Martial Arts Instructors: Embracing Modern After-School Programs

 

For seasoned martial arts instructors, especially those deep into their careers, the evolving landscape of martial arts can feel challenging.

What was once considered cutting-edge can now seem outdated, and the term "old school" may sometimes feel like a relic of the past.

I’ve been teaching martial arts educators since the early '90s and strive to stay ahead of industry trends.

Yet, there was one area I overlooked for over two decades: after-school martial arts programs. Initially, I dismissed these as mere babysitting services, believing they strayed from traditional martial arts values. But I've since realized that this perspective was a misstep.

After-school martial arts programs are far from mere babysitting or tutoring. They represent a valuable opportunity for instructors who want to streamline their teaching schedules and enhance their profitability.

Modern After-School Programs: A New Perspective

If I were to establish a new martial arts school today, I would focus on integrating after-school programs with Empower Kickboxing and COBRA-Defense. Here’s why:

  • Empower Kickboxing: Designed as an all-rank class, it provides a comprehensive challenge for all students.
  • COBRA-Defense: Offers flexible options like single-day seminars and ten-week academies, making it easy to teach and highly profitable.

These programs allow instructors to avoid the grueling 30-40 class per week schedules and instead, focus on fewer, more impactful classes.

Comparing Traditional and After-School Martial Arts Schedules

Traditional Martial Arts School Schedule:

  • Arrive at school by noon.
  • Teach classes from 4 pm to 9 pm.
  • Return home around 9:30 pm.
  • Teach on Saturdays or conduct exams.
  • Average tuition: $129/month or $1,548/year.
  • Need 65 students to gross $100,000 annually.

After-School Martial Arts School Schedule:

  • Arrive at school by 2 pm.
  • Teach one class from 4 pm to 5 pm.
  • Return home around 6:30 pm.
  • Closed on Saturdays.
  • Tuition: $79/week or $4,108/year (a $2,560 increase per student).
  • Need 24 students to gross $100,000 annually.
  • 65 students would gross over $260,000.

It’s clear: 65 students in an after-school program can generate more than double the income with significantly less effort.

Beware of Pitfalls

While attracting students to an after-school program may be relatively straightforward, maintaining compliance and operational standards is crucial.

The last thing you want is to face shutdowns due to regulatory issues, as seen in recent cases in Tampa Bay.

That’s where expertise comes into play. I’m proud to collaborate with Jim King, known as the "Godfather of After-School Martial Arts."

With over 20 years of experience, King’s TASMA (Transported After School Martial Arts) program has proven to be reliable and effective. It’s a program that has stood the test of time and continues to deliver results.

Jim King’s TASMA approach remains as relevant today as it was 25 years ago. Parents will always need quality after-school programs, and TASMA offers a tried-and-true solution.

To learn more about how TASMA can transform your martial arts school and ensure long-term success, check out the series of videos featuring Jim King at AfterSchoolKing.com.