Hello everyone. Just a quick note to let you know that the newly revised edition of my book, How to Build the Martial Arts School of Your Dreams, is now available in the member area of NAPMA.com. Simply log in and click on the banner. You can download the book, print it, or simply view it online. I hope you enjoy it and I would love to hear your feeback. Either post your comments here in the forum, or you may email me directly at robcolasanti@napma.com.

Hey there everyone. I just wanted to give the martial arts world a heads up on all the great content appearing on the NAPMA Innovations DVD this month. In case you didn’t know , I put together a DVD full of classroom curriculum, drills and skills that can help introduce unique and exciting elements into your classes and can really keep your class interesting and fun and keep students coming back.

This month on the NAPMA innovations DVD, We wrap up the No More Mister nice guy series as I Speak with Kathy “the punisher” Long about the specifics of teaching a kung first San soo class for self defense. We talk about, among other things, class planning, curriculum and teaching this rough and tumble system to average students. And while we talk you can do a visual review of the last 6 month’s worth of curriculum.

Then, in our Edge MMA segment, we bring you Bjj legend Carlos Machado.
This month he teaches you clever transitions that put you in position to submit your opponent. Learning and teaching these techniques will give your students solid skills they can turn to if they are ever taken to the ground on the cage or in the street.

Tournament Weapons champion Josh Quartin shares with you some of the extreme moves he executes with the sword. These techniques can help take your younger sword students to a new level of excitement using a traditional weapon. These moves help develop a level of agility and control with a bladed weapon that is sure to impress in demos and competition and these moves are also fun to work in class. This will be a great starting place you to introduce extreme sword techniques into your weapons classes.

Then, in our bonus segment we bring you a very well produced promotional video, which highlights average people experiencing extraordinary training and a life changing experience at the Peaceful Dragon Kung Fu academy.
It is used as a lead generation tool for NAPMA Inner circle member, Eric Sbarge’s Peaceful Dragon Kung Fu Academy in Charlotte North Carolina.
He uses very well shot images of ordinary people training in Kung Fu. He uses shots that make the people look good doing the art but, without being overly flashy and impressive. He shows ordinary students training at an attainable level of skill and athleticism.
But’ while the beauty of the kung looks great, the most powerful part of the video is the social proof. He uses testimonials from the people you see training. They effectively eliminate objections and highlight benefits in a very disarming style this makes the entire presentation extremely persuasive and effective as a marketing tool, not just a video calling card for the school.
Eric Sbarge will be attending the Extreme Success Academy in September, so if you have any questions about the video or any part of his very successful organization, you can connect with him there.
So you NAPMA members enjoy the Video and all that Maximum Impact has to offer.
For everyone teaching martial arts classes out there. Remember it is your energy and that of your staff, which is the fuel for your school. The students only have your energy you feed off of. You, and your staff, are the sole renewable energy resource for your school. Knowing that means you know you can never let your energy dip. You can’t leave them in the dark with out energy. Your students are counting on you. And I know I can count on you to be there for your students consistently and enthusiastically. I know you would never leave your student’s on the side of the road out of gas.

Mark Graden

A few brief thoughts about thriving in our current economy….and, why the Extreme Success Academy is essential for your success…
with Stephen Oliver and Dan Kennedy.

Stephen Oliver:      Hey, let me get you to address for our members a couple of things before we have to run.  We have as you know, our Extreme Success Academy, which you helped coin our name here for us and we have many people you know on the agenda, obviously myself, Rob Colasanti, Toby Milroy, but we have Lee Milteer here whose our Performance Coach for our “Peak Performers” and  and “Inner Circle Members,” Paul Hartunian, on  public relations and publicity, Chris Hurn, Terry Bryan on Real Estate and a whole line up of martial arts superstars (Jhoon Rhee, Jeff Smith, Joe Lewis, Stephen Hayes) that may not be in your realm.  What would you tell our members about the value of that type of training and specifically this type of line-up we have coming up.

Dan Kennedy:            Well, you’ve got some great speakers, of course.  Significantly, you have a mix of people from inside your industry and people from outside your industry and every industry, every field, every profession tends to drift toward intellectual incest.

The delusional belief that, you know, that the school business is different, that my business is different and our problems and needs and opportunities are unique and so everybody tends to sort of wind up in a circle looking at each other and no business or income breakthroughs ever occur in any business through that process.  At best you can get incremental improvement from looking at each other.

But, the breakthroughs come from turning in the opposite direction and looking outside at what others are doing in other fields that can be transferred and applied and so the exposure to leading experts in specialized areas of advertising, marketing, sales and management who have been brought in diverse experience with a number of different business categories, professional practices and so forth, like Lee Milteer, Paul Hartunian, Chris Hurn, Terry Bryan etc is extremely important.  So, the combination of that opportunity as well as the opportunity to hear from and network with stars and highly successful school owners and that is essentially is like two events in one so it’s pretty time efficient and money efficient, but it is absolutely the right mix.

STEPHEN OLIVER:                 You bet and we are excited to have all of our “Inner Circle” members.  We are going to have twenty school owners; anywhere from half a million up to about a million five and the individual school performance and they really are not the usual suspects.  They are the guys behind the scenes.  You may not have ever heard of them before, but they are really down in the trenches really doing it on a day to day basis, so I think that is going to be very useful as well.

DAN KENNEDY:            Well, you know, the timing is important.  We are in what I call the transition to the new economy and during that transition probably everybody has noticed that there is some adverse things going on and one is that people who have had their kids in five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten organized activities are going to be making choices.  I even noticed the other day, Michelle Obama talking about spending $10,000 a year on all of the organized activities that the two kids are in and you know, they are in ballet, they are in this, they are in that and people like her husband has no idea how much all of this costs.

STEPHEN OLIVER:            You bet.

DAN KENNEDY:            So, you know, it’s pretty important to make sure that yours is one of the chosen ones and so competition now is going to be a little different than competition has been a year ago or two years ago or three years ago and so, at being more adept than ever at making your case, at presenting this not as an interchangeable choice left to the child of what do you want to do this summer, what do you want to do, you know, do you want to swing a bat, do you want to shoot a ball, do you want to ride a skateboard, this is more important and significant than that, making the case that it is different, being able to do that, being able to do a better target marketing job, to briefly plug the other new book of mine that’s out, No BS Marketing to the Affluent, really speaks to that issue of doing business with those least and last affected by recession.

STEPHEN OLIVER:            Absolutely.

DAN KENNEDY:            At being able to better communicate with the students, parents of students, community leaders and other influencers, again so that what you do is viewed as having much greater significance and importance than a lot of other things.  Being able to manage your business, now more efficiently, more effectively, again, you really can’t afford now to have whoever’s at that front desk blowing a prospect, undoing a very good presentation that you just did though some casual off-hand remark or wondering off to reservation in one way, shape or form.  So all of these things now have heightened sensitivity and importance.  The game is going to require more intense performance in order to be successful and that’s all the more reason to get on a plane and come to the academy and sort of recharge batteries, review best practices and strengthen the game plan.

I will  be there  for  a  long  time  as  you  guys  definetely  have  it  going  right.The  resources  you  guys are bringing  in  are  something  I  have  tried  to  do in my  own  way  for  the  last  20  years  but  I  was  always held  back  by being  too  ’shy’  to ask  to  be  paid  properly  and  believing  in  my instructors  mind  set that  he  acquired  40  years  ago.So  I  have  a  lot to  accomplish  in the  10-20  years  I  will  still  be  at this.My  sons  will be good  to  go  after  that  so again  thanks for  the  consideration.

One  note  if you  could  pass  along  to  Steve….stop trying  to  convince  the knuckleheads  out  there  who   dont  like  commercialism….I  am 50  years  old  and  have  easily  averaged  70  hrs  a  week  since  the  mid 80’s  and all  I  did  is  develop  a  heavy  case of  diabetes  by  doing  the  poor struggling instructor  routine. Those  of us  who  need  what  NAPMA  is  about  will  be with  you  for  the  long  term.

Mike Foley

Hi Stephen
Thanks for you patient and long replied. I really appreciate you
taking time out of your busy schedule to help me understand your
business model. You have gained my respect, and allow me to have
glimpse into your humanity.

Concerning NAPMA - you are correct; I have your monthly Martial Arts
Professional Magazine. Sorry about the mixed up.

Concerning NAPMA members, of course I am not saying in any way you
should take responsible for any your members’ action. Is just that
some of the members I have met are so profit driven that they forget
to behave in a certain decorum.

As in any internet forum there is always trolls who are shouting and
screaming nonsense. I just didn’t really have time to edit it down.

My biggest concern about your organization is that it is almost become
the de-facto martial arts school. How do I tell the consumer that my
black belt is hard earned? How do I tell my consumer that we sparred
and hit the pad every night? How do I tell my consumer that we don’t
teach kids, Teaching children martial arts is a new modern day
phenomena - not the standard.

Stephen I just read your follow up email. And because you have shown
me a lot of respect, and patient, I will remove the material. Please
accept my apology for my misjudgment in my post. You have won me over
with your calm rationale and explanation. I always tried to respect
people who are my elders even if I don’t agree with their opinions -
unless it violates my consciences.

