Proven Martial Arts Marketing Ideas for Martial Arts Business Owners
The new Karate Kid movie premieres on June 11, 2010 and it has me wondering…
Loading ...Some have said this is going to create huge swell in demand for martial arts lessons, especially among parents looking to place their children in martial arts lessons.
And, I’d agree with them 100%.
This event could seriously help take your business to the next level.
If you do have a plan in place, what kinds of things will you be doing to maximize this industry shaking event?
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I'm Ryan Wheaton and I work with martial arts school owners to help them attract more students. Many martial arts school owners are confused at how to best market their business and feel awkward in selling situations. I help them overcome those challenges to become confident and competent in marketing and selling their services - helping them become more profitable so they can live the lifestyle they want to live. 
Our school is thinking about a self defense/ bully buster class. Would love to hear other people’s ideas!
Some ideas to help with the premiere of the Karate Kid:
1) Contact local movie theaters and speak with the manager to see if you can set up a table and do demonstrations on opening night. I was contacted by one so I know they are open to it.
2) Take them to the movie! Buy tickets in advance and have your students bring their friends who are interested in taking lessons. Your treat. Turn it into an enter to win contest to build the excitement then make them an offer to get started.
3) Develop a “Karate Kid” trial package you can use to help recruit new students. Advertise it on your website and at your martial arts school.
4) Look into advertising on the movie screen at the movie theater. Sometimes this can be very affordable. When you’re on the phone with the manager, be sure to ask about rates.
What else would you recommend martial arts school owners can do to maximize this event?
Thanks, Ryan! Just found out yesterday, we are doing those things too. Great ideas!
I just got back from the premier and it’s fabulous. Sony’s pouring $34,000,000.00 into marketing the movie and we have a webinar, series of teleconferences, reports, and complete plan for working with Theaters, and using to promote internally, in your community, and in your area media.
This is going to be HUGE. You have to jump on it now.
Just a little addition to the above. I have arranged to print the menu and radio station guide for the local drive in movie theater not just for opening weekend but for the whole month they run the movie. Of course there will be an ad for my karate school included on the same sheet.
This is a nice target market opportunity. Families going to a movie about karate. Movies create emotional connections and can be come a catalyst for action. Every car at the drive in will have my karate schools information hand delivered by the drive in.
You do not need to join NAPMA, or MAIA to figure the Karate Kid opportunity out!
Good luck everyone…..
Well, we had planned to do something but could not. Nonetheless I still have a couple of students each week walk in because of the movie.
Don’t forget about your local media! We’re inviting our contacts to come see some of ‘our karate kids.’ One student is an accomplished musician, another is in boy scouts and held part of the flag for the Indy 500. Another received the presidential fitness award, and a personal letter from the president. We are hoping the media will follow them around to all their different activities, and then end up at our school to see the common thread being martial arts. So besides the standard demos, appearances at movies, etc. we are getting our media contacts something local on which to report.