I need some advice

[WC_Lun]

A few years ago I stopped teaching martial arts. At the time I was teaching for an already established school. I'm now trying to get some students to teach myself. Unfortunatly, I'll be teaching outta my yard till I can get a student base then get a loan to rent training space somewhere. Sucks, but that's how it goes.

Anywho, I've got questions. Do you have printed rules that students must sign before training? Are there different rules for adults and minors? Do you think they are really necessary? Just trying to cover my bases here.

I do have a release form holding myself by name and the management company I rent from free from liable, so I think I'm good there.

Any advice would be welcome...even if I don't take it

[TRIANGLEFROMGAURD]

Lun,

Rules of conduct are pretty much an absolute must. I kind of started my gym real lax on the rules and I'll tell you that was a big mistake. I'm friends with some of my students thats just how it goes but, before I started enforcing protocol every new person that joined would just instantly adopt that same feeling of familiarity that my seasoned guys had and, thats not really professional. Your students during class whether friend or not should call you sifu and nothing else. Like I had my first fighters and we would go out and drink or go see a movie and they would just call me Andy, then everybody started calling me Andy. It got to the point where parents would come in to check out the school and would be like ok so who's the instructor. So long story short everybody calls me coach or sir no matter if we're going out drinking after class.

Remember that rules are for the best of everyone involved in the school. I never thought that I really would need a hygiene rule and then I got ring worm. So yeah rule it up man. If you want I'll send you a copy of the rules that I use, some seem pretty much like common sense but, honestly you need it in writing.

[john55]

Originally Posted by WC_Lun

A few years ago I stopped teaching martial arts. At the time I was teaching for an already established school. I'm now trying to get some students to teach myself. Unfortunatly, I'll be teaching outta my yard till I can get a student base then get a loan to rent training space somewhere. Sucks, but that's how it goes.

Anywho, I've got questions. Do you have printed rules that students must sign before training? Are there different rules for adults and minors? Do you think they are really necessary? Just trying to cover my bases here.

I do have a release form holding myself by name and the management company I rent from free from liable, so I think I'm good there.

Any advice would be welcome...even if I don't take it

From someone who has a small business on the side, although not in martial arts, YOU NEED A BUSINESS PLAN. In that plan you should have all of your rules etc. The more upfront work you do and plan for, the easier time you will have when the business starts.

Also, I think one of the best thing you can do for your students (that no school i have ever been to does) is to give them a packet or even a CD with the history of your art, info about you and your school, and your curriculum and rules. I think this simple thing would help retain students. Sometimes students are in an art and just feel blind as they dont know whats going on for the first few months and they just quit.

Another thing that would be good...a web forum where students and potential students could communicate with you and each other.

[WC_Lun]

Originally Posted by TRIANGLEFROMGAURD

Lun,

Rules of conduct are pretty much an absolute must. I kind of started my gym real lax on the rules and I'll tell you that was a big mistake. I'm friends with some of my students thats just how it goes but, before I started enforcing protocol every new person that joined would just instantly adopt that same feeling of familiarity that my seasoned guys had and, thats not really professional. Your students during class whether friend or not should call you sifu and nothing else. Like I had my first fighters and we would go out and drink or go see a movie and they would just call me Andy, then everybody started calling me Andy. It got to the point where parents would come in to check out the school and would be like ok so who's the instructor. So long story short everybody calls me coach or sir no matter if we're going out drinking after class.

Remember that rules are for the best of everyone involved in the school. I never thought that I really would need a hygiene rule and then I got ring worm. So yeah rule it up man. If you want I'll send you a copy of the rules that I use, some seem pretty much like common sense but, honestly you need it in writing.

I have been working on a few rules and showing the respect to call me Sifu or sir I had forgotten about. Makes a lot of sense. The hygene I hadn't forgotten about. I've had MRSA and nearly died from it so I'm not gonna allow anyone I teach to get or spread the base infection ( can't remember the name ) or MSRA if I can help it. Its been a long time since I've seen one of those rule guidlines, so my memory is a bit fuzzy on what was in the last one I signed. Triangle, if you still have my email address could you send me your doc ( along with that vid LOL )when you get a chance, so I can get some ideas?