Mong

Just a couple of thoughts:

First. I took a look and you are not a NAPMA member that I can find.
Perhaps you are referring the the fact that you receive Martial Arts Professional Magazine.

Second. With regard to NAPMA there are over 1,200 members in the U.S,
20,000 who get the magazine. I certainly cannot vouch for the humility or
respect level of them all. Your interactions with them were likely before I had
any direct involvement in the organization anyway since I formally assumed
control of the organization a little over 9 months ago, and we’ll host the first
live event under new ownership in September.

Third. My question before was why a school owner would have that type
of stuff on his school website. I’m sure it does nothing but confuse prospective
students and little to support a case for training with you.

Fourth. The whole “Bullshido” thing. I do believe that there are individuals,
including some NAPMA members who may not be what you or I would consider
to be “legitimate martial artists” on the NAPMA side we have no control over
their martial arts background and are specifically not a Martial Arts curriculum
association. The Bullshido posts and various “rants” were by that crowd attacking
Mile High Karate. I believe that their posts and comments miss several very
important points:

A. In a forum like that there are may “wannabes” with little experience
in any martial art. What they have seems to be predominantly BJJ or
MMA. Few if any of the participants run successful commercial schools.

B. There are many reasons to teach martial arts. Not everyone has to
subscribe to the type of “ground and pound” philosophy to be legitimate
or to be teaching a true martial arts program.

The UFC stuff is nothing new. We were original “Mixed Martial Artists”
in the 1960’s training first in Judo, using pretty much “no holds barred”
in open tournaments. And, then modeling Bruce Lee along with Jhoon
Rhee (my instructor along with Jeff Smith) along the way and culminating
in professional kickboxing.

Most professional schools cater to families and kids. The training expectation
for an 8 year old or a 45 year old mom is different than for a 25 year old MMA
student with aspirations to train in the UFC.

In our Mile High Karate schools we teach some BJJ and really are a MMA school
going back 25 years, we aren’t going to have our clientele training for the UFC
or allow instructors to cuss at students and have 25 tattoos and 10 piercings.

Fifth. You can run just about any type of school and do it profitably. There are
MMA schools & BJJ schools now grossing $1,000,000 a year or more teaching
very solid curriculums in that martial art to 25 to 35 year olds. There are also
schools teaching Kickboxing, focusing on 40+ adults, and anything else you
can think of operating very successfully.

The principles are the same:

1. Effective Marketing to get in front of your target audience.

2. Proper communication and sales skills to facilitate their enrollment and insure
commitment.

3. High quality teaching methodology to insure that they learn the techniques
appropriately and that the process facilitates proper physical and
mental skills development.

4. Happy students - who stay and train, pay their bills, refer their friends.

5. Charging appropriately so that the revenue is maximized.

Unfortunately many “Hardcore” MMA guys really don’t want to run a school or
learn to run a business. They want “fresh meat” and want to insult those who not
only have mastered the physical but moved on to become a Master Teacher then
Master Business person.

Lloyd Irvin who’s a friend and student (and BJJ $1,000,000 school operator)
describes the Bullshido crowd well by saying:

“if you hang around with 9 broke people” you are bound to be the 10th.

I’d recommend that you open your mind enough to learn how to run your school as a business.
And, invest in materials that will help you get a head start on that process.

First. Decide who you want to teach.
Second. What you want to teach them (making sure it’s what they want to learn)

Then learn to market and sell your “product.”

Far from needing to water it down, the better you are at what you do the more attractive
you will be to the right segment of the population.

Unfortunately Peer pressure in our industry is high to be a failure.

Stephen Oliver

———————————————————————-

On Jul 9, 2008, at 10:43 AM, Fusion Mixed Martial Arts wrote:

Hi Stephen,

I admire and respect what you are trying to do with the martial arts
industry. I have a monthly subscription to your NAMPA. A lot of your
advices are very good. I have been a big fan of Dan K, and Jay A for a
long time, before you have mention about them in your current NAMPA.

But there are a few things I am concern about. I see a lot of martial
arts school that subscribe to your teaching/methodology, let’s say
that a lot of it is really not that good. I see kids young as 12
working around declaring that they are a black belt this/ black belt
that. When I see them move the lack fundamental bio-mechanic
understanding, they lack depth, etc.

I went to and CPR workshop and hearing parents proudly telling me that
their child is a black belt in training. There child is only 5 years
old. A student of mine bring his son to come to train with me because
his son current martial arts school does no sparring, runs around and
play game every class. His son will be getting his black belt this
coming January, and let’s just say he knows how to play tag very well

The instructor in my town preaches respect, humility, etc. But they
are some of the most arrogant and prideful people I have ever met.
I have met at least a dozen instructors that are part of your NAMPA,
and let just say most of these guys, I don’t want to be in the same
life boat with.

I feel this is a result of some of your strategies, technique that you
preaching. I am sorry I feel that you are really close and passionate
about what you are doing, so I feel at time you will fail to see what
your critics are saying.

Why do I post this, is because I want to educate the consumer that
there is more to martial arts than what they see in the stripe mall.

I understand that my profit margin is no where near what your school
or school similar to yours. I feel that must be a way to have great
martial arts training at the same time make money.

Like I said on my web site is a “work in progress”. I am still trying
to figure these things out.

Also my clientele are very different they are young man who have
previous train in martial arts and realize that they are a by-product
of typical stripe mall martial arts school. They are here to get
martial arts training that are physical and mentally challenging.

Please excuse my lack of English writing skills.
Mong

On Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 11:08 AM, Stephen Oliver
<stephenoliver@milehighkarate.com> wrote:
I’m curious as a school operator how you figure this might be helpful.
On Jul 9, 2008, at 9:16 AM, Fusion Mixed Martial Arts wrote:

Hi Stephen
Thanks for your email. I know you are super busy, so I am surprised
you are interested in what I have on my web site.
I am assuming your mind is already made up about why I post this on my
site, since you call what I am posting crap…
If you objection or have an opinion about my post you are more than
welcome to submit replied. I will post your replied or whatever
portion you want on my site.
I am sorry my comment button on my site in not working. I deleted the
comment code of my web site by accident. And I am too busy to re-enter
the coding.
If you are still interested in why I post what I post, I will be more
than happy to do so.
Mong

Thank you for your feedback!  Our members have spoken and we’re using your feedback to update your membership and improve your experience.

We’re MASSIVELY upgrading your membership and providing you opportunities for EXTREME Growth in 2008, 2009 and beyond.

Dear NAPMA Team Member,

I’d like to share some “insider’s secrets”.

Then we launched “Inner Circle,” in part to bring some of the most successful school owners in the country together to “lead from the top” and to serve as a basis for “Best Practices” for everyone else.  It’s been  a HUGE homerun for us, them and most of all YOU.

Beginning in January we’re really taken the “Skin Off” the organization and taken a very painful scrub brush to systems, processes, contributors and mostly to support and guidance that you need to help you grow.  You may not realize it but I can share with you now that we’ve  created an INCREDIBLE Brain Trust of experts from within and outside of the martial arts industry.  We’ve pulled back in old friends and former staff with fantastic ideas about moving everyone to the next level.  We’ve sat down with the VERY best people who know how to fill Dental Offices, Chiropractic Offices, Fitness Centers and Dance Schools.  We’ve assembled a brain trust that include the sharpest marketing minds in the world.   We’ve taken our own advice and assembled an INCREDIBLE master-mind team of experts from within and external to the martial arts industry.

And, then we’ve looked into our membership base and for the first time REALLY dug into everyone’s perspective and expert opinion with one and only one objective in mind.

The question we’ve asked the brain-trust of experts and our own “Master-Mind” team of like-minded individuals from other industries is this:

“What can we do to make sure our Martial Arts School Members THRIVE in challenging times and to help them adapt to the changing industry conditions.    In short how can we be THE source of insuring a constantly growing student body, improving revenues, and a quality life-style for our members.”

We’re poised to implement some of the most radical improvements and enhancements ever seen in the martial arts industry to facilitate YOUR personal and professional growth.  To help your martial arts school be the unexcelled center of excellence in your community.  Most if not all of the improvements and enhancements come from outside the industry, the rest come from true HIGH PERFORMER school owners who are not the usual suspects hitting the speaking tour and trying to sell you the next sales or curriculum program.
We’re really excited about the incredible feedback that we’ve heard from members like you.

All of our staff have been poring over member surveys and reviewing the various letters and emails that we receive.   Now we have GREAT feedback from you for new ways to package content, new materials and programs to focus on, and new ways to help you grow.

We’ve learned a lot, and will be sharing much of it with you here or in months to come.  Early in the year we’ve completed extensive surveys, talked to 100’s of clients, and even invited Dan Kennedy and Bill Glazer to our Clearwater, Florida offices to give us lots off ideas to support our clients and help the martial arts industry grow – bigger and faster.

