Why did you begin teaching the martial arts?
I always wanted to be a teacher, and nothing seemed as rewarding as teaching martial arts. The martial arts combine many different disciplines: history, philosophy, kinesiology, wellness and more.
What is your school name and how did you choose it?
My school name is Rising Phoenix Martial Arts. I chose this name because my students, like the phoenix, ascend from their former conditions and become stronger than before.
<p><strong>What is your school's motto or student creed?<br/></strong>"Those born in the fire fade not in the sun." It's very similar to an ancient Indian proverb, which my grandmother gave me to read at my grandfather's funeral. I remember reading it and thinking how well it captured the spirit of my fledgling school.</p><p><strong>What is your personal teaching philosophy?<br/></strong>I try to meet people where they are and encourage them to be the best that they can. I love teaching all ages. With the 3- to 5-year-olds, you can radically change their trajectory. With the older folks, you can give them a feeling of physical accomplishment they haven't felt in years. I also really enjoy the unique challenges and rewards of teaching those with ADHD, autism and behavioral issues.</p>
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<p><strong>How long have you taught?<br/></strong>I started assisting with classes when I was 12. When I was 15, I started running classes for my head instructor. When I was 18, I went off to college and started my own program. After college, I went to Korea and taught over there. Coming back, I started my new school in Kyle, Texas, and that's where I am right now. In total, I have been teaching for about 20 years.</p><p><strong>Who or what inspires you?<br/></strong>My father and mother, of course, but also my grandfather Glenn A. Olds Jr., who was both an intellectual and a professional boxer; my great grandfather Glenn A. Olds Sr., who was a bare-knuckle boxing champion and, for a time, coached Jack Dempsey; and my masters throughout the years, in particular grandmasters Ki Moon Kwon, Jin Sup Hong and Bong Soo Ko.</p><p><strong>What is something unique that your school or your student body does well?<br/></strong>We have a very strong community, especially among the teens and adults. The class atmosphere is very positive and warm. I teach my leadership team to be the best friend of anyone that comes through the door. My school feels like my family. When I see my students becoming best friends, it makes me feel like I'm using my life well.</p><p><strong>What do you find most rewarding about working in the martial arts?<br/></strong>Bringing people together to share in a journey that has profoundly affected my life. I believe strongly in the benefits of the martial arts, and I think the most rewarding aspect of this business is when I see that same passion ignite in the eyes of my students.</p><p><strong>If you could give one bit of advice to fellow martial arts school owners, what would it be?<br/></strong>Start small. If you are persistent, you will eventually get there. In the game of life, the turtle beats the hare.</p><p><strong>School Owner<br/></strong>John Olds</p><p><strong>School Name<br/></strong>Rising Phoenix Martial Arts</p><p><strong>Location<br/></strong>Kyle, Texas</p><p><strong>Styles/Disciplines<br/></strong>Taekwondo and Oneway</p>
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ONE Championship is teaming with the United Nations to bring more voices to the table as part of the global organization's 75th anniversary.
The athletes of ONE are inviting their fans to participate in a one-minute survey from the UN that will inform global priorities moving forward.
Joining the initiative will be active competitors Vitor Belfort, "The Panda" Xiong Jing Nan, Yoshihiro "Sexyama" Akiyama, Ritu Phogat, Rika Ishige, Bi Nguyen, Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol, and ONE Championship Vice President Miesha Tate.
<p>On July 14th, ONE will also host a webinar entitled <em>Together As ONE #UN75</em>. The webinar will feature speakers discussing the role of sport, brand, and business industries have in unifying communities across the world.</p><p>Hua Fung Teh, Group President of ONE Championship, said, "I'm thrilled to be participating in this webinar with the UN, a global organization that drives international change and brings communities together."</p><p>"ONE Championship, like the UN, is a values-based organization, and our mission is to unleash real-life superheroes who ignite the world with hope, strength, dreams, and inspiration. We believe in the unifying power of sports, especially in these difficult times, and collaboration with entities like the UN represents our continued commitment to effect positive change in the community via our global platform."</p><p>The global pandemic has heightened the importance of unity and cooperation around the world as every nation faces the challenge together.</p><p>UN Under-Secretary-General Fabrizio Hochschild said, "It is absolutely crucial that we listen better to the concerns of people across the world and come up with effective solutions on how we can bring people closer together, overcome shared fears, and better serve future generations."</p><p>Joining Hua Fung and Hochschild will be Cheryl Goh, the Group Vice President of Marketing at Grab, and Dr. Daiana Beitler, the Regional Business Lead, Philanthropies at Microsoft Asia.</p><p>"Working with a dynamic organization like ONE Championship, we hope that together, we can make a meaningful impact through the UN75 initiative," stated Hochschild.</p><p>Fans can take the one-minute UN survey <a href="https://un75.online/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
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Why Every School Owner Must Have These Insights From Zen Planner!
