my boss. Thanks again for your time!

-Hil

ddrive

Just glad that I can help out. I also do work out of a dojo as well. Good luck on your venture. Do you know good places around your area to receive training equipment in bulk?

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Kamikaze MMA: Innovative training and sparring products.
Elite Cage Fighting: Indy's Premier MMA organization

Acitic

How did I find my Training space......

When I took over my MA school from my instructor he had been training in a TKD school.... shortly after the management changed to this hard ass korea guy who didn't like the idea of a different cultured martial art teaching in his korea dojang. He said i have one week to find another school and after that he wants me out. I paniced, called anywhere i could find, the week passed and we ended up training in a park while it was raining and cold. About a week later i scored a empty space for free but i could only use it for two months. I searched ans searched... i think i asked 5 dance studios, but none of them wanted me. Community centers were to much with my minimal student base, as well as public schools. I stumbled apon a yoga school that said well we have empty space and we are not making money then, so some is better than none. The Yoga school gave me a sweet deal of $15 dollars an hour. Even though i am only walking away with 200 profit at the end of the month i am still happy. I am about to start up another class on saturdays in my garage. My story... hope it adds something.

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Danny Flucke

You should come up with a definete schedule of when your studio is available for sublease - And the times when it is not.

A flat fee will provide more consistent income - IE: $200 a month for a maximum of 10 classes...

Also address the issue of insurance and liability.

Who is responsible/covered when they are teaching a class on your property ?

And finally address your marketing efforts to fill your classes - And then promoting your students into instructors with their own classes to fill the voids...

Thanks, Danny

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When our clients call with news of their "victory" - We always ask them what they did wrong in avoiding and/or defusing the threat...

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