Most of our member feedback honestly is about how to make our content delivery more productive for your learning style.  It’s about how to facilitate moving things from the idea phase to aggressive implementation.  And, it’s about helping you be what you love to be (a quality martial artist) while giving your support on all aspects of teaching methodology, sales, marketing, leadership and persuasion.

Admittedly, after we read the many, many surveys that have been returned we arrived at two competing conclusions.  First, there are a lot more members running VERY highly successful schools than we realized.  Many of them are now in our “Inner Circle” team (www.NAPMA.com/innercircle.)  Others should be but aren’t yet.  We were surprised at the number of VERY big schools that we’ve heard from and who attribute NAPMA as a huge component of their success.  We were also made a aware of a larger group than we would have expected who will have to be drug “Kicking and Screaming” to be successful.  There are still more than we’d like who are interesting only in technical mastery and not in running a professional school with quality marketing, sales, and business systems in place.   It’s sad but true that some just don’t “get it” that quality and professionalism go hand-in-hand.

For those opposed to making a living and thriving in their community we gleefully admit that we may be forced to “leave you behind.”   For those looking to continue the dramatic professionalization that we helped kick-off many years ago and continue to lead the charge on – I think you will be thrilled not only by the new features of the program but by the incredible accelerations in RESULTS that you will experience if you will fully participate, read and listen to the materials, and most important wake up every day and DO SOMETHING to improve your school.  If have aspirations of growth you must not be missing the “Maximum Impact” content.  Certainly if you qualify you may want to ask about the waiting lists or availability of Peak Performers or Inner Circle.

Our first wave of feedback was that there are more schools hitting HIGH NET PROFITS than ever before in history.  We’ve learned that the top 20% of schools needed more room to grow and expand.  Many were ready to go from $300,000 a year to $1,000,000 a year or more.  Others, were ready to really go from part-time to full-time or from $100,000 a year to $400,000 or more.  Others were ready to either grow through multiple schools or become “Regional Developers.” Our first step was to add higher level “Telecoaching and Peer Support Master-Mind” teams.   These provide the  perfect venue to really “turbo-charge” member growth.

In a “Whirlwind of Activity” since December we’ve:

1.    Created and filled the “Inner Circle” Team.   It’s a team of some of the highest quality school owners in the world.  They have met twice as a “Master-Mind” team in Clearwater.  Many attended the “Ultimate Martial Arts Marketing Boot camp.” And the work together monthly by teleconference and discussion board.    These school owners are grossing $400,000 a year AND UP.   I think our current record is looking to be several schools in the  $1,000,000 + per year in a single school (less than 6,000 square feet.)  And, there are several multi-school owners.   They’ve been a marvelous “sounding board” for us to lean new ways to help all members achieve the highest possible levels of success.  They’ve made many of the suggestions that you’ve been seeing implemented for everyone.

A TYPICAL result from that team is as described here by Jonathan Metcalf:

UP 40% from 2007!.

I AM ON TRACK! My enrollment hit 310 yesterday which was my June 1st goal! I set income and enrollment goals last year for this year. I have been blowing past my financial goals (which were based on about 33% growth over 2007 even though I was steady between 2006-2007. I have had a very strong financial year.   My YTD goal was $215,887 but, in fact, I hit $261,584! That’s 20% over goal! Last year (for the first 5 months) I had made only 185,899, which is 40% growth!!!    Thank you guys so much for your help! For the first time I can remember, I had people come and ask me for an upgrade. Very empowering.  So: Here is what I have learned - that despite the unexpected - Stephen Oliver and Dan Kennedy were right in their predictions I raised my prices, increased my volume, increased my closing rate and decreased my complaints about money and have people upgrading into even more expensive programs even when consumer confidence is supposedly low.

WOW! This is cool! Thanks again guys. You have been a support and inspiration

Jonathan Metcalf (jonathan@integritymartialarts.com)

2.    We’ve created and are filling the “Peak Performers” team (limited space is available for qualified candidates.)  These are schools typically grossing between $100,000 and $400,000 a year.   They are either full-time in their school operations or targeting the transition very quickly.  It’s a combination “Master-Mind” and A-Z discussion and seminar format designed to more school owners quickly to the “next level” in their operations.   This is a place for schools with growth aspirations, but who are not yet in the top 5% of member performance.  Learn more at www.NAPMA.com/innercircle and complete an application for consideration if you quality.

Hi Rob,

I just wanted to thank you for a copy of “Think and Grow Rich”. It was a pleasant surprise receiving it in the mail yesterday. I think it’s a great time to re-read it.   I am already seeing the results of the peak performers group. May was our best month ever and I am hoping to see even better results in the following months.  The information I got off the forum has helped greatly and I am learning from everyone on it. I am starting to allocate time each day to write or respond on the forum.  The future is looking great!

Thanks.
Sensei Tim Rosanelli
Maximum Impact Karate
(215) 249-3532
www.maximpactkarate.com

3.    We’ve added Lee Milteer and her world renown “Millionaire Skills” coaching program which includes monthly “Telecoaching Calls”, Weekly lessons, and a member website among other features to help our “Inner Circle” and “Peak Performers” members expand their “Wealth Consciousness” and improve their personal business and success skills.   Each month she provides business lessons and success skills to help school owners grow.  She also brings very high caliber interviews such as the founder of Chuck-E-Cheese, Mr. Chicken Soup for the Soul:  Mark Victor Hansen, and Mr. NO B.S. Dan Kennedy.   Lee also has been kind enough to contribute to Martial Arts Professional Magazine, Martial Arts Professional – online, and occasionally to “Maximum Impact.”

4.    Resurrected the World Conference – Recreated and refocused as the “Extreme Success Academy.”   This is an event new and unequaled to teach you how to be successful in marketing, operations, sales, and in building and creating wealth.

It’s NOT focused on learning the next MMA move, or as a social environment for part timers without growth aspirations.  It’s DEFINITELY not populated with the “Usual Suspects” of speakers.  It is dominated by REAL World school owners sharing their actual CURRENT results and sharing with you how to accomplish that yourself, and by real-world business experts to help you grow your wealth and your business.  You’ve GOT to be at the Extreme Success Academy and if you haven’t registered, do it now at:  www.ExtremeSuccessAcademy.com  Unlike other events it’s about creating a substantial career as a school owner.

5.    Expanded, Enhanced, and Improved “Maximum Impact.”

At no additional charge, we’ve moved “Maximum Impact” from every other month to monthly and reorganized the format and the content.   Maximum Impact is now:   A once a month “telecoaching opportunity” where you get to ask questions and be focused on what you should be accomplishing in “real-time” moderated by Stephen Oliver along with Toby Milroy, myself, and a variety of experts.  The July “Bonus Teleconference” features Marketing Guru and Renegade Millionaire Dan Kennedy.

In addition by popular demand of members, to make your Maximum Impact materials easier to use we’ve:

A.    We’ve started posting MP3’s of the Teleconferences immediately on the Maximum Impact Members Website.

B.    We’ve started packaging the content DVD or CD’s directly with their transcripts for easy storage and to keep them together (rather than the separate plastic cases.)

C.    We’ve reorganized the transcripts as booklets rather than loose paper to help you use them effectively and internalize the material.

D.    Following our UNIVERSAL member feedback looking for real success stories from peers sharing their real life “best practices” we’ve added monthly “Success Story” Interviews with highly successful school owners just like you, who share their step by step secrets to recent success.

E.    Launched a MASSIVE new “Maximum Impact” Members Only Website that includes teleconference replays, archived materials as members have requested, and A LOT of other constantly updating materials.   Including recently Dan Kennedy and Jay Abraham Interviews, Transcripts, bonus chapters, etc., etc.

F.    We’ve added “Inner Circle,” “Peak Performers,” and “Maximum Impact” Members Only Discussion Boards for accelerated feedback and an opportunity for peer support.

G.    Coming Soon to Maximum Impact:  Instructor Training resources including CONSTANTLY updated curriculum video clips for curriculum and drills including “Little Ninja’s ®,” “Edge MMA ™ ,” and “Fitness Kickboxing ®,”  among others.

6.    We’ve created and continue expanding www.MartialArtsProfessional.com, now Martial Arts Professional has DOUBLE or more the content as before with materials available on-line.  There’s also now a COMPLETE archive of past issues beginning with January 2008 and moving forward.  View any entire issue one or two weeks before receiving it in the mail, or return to reference valuable content.

Also at www.MartialArtsProfessional.com:

A.    We’ve also added interesting Blogs – See Stephen Oliver’s entertaining daily blog up and running now.  Toby’s and Mine coming soon along with content by Tom Callos.

B.    We’ve also begun expanding and posting ALL letters to the editor on-line (especially those that didn’t make it into the magazine.)

C.    We’ve added “Chuck Norris’s” weekly commentary as well.

D.    And, we’re rapidly expanding and preparing for daily updates for a complete range of Martial Arts in the News.  (see recent additions from “The Wall Street Journal” and “Forbes Magazine” among others.

E.    We’ve expanded our range of contributors to include Dan Kennedy, Jim Rohn, Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins, Jay Abraham, Joe Lewis, Jeff Smith, Denis Waitley, and many others.

