Kick Nation, are you ready?

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Kick! Get ready for insights that can take your school to the next level. Our main feature dives into 5 powerful ways to become the king or queen of your community, making your school the go-to spot for local families. Plus, we’re breaking down essential tips on student retention from Joey Coleman’s Never Lose a Customer Again—perfect for those who want to build lasting relationships with their students. This issue is packed with strategies to boost your visibility, grow your community impact, and keep your students coming back. Let’s jump in! 👊

Boost Your School’s Community Presence with These 5 Easy Tips!

Want to make your martial arts school the go-to spot in your community? These five easy tips will help you build a stronger local presence, connect with more families, and grow your school’s reputation. Keep reading to discover how a few simple strategies can make a big impact!

1. Be the King/Queen of Community Events
Search for local community and kids' events using Facebook Events and reach out to organizers of the most promising gatherings. Ask what you need to do to support their event and have a booth. If you have a demo team, suggest a performance to sweeten the deal! At the event, make your booth stand out with draws like board-breaking, a prize wheel, or even free popcorn or cotton candy. These activities aren’t just fun—they’re memorable, and they leave parents with a positive impression of your school. It’s a powerful way to engage families who may be looking for a unique activity for their kids. Most schools are not actively searching for events every month and as a result minimize their community presence.

2. Own Your Community Social Media
Leverage local influence by searching your town’s hashtag and following 10-20 popular local accounts on Instagram , like influencers with a big community reach. Interact with these accounts regularly for a while and then inquire if a feature is possible. Also, don’t forget to post content that highlights your school’s active role in the community, whether it’s volunteer work, donations, or small acts of kindness. These moments show your character and reinforce your school’s presence beyond martial arts. People will be far more likely to connect with a business that they see giving back. Here is a great example from MUV Martial Arts in Chandler, AZ.

3. Be the Community Center
Hosting your own events, like Trunk or Treats, Easter Egg Hunts, or Winter Wonderlands, can help your school become a community hotspot. Keep these events free, but have people register through a landing page so you can follow up afterward. Revisit events like buddy weeks or open houses; these pre-COVID classics are often still powerful ways to bring in new faces. By becoming the go-to place for community gatherings, you establish your school as a friendly, family-centered business. Each event is a chance to strengthen bonds and build your reputation as the heart of the community.

4. The Farmer’s Market Hero
Here's a simple approach that's easy to implement but does require some investment—and it can earn you a lot of goodwill. We've all experienced setting up a booth at a community event only for it to be a complete flop. In our situation, the organizer forgot to include us in the booth diagram, so we ended up stuck behind another booth with no foot traffic whatsoever. Our solution? We decided to create our own foot traffic. We spotted a coffee truck at the event and went over with $300. We asked them to cover the next $300 worth of coffee orders and let customers know their coffee was gifted by us. What happened next was amazing: people started coming by one after another to thank us for the coffee. This not only generated goodwill but also gave us opportunities to talk to people about martial arts—conversations we wouldn't have had otherwise.

5. Schools, Schools, Schools
School partnerships are tried and true because they work. Build connections by donating supplies, sponsoring Parents Night Out fundraisers, or treating teachers to breakfast. Don’t let a “not right now” discourage you; consistency will put you at the top of their list when they need a partner or support for a future event. When they see that you’re a regular supporter, it establishes trust and shows you’re invested in the community. Over time, these connections can lead to event invitations, demo requests, or amazing long term partnerships.

🎙️ Must-Listen Podcasts for Martial Arts Business

Looking to take your martial arts school to the next level? These podcasts offer insights, advice, and stories from leaders who’ve been in the trenches and know what it takes to succeed. Here are our top picks:

The Relentless CEO Podcast with Adam Kifer

Big surprise, right? Adam Kifer dives into every aspect of running a martial arts business, bringing insights from his journey as a successful school owner. What sets this podcast apart is Adam’s roster of impressive guests, including legends both within and outside the martial arts industry. Just to name a few: Dave Kovar, Gary Brecka, Ernie Reyes Sr., Tim Grover, Jadi Tention, Cameron Herold, Jason Wilson, and more! From UFC Gym CEOs to thriving school owners, Adam’s guests are real people with real results, all sharing their knowledge to push the industry forward.

