Hey everyone - I first wanted to start this blog entry by saying, I am bit wired up due to a few things that have happened in our industry recently.  I wasn't going to say anything, because you know me and I love to stay positive.  Having a conversation with my buddy, it got my blood flowing. 

As most of you know I trained extensively in Japan traveling to the orient 17 times.  I consider myself a traditional martial artist with modern application. How else can I say, I love and teach the tradition but at times when necessary update things, and use modern technologies to get my lessons to the students.  My school has been called a McDojo at times - but unfortunately to those that use that term, I believe they are truly caught in the stone ages and really have no clue what it takes to teach students.  Now don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with carrying on the traditions of the martial arts by teaching out of your garage, basement or some other smaller facility to a handful of students if that is what you chose.  To me I made the decision a long time ago to try to help as many people realize the benefits of my martial art that I teach primarily Ninjutsu and Ju Jutsu. So I learned how to get the word out there to the masses through savvy marketing and sales.  I then realized that not everyone would be interested in my style of martial art, so I started my consulting business www.takingittothenextlevel.com to help school owners of all styles help the world by teaching martial arts.

"The only difference between a commercial and non-commerical school is, one is run professionally."  Unknown Author.

This very statement rings so true.  If you want to teach what you love, become a professional and share your talent, art and skills with the masses.  Learn how to be a professional not only on the training floor, but in the business world.  Before I move on, the recent conversation was about a friend of mine who still trains in Japan, he is going there to visit and get tested for his next rank.  He told me that the teacher their is actually using what I would call and ala carte menu.  In other words, if you want this skill it is $99, if you want to learn this technique it is $55.   Now if anyone every calls me commercial again, I ask that you look at the founders and the source of it.  I believe wholeheartedly that value and quality are the most important aspects of any business. I strive every day to give the most extensively intricate and professional martial art curriculum that is possible. I urge all of you to do the same. 

Jump to my next rant.

I am continually sickened by many of the industry so called Giants and consultants and the powers that be that are now in control of our industry.  They are taking their marketing dollars to spread the same kind of non truths about our industry as politicians do in the government.  What is the truth.  Well, here are a few things that I want to lay on the table.

1)  You don't have to spend a fortune on marketing to get clients and make a living.
2)  You don't have to follow every fad that is out there.  The industry changes every year to follow the trends.  Now I know people will say you have to stay current, but to be honest it is not about what style you teach, what add on program you have or even what label you put on yourself.  The secrets to running a successful school is simply these 3 items, Hard work, Determination, and Skill.  The sad reality is most business owners stop learning, and stop working hard.  So they flounder and fail or lose money.
3)  Don't allow the industry Giants to tell you that there is only one approach, or their ideas.  Don't forget these corporations are slowly pushing the small guy out.  I have been to some of the largest industry shows and in the last few years, I noticed the focus is less on the client and their education and more about what programs sell and what themes will put people in their seats and make them money.  At one of my last conferences I told the powers that be, why not teach people to stop looking for the golden ticket and learn how to do things effectively such as Time Management, Delegation, Systemization, Business Know how and solid basic business practices.  They turned me down to speak.  Wow - shocking. 

Well, I have a great deal more to say, but for now, I will leave it here. 

Let me know your thoughts. 

In spirit;
Kyoshi Allie Alberigo