🙌 How to Build a Culture with H.E.A.R.T. in Your Martial Arts School

Sometimes training your team feels like you have to repeat yourself constantly.  Building a culture of personal excellence, accountability, and greatness doesn't happen overnight. 

Now,  if you are anything like me you need it spelled out for you… Literally. So let's do just that and create a simple to follow guide for your team to be their best. 

This week let's talk about building a culture in your school where people consider your school their “third place”. Somewhere they can't wait to go to and a place where your team makes everyone feel like the most important person in the world. To do so we have to have H.E.A.R.T.

• H - Human Connection: Show genuine interest in your athletes. Get to know them. Not just what kick they are good at. But ask them what their favorite game of tag is, how school was, what their favorite subject is, what they did on the weekend. STOP asking surface level questions and actually get to know them. As a human.

• E - Excitement To See Them: Be authentically excited to see them. Don’t overdue it like some cartoon character. But be excited when a student walks in. You could have seen them yesterday, so what. Be excited to see them. Trust me if they stop coming in, you'll miss them. 

• A - Appreciation and Extreme Gratitude: Thank athletes and parents sincerely for choosing you and your place. They have put their trust in you, be grateful for that. Also, don’t forget about the ones who have been with you for a long time. Its easy to forget, but thank them regularly.  They can easily go anywhere else. But they are with YOU. 

• R - Recognition Through Personal Touch: Greet every athlete that comes in with some kind of interaction. You should have greeted them in some way or another. A brief conversation, a high five, handshake, fist bump, hug. Whatever it is you do. Make sure everyone is greeted and asked about their day. 

• T - Third Place Mindset: I always talk about having the “third place mindset”. Everyone with you has their Home, School or work, and hopefully… your school. You have to create the environment where people consider this the place they cannot wait to get to. The place they feel comfortable. The place they are challenged to grow and work hard. A place they are valued. 

Building a culture is not easy. It takes time. But you wont do it if you are not genuine, authentic, and grateful for everyone who comes in through your doors. Be intentional and have a H.E.A.R.T. - Josh Dumoulin

What’s Kickin’ on Social This Week 👊
The Kick’s pick of the hottest headlines in social this week:

This week, we’ve found five incredible posts that every martial arts school owner needs to see. From lead generation tips to insights on training and marketing, these posts are packed with value. Check them out, give the creators some love, and take your school to the next level!

1. Lead Building or Lead Gen - Greg Horton
   Greg shares simple and actionable ways to build a steady stream of leads for your school. Watch the full post here: Facebook Post

2. How to Create Certainty - Adam Kifer
   In this powerful reel, Adam breaks down how to instill confidence in your students and staff. Watch and learn here: Instagram Reel

3. What Martial Artists Can Learn From Hell’s Kitchen - Kelly Murray
   Kelly draws brilliant parallels between Gordon Ramsay’s kitchen leadership and how martial arts instructors can elevate their classes. See the full post: Facebook Post

4. Four Forces Changing the Future of Marketing - Alex Cattoni
   Marketing expert Alex shares the trends shaping the future of how we connect with audiences. This is a must-watch for every school owner: YouTube Video

5. Training Without Correction is Just Repetition - Jadi Tention
   Jadi explains why effective correction is key to meaningful progress on the mat. Check it out here: Facebook Video

Go give these creators some love, and let their insights inspire your next steps! 💪

What Inspires Us ✨

This week, we’re highlighting a few powerful videos that moved us and reminded us why we do what we do as martial arts school owners.

1. Mentor Like This
   This video captures the essence of great mentorship—being present, encouraging, and leading with purpose. Watch and feel inspired: Watch on TikTok

2. Paying It Forward in the Community
   A touching reminder of the impact small acts of kindness can have on those around us. See how generosity can create ripples: Watch on TikTok

3. Professor’s Sound Advice
   A quick but profound mindset tip that every leader should hear. Take this wisdom to heart: Watch on TikTok

Let these moments inspire you to keep making a difference in your school and community!

Martial Arts Memes: Laugh Your Gi Off 🤣

This week, we’ve rounded up some hilarious martial arts memes to keep the laughs rolling! Check out these moments we can all relate to and share them with your community for an extra dose of humor.

1. Meet the Cobra Kai Overenthusiast
   When you’re a little too excited to show off your breaking skills: Watch on TikTok

2. The Adult Coach is Just Wired Differently
   You’ve seen it—the extra flair, the unrelenting enthusiasm. Adults doing the most: Check it out on Instagram

3. "Nobody Saw That"
   The classic oops moment we pretend didn’t happen: Laugh with us on Instagram

4. Recurring Nightmares
   If you know, you know—the life of a martial artist: View the meme on Instagram

Enjoy the laughs, and don’t forget to share your favorite martial arts meme with us! 🥋✨

Have a MEME that you want feaured? Send them to us at [email protected] or tag our instagram account @thekicknewsletter.