How to Promote a Martial Arts School

Every day dozens of new martial arts schools open in the United States. To survive, a martial arts school must promote itself so that potential students choose it over the other options in the area. The owner must promote a martial arts school so that it becomes an established and trusted authority in the area and cannot rely on the reputation of the style of martial arts taught. Read on to learn how to promote a martial arts school.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Invest in a distinctive logo featuring the school's name. Purchase clothing featuring the logo to be worn by anyone appearing on behalf of the school. Simple T-shirts featuring a large logo on front or back will suffice. Also create letterhead featuring the logo and use it for all promotional contacts.
2. Build a website and include the URL in everything. Websites are inexpensive but they are mandatory in today's business environment. Even if the website only has logo, directions to the school and a class schedule it will help promote the school.
3. Offer at least one free introductory class or free uniforms with a six-month contract with a coupon that can be passed out at any events attended by the school.
4. Choreograph an exciting and flashy demonstration that can be performed for the public at fairs, parades and similar events. This could be a choreographed fight sequence, musical forms, weapon demonstrations or breaking stunts. A team or a single instructor could be used, depending on the performance.
5. Compile a list of events that may be interested in such a demonstration and offer the school's services for free. The idea is to promote the martial arts school, not make a living as a performer.
6. Design a practical self-defense seminar that can be offered at little or no cost. This may be a single day class or a short series delivered over several weeks. Offer the seminars to various groups in the community such as scouting programs, youth clubs, parents' groups, community centers and other organizations.
7. Offer to consult with local media groups as a self-defense expert. This could take the form of a list of tips for the newspaper or a segment on basic self-defense techniques for local television news programs.

Tips & Warnings

• Promoting any business is a long-term process that should be continued even after the business becomes established.
• Remember that 95 percent of all offers will be ignored or rejected. Prepare for rejection.