opening up a MA franchise

Jiffy · Black Belt

I understand what you mean. The first question to ask yourself would be "why"

Is it money, fame, control, desire to spread knowledge?????

In any case, you can't start a franchise without reputation. Start a school that can first sustain a full time income for you. That will probably take you a minimum of 5 years if you're lucky. Then as the other guys said, figure out what benefits you can offer peope who also have a school.
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The mind is like a parachute, it only works when it's open.

Son Goku the monkeyking · Blue Belt

ovine king · Brown Belt

things you see in movies are taught widely around the US.
it's aclled wushu, or extreme martial arts.
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earth is the asylum of the universe where the inmates have taken over.
don't ask stupid questions and you won't get stupid answers.

JWLuiza · Orange Belt

You are lucky because you have an idea of what you want in life, but you might think of an association as opposed to a franchise... Basically you need credibility and supporters. Like others have said, you need to start with the first step: Open a club.

Pride&Poise · Orange Belt

If I understood you right, you're thinking of starting your own school/academy, then franchising it later. That makes sense, unless you already have a ton of cash to invest, or a popular name that somebody will pay to be associated with.

If you're in it for the passion, then I think you have a better chance of success than if you were primarily looking for money/fame.

Now, I don't have any direct experience with starting a school, but its in the back of my mind to consider later, when I think I might be ready to do something like that.

My thoughts are to start small and build a "following" of some kind. Rent a small storefront or perhaps some time at a local rec center and teach out of there. You could also try teaching through your local college's adult education programs.

Once you've picked up a few students, then it might be time to look into a full-fledged studio, and build from there.

Of course, if you have the cash to get through the early times, you could try opening up a full studio right away, but I'd think that's more risky, and you're going to have to be willing and able to lose some money for awhile.

It would probably also help, if possible, to work with your current instructor. Assuming you aren't opening a studio right next to his of course. He might be able to help you get some students. People who might be interested but are closer to your location than his (and of course you would do the same for him...). Maybe he could do some demos and seminars at your studio, or in your area to help promote your school, giving you some credibility.

It seems to me that word of mouth is very important for MA schools, so anything that will help in this area, like the support of your instructor, would help.

I don't know, just some random thoughts. Good luck.

ki master · Orange Belt

commercial internet. and benifets. give them discounts for first few students. Cheap but not too cheap good locations.
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"Now the valiant can fight; the cautious can defend, and the wise counsel. Thus there is none whose talent is wasted."
-Li Ch'uan-

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