Zen Planner's passion to power the martial arts experience for owners, instructors and students is palpable. That urgency to serve especially shines through in its Annual Martial Arts Benchmark Report. Zen Planner recently published its fourth report, and the company regards it as the strongest and most comprehensive edition yet. The purpose of the report is to lead martial arts school owners through every aspect of their business by combining unparalleled data with expert insights and actionable takeaways.
<p>The Annual Martial Arts Benchmark Report is segmented by number of active students into three primary classifications: Small, Medium and Large schools. In addition to the standard size classification, there is a fourth classification nicknamed "Champions" that highlights the most profitable martial arts businesses in the survey. These Champions earn at least $7,000 in monthly profits.</p><p>Two different classifications give two different ways to benchmark your own success, set goals and achieve even greater success as you grow your school. There are two primary data sources for the Annual Martial Arts Benchmark Report: the annual survey and the Zen Planner customer database. As we will cover later, a new addition to this year's report revolves around data pulled directly from Zen Planner's database of more than 2,400 martial arts customers.</p><p>Zen Planner's objective with the Annual Martial Arts Benchmark Report is to help school owners expand their impact and reach the Champions level of financial stability. They drive this by applying the key takeaways they have assembled through years of experience working with business owners and leveraging their longstanding partnerships with some of the industry's top leaders.</p><p>We asked Zen Planner a few questions about its Annual Martial Arts Benchmark Report and even got a sneak peek. </p>
<p><br/></p><p><strong>Question </strong><br/></p><h2>What value does the Benchmark Report provide for martial arts school owners?</h2><p>The Martial Arts Benchmark Report is a one-of-a-kind resource that shares quality data and expert recommendations for free. School owners can use the data and recommendations as a playbook for their own business decisions. Whether you are deciding where to invest your marketing dollars or how much mat space you need, we have already done the research for you. We analyze every area of the business and collaborate with the industry's leading experts.</p><p>Over the years, we have identified consistent patterns in the data, and this year's version is unquestionably the strongest yet. With that, we feel an intense responsibility to make sure as many school owners as possible have access to this knowledge.</p><p>Bryan Nay, general manager of Kovar Systems, reviewed the financial section of Zen Planner's 4th Annual Martial Arts Benchmark Report. Kovar Systems and Zen Planner are close partners who frequently collaborate on industry-leading educational initiatives. Here is Nay's key takeaway from this year's financial data:</p><p>Champions charge for the value they deliver and contain costs. Champions know the only way to stay in business and keep doing what they love is to understand both sides of the profit equation: Maximize revenue coming in and minimize expenses going out. A key part of maximizing revenue is pricing. Many school owners undervalue their service. We change people's lives for the better, and it's fair for you to earn a living doing it. As the data show, Champions understand this and charge appropriately for the value they deliver: a median price of $152 for unlimited monthly agreements.</p><p>On the expense side, control your wage line. Do you really need three instructors for a class of 10 students? Probably not. Also, revisit your monthly expenses. Are your office supplies, meal expenses or other "minor" expenses creeping up month over month? These things add up. Don't be afraid to ask for decreases on bigger items, too. For example, renegotiate your lease terms, if possible, and check for lower rates on collection fees and prices for wholesale gear. Small changes yield big results for Champions, allowing them to stay in business for the long haul and help more students. </p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3f8700dacda2774416c178c447815cdd" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="c3ac0" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://blackbeltmag.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQ0MDg3NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NDk5ODA0NH0.lgV6Y6A5dePgRsFTFqGSy3ZxSwjADHpwpbNSXT4BgaM/image.jpg?width=980"/>
