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Should you open a second martial arts school location? This question haunts ambitious school owners looking to expand their impact and income. Master Tony Chung, who generates over $2 million annually across multiple locations, immediately responds with a cautionary "No, don't do it" – but the full answer is more nuanced.

The path to successful expansion requires meeting several critical conditions. Your first location must be truly thriving, not just surviving. Your staffing structure needs depth beyond just one or two good instructors – you need what Master Tony calls "bench strength," a pipeline of talent ready to step up without compromising your flagship location. Never move your primary instructor or yourself to the new location.

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"Too much month, not enough money?" This might be the reality for many small martial arts school owners, but Master Tony Chung proves it doesn't have to be. In this eye-opening conversation, Tony shares how he generates over $2 million annually with multiple locations that are all under 2,000 square feet - a stark contrast to the 7,000-12,000 square foot "mega-schools" often showcased as the industry standard.

With average class sizes of only 8-10 students and a curriculum designed for quality over all else, Tony has created a system where martial arts excellence drives financial success rather than marketing tricks or sales tactics. His closing ratio remains deliberately modest at 30-40%, because as he puts it, "We're not for everyone." Yet this approach supports eight full-time employees, 30-36 part-timers, and provides benefits.

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The secret lies in creating a paradigm shift in how families perceive martial arts training. Rather than allowing parents to view classes as "just another activity" alongside soccer or baseball, Master Lee positions the black belt journey as an essential component of childhood development—akin to education itself. This philosophical foundation changes everything about how students approach their training.

The proof is in the results: an astounding 30% of Master Lee's student base consists of black belts, with recent testing events featuring over 160 black belt candidates. By creating purpose, direction, and transformation, he's built not just a successful business but a community where martial arts becomes a life-changing journey rather than a passing interest.

Contact Black Belt Banter

• Email us at jimmyhong@blackbeltbanter.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ASAmartialarts

Please rate and review our podcast! Thanks for listening!