Where to Listen: Watch on YouTube

The Black Belt Business Podcast with Matthew Brenner

This rising favorite is hosted by Matthew Brenner, CEO of Double Your Dojo and a multi-location school owner. Matthew’s approach is refreshing—he’s a dedicated learner, always seeking insights from everyone he meets. You can tell he’s done his homework, asking the same questions we’re all thinking. Young, smart, and dedicated, Matthew represents the future of the martial arts industry, and his podcast is packed with practical insights.

Where to Listen: Watch on YouTube

Satori Masters Podcast with Dave Kovar

If you’re looking to elevate your mindset and your school, Satori Masters with Dave Kovar is essential listening. Dave has been a leader in martial arts instruction and business for decades, and he brings a lifetime of experience to each episode. Known for his integrity and commitment, Dave lives what he teaches, offering endless knowledge that’s invaluable for anyone serious about success in martial arts.

Where to Listen: Listen on Apple Podcasts

📖 What We're Reading: Never Lose a Customer Again by Joey Coleman

What We’re Reading: Never Lose a Customer Again by Joey Coleman

In this week’s "What We're Reading" section, we’re diving into Never Lose a Customer Again by Joey Coleman—a must-read for any martial arts school owner serious about creating a loyal student base and delivering a top-notch experience. Coleman’s book provides a blueprint for turning first-time customers into lifelong advocates, and we think the principles he shares are game-changers for martial arts schools.

Here are some key takeaways:

1. The First 100 Days Matter Most
   Coleman emphasizes that the first 100 days are critical to retaining customers. For school owners, this means paying close attention to a new student’s experience from their very first class. How you engage, follow up, and make them feel welcome in those early days will determine whether they stick around. Simple steps like follow-up emails, check-ins after their first few classes, and acknowledging their progress can make a huge difference.

2. Create Emotional Connections
   One of Coleman’s core ideas is that customers stay loyal when they feel emotionally connected. Martial arts schools are already community-focused, so building these bonds is a natural fit. Show genuine interest in each student’s progress, celebrate their milestones, and let them know they’re part of a larger family. This connection will make students feel valued and invested in your school.

3. Surprise and Delight
   People love surprises, and a well-timed positive surprise can boost customer loyalty. Consider adding small touches that create memorable moments for your students—whether it’s a surprise belt promotion ceremony, a handwritten note from the instructor, or a special shoutout in class. These moments don’t have to be big; they just need to show students that you’re paying attention and that you care.

4. Proactive Communication
   A key point Coleman discusses is staying proactive with communication to prevent churn. For martial arts schools, this means regularly checking in with students and parents, especially if someone seems to be missing classes or losing motivation. Being proactive shows you care about their journey and that you’re committed to helping them succeed.

5. Map Out the Student Journey
   Coleman suggests creating a detailed map of your customer’s journey, from the first interaction to years into their training. This practice helps school owners identify potential weak points in their process, ensuring that students feel supported and engaged every step of the way. Mapping out the journey is a powerful tool for refining your school’s approach and ensuring students have a positive experience at every touchpoint.

By implementing these strategies, martial arts school owners can elevate their student experience, improve retention rates, and build a reputation for exceptional care and attention. Coleman’s insights are a reminder that creating a loyal student base isn’t about luck—it’s about intention, effort, and a commitment to making every student feel like a valued part of the family.

📬 Have Something That Is Kick Worthy?

We know our readers have great ideas, insights, and stories to share! If you’ve got something that’s "kick-worthy"—whether it’s a success story, a marketing tip, or something that’s helping your school thrive—submit it to us at [email protected]. Your content could be featured in an upcoming edition of The Kick and shared with martial arts school owners around the world!

📅 We’re Back Next Week

That’s it for this edition of The Kick, but we’re just getting started! We’ll be back next week with more tips, strategies, and insights to help you keep pushing your martial arts school forward. Stay focused, keep taking action, and as always—let’s keep kicking it to the next level! 👊