Retention is key to growing your martial arts school. Renewals and enrollments often overshadow it because they provide an instant cash infusion. Retention is a long-term investment; you will reap the benefits over time. It is critical to do everything in your martial arts business with retention at the forefront of your mind.

Offer a life skills curriculum in addition to your martial arts training. Emphasizing life skills like focus, discipline, choices, family, and respect illustrates to parents that your school is not just an extracurricular activity; it is a place of higher learning with lessons that will serve their children in all areas of their lives.

Make a consistent effort to improve everything in your school. Remember the dedication it took to earn your black belt? Use that same drive to master running your martial arts school. Pay attention to every aspect of your business and look for ways to improve. Ask others for feedback and consider their points of view.

Invest in yourself and never stop learning. Continued learning and evaluation combat complacency. A new drill, technique, or game can breathe life into a routine class. Many credible resources and associations offer programs and systems that have proven successful. Join one and use these resources to better your school and curriculum.

Perceived added value will also increase retention. Offer special events like holiday parties, Mother’s and Father’s Day, buddy parties, and Parents Night Outs. Give parents a free month of kickboxing during “Parents Appreciation Month.” Offer two-hour kickboxing classes to members during the holidays. Perceived added value demonstrates to members and parents that you care and are invested in them.

Train and empower your staff to be effective. Staff are the face of your business, and competent, well-trained staff create an outstanding customer experience. Conduct weekly meetings with a focused agenda and write systems to support your staff. They are the backbone of your school and one of your best retention tools.