A Prediction for the 1990's

(Black Belt Magazine July 1990 V-28 No.7)

If you run a school or are otherwise involved in the business side of the martial arts, you better gear up, because I predict the martial arts will hit an all-time high in the 1990s.

What has led me to this conclusion?  An onslaught of martial arts related motion pictures scheduled for the next five years.  And not just run-of-the-mill pictures, but movies with believable plots, written by professionals working for major film companies.  The film industry is finally realizing the potential of martial arts movies.  Consequently, those of you who make a living from martial arts should upgrade your business practices.

There are two essential parts of our business: the art, which is our product, and the manner in which we package the art with regard to sales and marketing.  In the long run, only those who have a solid and valid product, along with a substantial market plan, will weather the challenges which lie ahead.

Steven Seagal's highly successful Hard to Kill is a good example of this trend toward quality martial arts films.  Seagal's display of aikido, along with his departure from the spinning and flying kicks typical of martial arts films, has given audiences a new and varied perspective on the martial arts.

I am personally involved in a major Paramount production that will address the martial arts.  I will be involved with choreographing the fight scenes, and it is my desire to introduce new dimensions of action which the audience can relate to, be part of, and learn from.  Exciting martial arts films should increase interest in the arts and add students to our schools.

Of course, this can be a blessing as well as a curse.  Many unqualified schools will again come out of the woodwork and attempt to cash in on the boom.  Students who enroll at such schools will gain a false confidence in their skills.  When they discover what they have learned is useless on the street, it may ruin their interest in the arts or may even cost them their lives.

When seeking organizations that might help structure our business, be sure to first investigate their credibility.  Consult current or former clients to learn the pros and cons of doing business with the organization.  Study the firm's past and present policies, and determine whether its practices match your desires.

As I prepare to go back into franchising martial arts schools, I too am gearing up for what’s to come.  I have found computers to be a significant tool in solving business problems.  It has been said that those who do not turn to the computer in the next five years will become statistics in the world of business.  The level of sophistication in martial arts business is indeed rising.  Take heed and gear up.

I am sure many of you have questions pertaining to business practices, teaching methods, and/or motivational concepts that can prolong student interest.  If so, please voice your questions so I may help you.  Whether you are a commercial martial arts school, club, or group of friends just working out together, I may be able to present a solution to any martial arts related problems you might have.  Please write to me and, if possible, I will give you an answer.  Keep in touch.