After coming up with the idea, the next step in starting your martial arts studio should be to write a business plan. The business plan will make you focus on some important aspects of the business, such as who your customers are, how you plan to reach them, projecting sales and expenses, what makes you better than your competitors, and more. You’ll also need to do some research to calculate exactly what your startup expenses will be and what your ongoing expenses will be.

Not only will a bank require you to have a business plan if you need financing, but multiple studies have shown that having a good business plan increases the odds of starting a successful business. Writing the plan helps you to think through all the aspects of the business and then serves as a guide as you begin.

Related: How to write a business plan

Finding the perfect martial arts studio name can be challenging. Not only does the name have to reflect what you do and be appealing to customers, but it also has to be available to use. You can check your state’s website to see if the name is available and register your name. Your name should make you stand out, reflect your brand, and tell potential customers exactly what you do.

Related: Tips and ideas for naming a martial arts studio

A business entity refers to how a business is legally organized to operate. There are four primary business entities to choose from, which include the sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and Limited Liability Company (LLC). Each type of entity has its own pros and cons, such as liability exposure, costs, and administrative requirements.

When deciding on which business entity is best for a martial arts studio, it normally comes down to the sole proprietorship and Limited Liability Company.

A partnership opens the owners up to unnecessary personal liability because if a partner does something to get the business sued, or runs off with cash from the business, the other partners are personally liable to repay. The corporation can be a good choice because it separates the business assets from the owner’s assets. If the corporation is sued or certain business debts can’t be paid back, the owners aren’t personally responsible to repay them. The downside to the corporation is that it is more complicated than all the other entities and requires more administration than the LLC. If you plan on raising a lot of investment though, the corporation is usually the better choice.

That leaves the sole proprietorship and LLC.

The sole proprietorship is the least expensive and easiest entity to start which is appealing. The downside is the owner is personally liable should anything happen to the business, which is an important consideration. The LLC offers the ability to operate as a sole proprietorship with the liability protection of a corporation. Depending on the state, the cost to form an LLC runs from $40 – $500, which is pretty inexpensive for protecting the owners from business-related lawsuits and certain debts.

Related: 3 steps to forming your LLC
 

There are successful martial art schools that operate out of a simple garage all the way to dedicated studios. Some may even rent a small space to get started to see if there is interest in their classes.

Regardless, your studio should be in a convenient location with easy access for your target customers. You should also avoid being near another martial arts training facility so that there is less competition in your specific area. A studio in a high-traffic area will cost more to rent, but it can also generate walk-in business and general public awareness.

A facility with an already existing bathroom and shower, or even better, a locker room, will be an asset many students will be looking for – and save you considerable money over having to add one.

Related: Choosing a business location

You may need to obtain certain business licenses and permits. These permits and licenses can vary based on the state and town where the business is located. Some common local, state and federal registrations a Martial arts studio may need include a sales tax permit and an Employer Identification Number.

Related: Common business licenses, permits, and registrations by state

Coming up with a good business idea and having the skills to run it are one thing, but getting the funding to start a martial arts studio is another. In order to get a loan, the borrower(s) will need to have good credit and be able to invest 15-25% of their money towards the total start-up costs.

Related: Finding the money to start a business

Keeping your business and personal finances in separate bank accounts is important to track the income and expenses of your business and identify trends.
 
Many banks offer free business checking accounts, so be sure to find a cost-effective option for your business.

Acquiring customers will be a challenge and require ongoing marketing.

Common promotions for a martial arts studio include social media marketing, online advertising, and direct mail. demonstrations, and events. Offering demonstrations, hosting competitions, and bring-a-friend promotions are great ways to bring more people into your studio.

Related: Low-cost ideas to market a new business

The other challenge is that a martial arts school must maintain the highest safety standards. If someone is injured, you will have liability, so you need to consider insurance to protect the business. A couple of common types of coverage include:

– General liability insurance can help protect you from third-party claims of bodily injury and property damage.
– Worker’s compensation insurance covers expenses like medical bills and legal fees that a business might face if an employee were ever hurt while working.

The cost for a martial arts studio insurance will vary based on a number of factors. To get the most accurate idea of what to budget for insurance, request quotes from multiple providers. When comparing the quotes, consider not only the premiums but also how the plan exclusions, coverage limitations, and deductibles compare.

Related: What types of insurance does a martial arts studio need?

You will need employees to help you run your martial arts studio, and your teachers should be certified instructors.

In addition to salary costs, your budget will also need to include other employee-related expenses. Workman’s comp insurance, unemployment insurance, and paid time off are common expenses that a business will need to cover when hiring staff.

Related: Hiring your first employee

Setting up an accounting system for your martial arts studio is critical to the long-term success of your business.

Staying on top of taxes not only keeps the business out of trouble with the government but the numbers can be used to track and monitor trends and cash flow in the business and maximize profits.

Related: Setting up the accounting for your business