F.    We’ve conducted many more high profile “Celebrity Interviews” with individuals ranging from Chuck Norris to Stephen Hayes and Jhoon Rhee to Jackie Chan and Jet Li.

7.    Exciting and POWERFUL timely promotions.   For all members we teamed up with Lionsgate Entertainment for powerful co-promotions with “The Forbidden Kingdom,” providing free teleconferences, written reports, and extensive marketing materials to use in conjunction with this BIG BUDGET Blockbuster.

We created tools to help with the adult market using “Red Belt” a solid adult movie with a positive martial arts (MMA & BJJ) message.

Most exciting is our current promotion in conjunction with Dream Works pictures with “Kung-Fu Panda.”   Again, complete artwork provide 8 weeks before the movie premier, teleconferences, written reports and a complete BLUE-PRINT as a Free Member bonus to capitalize on the “Little Ninja®” market in conjunction with this HUGE movie promotion.

All of these materials were made available QUICKLY on-line and communicated to members via Email & Fax (make sure we have both UTD in your file) and posted with complete A-Z instructions on your member websites.   Also,  teleconferences were posted for REPLAY immediately on-line.

These promotions will be worth many 100’s of new students for those industrious enough to implement aggressively.  I hope you took advantage of this incredible opportunity to fire up your current students and get in front of a huge flood of people looking excited about the martial arts.

8.    “Member Services”  For your convenience we’ve also added MANY new member services features on-line including:

A.    The ability to find out when any package was shipped for your planning purposes by visiting www.NAPMA.com/shipping

B.    The ability to immediately update your member information on-line without playing phone-tag with a staff member by visiting:  www.NAPMA.com/memberservices
This is extremely useful for updating credit cards, billing address, phone number, fax number, email address or any other member information.

C.    The ability to gain immediate answers to “Technical Support Questions” like:  How do I get into my member areas?  What’s my password” and such by immediately contacting our technical people from the member services page.  (Live person real-time chat.)

D.    The ability to immediately solve membership issues or shipping issues in real-time on-line.
(Live person real-time chat.)

E.    The ability to directly and easily contact staff members via Email for shipping, technical, and other member services questions. (Live person Real-Time on-line chat.)

F.    The ability to have your questions answered directly via the Discussion Boards or the Monthly “Maximum Impact” members teleconferences.

OK, Now WHAT’S NEXT??

We’ve taken your feedback and are now immediately implementing!  You’ll be seeing lots of things you’ve directly asked for and, some things that solve other problems and expand on opportunities that you’ve pointed out in your surveys.   We’ve learned a lot about what you want and need to grow your school.

Like what??

Your “Monthly Basic Toolkit” it’s becoming more “web-interactive.”  You’ve told us that you’re more internet capable and would like to have more ready access to member support tools.    You’ve also pointed about that some pieces are redundant, and other teaching elements can be expanded for an improvement in your results.   You’ve pointed out you’d like the content to be easier to use and more directly IMPLEMENTABLE.

Specifically starting this month we’re giving you what you’ve asked for by:

1.    As you’ve requested we’re making organizing your BASIC “Toolkit” easier by sending you a FREE NAPMA three-ring note-book.  (Maximum Impact Members already that 3-ring notebooks for the Maximum Impact Materials.)   From now on all physically delivered materials will be 3-Hole punched for easier organization.   The notebook includes monthly tabs for easy organization.  The member materials will continue to be color coded for easy reference within your notebook.

2.    As you’ve requested, we’re repackaging the CD’s & DVD’s so that they can be stored with the written materials rather than stacked separately (and, getting lost.)   The plastic cases are replaced by more convenient three hole punched disc holders.

3.    As you’ve requested “NAPMA Now” continues it’s evolution to a truly useful and beneficial newsletter and advice support tool.   One of the things you’ve told us is that you want “SPECIFIC HOW-TO” advice and very clear “DIRECTION” on implementation.

That’s now included in all aspects of our program (from me in the “Sounds of Success” and “NAPMA Innovations) and from Stephen Oliver and Toby Milroy in NAPMA Now.  NAPMA Now includes:

A.    Your “Growth Opportunities” calendar “looking forward” for many months to let you plan for events, teleconferences, Inner Circle and Peak Performers Meetings, along with special events like our “Maximum Impact Members Gathering.”

B.    Easily referenced “Contacting us” and problem solving guides.

C.    Technical guides for web access and discussion board access.

D.    ANSWERS to your questions from survey submissions (submit yours if you haven’t already by visiting www.NAPMA.com/survey)  by Stephen Oliver, Toby Milroy, or me.

E.    Timely and Focused advice on how to grow your school in conjunction with seasonal events or around Economic Ups and Downs.

4.    Giving you access to various “Modes” of learning.  Something that some of you shared is that it some of you prefer reading to listening.  Whether it’s because as some of you shared that you don’t spend much time in the car or for others it’s because you learn better by reading than listening.   To support your preferences we’ll be adding transcripts of the “Sounds of Success” and posting at your Member Web Site.   Additionally, we’ll be posting the interviews at your member website as an MP3 to listen to on-line or download into your IPOD or other MP3 player.

5.    We discovered that many schools find implementation challenging for one of several reasons.   We’re attempted to address all of these issues for you (as requested and with many enhancements) with the various marketing materials, ads, mailings, newsletters in the following ways:

A.    Incredible new “Print on Demand” options where you can:

1.    Personalize and have us print and drop ship marketing materials directly to you.  Eliminating having to deal with “Publisher Files,’ with having to deal with vendors, and with having to deal with several different vendors.

2.    Upload your student or prospect lists and we’ll mail it for you!

3.    Just ask and we’ll pull a “Suspect List” and mail the market materials for you in your area.

B.     COMING SOON:   Your student Kickin’ newsletter DONE COMPLETELY FOR YOU.  Give us your calendar of events or other information and we’ll personalize it and mail it for you to your Students, Former Students, and Prospect Lists.

Your school newsletter should go to your inactive student list, your prospects lists as well as your actively attending students.  It’s a chore each month to personalize the newsletter, get it printed and mailed.  We’ll be teaching you “best practices” for using a school newsletter, improving the newsletter we provide you AND handling everything for you including putting it in the mail.

C.    Artwork SOONER.   We’ll be making seasonal artwork available on-line a month earlier than you are used to.  We’ll also have two months of artwork at a time available on-line at your member site.  You’ll also have “Evergreen” artwork needs always available including accessible on our “Print on Demand” system.

D.    MORE art-work options that fit your particular situation.   We’ll have more options especially in “print on demand” personalized for your particular style and audience.

E.    COMING SOON:  A new NAPMA Members Only: “National Leadership Club” Newsletter and support materials including student websites, marketing materials and handouts.

We’ll be making all of these available for you online rather than having to wait for your “box” and the enclosed CD.   They’ll be available to you sooner.  With easier to use “Print on Demand” options that eliminate your need to master software and other technical stuff.

Many of you have requested VERY SPECIFIC support on specific topics.  In addition to answering questions each month submitted with surveys we will periodically include in your member materials (and, on-line) “Special Reports” with things you need to know as identified by both surveys and industry trends.

The first such report was on “Tuition Pricing,” the second one is on “Operating Statistics” with the accompanying forms you need.  Upcoming ones will include special reports on “Improving Student Retention,” “Creating higher quality Black Belts,” “Non-confrontational sales methods,” “Recruiting and Training Staff,” and “Growing your school quickly,” as well as specialty reports such as applying professional methods to BJJ schools, and moving from part-time to full-time.

6.    We are adding a huge number of additional member support options during the rest of the year, such as:

A.    Member Websites and Internet Support Tools.  A wide variety of internet marketing support and student resources.

B.    24/7 Telephone answering and appointment setting. Never miss another student “Info Call.”

C.    Higher Level “Expert” tools such as a “Time Management Program for Martial Arts Entrepreneurs,” and high level marketing coaching.

D.    Extensive continued enhancements to the “Maximum Impact” Members website.

As we continue to improve your membership materials, we’d like to hear your feedback!  Please submit your membership survey form and ask important questions.   As a side note, we’ve broken a pricing policy that we insist that you follow.  Since 1994 the membership fees have stayed the same.   Last year we went in the hole over $150,000 on shipping and handling alone.

We announced several months ago that we would increase S&H fees for both Maximum Impact and Basic Members and waited until now to implement.  That minor increase will happen with the next billing cycle as our shipping and fulfillment costs once again JUMPPED in cost.   So you’ll notice a minor increase in your monthly tuition to cover that more appropriate Shipping and Handling fee.   For the time being we’ve doubled the Maximum Impact content (from 6 X a year to 12 X per year,)  radically expanded your resources, and improved your membership materials all at 1994 prices.

As we continue to improve we may have to follow our own advice and increase tuition in the future.   Certainly the tuition fees for “Inner Circle,” and “Peak Performers” will increase from our “Pioneer Discounts.”  We’ve already, as previously announced moved from the “Pioneer levels” to an intermediate “new release” tuition.  Soon they will escalate again.

