Should You Hire Family In Your Martial Arts School?

It depends. But be careful, like a nuclear power plant, it can either create unmatched power or absolute destruction.

Let me explain.

I work with family members, and for the most part, it’s great. Today, two of my brothers and one of my sisters are involved in our schools.

But here’s the key:

We’ve NEVER worked in the same location.
And trust me, that’s no accident.

I love them all… but to be honest, if we were in the same locaton daily, it feels like a disaster waiting to happen. 

But don’t get me wrong.. 

Over the years, I’ve seen family-run schools absolutely flourish!

I’ve also seen them rip families apart.

I’ve seen husband and wife teams grow stronger through their business.

I’ve also seen school ownership destroy marriages. 

Working with family is a bit like building a nuclear power plant:

• When it works → It powers the whole city.
  
  

• When it blows up → It leaves behind a pack of angry mutated wolves with 3 heads.
  
  

And it often comes down to one thing: expectations.

If you hire a family member, here’s the rule:

👉 They don’t get special treatment.
👉 They don’t get extra leeway.
👉 And if they underperform, you must be able to move on,  without destroying the relationship.

Easier said than done.

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings famously said:

“We run a team, not a family.”

And on a team, the best players are promoted.
The worst players get cut.

Family relationships can warp our perception of team members,  and that distortion can hurt your business, your team culture, and your reputation fast.

It’s a touchy topic, but an important one to bring to light.

So what conversation should you have BEFORE bringing family into your martial arts school?

Here are some critical questions to discuss upfront:

✅ What role will they be hired for?
✅ Will they be expected to hit the same KPIs and standards as everyone else?
✅ Who will they report to? (Hint: it shouldn’t always be YOU)
✅ If they underperform, can you have the hard conversation,  and if needed, part ways without starting a nuclear war?
✅ Are both sides prepared to keep the business separate from family gatherings? (This one is HUGE)
✅ Are they prepared to be treated like any other staff member , not “the owner’s brother” or “the boss’s daughter”?

If you can answer these questions honestly  and have the courage to live by your answers, working with family can be one of the most rewarding things you do.

If not… well, those 3-headed wolves will be lurking.