What’s Better, Hiring From Inside vs Outside?

“Should I promote a student... or hire from the outside?”

This is a question I get from almost every school owner when they start building their team.

We’ve done both in our schools. And here’s how I like to think about it:

👉 Hiring from the inside is like training a homegrown patriotic soldier for your dojo army.

They already know your curriculum. They understand your culture. They’ve absorbed your personality and leadership style.

Most importantly: they believe in the mission of your school and often have strong loyalty to it.

👉 Hiring from the outside is like bringing in a mercenary.

This can be a GOOD thing. Often these candidates are super talented, but their former instructor didn’t give them an opportunity. They’ve been undervalued and underpaid. When you give them a real career path, they are incredibly grateful, and can bring new skills and energy to your team.

But remember: mercenaries don’t always fight for your flag... you have to earn their loyalty over time through great leadership and culture.

Now let’s be clear: both paths come with risk.

We’ve had:

• Homegrown hires who left on bad terms and tried to take students with them.
  
  

• Outside hires who became core, trusted team members and bled our school colors.
  
  

So what’s the right mix?

My personal belief: at least 80% of your team should be built from within.

Yes, it’s slower. Yes, sometimes they start as teenagers or beginner adults.

But the training process is 10x easier. They already understand your mission. They already fit your culture. There is inherent internal trust. 

Does that mean they’re immune to leaving and taking students on the way out?

Of course not. It happens to everyone who’s been in the game long enough.

But I would rather take that risk and build leaders than guarantee my school never grows because I’m too scared of the worst case scenario.

That said: outside hires can be amazing when done properly.

We’ve had incredible outside hires, but we always:

 ✅ Run background checks (state AND federal)
✅ Check references thoroughly
✅ Do a 30-day paid trial period

Pro tip: I have a 3-page document with my favorite interview questions if you want it. Just comment “Build My Army” and I’ll send it to you for free.

👉 Bottom line: build your army both ways. Just know the dynamics going in, and protect your culture above all else.