</p><p><strong>Question</strong><br/></p><h2>How is this year's Benchmark Report different from previous versions?</h2><p>The 4th Annual Martial Arts Benchmark Report contains data directly sourced from our martial arts customer base of more than 2,400 schools and the Zen Planner software platform. The addition of our system data from all our martial arts customers has strengthened the report by reaffirming the trends and takeaways we have seen over the past several years while also adding more insights.</p><p>The Martial Arts Benchmark Report evolves every year thanks to feedback from school owners and readers. We organize this feedback and carefully review every question on our survey to identify new topics that need to be examined. While we publish the Martial Arts Benchmark Report once a year, it is truly a year-round project.</p><p><br/></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="746aa7e3d4a740dbb385a7659b0aada4" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="628a8" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://blackbeltmag.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQ0MDg5MC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwNTc0MzE4N30.2cWWYitP_97EjYfF2E5TITi3HYWNYPwDPvMck4hegHo/image.jpg?width=980"/>
</p><p><br/></p><p><strong>Key Takeaway</strong></p><h2>Champions and Large schools invest in marketing, especially digital and local advertising.</h2><p>Champions and Large schools see the value of both digital-marketing tactics and local advertisements. Facebook and Google Ads can help any school attract prospects beyond its event and referral marketing strategies. Champions clearly see the value in both Facebook and Google, with a combined investment of more than $10,000 a year. Paid ads also allow you to create highly targeted advertisements based on the ideal audience you want to reach. Before you invest in digital marketing, make sure your website is optimized to convert these new visitors into prospects.</p><p>Beyond these proven digital-marketing tactics, local advertisements allow martial arts schools to capture the local market's attention in an alternative way. Champions invest in local advertising, too, spending more than $3,000 a year. Local advertisement sources are less noisy than social media and should be trusted in the community. Whether online or on paper, make sure you have a hyperlocal focus in your marketing strategy.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="024f8767fc310ac715bc90fb2a6503b9" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="d5df5" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://blackbeltmag.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQ0MDg4MC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwNTY0NzA2Mn0.7hQGbHOtSpY8sV-dcgc0CRlTvZGK2GTq1vwAxZUEVSM/image.jpg?width=980"/>
</p><p><strong>Key Takeaway</strong><br/></p><h2>Champions commit to the journey and focus on the long term.</h2><p>Building a profitable martial arts business takes time. Eighty percent of Champions have been in business for at least five years, with an astounding 30 percent having been in business for 16 years or longer.</p><p>In the same way, building a large student base takes time. Eighty-five percent of the Large schools have been in business for at least five years, with 32 percent having been in business for 16 years or longer. Use each year in business for learning and refinement. Be patient, strive for profitability and keep delighting your community.</p><p>Zen Planner will share more insights like these at the Martial Arts SuperShow, where the company once again will present a keynote address on the Martial Arts Benchmark Report findings. The 2020 Martial Arts SuperShow takes place June 29-July 2 in Las Vegas.</p><p> <strong>Key Takeaway </strong></p><h2>Champions save time and grow their community by hiring trusted, external solutions.</h2><p>Owning and operating a martial arts business is hard work; don't try to do it all yourself. Champions create margin in their daily lives by using solutions like student-management software, accounting software, tax services and website development.</p><p>Student-management software and website development improve the martial arts experience for students, instructors and owners. Tasks normally completed by you or staff members can be completed by software so you can focus on growing the business and engaging the community.</p><p>Modern, lead-optimized websites help martial arts schools attract and nurture more prospective students. Autopay and detailed reporting help you generate reliable revenue, manage your finances and get the bills paid. The ability to organize and share your curriculum with students connects and inspires the community, fueling skill progression, engagement outside the school walls and student retention.</p><p>With these examples, it's easy to see why 75 percent of Champions use student-management software and 51 percent hire website developers. Before investing in additional personnel resources, consider adding solutions like these for a fraction of the cost.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="71e977419bdddc190d01f8466813202d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="5eb5c" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://blackbeltmag.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQ0MDg4Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyOTA0OTE2MX0.nF8iwEKhEPnyIhaSQ8i-GfyRj-pBgSYUpu-jX2L0ea4/image.jpg?width=980"/>
