School Owner Talk

Podcast Description In this episode of School Owner Talk, Duane Brumitt and Shihan Allie Alberigo dive into the growing attention span crisis among today’s youth and how martial arts schools can adapt. They compare childhood in the 70s, 80s, and 90s to today’s digitally distracted world, highlighting the challenges—and opportunities—for instructors. The discussion explores technology’s impact on focus, why traditional class structures no longer work, and how martial arts can uniquely rebuild a child’s ability to pay attention. This is Part 1 of a two-part series on using martial arts as the cure for shrinking attention spans. Key Takeaways Attention Spans Are Shorter Than EverKids today are wired for quick, constant stimulation—thanks to smartphones, video games, and fast-paced media—making long lectures or repetitive drills ineffective. Technology Is Both the Culprit and a ToolWhile screens fragment focus, kids often learn better from video demonstrations, proving that tech can be incorporated productively. Shorter, Layered Segments Work BestBreaking drills into 2–4 minute chunks, mixing in games, and disguising repetition keeps students engaged while still building skills. Structure and Ritual Provide StabilityBowing in, affirmations, and consistent class routines help signal the brain that it’s time to focus—something many homes lack. Progressive Class Length Builds StaminaStarting beginners with 30 minutes, then gradually moving to 40 and 45 minutes, strengthens focus over time without overwhelming kids. Action Steps for School Owners Audit Your Class SegmentsReview how long your drills or lectures last. Adjust to shorter, more varied segments to meet kids where they’re at. Use “Disguised Repetition”Teach the same skill through different methods—games, pad work, partner drills—so students practice without getting bored. Balance Energy LevelsDesign classes like a rollercoaster: high-energy drills followed by calm focus work, then back up again. Reinforce Rituals and Affirmations Make bowing in, “yes I can” statements, or leadership chants consistent so kids know how to mentally switch into focus mode. Gradually Expand Class TimeStart younger students with shorter classes, then build up as they grow. Treat focus as a muscle that strengthens with progression. Additional Resources Mentioned Deep Work by Cal Newport – understanding focus in a distracted world. Microsoft study on declining attention spans (from 12 seconds in 2000 to 8 seconds by 2015). Previous School Owner Talk episodes on teaching strategies, student engagement, and adapting to technology. Upcoming Part 2 of this series: how to educate parents and use curriculum design to reinforce focus.

Podcast Description The back-to-school season is one of the biggest growth opportunities for martial arts school owners. Parents are looking for activities that build discipline, confidence, and focus—and martial arts is at the top of that list. In this episode of School Owner Talk, Duane Brumitt and Allie Alberigo share how to capitalize on this season with targeted events, promotions, and community engagement strategies—while also tying in National Martial Arts Appreciation Month in September to create even more momentum. From Buddy Week promotions to sponsorship opportunities, team training, and retention-focused events, this conversation will help you kick off the school year with energy, excitement, and enrollment growth. Listen now and set your school up for a strong fall season. Key Takeaways Timing is Everything: Back-to-school season is prime time for parent decision-making—capitalize on it with well-timed events and offers. Buddy Week Works: A well-structured buddy program turns current students into your best recruiters. Incentives Drive Action: Use raffle tickets, gear credit, or special event access to reward participation. Community and Culture Matter: Retention starts with creating a welcoming, connected environment for both students and guests. Sponsors Can Offset Costs: Local businesses can help cover event expenses in exchange for exposure. Team Training is Critical: Your staff should be prepared to engage and convert guests into new members. Action Steps for School Owners Plan Your Calendar: Schedule Buddy Week (or Buddy Month) during September for maximum impact. Create Marketing Materials: Flyers, social posts, and email campaigns should go out at least two weeks in advance. Secure Sponsors: Approach local businesses for giveaways or event support. Set Incentives: Decide on rewards and clearly communicate them to students and parents. Train Your Team: Run role-play scenarios so staff can confidently engage with guests. Track and Follow Up: Collect guest contact info, track attendance, and follow up with offers to join. Additional Resource Material Free Resource: “National Martial Arts Appreciation Month Playbook” – Step-by-step guide for running a successful program. Recommended Reading: The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber – for building systems that free up your time.

