Are you’re a professional school owner, or thinking about becoming one?   If so, what level of income is possible and is it a smart move as a career?

When I started in martial arts – close to 40 years ago – or, even as I worked my way through Georgetown University I never would have imagined that martial arts instruction would become my profession rather than just my passionate hobby.  When I founded Mile High Karate in 1983 it was an alternative to using my degree in International Economics to land in Banking or work for a corporate giant such as Procter and Gamble or IBM.   Instead I moved from Washington, D.C. to Denver to open commercial Mile High Karate Schools.

My instructors and friends all thought I was crazy.

My key martial arts instructor gave me encouraging words that went something like this:  “well, you can play karate for a few years then get a real job!”  I’m sure you can imagine how satisfying it was to make them all “eat crow.”   As I moved to Denver I had compiled the 200 page business plan then “hit the ground running” by opening five schools in 18 months.  Founding my business with only $10,000 and growing a million dollar business with 1,500 students.   Most of my friends and family would have been surprised to learn that a professional career could be had through operating martial arts schools.  By the time I was 25 I was making a six figure income running schools.  More than most anyone who told me that I should get a “real job.”

In the year’s since it’s founding Mile High Karate has achieved a truly international reputation for combining student quality with financial success.   We’ve been the leading martial arts instruction organization in this region since inception.

At one time or another I’ve been featured in all of the industry’s trade publications and have been a sought after speaker and consultant throughout North America – and, the world.   More recently I’ve written several well received books on Mile High Karate School operations and teaching that have been well received throughout the United States, Canada, and as far away as New Zealand, Australia, Tokyo, UK, Germany, and even South Africa.

Honestly, when I pursued martial arts to a high level it was as an athlete – with intentions to follow in the path of my mentors (Jeff Smith, Pat Worley, and others) to become a professional fighter and competitor.   I was soon to grow out of that rather narcissistic focus and to realize the potential for true significance  through teaching.   I’m certain that I’ll never win another championship trophy in tournament competition – and, many of my friends would humiliate me in seconds in a grappling match – however, that’s not what I do as a career – or, frankly even as a hobby anymore.

My focus for Mile High Karate since the early 1980’s has been Elementary age children – and, their families.   Teaching character, values, self esteem, focus, and goal setting skills.   We’ve developed a program that greatly enhances a child’s achievement in school and contributions at home and in their community.   To further enhance that mission Mile High Karate students have contributed to Children’s Hospital, local Public and Private Schools, and Chuck Norris’ Kick Drugs Out of America.

Now, I do have to tell you that there are many types of professional martial arts schools.  Those who focus on kids and families, but also those who are bursting with the 50-65 year old “baby boomer” crowds.  Other’s teaching legitimate Brazilian Ju Jutsu or Mixed Martial Arts to 25 – 40 year olds.  Some who use Martial Arts in “Tae Bo Fashion” as a better, more fun, and more focused fitness program.  All are legitimate purposes that have great and productive outcomes for the students.

Honestly,  I can think of no other way to combine  financial growth and security – with true significant contributions to individuals, their families, and the local community.  Our direct impact on our students is huge – the ripple effect throughout our communities is immeasurable.

Many times in the past 25 years I have been criticized for being “too commercial,” “for being in martial arts ‘only for the money.’” Or, for running “a Belt Factory” – or, the McDonald’s of martial arts.  To those critics I answer – I am in business to make money – I am in the Martial Arts Business because it combines the ability for me to make an outstanding income with the ability to impact a huge portion of my community in a positive way.  Honestly, I have the capability to lots money in other industries as well – but, not enough more to encourage me to turn my back on what I love.

There’s even “communities” of crazies, morons, and “ground and pound” MMA fanatics who gather and throw stones at sincere martial artists who teach philosophy and not just fighting and violence.  One of these havens of nutcases is called “bullshido,” I’m sure you get the play on words.  I’m written a little about them before and they seem proud of the mention in a real magazine all the while curing my name to high heaven.  These types get together and do a “who’s is bigger” posturing that misses the point of Professional Martial Arts Instruction – and, of sincere professional “Master Teachers” who have moved beyond pure athletic achievement to mentorship and professional teaching and development.

Those idiots enjoy running their mouth and calling financially successful martial artists such as myself “sellouts” and calling family oriented or mulit-location schools “McDojos.”  The unfortunate reality is that they really don’t have the perspective or understanding of what the reality is of personal development.   And, frankly most would be afraid to earn an income in the top 5% or 1% of our population.  Personally, I want my 7 year old daughter to be able to defend herself if she ever has the need.  I’d like here to be able to fend of an adult and run if accosted now, and to put a date in his place if necessary a few short years from now.  That having been said I know she’ll benefit more from character development, confidence, and fitness on an hour by hour and day by day basis.  An emphasis on only the physical misses many great opportunities and frankly limits the opportunity for ultimate physical development.

Why would I want to work in a career that I was less passionate about in order to support my Mile High Karate School as a hobby?   Alternatively, my wealth from martial arts is only in proportion to the number of students I serve and the depth of their enthusiasm for my service.  Or, as Zig Ziglar is fond of saying:  “You can get everything that you want in life – if you help enough other people get what they want.  Would you like to join me in earning an excellent career in the Martial Arts?

Personally I believe that  the broader significance of a career as an educator far outweighs my own youthful enthusiasms for becoming a better fighter and high-end athlete.    The personal satisfaction that grows from watching a beginner grow into a Black Belt and  a shy and withdrawn child grow into a community leader makes all the difference in the world.  I cannot imagine having spent that last 20 years selling real estate, marketing fast food, or working in a corporate bureaucracy – I hope all martial artists will transition into this perspective.  I hope many instructors will join my mission to expand our influence and develop a career that combines financial rewards, team-work, family, and contribution.

Unfortunately for me there were no companies like the National Association of Professional Martial Artists in 1983.   I had strong help and mentors but now there are incredible resources available to help you grow your school very inexpensively.

About the Author:

Stephen Oliver began martial arts training in 1969 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at a branch school of the Jhoon Rhee Institute.   He opened his first school in 1975.   Later he moved to Washington, D.C. to work for the Jhoon Rhee Institute while earning an honor’s degree in Economics at Georgetown University.

In 1983 he moved to the Denver Metropolitan area and opened 5 schools in 18 months with only $10,000 in capital.   He went on to promote the Mile High Karate Classic NASKA World tour event and serve on NASKA’s Board of Directors from 1989 to 1999 and to serve on EFC’s Board of Director’s from Inception until 2002.  In 1992 he went earned his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Denver and went on to serve on their Venture and Entrepreneurship Advisory Board.  He has also written several other books including: “How to Market Your Mile High Karate School Using the Internet” and “Direct Response Marketing for Mile High Karate Schools.”

Now he’s CEO of the National Association of Professional Martial Artists (NAPMA) and Publisher of “Martial Arts Professional Magazine” (www.MartialArtsProfessional.com) which is the trade journal of the martial arts industry since 1994.   To learn more about how NAPMA can help your school grow professionally and financially visit www.NAPMAFreeOffer.com