2023 has posed unprecedented challenges for the martial arts industry, worsened by the ongoing economic downturn.
Economic downturns have forced schools to reassess their strategies and adapt to a changing environment.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the biggest mistakes schools made in 2023 and explore the top marketing trends for 2024.
We will also examine how AI is set to disrupt the martial arts industry and whose strategies you should be watching in order to still win in an economic downturn.
The Biggest Mistakes Schools Made in 2023:
Many martial arts schools faced adversity in 2023 due to a failure to adapt to the changing economic climate.
Common mistakes include a lack of digital presence, failure to engage with online platforms, and an over-reliance on traditional marketing methods.
Schools that fail to embrace technology find themselves struggling to keep students and reach new audiences.
The key takeaway from these mistakes is clear: adaptation is crucial for survival.
Top Marketing Trends for 2024:
As we look ahead to 2024, martial arts schools must accept forefront marketing trends to stay competitive.
Video content, social media engagement, and personalized online experiences are set to dominate.
With the rise of virtual training, schools need to invest in creating compelling digital content.
Leveraging partnerships can also be a game-changer in reaching a wider audience.
How AI Will Disrupt the Martial Arts Industry:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is on the horizon, and its impact on the martial arts industry is inevitable.
From personalized training plans based on individual progress to virtual partners.
Technology is reshaping the way students learn and practice martial arts.
While AI presents challenges, forward-thinking schools are exploring innovative ways to incorporate this technology into their curriculum.
This will help with a more engaging and efficient training experience.
To Watch - Cris Rodriguez:
It can be hard to find influential people in the Martial Arts Industry who share the same values for the future of martial arts.
Here are the must-watch Martial Artists in the industry:
🔹 Cris Rodriguez, Gracie PAC, and Grow Pro Agency owner. With over a decade of Digital Marketing Experience, Cris is a 1st Degree BJJ Black Belt, 3rd Degree Tae Kwon Do Black Belt.
She knows firsthand the importance of having a steady stream of leads. She launched Grow Pro Agency to help fellow School Owners dominate their market online so they can drive more Traffic, develop a Tribe of loyal followers, and ultimately THRIVE!
Cris is a great person to watch because she can help you grow your martial arts school with amazing marketing tips and tricks. She can help you join a community of likeminded people!
To Watch - Mike Metzger:
🔹 Mike Metzger, Lead Consultant Of Martial Arts Industry Association. Mike started training in the martial arts in 1983. After many years of training, he opened his first school at the age of 17. He eventually opened two more schools before merging with Frank Silverman, where they run 10 schools in the Central Florida area.
Mr. Metzger is also the Lead Consultant for MAIA (Martial Arts Industry Association). has helped schools around the world maximize their profitability and revenue through his business systems and tools.
We highly recommend following Mr. Metzger to gain the best business practices!
To Watch - Stephen Reinstein:
🔹 Stephen Reinstein, Founder of Market Muscles. As a lifelong martial artist, starting at the age of 2, martial arts has been an integral part of Stephen’s life, shaping who he is today. Spending so much time in the dojo, he has seen just how important your role as a martial arts or fitness instructor truly is.
Stephen started learning web design and development at the age of 12. Instantly I knew that this was what I wanted to do with my life, that is why Market Muscles was created. Over the past 15 years, he has had the opportunity to work for web agencies, responsible for creating websites for some of the largest companies and political figures in the world.
By following Stephen you will be helping your website rank high in such a competitive industry!
To Watch - Tu Le:
🔹 Tu Le, founder and CEO of MyStudio. Tu is also the Owner, Founder, and President of InCourage Martial Arts. Tu’s focus is on equipping good people to do well in their businesses with the right tools, skills, and knowledge. Martial Arts has been ingrained in his life and a passion from a young age.
Tu is the first martial arts entrepreneur to graduate from Harvard Business School, despite dropping out of undergrad to pursue a full-time career teaching martial arts (they rejected him 7 times before accepting him). He started MyStudio in 2017 with a big vision, and today they get the honor of helping 2000+ businesses across the world.
Do you want to make sure you are getting paid? We suggest using MyStudio to make sure all memberships are getting paid correctly and on time!
Conclusion:
In conclusion, economic downturns present challenges, but they also offer opportunities for growth and innovation.
Schools that learn from the mistakes of the past, stay ahead of marketing trends, embrace AI, and adapt to changing circumstances will be the ones to watch in the coming years.
The journey ahead may be uncertain, but with the right mindset and strategies, the martial arts community can navigate the storm.
- The Biggest Mistakes Schools Made in 2023
- Top Marketing Trends for 2024
- How AI will disrupt the Martial Arts Industry
- How to Still WIN in an Economic Downturn
- & a No Holds Barred Q&A session