From someone who has a small business on the side, although not in martial arts, YOU NEED A BUSINESS PLAN. In that plan you should have all of your rules etc. The more upfront work you do and plan for, the easier time you will have when the business starts.

Also, I think one of the best thing you can do for your students (that no school i have ever been to does) is to give them a packet or even a CD with the history of your art, info about you and your school, and your curriculum and rules. I think this simple thing would help retain students. Sometimes students are in an art and just feel blind as they dont know whats going on for the first few months and they just quit.
Another thing that would be good...a web forum where students and potential students could communicate with you and each other

John, I understand what you are saying about the work up front. I'm trying to get everything in place so when I get students it'll seem as professional as possible...well as professional as teaching out of my yard can be. I did teach for quite a while and helped run some of the business side of a school in the past, so fortunatley I have some experience about what to do and what I don't want to do. A bio of myself and my teachers is an excellent idea. I know many people are interested in lineage. I could built a web site, but I don't really have the know how or the money to create forums. That a good idea too, but think I'll save it for when I have a higher count of students.

[47MartialMan]

Originally Posted by WC_Lun

Stop being an ass. Oh no, someone has questioned the great old buzzard so now he's gonna pout and post about it in EVERY THREAD. Why don't you keep it to the appropriate threads so people can choose whether or not to read about your hurt feelings? ,,,and yes, if you hve something of value to contribute, then my all means do so. If its more of this tripe then pad your posting numbers somewhere else.

You are somewhat right. Though, it isnt about post numbers as a Buzzard has to pick.

Not to hinge on john 55., but a business plan is the first thing.


Put pencil to paper on your kitchen table and try to figure out as much details as possible. Even go as far as to seek out a advisor.

Careful teaching out of the yard/residence, esp if you own it.

Rules should always be form/ptrinted/understood. This why they back up your actions.

Different rules for adults and kids. (Afterall, they are different types of people)

Release forms should be inpsected by qualified legal representatives before signing, creating and/or implementing.

Many parents are reluctant to bring a kid to a yard/residence than a buisness, though in the "ol days", it was the other way around.

(But hey, what do I know, I didnt post my expereince so I have none. )

[TRIANGLEFROMGAURD]

I will get you those docs this weekend along with the vid lol. I'll also send you a copy of the insurance waiver I use. MM47 is right about the different rules for adults and kids as well as the business plan, You can even find some services online that will help you with that for free. As far as the website goes myspace is a free viable alternative although I do plan on having a dedicated web page soon. As far as training area's go the yard or garage is fine depending on the type of art. I know of a few successful MMA schools around me that are ran out of a garage, heck one of their students was on last season of TUF. You may also want to consider doing a weekend class in the park now that the weather is getting better.

Running a school can be awesome but, you have to do it smart. I'll pm you some more stuff this weekend.

[WC_Lun]

I don't have a garage, but about an acre of yard. Back yard is semi-private, so kinda like a park. I have a very good network already set up for word of mouth/ business card advertising, including my in-laws church which has a HUGE congregation. Trying to actually get my foot in the door at a couple of churches to teach some kids. My only issue with that is I think the Wing CHun I do is too advanced for kids so I might have to teach the other stuff, which I feel is too watered down. Decisions, desicions. LOL

Triangle, I appreciate any help you give...this includes everyone else too.

[john55]

Originally Posted by WC_Lun

John, I understand what you are saying about the work up front. I'm trying to get everything in place so when I get students it'll seem as professional as possible...well as professional as teaching out of my yard can be. I did teach for quite a while and helped run some of the business side of a school in the past, so fortunatley I have some experience about what to do and what I don't want to do. A bio of myself and my teachers is an excellent idea. I know many people are interested in lineage. I could built a web site, but I don't really have the know how or the money to create forums. That a good idea too, but think I'll save it for when I have a higher count of students.

If you dont know how to make a page, make a MYSPACE page. That will at least give you web presence and you can put your schedule, bio etc on it. Plus people will be able to find you by searching online, which is how I would think most people do it.