Podcast Description In this powerful episode of School Owner Talk, Duane Brumitt and Allie Alberigo expose the “hidden leaks” that silently drain your martial arts school of students, energy, and income. From overlooked onboarding issues and poor follow-up to undertrained staff and outdated systems, these problems often go unnoticed—until it’s too late. But here’s the good news: every leak can be fixed with the right awareness and action. Tune in as Duane and Allie help you identify where your school might be losing momentum and money—and provide simple, effective ways to plug those leaks fast. Key Takeaways Hidden leaks can quietly erode your school’s success, especially in areas like retention and revenue. Weak onboarding and poor communication are major causes of early dropouts. Letting expired payments or overdue tuition slide leads to massive revenue loss. Staff mindset and lack of clear expectations can create a toxic culture without you realizing it. Systems (or lack of them) are either saving or sabotaging your business. Fixing just one leak can lead to more sign-ups, fewer dropouts, and better peace of mind. Action Steps for School Owners Conduct a Retention Audit:Review attendance trends and drop-off points. Where are students slipping through the cracks? Evaluate Your Onboarding Process:Is your new student experience strong, warm, and systemized? Track Financial Leaks:Look at missed payments, overdue accounts, or discounts given too freely. Tighten up your billing systems. Assess Staff Performance:Are instructors reinforcing your school’s values and culture consistently? Review Your Systems:Is your CRM up to date? Are you using automation to stay connected with leads and students? Create a 90-Day Leak Repair Plan:Choose 2–3 problem areas to focus on and implement small changes that will yield big results. Additional Resources Mentioned Student onboarding frameworks Retention and upgrade tracking tools Internal team audit templates

Podcast Description In this raw and revealing episode of School Owner Talk, Allie Alberigo and Duane Brumitt have an honest conversation about what it’s like to run a martial arts school when things aren’t going well — and you still have to “stay positive.” They share their personal frustrations, reflect on recent events with low turnout and lack of engagement, and talk candidly about the pressure school owners feel to always be “on.” This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt alone in the grind of school ownership and needs a reminder that they’re not. https://youtu.be/a8RsXoE4qks Key Takeaways Even successful school owners experience disappointment and discouragement — you’re not alone. It’s okay to admit that an event or idea flopped; not everything has to be a win. Social media creates pressure to always show positivity, which can disconnect you from your authentic experience. Talking to other school owners who are going through the same challenges can be incredibly validating. There is value in sharing real struggles — not just the highlight reel. When things aren’t going well, sometimes the best move is to step back and reassess without judgment. Action Steps for School Owners Create a small peer group or accountability partner you can vent to without judgment. Review the last event or campaign that didn’t go well. What would you change? What’s not worth repeating? Schedule quiet time for reflection on what you want from your school — not just what others expect. Share your honest thoughts in a safe space (like our School Owner Talk group) to encourage others and reduce isolation. Give yourself permission to take a breath. Not every season is a growth season — some are for rebuilding. Additional Resources Mentioned None were directly referenced in this episode, but listeners are encouraged to revisit past episodes about leadership, burnout, and staying grounded.

Podcast Description Summer should be a time to recharge — but for martial arts school owners, it often turns into a season of burnout and overwhelm. In this episode, Duane Brumitt and Allie Alberigo share real-world strategies to help you enjoy your summer while keeping your school healthy and profitable. They break down how to plan intentional time off, train your team to operate smoothly in your absence, and use systems and automations to keep your leads and students engaged — so you can step away without losing momentum. https://youtu.be/BzSDvTvGGfc Key Takeaways Why scheduling planned closures can strengthen retention and family loyalty How to set and enforce communication boundaries with staff and parents Tools and routines Duane and Allie rely on for owner self-care and productivity The difference between delegating and abdicating — and why it matters How Parkinson’s Law can help you work smarter, not harder Real examples to protect your time off — without guilt Action Steps for School Owners Block Time Off in Advance: Review your calendar and set clear closure dates for breaks and vacations. Communicate these confidently to students and families. Document and Train: Record videos and create clear SOPs so your team knows exactly what to do in your absence. Empower them to make decisions. Establish Boundaries: Use Slack, email auto-responders, and defined office hours to train parents and staff when to expect replies. Automate Marketing: Schedule your emails, push notifications, and social posts in advance to keep new leads and current families engaged. Plan Recharge Time: Prioritize activities that truly help you reset — whether that means hobbies, quiet time alone, or family time. Additional Resources Mentioned Parkinson’s Law: Work expands to fill the time you allow for its completion. Give yourself less time and watch your efficiency increase. Recommended Tools: Slack for staff communication, Spark CRM for marketing automations, ChatGPT for creating and refining content and SOPs.