</p><p><strong> Actionable Item </strong><br/></p><h2>Master your business to transform more lives.</h2><p>Every person measures success differently. For many martial arts school owners, that metric is not income; it is number of lives impacted. The business reality is that the more financially stable your school is, the more opportunities you will have to create a more massive impact. This opportunity is why Zen Planner is so eager to share the Annual Martial Arts Benchmark Report and so passionate about promoting health and wellness throughout the world.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7c8b80a11cb21672310c368398d543d6" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="c91d4" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://blackbeltmag.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQ0MDg4NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxNzE0MjcyNn0.Gr75Zz3TgHzqE2ulcj3khcVq2eydBEhi__3370UgXyM/image.jpg?width=980"/>
</p><p>To master your business and transform more lives, review the data in Zen Planner's Martial Arts Benchmark Report and create an actionable strategy framework based on the expert insights. Get your free copy of the Martial Arts Benchmark Report at <a href="http://zenplanner.com/martialarts" target="_blank">zenplanner.com/martialarts</a> and don't forget to visit Zen Planner at the 2020 Martial Arts SuperShow.<br/></p>
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The half-way point of 2020 is fast approaching, in a year that has brought a string of events many of us couldn't have anticipated as it started. A viral pandemic effectively shut down business across the world for two full months; every customer-facing business had to shift to zero-contact models to help slow down community transmission of the novel coronavirus.
Heading into July, many areas across North America—and the rest of the world—are cautiously, optimistically navigating reopening for the summer.
<p>One sector that has been particularly hard-hit is the fitness industry—including martial arts. In a line of work which often involves one-on-one contact, the risk of infection was far too great to allow students in the building for lessons. Instead, many martial arts schools closed their doors before receiving instructions to do so from the government. Some schools have shut down altogether, while others have turned to virtual classes to stay online. But one thing remains clear heading into the future ahead: the landscape of martial arts will never be the way it once was.</p><p><em>"At the end of the day, we're fighters. We're martial artists. You get knocked down, you get up again and go." </em><br/> - Master Ingrid Katzberg, Co-Owner & Head Instructor, Champions Martial Arts Academy</p><h2>What has changed?</h2><p>The greatest changes to dojos today are physical distancing, limiting class sizes, and ramping up sanitization protocols. These efforts combined together make enormous strides towards eliminating the risk of COVID-19 altogether. How do they work?</p><p><strong>Physical distancing </strong></p><p>Physical distancing is defined as "keeping two meters (six feet) away from one another". When physical distancing can't be maintained, it's recommended to wear a mask. There are concerns about wearing masks while undergoing vigorous activity, as they may not provide the oxygen and ventilation we need during a workout. It is recommended to allow students to wear masks if they wish, but not make them mandatory if proper physical distancing is enforced.</p><p><em>"Be ready for great growth, be ready for parents and students to be knocking on your window, begging to come in."</em> <br/> - Sensei Jason Wenneberg, Head Instructor, American Martial Arts Academy</p><p><br/></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ed5aa2a1f53b7c528448450121b5848c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="5c5f6" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://blackbeltmag.com/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQ0MzQ3NS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTU5NDM0Nzk5OH0.4wgMUbEP3L9mzTGrrbWnQhQqRp436T_oNMqwAuim5Ao/image.png?width=980"/>
</p><p><br/></p><p><strong>Limiting class sizes</strong></p><p>When capacity is limited, students and staff inside the school have more room to move around and practically distance themselves from others. This measure reduces the difficulty to practice social distancing in high-traffic buildings, and lowers the chance of infection. To establish how many people can be inside your school at a time, measure the square-footage of your space to see how many people can properly maintain two meters of space between one another. As well, connect with your local occupational safety board to ensure your school's allowance is under their recommended limits.