I know that MANY members are excited about all the upcoming tools and enhancements.  Some have been apprehensive but they’ve been rewarded with incredible growth opportunities and great new member materials and opportunities.

I hope you are thrilled with your “Basic Toolbox” new look and feel.  If you are not receiving the Maximum Impact content you should make sure that your membership gets upgraded right away. Make sure you are making full use of your Member Websites, Discussion Boards, Telecoaching Calls, Meetings, and Events.    I look forward to meeting you in Clearwater, Florida at the Extreme Success Academy and hope to hear from soon.

Thank you.

Rob Colasanti, President
National Association of Professional Martial Artists (NAPMA)

P.S.  PLEASE make sure you’ve been heard by completing the member survey.   See www.NAPMA.com/survey

Finally, I’m sure you may have a few challenges figuring out how to get in the web site or figuring things out.  Feel free to directly contact our technical support team on-line to get immediate help.  Our priority is helping you grow your school, provide for your family, and create the income you deserve.  You’ll truly be able to improve your school while providing higher and higher quality instruction from our constantly improving membership materials.
Dear Rob,
I just opened this month’s Napma package, and surprisingly I found the CD that I had a conversation with Toby. I am so honored to be in the CD, and I want to thank you for that.  I felt that I am little embarrassed, because of my poor English, and I still have some difficulties to explain things in English.  I guess people who listen to the CD have to pay closer attention to it, right?   ;-)  Oh, by the way, you mention my school’s gross last year as 1.3 M, but 1.03 M is the correct number.  My number is still growing, and I am projecting 1.15 M for 2008.  I will let you know exact number early next year. I have seen that Napma has been doing lots of changing and improving.  Napma is always helpful to improve my Martial arts school in business and my teaching skills since the first day of joining.   Inner Circle Meeting has been extremely helpful, and all members are very open minded and eager to work together.
Again Rob, thank you for your help and all the great work in Napma, and I wish you and Napma continuously grow in the future. I will see you in July at the Inner Circle meeting.
Sincerely, Jason Yi

I can proudly report that you have helped me grow into a
successful business with two studios, five recreations centers, over 450 students and 11 instructors.

For ten years, I worked out of recreation centers and sports clubs. NAPMA helped me transition from a part-time karate teacher to a full-time karate school owner.

The programs that I currently use in my school, from self-defense to business software, have come to me through ideas from NAPMA conventions or from membership in NAPMA.

I have been in business for 17 years and a NAPMA member for the past 9 years, I can proudly report that NAPMA has helped me grow into a successful business with two studios, five recreations centers, over 450 students and 11 instructors.

I appreciate all that you have done and continue to do to help me with my growing business.

Ken Klotz,
Klotz Institute of Karate
13617 Annapolis Road
Bowie, Maryland

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FROM 0 TO OVER 300 STUDENTS
IN OUR 1ST YEAR

We moved to Santa Barbara where we knew one person and opened up a studio. We decided that it would be a good idea to go to the NAPMA convention and pick up a few ideas. What we found were programs that we could use to build and manage our business, an experienced, professional, helpful NAPMA staff, and other successful martial arts business owners that were happy to share their ideas on how to make a business grow.

We’ve been in business now for a little over a year, have over 300 students and we’re still growing.

For over 30 years I’ve kept my martial arts “sword” sharp by daily training, now I keep my business “sword” sharp with NAPMA.

Thank you NAPMA. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Dave Wheaton
President, Hapkido International
Martial Arts Family Fitness
122 E. Gutierrez Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101 USA

Greetings From The Kingdom of Bahrain!

When I first joined NAPMA in 2002 I had less than 50 students, today I have close to 250! I think NAPMA is a great organization and is a great window into the professional martial arts industry for those of us who live far from the US.

The style of martial arts I teach is called Zen-Do Kickboxing. Zen-Do Bahrain is probably the largest school in the Middle East. I teach children from as young as three years. Our oldest student is a 57-year-old grandmother!

My NAPMA membership has been worth every penny. Thank you for making it such a great success.

Suhail G. Algosaibi, MBA, MCMI
3rd Degree Black Belt
Founder & Chief Instructor
Zen-Do Bahrain
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Thanks to our membership in NAPMA, we are exposed to the
techniques of the most successful businesses in our industry, allowing us to be the beneficiaries of what they have learned both
artistically and financially. I am proud to be surrounded by such elite, professional teachers and businessmen in a very exciting period in our field and to be a part of this growing and evolving industry that is earning the prestige it deserves.

I also want to extend my gratitude to NAPMA for helping Perfect
Balance Martial Arts and Fitness to become one of the most
respected schools in our community and allowing us to be able to coach, teach martial arts and transform lives while living our dreams.

The medical profession has the AMA, the legal profession the ABA, and the martial artist has NAPMA. It certifies our quality as
professional teachers and helps us realize our value and worth to an ever-expanding client base.

Master Al Agon,
PERFECT BALANCE MARTIAL ARTS AND FITNESS
Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and Kickboxing
4008 Aurora St.
Coral Gables FL 33146

I launched my program and gained 100 students in 100 days. My program grew to 400 students

“My NAPMA membership has influenced my business enough that it changed my standard of living. Seven years ago I received my NAPMA package announcing a new program–Fitness Kickboxing.

I followed the video, instructions and marketing ideas. I launched my program and gained 100 students in 100 days. My program grew to 400 students and is at that level today!  I currently have a NAPMA
after-school program, a Little Ninjas program and a Padded Weapons program; and I am looking forward to starting a Tai Chi program. It just takes one monthly package, one idea…Thanks NAPMA!”

I would like to thank NAPMA for providing me with the information, marketing tools, education and programs that took my school from 150 students to 600 students. I attribute my success to the content and service of NAPMA and lots of hard work. I have looked at many so- called “marketing packages” throughout the years and none compare with the content of the NAPMA package. I’ve reviewed all the “me, too” and slick-looking packages but none contained the professionalism and information that helped me grow my business to what it is today. Beware of the wolves in sheep’s clothing!

Charlie Foxman, Midwest Martial Arts
Midwest Martial Arts Academy
11947 Olive Rd
St. Louis, Missouri  63141  United States
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“I joined NAPMA because their advice made sense and didn’t compromise the integrity of my art.”

“I teach traditional karate-do. I joined the National Association of Professional Martial Artists because their advice made sense and didn’t compromise the integrity of my art or my position as a teacher. NAPMA is about education and raising the standards of professionalism in the  martial arts. For a few dollars a day, I’ve hired a prolific team of graphic artists, marketing experts, martial arts business consultants and researchers that have helped me become financially independent and have allowed me to pursue the essence of karate without selling out. If you’re passionate about teaching the martial arts, NAPMA membership is an absolute must.”

Brad Jones
Traditional Shotokan Karate Training
Brad Jones Karate Do and Fitness Training Centre
244 Main Street South
Newmarket, ON
L3Y 3Z5  Canada

The Truth Will Set You Free…
my student base went from 83 students to over 450
students in less than 9 months

NAPMA has set me free from headaches. Each month its new ideas and marketing materials takes away all the guesswork. With NAPMA, my student base went from 83 students to over 450 students in less than 9 months. NAPMA showed me the way.

It’s simple, follow the NAPMA guidelines, do a little cut and paste and you’re on your way. Now I spend my time doing what I like to do, and do best…Teach.

Experience the difference…NAPMA  (speaks the truth)

Bruce Drago, Master Drago’s Karate, Blandon, PA
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My name is Henry Hyde; I am a 5th-Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, and owner of Hyde Tae Kwon Do Inc. I have been a NAPMA member since 1999. When I first heard of NAPMA, I wasn’t interested in joining. I felt I didn’t need someone to tell me how to run my school. Boy, was I wrong. I was a very traditional instructor and just wanted to teach Tae Kwon Do. Long story short, I joined NAPMA.

Since being with NAPMA, I now teach Grappling, Judo and Kickboxing. I have also been certified in CDT (Control Direction Takedown). I currently have 16 Black Belts under me and every month I share the NAPMA information with my instructors. My retention rate is very high, which I am very proud of. For the wealth of information you get from NAPMA, it makes it well worth the money. I would encourage any school owner to join. It would be the best business decision you ever made. In today’s martial art world, one must have business savvy, in addition to extensive techniques to teach in order to thrive and not just survive. NAPMA puts you in that arena.

I would like to thank NAPMA for putting together a great organization for all martial artists.

Master Henry D. Hyde
Hyde Tae Kwon Do, Inc.
7701 Boca Ciega Drive
St. Pete Beach, Florida
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I have been a NAPMA member for ten years and have not regretted one moment of it. NAPMA has been the industry leader when comes to innovation and change. The program that your fine organization offers has allowed me to become a true professional martial artist. Ten years ago we implemented the Cardio Karate/Fitness Kickboxing program, which is still going strong today. We also redesigned our preschool program to encompass the Little Ninjas curriculum. As for staff training, we use the “Way Of”, ACMA Instructor Manuals and the NAPMA Staff Development programs. The audio and video/multimedia package that I receive as a member each month has been without a doubt the greatest benefit of being a NAPMA member. The contents of this package keeps me up on the latest trends in our industry and provide excellent content for my staff meetings. Through our membership with NAPMA, we have not only achieved 15 years in the industry, but we also reached our goal of 350 active students! Thank you, NAPMA!

