🙌 7 Habits of Highly Successful School Owners

Success leaves clues, and after interviewing over 100 top school owners across the country, a few common traits stand out. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your school to the next level, these seven habits will help you stay ahead of the game.

1. They Treat Their Business as a Business Just as Much as It Is a Martial Arts School.

While their passion for martial arts is what got them started, they know that passion alone won’t pay the bills. They invest time in learning about business operations—marketing, finance, team management, and customer service—so they can run a profitable school. They also understand that wearing both hats, instructor and business owner, requires strategic delegation and discipline to ensure both sides of the operation thrive.

2. They KNOW THEIR NUMBERS & Set Daily Goals.

Tracking key metrics like revenue, expenses, and attrition helps them stay in control and make informed decisions. They don’t just track “feel-good” numbers, but focus on profitability, cash flow, and marketing ROI. Breaking annual goals into daily, actionable targets allows them to maintain a laser focus and course-correct quickly if needed. For instance, they analyze trends like seasonal dips and adjust their marketing efforts accordingly.

Pro Tip: Avoid dividing monthly goals by calendar days. Instead, focus only on the days your school is open to set realistic targets.

3. They Develop a Unique Culture.

Walking into their school, you can instantly feel the atmosphere they’ve intentionally created. Whether it’s a family-friendly vibe, a competition-driven environment, or a deep sense of tradition, everything aligns with their core values and mission statement. They reinforce this culture daily through how they communicate, the way their staff interacts, and even the way their facility is designed and maintained.

Successful school owners know that culture isn’t accidental—it’s built with purpose and consistency. They make sure their team and students understand and embrace it every step of the way.

4. They Manage Their Time with Precision.

Every hour of their day is accounted for. They don’t just “wing it”—they time-block their schedules to focus on key priorities like training, marketing, and personal development. Successful owners use tools like project management software and daily to-do lists to stay on track and avoid distractions.

In addition, they plan their entire year in advance—mapping out events, promotions, and seasonal pushes to ensure they’re always ahead of the curve. This foresight helps them avoid last-minute scrambles and allows for seamless execution of their plans.

5. They Invest in Their Personal Development.

Reading books, attending seminars, and networking with industry leaders are non-negotiables for them. They understand that the better they are, the better their school will be. They focus on continuous learning to improve their leadership skills, marketing strategies, and operational systems.

They surround themselves with successful peers who challenge their thinking and force them to grow. Whether through masterminds or mentorship programs, they seek out environments where they’re not the smartest person in the room—because they know that’s where the real growth happens.

Looking for one of those rooms? Check out www.impaktmastermind.com.

6. Team Training Is a Priority.

Top owners don’t just train their team in martial arts; they train them in leadership, communication, and customer service. They conduct weekly role-playing sessions to sharpen their staff’s ability to handle objections, motivate students, and deliver high-quality classes.

They also prioritize team bonding activities, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared vision within their staff. This investment in their team pays off big time—not only in student retention but in creating a school that runs like a well-oiled machine, even when they’re not around.

7. They Focus on Quality as Much as Quantity.

In today’s world, where martial arts is everywhere—on social media, in the UFC, and in movies—parents can recognize quality. Successful owners focus on maintaining high standards by never lowering the bar for students but instead coaching them up to meet expectations.

They implement structured class plans, detailed curriculum guides, and progress tracking systems to ensure every class is consistent and impactful. They know that long-term retention and referrals come from delivering a product that exceeds expectations every time.

Wrapping It Up...

Success in running a martial arts school isn’t luck—it’s the result of intentional habits, strategic planning, and a dedication to excellence. Start implementing these habits, and watch how they transform your school’s growth, culture, and profitability.

Remember, consistency is key. Start with one or two of these habits and build from there. Small improvements every day lead to massive results down the road.

Here’s what’s Kickin’ on Social This Week… 🔥

We’ve rounded up some of the best insights from the martial arts community to help you refine your leadership, instruction, and personal growth. Take a look, apply what resonates, and keep moving forward!

1. Win or Learn – Mindset Shift for Growth
   This post is a great reminder that every challenge is an opportunity to improve. Success is about learning, adapting, and staying in the fight.
   👉 Watch Here

2. Active Instructors = Engaged Students
   Jadi Tention asks are you an active instructor? It is critical for student development and retention. Are you bringing the right energy to the mat?
   👉 Read Post

3. AI Can’t Replace Human Connection
   Kelly Murray dives into why personal relationships matter more than ever in today’s tech-driven world. Your genuine connection with your team, students and families is your biggest asset.
   👉 Check It Out

4. Edit Your Circle for Success
   Adam Kifer shares why surrounding yourself with the right people—those who provide honest, constructive feedback—is key to growth in business and life.
   👉 Watch Now

5. Self-Defense Tip of the Day
   Anne Kirk offers a practical self-defense tip that everyone should know. Share it with your students and help them stay safe and confident in any situation.
   👉 Read More

Jump in, engage with these posts, and let’s keep leveling up together! 💪

😂 Martial Memes

These memes hit home for all of us martial artists and gave us a good chuckle. Click on the image to view the original account that posted each meme. Enjoy!

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