How to Get Martial Arts Programs into Public Schools: Key Strategies for Success

Getting Martial Arts into Public Schools

Martial arts offers incredible benefits for students, from self-discipline to physical fitness. Yet, many martial arts school owners struggle to introduce their programs into public schools. The common mistake?

Approaching the principal's office instead of engaging directly with teachers. Teachers often have more flexibility in allowing instructors to come in and work with their students, so this is the key avenue to explore.

Here are some practical strategies to help you build relationships with teachers and get your martial arts program into local public schools.

1. Leverage National Teachers’ Month

May is National Teachers’ Month, making it an ideal time to connect with educators. Use this opportunity to offer value without the pressure of promoting your school too heavily. Here are two ways to engage:

Host a Self-Defense Seminar for Teachers Only:
Teachers are often eager to learn practical self-defense skills. Host a free self-defense seminar specifically for teachers, providing them with useful techniques. You can also sell defense tools at the seminar for additional revenue, but keep the focus on helping teachers feel empowered.
Host an Active Shooter Response Seminar:
Schools practice fire and lockdown drills, but few have effective plans for active shooter scenarios. Consider offering an "active shooter response" seminar, which could be incredibly valuable. While "Run, Hide, Fight" is a common phrase, it’s not a detailed plan. Teaching teachers how to respond more effectively could provide significant value and further strengthen your connection with the school.

2. Teach a Class for a Teacher

Another way to build relationships with local schools is to offer to teach a class on behalf of a teacher. While many martial arts instructors have experience teaching physical education (PE) classes, why not consider something different?

Instead of focusing on physical skills alone, offer to teach a class on the Black Belt Attitude—focusing on values like respect, self-control, and perseverance.

By instilling these principles, you’ll showcase the broader benefits of martial arts beyond just physical ability.
When teachers witness the positive impact on their students, they’re more likely to support bringing martial arts into their classrooms regularly.

Keep the Hype Low, Value High

When presenting your martial arts program to teachers, remember to keep the promotional aspect subtle. Focus on the value your program can provide to students, such as discipline, respect, and mental focus.

Building trust with teachers is about showing them how martial arts can positively impact their students in ways that align with educational goals.

By creating these relationships teacher by teacher, you'll be better positioned to bring martial arts into public schools without having to rely on administrative approvals from the principal's office.

Introducing martial arts into public schools can be challenging, but the key lies in building direct relationships with teachers rather than approaching principals. Offering self-defense seminars for teachers or teaching values-based classes like the Black Belt Attitude can help martial arts school owners build trust and demonstrate the benefits of their programs. By focusing on providing value and instilling important life skills, martial arts instructors can more easily gain access to schools.