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[Hock]

SHUMAN CONCEPTS TIP OF THE MONTH: 
10 MISTAKES MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOLS MAKE
 
Not having a marketing plan
Not having class planners
Combining too many age groups
Not having separate positions for a public relations director, head instructor, and office manager
Not having a Website
Not having an enrollment process
Not using a good system for collections and payment management
Not keeping track of your school’s statistics
Not educating yourself
Not taking care of your own well-being

[tlouis]

I would like to ask some advice from those on this forum. I was thinking of opening a dojo and conducting classes part time-3 evenings and weekends. ages 14 and up- no kids. Based on traditional TKD and a lot of Hocks stuff as part of the training. I have a BB in TKD, i have taught previuosly at my old intructors years ago. I am in chicago, lots of MA instruction around. Question- do i have a chance of attracting enough students to pay my bills and make a few bucks? Thats all i want. I really want to open a place because I love training and the fellowship. Am I better of renting space a few days a week at a park district or get a small store front. Thanks

[Rawhide]

Tlouis:

That all depends on you and how you run your biz.  I like to think everyone has a chance to do what they love - in fact thats my premise for business: Do what you love and the rest will follow (I also think thats a title of a book as well!).  Passion makes for greatness.  But not without vision and a structure to move it forward.  Be sure to have a very defined idea of what it is you want to do (the statement in your post is adequate:  I was thinking of opening a dojo and conducting classes part time-3 evenings and weekends. ages 14 and up- no kids. Based on traditional TKD and a lot of Hocks stuff as part of the training.
After this initial desire, get the opinion of those whom you respect and know want to see you succeed and ask them if you can teach well.  If they give you the thumbs up then go for it, otherwise you may want to try something different.  The desire to teach is a far cry from the ability to teach.  If need be, educate yourself on this then try to swing it, otherwise you may wish to just do it as a hobby.
Also, don't take money out for yourself UNTIL you pay your bills, this is a great killer of businesses.  As you say, you gotta pay the bills first.  Keep your expenses low by having your students buy their own equipment up front.  Setup a paypal account so you can take credit and debit cards as well as cash and check (contact MLEONE for that). 
Have a liability waiver, t-shirts (so you advertise your classes), set class times that are convenient for most, a managable curriculum that is appealing and attainable as well as exciting and practical.  Follow the guidelines that Hock posted they are golden and you should be on your way.

Good luck!

[Milldog1776]

I would like to add that I always hear people say they don't want to teach kids. I used to say the same thing.  If you want to keep the doors open...you may change your mind.

I'll also second Rawhide by saying he is right about the ability to teach. Having a belt only holds your pants up. If you can't articulate what it is you are doing, you won't keep students.

[tlouis]

Thanks for the advice. Actually, i only mentioned the BB because i wonder if it gives me enough legitimacy. I know a belt means very little. I am not going to portray myself as something i am not.

[Milldog1776]

Thanks for the advice. Actually, i only mentioned the BB because i wonder if it gives me enough legitimacy. I know a belt means very little. I am not going to portray myself as something i am not.

I think you get me wrong. Your customers should know you are belted, of course.

I'm just saying a belt does not an instructor make.

[Rawhide]

Yep, gotta have the rank!  Only way to be commercially viable.

I second milldog on the BB not making an instructor!

[mleone]

I dont have belts in my system I have colored shirts.
I think its a cool way to have the cqc class with out a uniform!

1 color is 3 levels
2 color is another 3
3 Last three
Then black shirt.

A pay pal pay center is an easy way to take payment. I do it this way then I also a pay pal visa that is connected to the account that pays for things I need. I also say to students "Its appreciated if you buy equip through our system to support our system."