How Our Instructor of the Year Went From Struggling Karate School Owner to Successful After-School Operator

 

Tim McCahan, the 2017 Martial Arts Teachers Association Instructor of the Year, is a testament to what can be achieved with innovation and dedication.

Based in St. Petersburg, FL, Tim and his family generate over $400,000 annually from their martial arts school—operated part-time!

Yes, part-time! While many school owners struggle with 30 to 50 classes a week and barely make rent, Tim’s schedule is refreshingly different.

He and his family arrive at the school at 2 p.m. and close up by 6:30 p.m. after teaching just one class. They even enjoy Saturdays off!

How does Tim achieve this? Here’s how he generates 3 to 6 times more tuition compared to most schools while teaching just one class per weekday:

  1. A Shift in Model: In 1997, Tim and his wife Debbie chose to deviate from the traditional martial arts school model. Instead, they adopted a 100% after-school martial arts model.

  2. Understanding the Value: You might wonder, what does babysitting have to do with martial arts? The reality is, after-school programs are far from babysitting. By law, they can’t be. Unlike regular martial arts classes, which many view as a luxury, after-school programs are seen as a necessity. Parents need a safe place for their children from 3 to 6 p.m.—a critical window.

  3. The Difference in Perception: Families view after-school martial arts as essential, unlike evening classes which are considered a luxury. Kids enrolled in these programs receive daily martial arts training, progress through ranks, and even earn black belts.

  4. Economic Resilience: Remarkably, when the country faces economic downturns, Tim’s after-school program actually sees a rise in business.

The Key Takeaway: The high tuition rates, structured program, and necessity of after-school care allow Tim to achieve outstanding revenue while maintaining a balanced work schedule.

Congratulations to Tim McCahan for his incredible achievement as the 2017 MATA Instructor of the Year. His success with the after-school model is an inspiration and a valuable resource for other martial arts school owners looking to follow a similar path.