Whether you are just starting out or taking your business to the next level Martial Arts Australia can help you achieve your goals.

MAA is not like any Martial Arts Association you have known or been a part of, so you can't compare us. We came from a non for profit association mindset to create an industry governing body with a corporate structure to work with large companies and other networks.

It doesn't operate with volunteers hoping to get things done, it ensures things are done by employing professional staff, engaging contractors, business consultants and by working with joint ventures / partnerships programs. This is how it has grown from 6 karate clubs in 1993 to 1000s clubs today presenting virtually every martial arts style. It also has its own 'One Stop Shop' with multiple services / products for instructors / school owners.

Here are some of the things you should consider if you are looking to open your own school. The first thing you should do is select a membership because you get a lot of things you can use straight away.

There are Coaching Courses especially tailored for School Owners and assistant instructors that ticks all the boxes and is at a price that is affordable for everyone – Australian Martial Arts Coaching Scheme (AMACS).

Stage 1: Qualifications –
Get the right qualifications, checks and licenses so now you need to look at martial arts insurance to protect both you and your students.

Stage 2: Insurance –
There are a number of polices to cover all areas of your business but not every school owner will take them out. Public Liability and Professional Indemnity / Civil Liability is the standard package and Player Accident and Income Protect as a second layer of protection.

Stage 3: Curriculum –
This is what you sell – What are you going to teach? Not sure! Can you buy great curriculums? Yes try this one! Is it what the public want in your area? Is your training syllabus easy to follow do you know it off by heart? You can also sell martial arts equipment and other products (DVDs / Books) as a supplement to student fees. Take a look at Martial Arts Universities (goes to another site) for extra training at the highest level.

Stage 4: Policy & Procedures – OH&S –
Incident reporting book, blood rule and other polices need to be formalised and implemented. Membership sign up forms (waivers), communication with students and other protocols should be made.

Stage 5: Location – Where are you going to teach? Church hall, Community Centre, Fitness Centre, Scout Hall, PCYC, WMCA, school hall, from home, lease/buy a factory. The choices are varied and will depend on how much of an investment you want to put in and each one having their advantages and disadvantages.

Stage 6: Advertising – Let’s face it you can be the best and most skilful /qualified master in the world but unless the students know where they can find you, there isn’t a school. In all my years of experience I haven’t found one model that works all the time and what worked several years back doesn’t work as well today. Advertising needs to be confident / repetitive and far reaching in all the ways that people search for information / your service. You need leads, that is people calling you, better still turning up at your school and then you need to sell them your service and you have a better chance of doing that speaking face to face. Get the ultimate online marketing solution combining multiple elements including a website

ESSENTIAL TOOLS:
Website, Mobile APP, listings in community directories, flyers, business cards, a brand to identify you, cash flow, positive attitude and you need to protect it all with insurance, waivers and the appropriate risk management policies and procedures.

EVERY COACH IS DIFFERENT AND SO ARE YOUR NEEDS - BECOMING AN MAA MEMBER GIVES YOU ACCESS TO A GREAT NETWORK OF PEOPLE AND RESOURCES