If you actually get a webpage, let me know and I can help you put together a forum pretty easily. You can buy a website for about $50 a year, you just need to know how to build it. You can get a forum, similar to this one for FREE and they are pretty easy to set up. One example forum is PHPBB.

[47MartialMan]

Originally Posted by WC_Lun

I don't have a garage, but about an acre of yard. Back yard is semi-private, so kinda like a park. I have a very good network already set up for word of mouth/ business card advertising, including my in-laws church which has a HUGE congregation. Trying to actually get my foot in the door at a couple of churches to teach some kids. My only issue with that is I think the Wing CHun I do is too advanced for kids so I might have to teach the other stuff, which I feel is too watered down. Decisions, desicions. LOL

Triangle, I appreciate any help you give...this includes everyone else too.

Before opening my schools, I had taught and practiced in many yards/parks.

I caution if done on private/residential property.

I tried church groups, they tend to think its a distraction of religion.

And though a few churches had acccepted, the numbers started good, but it dwindled as there are too many other church activities.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by john55

If you dont know how to make a page, make a MYSPACE page. That will at least give you web presence and you can put your schedule, bio etc on it. Plus people will be able to find you by searching online, which is how I would think most people do it.

If you actually get a webpage, let me know and I can help you put together a forum pretty easily. You can buy a website for about $50 a year, you just need to know how to build it. You can get a forum, similar to this one for FREE and they are pretty easy to set up. One example forum is PHPBB.

Erm I don't know much about running businesses or stuff, but as a veteran nerd, I find that prettier sites look more legitimate. I've been looking around for schools online for quite a bit, and I always find that the better looking a site is, the more I find myself interested and more trusting in.

[john55]

Originally Posted by GoddeBPM

Erm I don't know much about running businesses or stuff, but as a veteran nerd, I find that prettier sites look more legitimate. I've been looking around for schools online for quite a bit, and I always find that the better looking a site is, the more I find myself interested and more trusting in.

Yes and No. Pretty sites are nice but content is king. For my businesses I have both a website and a myspace page. A lot of companies have myspace pages now as well as lots of small businesses. The great thing about myspace is that its FREE, easy to set up and edit, its neat and clean, and it gives you web presence. I think most people look for martial arts in their area on the web, so if you cant create a page, myspace is a great option. Even if you can make a great site, I still suggest a myspace page. Your students will make you their friends which is free advertising. Plus, if you think most of your students are under 30 years old, they are definitely using myspace.

[WC_Lun]

I've never even really looked at MySpace, but looks like its time to do so. I can design a website...not a great one, but I have some base software and some base knowledge. I'd prefer it be both eye catching AND have good info. Looks like I'll be busy for a while.

As far as teaching out of my yard, I have a pretty tight release of liability form and a lawyer will be looking at it probably next week.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by WC_Lun

I've never even really looked at MySpace, but looks like its time to do so. I can design a website...not a great one, but I have some base software and some base knowledge. I'd prefer it be both eye catching AND have good info. Looks like I'll be busy for a while.

As far as teaching out of my yard, I have a pretty tight release of liability form and a lawyer will be looking at it probably next week.

If you need any Photoshop work, I'm alright I guess stuff like banners and all.

[47MartialMan]

Originally Posted by WC_Lun

As far as teaching out of my yard, I have a pretty tight release of liability form and a lawyer will be looking at it probably next week.

Ask him if it is advisable to do so (teach out of your yard) as well.

In summation of the lawyer, he may only be able to advise pending the insurance policy.

Don't forget to check your homeowners' insurance policy.

And if the property belongs to someone else, check their stipulations and/or policy as well.

[Them's Fighting Words]

I don't live in the USA so I don't know anything about your liability laws apart from the fact that you guys seem to sue each other on the drop of a hat .
Seriously though, have you thought of dove tailing yourself to a PCYC or YMCA (or renting out their facilities). I've been told it's a pretty good way to get business help and a student base. Also they may provide facilities and equipment you don't possess at home.