🥱 The 7 Boring Things That Make or Break a Martial Arts School 🥋

Most martial arts school owners are searching for that one game-changing tactic that will take their school to the next level. But the reality? It’s not about flashy marketing tricks or the latest “industry secret.”

The most successful schools aren’t built on hype—they’re built on consistent execution of the boring fundamentals. These are the things that separate the thriving schools from the ones that are just getting by. Ignore them, and you’ll struggle. Master them (yes, even when they’re boring), and your school will grow faster and stronger than ever.

Here are the seven “boring” things that make or break a martial arts school:

1. Call Your Leads (Multiple Times) in the First 48 Hours 📞

I can take 100 leads and give them to two different schools. One will convert 10% into trials. The other? 40%. The difference? One actually calls their leads.

The best schools are lead hawks. They block time daily to call leads within the first 5 minutes of submission and don’t give up just because someone didn’t answer on the first try. Automated emails and texts are great—but they don’t replace human connection.

Just two weeks ago, we sold a trial to someone who had been in our system for 1.5 years. Why? Because we kept reaching out. If you’re not calling your leads multiple times in the first 48 hours, you’re leaving money on the table.

2. Get Out in the Community 🌎

Facebook and Google are not going to build your school for you. If you rely on third-party platforms to grow your business, your success is no longer in your hands.

The best school owners get out and hustle. They shake hands, build relationships, and become known in the community.

• Business-to-business partnerships

• School talks and after-school programs

• Community events and festivals

These are the things that create real brand awareness. Stop waiting for leads to magically appear in your inbox—get outside and make it happen.

3. Roleplay (Yes, Really) 🎭

Martial artists will throw side kicks until their leg falls off… but when it comes to roleplaying a sales script, a phone call, or even how to correct a student? Crickets.

If reps on the mat get you to black belt, not doing business reps keeps you a white belt in business.

• Sales calls should be roleplayed regularly

• Objection handling should be practiced like a kata

• Corrections in class should be rehearsed so they come out naturally

You don’t just know how to do this stuff—you need to train it like any other skill.

4. Know Your Numbers 📊

A blood test tells a doctor everything about your health. Your KPIs do the same for your business.

The problem? Too many school owners are avoiding their numbers like bad news from the doctor. They tell themselves:

❌ “I’m not good with numbers.”
❌ “I’ll check later when things calm down.”
❌ “I have a feeling we’re doing okay.”

Here’s the truth: If you don’t know your numbers, you don’t know your business.

Your attendance, retention rates, lead conversion, and revenue per student all tell a story. If you ignore them, you’re flying blind. Track them weekly, and you’ll never wonder why growth is stalling.

5. Say “No” More Often ❌

The best entrepreneurs are great at saying no.

They don’t chase every new idea, every new software, every new seminar. Instead, they focus on being the best at what they’re already doing.

Most school owners distract themselves with the next “shiny object” instead of doubling down on what already works.

Before you say yes to something new, ask yourself:
✅ Does this align with my vision for the school?
✅ Will this make a real impact on revenue or retention?
✅ Is this more valuable than improving what we’re already doing?

If not? Say no. Stay focused. Dominate your lane.

None of this is sexy. None of this is flashy. But this is what separates the top 5% of schools from the rest.

The best part? These things don’t cost you a dime. They just require discipline, effort, and consistency.

Start implementing these, and you’ll be amazed at what happens next. 🚀 

This week’s social highlights are packed with powerful business, mindset, and leadership insights to help you sharpen your skills as a school owner. Check them out and bring these lessons to your team and students!

🔥 Kelly Murray – Good to Great Leadership
The difference between good and great schools? Leadership that pushes for excellence. Kelly breaks down the key mindset shifts that separate top-tier school owners from the rest.
👉 Read Here (Facebook Post)

🔥 Alex Hormozi – You Have More Time Than You Think
Feeling like there’s never enough time? Hormozi explains why time isn’t the issue—prioritization is. If you’re serious about growth, this one’s a must-watch.
👉 Watch Here (Facebook Reel)

🔥 Dan Martell – Parenting Advice That Also Works for Your Students
Leading students isn’t so different from raising strong, independent kids. Dan shares a powerful lesson on coaching students (and employees) toward long-term success.
👉 Watch Here (Facebook Reel)

🔥 Ryan Holiday – It Will Be Harder to Undo Than to Do
Every decision has consequences—some harder to fix than others. Ryan reminds us why thinking long-term in business and life matters more than chasing quick wins.
👉 Read Here (Facebook Post)

🔥 Mel Robbins – The Only Thing Separating You from the Best 
Think the people at the top are different from you? Mel breaks down why the only thing stopping you from extraordinary success is the action you take today.
👉 Read Here (Facebook Post)

🔥 Check out these posts, apply what resonates, and keep pushing forward! 

😂 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.