</p><p><em>"For anyone who's feeling a little nervous, do what martial arts teaches us to do to overcome a situation: adapt, improvise and overcome." <br/> </em> - Grandmaster Tim Wakefield, Owner & Instructor, Shaolin Martial Arts Canada</p><p><strong>Boosting Sanitization Procedures</strong></p><p>Cleaning surfaces in your school thoroughly and often can help prevent the spread of illnesses, including the novel coronavirus. All frequently touched surfaces, including toilets, sink tap handles, doorknobs, light switches, tables, floors, and equipment should be cleaned at least daily, ideally between every class. As well, ensure your staff and visitors are practicing proper handwashing, too. Viruses such as COVID-19 can be broken down by any antibacterial soap, so washing often with warm water for at least 30 seconds is critical in ending the transmission chain before an outbreak occurs.</p><p> Now that the 'new normal' is a reality, what can you do to make the most of this situation? <a href="https://blog.perfectmind.com/online-martial-arts-classes" target="_blank">Read more to learn about how Sensei Jason Wenneberg of the American Martial Arts Academy turned everything around and found success even in unknown territory.</a></p>
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wning and operating your own dojo can be a dream come true for some. Passing along the knowledge is a tradition as old as the martial arts themselves. But for this process to succeed, would-be teachers must first secure a building, purchase insurance and market themselves.
The next step is just as crucial: Assemble a staff. You might start out working solo, but to grow, you'll need more people. Finding the best instructors is essential, and keeping them happy and motivated will put you on the road to long-term success. The following are my suggestions for maintaining a ship-shape crew:
<h2>Send them to school.</h2><p>The best instructors are the most educated instructors. Send them to seminars. Bring them to hear a motivational speaker. Invite them to join you at the Martial Arts SuperShow in Las Vegas. Encourage them to register online for a certification and offer to cover the cost.</p><p>By broadening their skill set, you're allowing your business to grow from the inside out, priming the pump so you eventually can promote from within. Part of what's needed to grow your bottom line is growing your instructors along the way.A fringe benefit is they will appreciate your investment in their future. It's a win/win for everyone!<br/></p><h2>Shout it from the mountaintop.</h2><p>Everyone likes being acknowledged for his or her hard work, be sure to give shout-outs to your staff whenever they provide terrific service.</p><p>Also, refer to them by name when you're being interviewed by local news crews. Brag about their accomplishments on social media. Call them onstage to be recognized during parent's night festivities. Your praise will let them know how much you appreciate their dedication and commitment to excellence, and your students will realize how lucky they are to be at your school.</p><h2>Lend them your ear.</h2><p>Many times when excellent instructors decide to permanently leave a dojo, they'll tell you that they felt like their voice wasn't being heard. That means their suggestions, opinions and needs were falling on deaf ears.</p><p>These people are intimately entwined with your business. Their perspective should be listened to and duly noted. Your dojo will benefit from their insights, and it's likely that small changes can be made from their suggestions in a way that will benefit your school. Of course, not every suggestion must be implemented, but simply by taking the time to listen and granting them the respect of your undivided attention, your leadership abilities will rise.<br/></p><h2>Get thee to a gym.</h2><p>It takes physical prowess to perform martial arts at a high level. However, many instructors fall out of shape because of busy schedules, outside stress and poor eating habits. Take a proactive approach by setting up a corporate membership at a local gym so all staff members can work out for one low price.</p><p>Besides improving their physical appearance, the endorphins that exercise releases will do wonders for everyone's mental health. One way to accomplish this is to offer your students the SLEEK NINJA program. It will help align their exercise, diet and sleep patterns, and the transformations they undergo will inspire your instructors to get in shape, too.</p><h2>Show them the Golden Path.</h2><p>How do you give your employees room to grow? Yes, eventually you will retire, and then one of them can advance to your position — but until then? They may believe that the only way to advance is to leave your dojo, and neither side wants that.</p><p>Look for ways to expand your dojo by adding incentives, such as title changes. Being Head Instructor or Demo Team Coach adds appeal and merit. Encourage your instructors to become ambassadors of the school, helping increase membership and overall interest. Show them a solid path for career development, and they'll remain your faithful foot soldiers deep into the battle. </p>
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