how to make a living in martial arts

[Jon Masaya]

Awesome thread! I'm in a similar situation as EmptyneSs and danfaggella. I'm 19 and finishing up my bachelors. I was personally thinking of making a living off of MA as a long-term goal (when I'm middle-aged, haha), but your posts are very encouraging to go for it sooner. I got a ways to go, but it's great hearing from everyone! Keep it comin.

[danfaggella]

can someone please respond to my long post, these questions and issues lurk around my mind and i really do want to do something with them.

can anyone comment on my long post?

thanks!

(also, yes im sure that competition gains respect/publicity, but it doesnt necissarily validate a teacher. i plan to enter in plenty of tournaments, but not be a pro fighter.)

[eXcessiveForce]

Actually many of the great athletic trainers did not learn on the field. Most boxing coaches were not pro fighters.

Some people fight, some people teach, there are a few that can do both.

[ddrive]

Competition

just because you havent been in the pro MMA cercuit doesnt mean you arent proficient in martial arts. that is absurd.

I'm not saying that you have to be an MMA circuit fighter to be proficient in martial arts. All I'm saying is that in order to be a better teacher, and gain students quicker, make sure you have gained experience through competitions/tournaments.

[danfaggella]

just because you havent been in the pro MMA cercuit doesnt mean you arent proficient in martial arts. that is absurd.

[ddrive]

You gotta compete bro!

I really want to see if i can get a job in this field. I don't plan to run my own buisness, or to be a MMA fighter (though i will of course spar allt he time, i jut doubt it will be professional fro me), i would muc rather work as a trainer/teacer in a large MMA school/acadame, and train officers and military personel. Must i become a MMA fighter and gain a name to do so?

The best teachers have a good amount of experience in the field or else it would be the blind leading the blind.

[danfaggella]

hate to be impatien, i just hate wasting time, is there any advise that can be given?

[danfaggella]

i have been thinking on the same lines of whoever started this thread. i am a good student and a good athlete and have always had interest in artial arts but never got into them because MA in Rhode Island around my area is allot of BS (lame "karate" that is really just a place for yuppies to daycare thier fat kids). However, i have been gettingmore and more into it, watching fights, grappling with my friends all the time, going to Tim Burrill's up in prov (awsome....) ect... I really want to see if i can get a job in this field. I don't plan to run my own buisness, or to be a MMA fighter (though i will of course spar allt he time, i jut doubt it will be professional fro me), i would muc rather work as a trainer/teacer in a large MMA school/acadame, and train officers and military personel. Must i become a MMA fighter and gain a name to do so? Because i dont know too many guys who work in MA that have done such a thing, unless it is in smaller championships, ones that i am not familiar with (the ones i respect as the most "grade A" are pride and the UFC). I am currently just startingin college and just about to turn 18. i am trying out all kinds of free classesin RI where i can see different styles/people, i am always learning and grappling in my yard, and plan to get into wrestling and a JJ club at my university ASAP. but i still have many questions....

-what should i think about taking in college?
-what other ways can i see if such a vocation is right for me?
-can i learn about the lives of people with jobs training officers or working in big MA gyms anywhere? (online maybe)

comments/critisizm/whatever is very apprecated.

[ddrive]

Actually.

How about a psychology degree?

As MA starts to work it's way in sports, most martial artist should double major in physical therapy, and psychology. While their partner handles the financial affairs of the dojo with his/her business degree.

[LoneHusky]

In addition to seeking a business degree, it would be best take courses in psychology, physical education, physical therapy, and sports medicine [it would be better to minor in them].

How about a psychology degree?

[ddrive]

Forgot to Mention.

In addition to seeking a business degree, it would be best take courses in psychology, physical education, physical therapy, and sports medicine [it would be better to minor in them].

[ddrive]

Things to think about!

Here are some things you have to think about.

1. [Roles within the Dojo]
I would suggest taking college courses in business until you get a degree and find a "honest" partner [with a business, economic, and/or management college degree] willing to handle the financial & marketing of your dojo. Also, insurance is something you should really look into! Plenty of injuries can occur in a dojo, so you want to be prepared.

2. [Sponsors / Tournaments]
One way to get your dojo out is through competition. Compete first, and if you make a name for yourself, then bring your students. If your time and effort pays off, you can get sponsors. The better the sponsor, the more they'll invest into your dojo. If your dojo gets large enough, you can even start hosting your own tournaments, and that means more students.

3.[Networking with other schools]
Constant communcation with other schools definitely helps give you better insight to all things going on in the martial arts community. If you're good at networking, you can also get other schools within your area to support you, and even come in to help out with your classes.

4. [Be Innovative]
What's going to seperate your dojo from another? This allows you to truly critique yourself and develop new training methods & products that will enhance the performance of your students. Good luck in your endeavors!

[bujinkandas]

Another bit of advice

I saw another post about a book I bought called little dojo, big profits. I bought it and it is a pretty good book. It talks about starting with a little money.

[bujinkandas]

You can make money

Hi, you can make good money with your martial arts skills. The thing is you will need to do a variety of things. You could open a school and do very well or you can have multiple streams of income so if your school does not do well your other endeavours can. I have written a book about this based on my 25 years of experience and money making utilizing these skills. I hope it is ok to post it here.

BujinkanDAS

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excessiveforce

[JasonE]

Train to become the guy you would ideally be training under.

As you train, learn to listen, to watch, and to assist others.

Become an excellent teacher.

Learn all the aspects of the business and make a detailed plan:
Cost of rents (consider several kinds of locations)
Insurance (required)
Lease negotiation (will save you lots of hassle if done well)
Tenant rights (know your rights and limitations)
Advertising options (some things work better than others)
Contract vs no contract (depends on your market)
Association requirements (if affiliated to any)
Equipment needs (critical to your budgeting)

Once you have looked into the above, you can start planning:
How many students at different rates you need to break even (CRITICAL)
How long you can afford to operate at a loss until you break even (CRITICAL)
What size of space you can afford at different rental rates

and other details...

Most schools fail because they just don't plan adequately.