Chick Gavitt, Ichiban Karate Studio,
Traditional Shorin-Ryu karate and Fitness Kickboxing
228 Robinson St, Wakefield, RI, 02879, USA
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“I doubled the size of my school in two months!”

“our active enrollment was 123 students. With the help of NAPMA Little Ninjas preschool program and the Ultimate Body Shaping Course, I grew my school to 254 students by the end of February 2002. The momentum continued with 35 new students that March. My school leaped to the next level and the momentum has driven us to even greater successes.”

Not only does it give each Little Ninja something to focus on every day, but it also gives him a reward each day ( belt stripe or stickers and applause ). It also causes the instructor to focus on each child individually each day instead of looking at them as just a sea of eyes and bodies. They focus on individuals. The Little Ninjas program creates a special moment for each student everyday.

Comments: I have tried the business of martial arts, and with a management company. I must say that my livelihood is much better with the company helping me out. I have been a NAPMA member and have attended all their seminars and conventions. I went from a 200-student school to a 400-student school since joining with NAPMA. I must say I sleep better at night not having to worry about every little detail that goes on. My classes are better now that I am constantly motivated. I don’t need to pick my own brain now that I have professional consultants and people to network from. The entire NAPMA staff is the most professional in this field. But don’t take my word for it, ask any NAPMA member and I’m sure they would say the same!

We should be at 300 students at the very latest by the end of October and are on track for 350 - 400 by the end of the year….

I’ve gotten such a response for Ninjas that I’ve added a 2nd evening group that is already filled (I split them into low and high belts) and am starting morning Ninjas and Pre-Ninjas in 2 weeks….

We’re still working on improvements and additions to the system and it’s showing…..Let the games begin.

“If I hadn’t started NAPMA’s Fitness Kickboxing I’d still be working a job. If I hadn’t started Little Ninjas and the UBC I’d still be just getting by. I became a member before I even opened the doors to my school and I’m thankful that I did. Without the great new ideas and help from NAPMA I know all this wouldn’t have happened! Thank you, NAPMA!”

Keith Wilkes,
Fear Knot Martial Arts – Tae Kwon Do
1285 Manheim Pike * Lancaster, PA
17601 15 Center Square * Elizabethtown, Pa 17022
2285 West Harrisburg Pike * Middletown, PA 17057
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Dear NAPMA,

When learning martial arts, we didn’t do it all on our own, we sought out the teachings of the most experienced and accomplished Masters in our respective fields.

Mr. Colasanti has also worked with he best, the absolute business masters of our industry. His contacts include leaders in owning multiple locations and specialists in management development, staff training, advertising, marketing and enrollments. Mr. Colasanti has had the opportunity to get inside the doejahngs - inside the minds of these leaders - and has created this wonderful compilation of experience and wisdom.

This book and all of the information available through NAPMA is a priceless tool. Eliminating the need to reinvent the wheel allows us to start off with the wisdom that others acquired through decades of trial and error.

Mr. Colasanti’s mastery of information has been instrumental in skyrocketing our industry toward providing supreme customer service, excellence in instruction and extremely lucrative sales. The evolution from struggling school owner to successful entrepreneur has allowed me to actually have time to enjoy the “Art” that began this journey in the first place. Thank you.

Master Rondy Chang,
White Tiger TaeKwondo and Martial Arts
——————————————————————————— Most importantly, and here is where I shed a tear, is that NAPMA has elevated my life to a higher level of growth, development and personal achievement. My success personally and professionally is a direct result my NAPMA membership.

Three and a half years ago, I purchased my school from my instructor and let’s just say that I had my work cut out for me.   Starting with 60 students and most of their tuition already cashed out, bartered, or late, the school had a gross income of a whopping $6,000 per month! As an immediate call to action I pulled a secret weapon out from under my sleeve…my action plan. I got to work right away by applying all that I learned from my mentors at NAPMA. In martial arts, we generally learn stances first to establish a strong foundation to build up to learning the basics. The first six months was stance training! I implemented a billing service to get tuition on track. The curriculum was burned and revamped to suit the needs of a modern martial art student from children to adults and, no I did not sell out or comprise the integrity of my style! I got to work on getting my rear in gear with personal development such as goal setting and time management.

The belt ranking system was enhanced to keep students motivated. I could not even afford to pay myself, yet I hired my program director, now my lovely fiancé. I didn’t know where the money would come from; I just figured her work would generate cash flow which it did, by the way did I mention that I was living out of a spare locker room in the school! The basics where added on with a renewed pro shop, Christmas sales, movie nights, belt award ceremonies, low-cost marketing strategies, leadership team, picnics, black belt club, masters club. A lot of these things we had in place already but there is an enormous difference in doing things and doing things right. Six months later the school was generating cash flow and it was time to keep statistics. The monthly total gross now up to double digits before the comma $13,284.89!  Growing to 182 students later that year, I moved the school to a new location, $12,922.19 then $16,498.64 monthly gross, I built a monster and it was growing. Year two, the monthly gross peaked at $25,760.44, and I was drawing a paycheck and had long moved out of my locker room sleeping days. Each year I attended the NAPMA Conference and returned for the next round of rolling up my sleeves and getting busy.

Long story short, my school grosses on average $23,651.24, my personal income is well over $100,000.00 per year and I look forward to coming to work each day, I love what I do! I now have disability insurance, life insurance, health insurance, IRA’s, an increasing net worth, $0 debt; and it has only been 3 1⁄2 years later. I enjoy my involvement in our community, I get to train 2 hours per day in my martial arts just in my personal practice before classes start in the morning, not to mention positively impacting the lives of others all day long. I continue to utilize my NAPMA knowledge applying as much as I can from each package.

Most importantly, and here is where I shed a tear, is that NAPMA has elevated my life to a higher level of growth, development and personal achievement. My success personally and professionally is a direct result my NAPMA membership. This has been a nice stroll down memory lane and I thank you NAPMA for making it all possible. Oh. sure I could have perhaps done it without them, but I am positive it would have been a heck of a lot longer and harder, a heck of a lot!

Daniel Rominski
Kancho 52 Park Ave
Rutherford, NJ 07070

Olympic Karate Institute
Dear NAPMA Team,

I briefly cancelled my membership to NAPMA but soon realized how big a mistake I had made by canceling. I am now a member once again,
I reactivated my membership yesterday.

NAPMA helps me to not only increase my profits each time without fail, but also serves as a monthly motivational tool for all areas of my life.

I would like to thank the NAPMA team and take this opportunity to congratulate you on a truly excellent service.

Danilo Dusoswa,
Kerry Region Karate Schools, Ireland

I joined I joined NAPMA. At first, I was going
to get some ideas and quit. Little did I know that
I would get addicted to NAPMA and it would change
my life forever
“Thanks to NAPMA, I own one of the most successful
martial art schools in South Florida.”

The best advice that I can give anyone that wants to quit their day job and become a successful martial arts professional is first to join NAPMA. Second,
devour the NAPMA packages. Third, be a student for life in the martial arts, business and marketing. Never ever stop learning and devouring the NAPMA packages and you will continue to succeed.

I was once told that no one could make a living by teaching martial arts and I believed it. My first month teaching I had 12 students at $40 a month at an open pavilion at a country club. Today I’m the biggest and most expensive school in my area with 9 schools within a two-mile radius. I was working as a correction officer at a State of Florida maximum-security prison. I felt that teaching martial arts was a good part- time job. But my goal was to leave the prison before my hair grayed. I remember telling my wife when I was getting ready to go to work on the midnight shift after a day of teaching Kung Fu and Fitness Kickboxing, honey, one day I will look back at this and consider it a nightmare. Within a few months, I joined I joined NAPMA. At first, I was going to get some ideas and quit. Little did I know that I would get addicted to NAPMA and it would change my life forever. Three years later I began living my childhood dream and retired from the prison. In less than 7 years later, I look at my storefront school, my house, my students, the numerous TV shows and newspapers we have been in and I pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming. I was the first Spanish speaker at the NAPMA World Conference; I’m NAPMA’s NSSN Florida representative; I own one of the most successful and recognized martial arts school in South Florida. I am what I call NAPMA bred and feed. Thank you NAPMA and Rob for leading the way.

Julio Anta
Traditional Southern Shaolin Hung Gar Kung Fu & Chi-Gong
10721 NW 58 St. Doral, Miami, Florida
——————————————————————————— NAPMA has been there with me, every step of the way, as I grew to over 300 students and completed an expansion literally doubling my mat space

It was over 10 years ago that I quit my full-time job in nursing to open my school. I’m glad I was insightful enough to join NAPMA six months before I even opened the doors!  NAPMA has been there with me from the beginning-from how to choose a location, to systems for tracing enrollments and retention, to special events, and really effective “NON-BLACK BELT EYES” ads.

