If you run a dojo, you may feel like you’re always busy but never quite making progress on the business side of things. Between teaching classes, managing students, and handling admin tasks, it can feel like you’re constantly chasing your tail. You’ve got the passion for martial arts, but focusing on running a successful business? That’s another story.
If you can relate, you’re not alone. Many dojo owners experience this feeling. The solution to these challenges is to work on achievable business goals that actually move your dojo forward. Here’s how you can set them.
Take It Back to the Beginning.
Before you write down a long list of everything you want to achieve, take a step back and think about your bigger vision for the dojo. Where do you see your dojo in five years? Is it growing membership, opening multiple dojos, or becoming a well-known hub in the community?
The idea of success will vary between martial arts clubs, so decide what success means to you. It’ll give you direction and keep you focused on the day-to-day. Having a clear vision will help you set goals that align with your long-term aspirations.
Set Specific, Measurable Goals for Your Dojo
Most dojo owners get stuck when setting goals because they’re too vague. Things like “grow the dojo” or “get more students” aren’t specific enough, and that’s why they’re hard to achieve. Instead, set SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
For example, if you want to “grow the dojo”, your SMART goal would be to “increase dojo membership by 10% in the next 6 months.” SMART goals give you clarity on what you’re aiming for and help you track progress, which is crucial for maintaining motivation.
Some longer-term dojo goals include:
- Increase dojo membership by 10% in the next 6 months
- Launch an online training program by the end of the year
- Improve student retention by 15% over the next quarter
Break Your Goals Down into Smaller Steps
Big goals can feel overwhelming, but breaking them into smaller, manageable steps makes it easier to make progress. Martial arts training is all about progression – so apply the same mindset to your business goals. Instead of setting one large goal like “increase memberships,” get specific with actionable, martial-arts-focused steps.
For example, you might start by offering a free class to attract new students. Your goal could be to sign up 50% of attendees after the session. That then feeds into the larger goal of increasing memberships within a timeframe. Here’s a full list of steps you might take:
Goal: Increase dojo membership by 10% in the next 6 months.
Steps:
- Set up a free taster session for the dojo.
- Make the free class bookable online.
- Advertise the free class on social media and your website.
- Aim to sign up 50% of attendees after the session.
- Run the taster session once per month, each time aiming to sign up 25-50% of the attendees.
Don’t Be Afraid to Adjust and Adapt
Sometimes life running a dojo can be unpredictable and your focus might shift. While it’s important to adjust your plans when necessary, make sure you don’t lose sight of the bigger picture.
If you’re falling behind on a goal, ask yourself: is this still the right direction for the dojo? Should I modify my process, or was the goal too ambitious? Adjustments are part of the journey but always strive to keep moving toward the vision you’ve created for your dojo’s future.
Running a dojo involves more than just teaching martial arts; it requires managing a business that aligns with your passion and values. By setting clear, dojo-specific goals and focusing on what truly matters, you’ll make real progress toward creating a dojo that thrives – both for you and your students.
ClubRight is the go-to management software for martial arts clubs, taking care of everything from membership management and billing to class bookings and online joining – plus a whole lot more. Give us a call today on +44 (0)203 884 977 or book a free online demo with one of our product experts to find out why we’re trusted by more than 1000+ fitness businesses across the UK.
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