Over the last 2 years, Iโve interviewed 50+ of the best martial arts school operators and consultants in the worldโfrom BJJ to TKD, Karate, and beyond.
Iโve also done hundreds of calls with school operators who are stuck. Some canโt break past the $10K/month mark, while others are making good money but struggling to build a reliable team.
And thereโs ONE THING the Top 1% consistently nails that frustrated school owners often miss.
It comes down to two key times of the day: Prep Time and Show Time.
If you want to grow your school or get your team to truly support your vision, these are the two times you need to master.
What is Prep Time?
Prep Time happens during non-student-facing hours. This is when you focus on the behind-the-scenes tasks that keep your school running smoothly.
Prep Time Activities:
๐งน Cleaning
๐ฆ Ordering equipment
๐ Marketing (2+ hours daily)
๐ Lead follow-up
๐ง Customer service (emails/calls)
๐ Planning
These are morning activities, or whenever classes arenโt in session.
What is Show Time?
Show Time is exactly what it sounds like: when students are in the building, and itโs time to shine.
Show Time Activities:
๐ฅ Teaching classes
๐ฃ Student feedback
๐ค Parent support
๐ Upgrades
๐ฅ Rapport building
๐ก Real-time problem-solving
โ๏ธ Enrollments
Why This Matters
Prep Time is for the โboringโ stuff: cleaning, scheduling, and keeping your student pipeline full with marketing and lead follow-up.
Show Time is for showing up! Building connections, teaching great classes, and being present for your students and parents.
Hereโs the key: If students are in the building, your focus needs to be on them. Ordering toilet paper or catching up on emails can wait until Prep Time.
As we head into โholiday mode,โ nowโs the perfect time to tighten up your teamโs daily structure and refocus on what really matters.
Prep Time fuels your school. Show Time makes it thrive.
As always, 3 min read, all strategy, no fluff.
Your Hype Man,
Matthew Brenner
P.s. Do you want to make 2025 your biggest year ever? l've helped 30+ martial arts school owners (Tkd, Bjj, karate, any type) get 30+ new students through strategic partnerships with public and private schools. I'm taking on 2 more clients before the end of the year who are ready to do the same. Wanna see if it's a good fit? Schedule a 10 minute call with me here.. https://calendar.app.google/4iebpmfcm547p5Bu6
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