389 | In the Trenches: The Realities of Running a Martial Arts School

School Owner Talk

In this candid episode, Shihan Allie Alberigo and Duane Brumitt dive deep into the day-to-day challenges of running a martial arts school. From student attrition to managing finances, they discuss the emotional toll of navigating the ups and downs of business ownership. Shihan and Duane share their experiences of losing long-term students, the pain that comes with it, and how they’ve learned to develop thicker skin while maintaining their passion for teaching. They reflect on how the newer generation of students and parents often allow children to quit when they lose interest, posing a challenge for school owners trying to instill discipline and retain students. As seasoned martial arts instructors, they discuss how their energy levels and teaching styles have evolved with age, and share strategies for transitioning from head instructor to business owner. Shihan emphasizes the importance of fostering camaraderie among instructors through team-building events, while both hosts highlight the value of having a supportive network of fellow school owners to lean on. They also share exciting plans for their upcoming virtual class collaboration, where they will teach each other’s students remotely. Whether you're a martial arts school owner or instructor, this episode offers real-world insights into the challenges and rewards of staying in the trenches of martial arts business ownership.