Lessons From A Taekwondo Dojo: Part II

Every time I go to my son’s karate dojo, I learn something new!

So this will be lessons from a karate dojo part 2 if you will.

I don’t want to take up so much of your time but I felt compelled to share this because i believe it can help us grow our fitness businesses.

The whole idea of growing our businesses comes down to 3 things:

1. Get more clients.
2. Get them to stay longer.
3. Get them to buy other things from you.

So, here are 7 ways that I have learned from this martial arts business that I am falling in love with helped me:

1. Indoctrinate. I don’t mean this in a negative way but they do this so well. Everything they teach is moving the parents and students toward becoming a black belt. If you don’t know, that could quite possibly take years. Great for longevity. It also gives them goals long term.
2. Discipline. The students and parents are taught discipline on a daily basis. It is part and parcel of their entire system. Every day, every class they are told to look, act and speak with discipline. We can do this for our clients as well.
3. Instructors are bought in. The absolutely love karate and the love what the dojo stands for and it shows in everything they do including their commitment to the business an the owners. Are you training your staff to be bought in? Are you all in?
4. World Champs. When i first signed my son up, I thought how in the world can they charge as much as I do with all my degrees and certifications?? Then I quickly realized that all these teenagers were world champion black belts. I was amazed. Are you one of the best? What are your credentials?? Why should I believe you and trust you?
5. Respect. Parents and students alike are taught to respect their elders and superiors constantly. Respect is universal and should be attributed to everyone. Respect martial arts, respect the instructors, respect the dojo, respect each other. How is your community?
6. Master before you move. Often you will hear your clients say “we do the same things often.” How do you respond? I watched my son so the same exact routine for 3 months and all of a sudden, he can punch and kick like nobody’s business. Progress comes through discipline and frequency!
7. Community. Every person including myself is bought in to their philosophy, becoming a black belt and a great person with integrity. How is this displayed? Here are some examples: their mannerisms, mottos, dress, ideals, the weapons they use, their promotions, in house tournaments, outside events, charity events, the dojo and event their parent’s night outs!

What are you doing to build your tribe?

What is the motto you say every day? For them, its this:

“You have to have power of the mind, honesty in the heart, strength in the body, make good friends to become a black belt”

I have learned to love this.

I hope you find this as edifying as I do!

To your success,

Coach Fred