5 Martial Arts Business Tips during the Recession

By: Iain Abernethy

An  innovator within the world of martial arts, 5th Dan Iain Abernethy, an international author gives five business tips that all martial art school and club owners should take notice of.


At first it was just the banks and financial industries. However over the past couple of months it has become clear that the recession is going to touch every industry - and that includes the martial arts. Here are 5 tips to help you better understand your business model during tough financial times.

1 - Although martial arts may be your profession, never forget that it should always be, first and foremost, your passion. Compromising what you do, or losing enthusiasm in the face of difficult economic times, is unlikely to inspire people to join you and working to the "lowest common denominator" is not sustainable in the long term. Keep your standards high and remain enthusiastic. People will then be falling over themselves to train with you. In what can be perceived as "dark times", people flock to a beacon of enthusiasm, passion and positivity.

2 - So what if times are difficult! Good sailors don't pray for calm seas; they learn to navigate choppy waters! The Warrior feels cheated if the battle is easy! Use the prevailing economic conditions as an opportunity to refine what you do and to eliminate the dead wood. When the economic cycle leads to an upturn (and it will) you'll be in a very strong position to reap the benefits of the work you do now.

3 - Now is a good time to diversify! It's always good to have many income streams so that all your eggs are not in one basket. Look for other ways to bring money in so that your overall business model is stronger and more flexible. So use that brain and get creative!

4 - Don't penny pinch or get greedy! Okay, so the temptation to do that at the moment is going to be huge. However, everyone is in the same boat and a little generosity is always gratefully received. You can gain a lot of good will by helping others, and you can't put a price on that. If your students are struggling financially, do everything you can to help them continue training. I've found that if you always aim to do the right thing, and are as generous as practicality allows, that people repay that generosity and stick with you through thick and thin.

5 - Don't lose perspective! Money is far from being the most important thing in life. Be sure that you don't lose sleep over the economy and work on doing what needs to be done as opposed to unproductive worrying. Also be sure to look after yourself and do all you can to have a good laugh along the way! Life needs its texture and it would be boring without its challenges. So keep your chin up and keep smiling! Things have a habit of working out better than you expected when you keep your sense of humour and a sense of perspective.