NAPMA has been there with me, every step of the way, as I grew to over 300 students and completed an expansion literally doubling my mat space. But best of all, NAPMA encouraged me to truly value the character development skills I teach and to price the training accordingly. Without that encouragement, I’m sure I couldn’t be where I am today.

NAPMA is great at helping school owners to do their best because NAPMA is the BEST!

Diane Reeve, Owner
5th Degree Black Belt (Tae Kwon Do)
Vision Martial Arts Center,
909 W Spring Creek Pkwy # 370
Plano, TX 75023
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Suddenly it hit me that there is so much information in there,
it really isn’t necessary to invest in any other marketing materials,
martial art or otherwise!

I just have to tell you this. I’m getting myself ready for Valentine’s
promotions, so I decided to look at the NAPMA February 2005(package) for additional ideas. But I get caught up reading some of the other material in the package.

Suddenly it hit me that there is so much information in there, it really isn’t necessary to invest in any other marketing materials, martial art or otherwise!

I’m just thinking, “What if I had REALLY been using this material over the past 10 years? Where would my school be today?”
.
I feel reborn!

Dwight Woods
12580 SW 88th Street, Miami, Florida 33186
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You provide an invaluable service. Keep up the wonderful work!

A great big thank you to Mr. Colasanti and the staff at NAPMA for your willingness to help and answer the questions that I might have. Finding new students has been challenging during the first 6 months of 2005, so I called NAPMA with questions about ideas that I might use to bring new people in the door. After being in business for 26 years, we had tried many things to bring in new students, but for one reason or another some of those things weren’t working for us. We needed to find the little thing that we are not doing right to turn these efforts into successes or be reminded of the things that we were no longer using that we should try again. Mr. Colasanti and the staff have always helped me find the little thing that I might be missing. I appreciate the opportunity to speak to Mr. Colasanti and the staff at NAPMA because you speak to so many martial artists who are consistently mentioning great ideas to you; and you, to your credit, are willing to share those great ideas with your membership. You provide an invaluable service. Keep up the wonderful work!

Fred Nicklaus
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Mr. Colasanti,

I just want to say thanks for contacting me about NAPMA and its benefits. I’ve started applying the marketing ideas and improving some of my programs to benefit the students and the center better. The book by Rob Colasanti is a great source of information and has given me a better understanding of the martial arts industry. I know that joining NAPMA is one of the best investments I have ever made.

James Isler, Chief Instructor, American Martial Arts Training Center, Eufaula, Al
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Dear NAPMA,

I have been studying martial arts for twenty years, and for the last ten I have heard of an association called NAPMA. I must say, at first, I was very skeptical, I mean really how can someone tell you all these secrets for a successful martial arts school and not be commonly known? I have trained with various teachers from various styles and systems throughout my years, and every one of them gave me advice on what I should do to be successful in the martial arts. So why would I need to join this association? After reading an article in Martial Arts Professional, I talked it over with my fiancé and we decided, why not give it a try? If it doesn’t work, or it’s just a bunch of things I’ve already been told, then after a couple of months we’ll cancel the membership. After becoming a member before I ever received the first package, I got a phone call from Bill Workman, a very energetic, and enthusiastic person who was willing to answer any of my questions. Shortly after that I received the first package and all the bonus material. I have now come to the realization that I only knew a small fraction of what I really needed to know. My fiancé is now the Program Director for our new school. Within in our first week of opening the doors, we attained 23 students and grossed $1,800. If you utilize all the steps that NAPMA teaches, you will succeed! Take it from a skeptic. Thanks NAPMA, and God Bless!!

Robert S. Staples, Master Instructor,
Staples’ Martial Arts and Self-Defense
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I did the best in my Life: became a NAPMA Member.

Good morning, Rob!

Before I become a NAPMA membership, my wife and I struggled every month and had a lot of problems. Then I asked a friend what NAPMA exactly is, and after studying Mr. Graden’s books (he opened my eyes) I did the best in my Life: became a NAPMA Member.
Things changed fast since I’ve been a member (I think I am now in year 4), and in the first month I have over 2000$ more income, and in this bad times it was coming in the right moment. Now after this years and two Conventions - I cannot believe why I not was earlier a member of NAPMA. I opened my first school in 1990, bought a bigger one to impress others (my greatest failure) in 1994. But in the last four years I am growing constantly, my active student count is 281 in my first school (population in my town 3700). In October 2003, I opened my second location 5 miles away with 90 active students.

My wife Claudia and I manage the schools, we have three full-timers and have, after starting the G.O.L.D. Team (thanks to NAPMA), 14 part-timers (everyone is doing his job for free).

Last week I received this month package and it’s still one of the best I ever held in my hand. From the great bonus ad to the DVD, there is so much material inside. What I love most is the NBC-TV bonus segment, which I will copy and give it out to parents and schoolteachers to see why martial arts is good and a must for kids.

Awesome job!
Oliver Drexler NSSN Germany
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Mr. Colasanti,

NAPMA has been the single most beneficial organization I have joined ever and through my association with you I’ve learned what I was doing wrong in the “early years” that kept me at such a small number of students, and with addition of NAPMA, two things have just exploded for us this year. We’re at 200 active and growing by leaps and bounds. We project to be well over 225 by year’s end.

My strong points are leadership and curriculum development as well as copywriting and advertising.

Thank you for everything and I await your response,

James Theros
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NAPMA has given me and my school ideas and plans that really cannot be fully equated to $$.

I am a diehard NAPMA fan. In the last 12 months, NAPMA has given me and my school ideas and plans that really cannot be fully equated to $$. Just to list a few things that we have done.

1:
Only because of NAPMA did we walk away from our organization (Choi Kwang-Do) and set out on our own. We reduced fees that we charge our students and still increased over last year by 25%.  And now I don’t have someone telling me what to teach and how to teach it and costing me $20,000 per year.  Instead I am exposed from great martial artist from around the globe and allow my students to pick and choose what they like!

2:
We have begun the NAPMA Padded Weapons Program with unbelievable success.

3:
We have begun the NAPMA Little Ninja’s Program and it has been excellent as well.

4:
In November, we had our first one-day holiday sale ever and grossed over $4000 in retail sales. Even without the extra 4K we still did more retail sales in November and December than the previous year.  So the one-day sale was just bonus!

5:

In December we had our first ever Holiday Party/Dinner featuring the demo team and awards for everything I could think of under the sun. This party alone fired up the entire school so much that we picked up 11 students from referrals in the week following the party.

6:
In my 9 community education schools, I implemented portions of the theme-based curriculum with phenomenal success. The 8-week course ends this Friday and we have already signed 26 kids from the program (out of 171 possible) to 1-year or 3-year programs. The best I have ever converted with these programs is 17 kids last year.

We were up $10,000 in November and are already up $7,000 in December for month end and I have 2 weeks left!  If only my stock portfolio was doing this well <grin>.

Jeff Duncan, Farmington Martial Arts
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“Since joining NAPMA in 1996, my schools have risen to the next level. Running a multi-school operation can be hectic, but fresh ideas and quality support from the entire NAPMA staff has allowed my organization to experience continuous growth. NAPMA has allowed me to compete and be successful in the modern martial arts industry without sacrificing the integrity of my traditional martial arts.”

Roger A. Jarrett,
President and Chief Instructor
USA Martial Arts Federation
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Your monthly support materials are worth 10 times what you charge

Dear Rob,

First of all, I would like to thank you and NAPMA for your help. When my wife and I decided to open a martial arts school, we had practically no business experience. With your monthly business tips, eye-catching ad material, and video support, we’ve grown by leaps and bounds.

When we first joined NAPMA, we had approximately 25 students and were teaching in an old television repair shop out of the city limits. Both my wife and myself were working full-time jobs plus running our school full time.

We were years ahead in offering any type of cardio karate in this area, because we took NAPMA’s advice. This was one of the things that allowed us to more than double our enrollment and be able to move to a better location. I was also in the first group who was ACMA-certified. Not only did this give me local publicity, but it also enhanced my teaching techniques.

At the NAPMA World Conference 2000, I was introduced to Krav Maga. My wife and myself traveled to California and went through the Krav Maga instructor program. I go to CA several times a year now to train. Krav Maga has not only enriched our training, but it has enabled us to double adult student enrollment by adding an exciting, to-the-point style of self-defense.

We cannot begin to thank you enough for helping build the backbone of our dojo. We now have a student base of 130, and have recently expanded our school to double the size with a bigger lobby, smoothie bar, and a second classroom currently under construction. This is now our full-time job. Our plan is to be at 200 students within this year.

Your monthly support materials are worth 10 times what you charge (maybe I shouldn’t say that). Not only would they help a school just starting out, but also help existing schools by adding new ideas and maintaining retention.

Mark Myers, Myers Family Karate Center, LLC, Hammond, LA
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NAPMA has helped me grow both personally
and professionally.

