If you run a martial arts club, you know that interest and attendance can fluctuate throughout the year. January may bring a surge of new students motivated by New Year’s resolutions, while summer months might see a dip in attendance as families take holidays.
To maintain engagement and attract new students year-round, you need creative and themed promotions that align with both the seasons and the martial arts ethos.
Here are some seasonal promotion ideas that can serve as recurring staples in your club’s marketing calendar.
January to February: New Year’s Martial Arts Goals
The start of the year is when people are most inspired to set new goals, making it the perfect time to welcome new students into your martial arts club. Run a New Year, New Skills campaign, focusing on the personal growth and confidence that martial arts training provides.
Other New Year Martial Arts Promotion Ideas:
- Offer discounted trial packages, such as 2 weeks of classes for £20 to make it easy for newcomers to start.
- Host free taster workshops or introductory classes to help potential students see what a typical martial arts class is like without committing to a membership.
- Create a referral programme where current students who bring a friend get a discount on their next grading fee or a discounted session.
March to April: Spring Into Action
Spring is a time for renewal and growth, making it a great opportunity to re-engage existing students and attract new ones. Organise a Spring Into Action Challenge where students set personal goals, like attending a set number of classes, mastering a new technique, or moving up a belt grade.
Reward participants with prizes like club-branded water bottles or free private sessions for those who complete the challenge. You might even highlight the mental and physical benefits of martial arts in your spring marketing materials to resonate with new prospects.
May to July: Summer Skills Series
Summer is often a quieter time for martial arts clubs, but it’s also an opportunity to host unique events and keep younger students engaged while they’re on their summer break. Run a Summer Skills Series to focus on specific techniques, like grappling, sparring, or forms/kata, and market these sessions to both current students and newcomers.
Spring Promotion Ideas for Martial Arts Clubs:
- Offer a Bring a Friend for Free week to introduce potential new students to your classes. Pair this with incentives for current students, such as discounts on their next class.
- Create a flexible summer class pass for younger students wanting to try something new during the summer holidays, allowing them to drop in for classes without committing to a full membership.
November to December: Festive Martial Arts Fun
The festive season is perfect for celebrating the community and getting creative with your promotions. A 12 Days of Martial Arts challenge can encourage students to stay active during the winter season, with incentives for completing tasks like moving up a belt grade before the year ends or helping a newer student with their journey.
Winter Promotion Ideas for Martial Arts Clubs:
- Host a festive-themed family event to celebrate the club’s success over the year and say thank you to your students for their continued support.
- Run an end-of-year special for new sign-ups, for example, Join in December and Get January Free to build momentum for the New Year.
Extra Tips for Running Seasonal Promotions
- Plan. Create a calendar to ensure timely execution and enough time to market each campaign.
- Stay Consistent. Run these promotions annually to make them a part of your club’s identity.
- Use Social Media. Use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to promote events, share success stories, and engage with your community.
- Monitor Results. Track participation and new sign-ups in your club management software to see how effective your seasonal campaigns are and where you can improve in the future.
Ultimately, seasonal campaigns offer unique opportunities to showcase your club’s value and stand out from competitors. By planning, tracking results, and refining your approach based on data, you can ensure each promotion has maximum impact. With the right strategies in place, you can keep your community motivated and your student base thriving all year long.
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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