Karate Business 101

(Not so Fun) Fact - The Martial Arts Industry is 20+ Years Behind the Economy

I want you to to remind yourself what you charge for your martial arts instruction. Got that number in your head? Ok, great, let's go to the "Not So Fun Fact" (hopefully this will not apply to you but if it does, hopefully it will help you in getting your business in order)...

Did you know that in the mid 1960's, a commercial dojo on average was charging $40.00 tuition per month? I'm not sure what that equates to in the current year of 2018 but I will tell you that by the year 2012, and calculating for inflation, that would be the equivalent of charging $287.30 per month for tuition.

Now, how many of you or someone you know are only charging between $75 - $150 per month for tuition? This mindset / action has put the martial arts industry 20+ years behind the rest of the economy! Heck, I've seen some charge far less!

Some would say that Karate shouldn't be all about the money but let me assure you, those shiny and bright things above your head in your dojo, yeah those lights, they ain't free! So, if you are of that mindset, IMHO, you are doing the exact opposite of what you should be doing for your clientele / students, meaning you are not looking after their interest (or yours as a business operator). There are other reasons again IMHO why people do not charge what they should but that may be another blog.

So, the question is are you getting yours or are you cheating yourself out of your livelihood? Time is money and money is required to maintain a safe and stable training environment for you and your students.

Hope this is of help for some. Keep Calm and Karate On!

Photo credit: Vincent-the-Artist https://www.zibbet.com/vincent-the-artist/karate-kid-on-real-dollar-bill-cash-celebrity-money-art-mint-one-of-a-kind-unique-gift-idea-4017196a-e350-4415-aeb3-566c760d9d3a