Dear Mr. Colasanti:

I have been studying the martial arts for almost 40 years. I hold a 9th Dan in Shorin Ryu Karate and a 7th Dan in Goju Ryu Karate as well as a Hanshi Grade, Chief Grand Master Instructor, teaching licensure. I founded the House of the Samurai, Inc. in the basement of my home approximately 31 years ago. Over the years, my dojo’s student population slowly increased, but my school’s growth rate was often surpassed by the magnitude and quantity of its business challenges. In time, I became a magna cum laude graduate of the school of hard knocks. Even so, I continued to make some monumental mistakes, costing me a huge number of students and money. I started to lose my passion for the arts and considered other employment opportunities. My own instructors were phenomenal technicians and taught martial arts professionally themselves during the earlier days of Bruce Lee, Billy Jack, and Kwai Chang Caine in the weekly television series, Kung Fu. However, they were all closed-minded with respect to the martial arts business, an affliction that often plagues traditional martial artists, even to this day. Consequently, all of these extremely talented Senseis have long since gone out of business. Some of them continue to teach an occasional seminar for a few bowls of rice as they say. Thus, I didn’t have any mentors or role models to emulate on the business side in the world of martial arts although I craved and needed this type of guidance. To fill this void, I initially joined the ranks of Martial Arts America under the leadership of Mr. Andrew Wood. This relationship was fruitful in the sense that it started me to think along new lines. After three or more years with Mr. Wood’s organization, I decided that many of the concepts proposed by Martial Arts America failed to harmonize with or mirror my own style of conducting business in my staunch traditional Dojo. Prior to my tenure with MAA, I employed the services of the Educational Funding Company, primarily to collect my school’s tuition. EFC did not offer a vast array of marketing and management material at that time. I eventually transferred my accounts receivable business to a local, more reliable and affordable service. Thus, I continued my quest for business knowledge. If my memory serves me correctly, I think that it was Mr. Tony Fournier from Portland, Maine that first talked to me about NAPMA. Tony is now the NSSN faculty member for his home state of Maine. Tony enthusiastically endorsed the company’s quantity and quality of services. I decided to join the ranks of NAPMA per Tony’s recommendations, a decision that I have never regretted. I am now also a NAPMA Squared member. As a result, I have access to a vast array of different resources, which continue to flood and positively influence my now wide-open mind. Consequently, I have revamped my school’s curriculum and class schedules; added various upgrade programs working under the guidelines of New Hampshire’s most restrictive health club statutes that govern and regulate martial arts schools; established a new ranking system, an act considered almost sacrilegious in traditional karate circles; increased my tuition substantially without suffering any dropouts; added instructor certification programs; hired a full time Dojo Director and Program Director, six part time instructors and office support personnel; assisted eight of my own students to open their own schools; formed my own martial arts organization; purchased the $650,000 building that houses my Dojo; etc. I always possessed the ambition to succeed in the martial arts industry without compromising my values and integrity, but basically lacked the tools to do so. NAPMA provided me with these tools, which I continue to use on a daily basis to attain many of my previously illusive business goals. This organization’s membership is teeming with extremely successful, professional martial artists from very diverse backgrounds. NAPMA provides a network for its members to share their stories of success as well as failure, enabling all to learn and profit collectively. NAPMA has helped to revolutionize the martial arts industry. The general public has been educated accordingly, and men, women, and children of all ages are finally starting to realize the many mental, physical, and emotional benefits that martial arts training truly offers. Many of the “old school” philosophies and abusive training tactics have been eradicated and the martial arts industry now enjoys a long overdue elevated level of respect.

Since joining the ranks of NAPMA in 1999, I have attained a fair degree of success in the martial arts business. I now possess the freedom and flexibility to spend more quality time with my family, my highest priority in life. I have not yet acquired total financial freedom, but the peak of this lofty mountain is now within my sight and grasp. My passion for the arts has returned and I am now having more FUN than ever before teaching my arts. I honestly enjoy running my business. My business no longer runs me. In conclusion, these are some of the ways that NAPMA has helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Richie Bernard
Executive Director
House of the Samurai, Inc., Londonderry, NH

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Thanks Rob for the information.

I don’t know if you remember me or not but, we are located in Michigan. I have met you several times and have been with your company since it started (or close to that time). We have 9 schools now, and are adding 5 more main training centers in Sept. I appreciate and love what you folks do and that’s why I have been loyal to your company.

Keep up the good work Rob,

Rich Collins

We both know how much NAPMA has done to improve our business.

NAPMA has been a great source of strength for my school and myself. The Annual World Conference has always left my wife and myself hungering for more of what NAPMA has to offer us. The monthly package is something that we look forward to eagerly! Why? Because we both know how much NAPMA has done to improve our business.

We became NAPMA members after being members of another organization for many years. During the time with this other organization, our school would climb a little and then sink back down. Needless to say, we were growing very frustrated. No one was helping us. Then we heard about NAPMA. We left that other organization, found a new billing company and became NAPMA members. Since joining NAPMA we have left our old location, which was approximately 1,000 sq. feet and opened up in a prime new location with 3,000 sq. feet and have been there for over 2 years now. Our numbers have also increased! We went from having approximately 60 active students to now over 200 active students, and still growing!

We have also enjoyed belonging to the NAPMA listserv, which is a great resource! And we have learned so much from all the wonderful people we have been able to network with through this medium. Because of this, we have even started doing our own in-house billing which has been great, thanks to all the help and advice we have received through this list.

From almost Day 1 with NAPMA, we have always felt like we were part of a family! We feel like everyone is right there for us and not some obscure figure somewhere. People at NAPMA are REAL people who are always there to help us.

We cannot say enough about NAPMA and the wonderful things NAPMA has done for our school.

Robert M. Chester,
East Coast Martial Arts Center, Groton, CT

Thanks NAPMA for helping me “fire my job”
and live my dreams!

Before joining NAPMA in 1997, I was doing what most martial arts school owners were doing, writing my own flyers (in black & white), handling the accounting, collections, phone interviews, intros and enrollment conferences. Not to mention the fact that I was also teaching classes and working a full time job! Thanks to NAPMA, my school is fully systemized from “how to open the door” to what to say when the phones are answered! Our gross increased 400% and I went from one part-time employee (me) to four full-time and six part-time employees.

My Martial Arts, Kickin’ Kids, Summer Camp and Fitness programs are all on “auto pilot”. Not only had NAPMA helped me fulfill my dream of retiring at 37, but also it helped me help others fulfill their dreams. As Zig Ziglar says, “You can have anything you want as long as you help other get what they want.”

Thanks NAPMA for caring enough about our industry to do what others feared to do…ACT!

“NAPMA is great at helping school owners to do their best- because NPAMA is the BEST!”

Samuel Scott, President / CEO and Founder, Full Circle Martial Arts Academy, Maryland
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I opened my first studio at the age of 21. My vision was to teach martial arts as a hobby while I pursued a career in law enforcement. I never realized that martial arts could be a serious profession (let alone a profitable one).

When I connected with the people at NAPMA, I learned that becoming a professional martial arts studio owner was more than just a daydream. They taught me how to run a professional studio, integrate new and exciting programs and turn my vision into reality. I currently have a dedicated program that includes grappling and kickboxing with alternative upgrade programs such Black Belt Club, Masters Class and Leadership training.

My vision has changed, my studio has grown and my way of life has improved dramatically…I went from part-time hobby, to full-time enjoyment! Thanks NAPMA.

Shane G. Weaver, Senior Instructor/Owner,
RED GRIFFIN MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO, Canada

Between nine months and one year of joining NAPMA, my martial arts school has tripled in size.

Dear NAPMA,

I opened my martial arts school in Bermuda two years ago and struggled to find and keep a core of students focused on training. About a year ago, I found NAPMA on the Web and contemplated whether I should join this organization, because so many organizations promise they will help you achieve your goals, and they never fulfill their end or there is always a catch. So I bit the bullet, and enrolled in the NAPMA program. Between nine months and one year of joining NAPMA, my martial arts school has tripled in size and has a student base more focused and excited about the benefits of joining a martial arts school. The monthly material that NAPMA sends you is guaranteed to work if you read it, study it and apply it. This is the only true industry that can target life skills development in our children and adults. Any serious martial arts school owner should strongly consider joining NAPMA if they want to make a living in the martial arts industry. I am proof of this success, and I endorse the commitment that NAPMA has in improving the martial arts profession around the world.

Sensei Shawn Harvey,
founder of the Bermuda Small Circle Jujitsu Academy
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Just a quick note to let everyone at NAPMA know how thankful we are.

Thanks to NAPMA and the Little Ninjas program we have been able to go out and pursue our passion full-time now. We have just opened a 4,000 square foot dojo and have new students enrolling daily.  Thanks for the great marketing tools.

Chris & Tami Sprague, Personal Development Institute, Inc., Lincoln, IL
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Dear NAPMA,

This is an update on our new studio construction, formerly Martial Arts of Springdale…now called Karate World of Oklahoma, LLC.

The building is 4500 square feet on one acre of Highway 412 frontage next to the golf driving range. Highway 412 is one of only three (3) routes across the state of Arkansas; I-40 in the center of the state at Ft. Smith to Little Rock, I-30 i