Podcast Description In this episode of School Owner Talk, Allie Alberigo and Duane Brumitt dive deep into the art of enrollment and upgrades. If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable selling, unsure how to present your programs, or hesitant to introduce upgrades like Leadership or BBC — this episode is for you. You’ll learn how to confidently present your school’s value, close enrollments without pressure, and build an upgrade culture that feels rewarding — not salesy. Key Takeaways Sales is about service, not persuasion A smooth enrollment process starts with connection Use scripts, visuals, and practice to confidently present your programs Upgrades should be earned and exciting, not forced Students and parents respond to clarity, structure, and confidence Action Steps for School Owners Audit your current enrollment process — Is it consistent and parent-friendly? Train your team to deliver a clear presentation and confidently handle objections. Create a visual pricing sheet or digital presentation that walks parents through your programs. Schedule quarterly upgrade events and offer them to students who demonstrate readiness. Use testimonials and success stories as part of your pitch to build trust and credibility. Additional Resources Mentioned Whiteboards or printed visuals for pricing/program breakdowns Team role-play for objection handling Leadership and Black Belt Club structure documents (Duane references these internally)

Podcast Description In this high-energy episode of School Owner Talk, Allie and Duane dive into one of the most powerful yet underutilized tools in martial arts school marketing — the referral contest. They walk you through exactly how to plan, launch, and promote a full-blown referral campaign that not only generates new leads and sign-ups but also creates excitement and unity throughout your school. Whether you’re brand new to referrals or looking to level up your system, this episode lays out everything you need to turn your students into your best promoters.  Key Takeaways Referrals remain the most trusted and cost-effective form of lead generation. A referral contest creates energy, excitement, and organic growth. Success lies in the structure: timeline, visibility, reward system, and promotion. Avoid common mistakes like weak prizes, poor follow-up, or lack of urgency. Use contests to deepen your school culture and strengthen retention. Action Steps for School Owners Choose your referral contest window (2–4 weeks) and pick a fun theme. Design a clear and simple referral system — how referrals are submitted and tracked. Create a 3-tier prize system: participation, milestone, and grand prize. Promote it everywhere: in class, on your app, via email, text, and your parent group. Build a follow-up system to contact, book, and onboard referred leads quickly. Celebrate the winners publicly to build hype for next time. Additional Resources Mentioned Whiteboard or leaderboard for visual tracking Simple Google Form or referral cards for entry Push notifications and SMS to parents/students Internal contest among staff to promote the most referrals Referral of a Lifetime Program. USE Discount Code: SAVE10NOW

In the competitive world of martial arts schools, having a strong and recognizable brand identity can make all the difference. Join us in this episode as we explore the essential elements of building a powerful brand that resonates with current and potential students. We’ll discuss how to define your school's unique value proposition, create a memorable logo and visual identity, and develop consistent messaging across all platforms. Discover strategies to differentiate your school from the competition and attract a loyal student base by leveraging the power of branding. What is a unique strategic purpose? The elements of a good USP. Failing to plan is planning to fail. The creative process. Assignment: Answer the following questions? Do you already have a USP? What is it? How effective do you think it is?

Podcast Description Summer may be slow for some, but smart school owners know it’s no time to go silent. In this episode, Duane and Allie sit down with longtime marketing partner Gus Lopez from Lead Hunter Media to dive into why consistent marketing—especially through social media—is essential during the summer months. Discover the psychology of momentum, the real cost of going quiet, and why visibility now pays dividends in the fall. Whether you’ve got 10 students or 300, this episode is your roadmap to thriving through the summer. https://youtu.be/osfmpM6Neok Key Takeaways Momentum matters: Halting marketing kills momentum—consistency builds compounding results. Summer is a visibility opportunity: While others pause, your brand can rise above the noise. Your competitors aren’t just other schools: Sports, camps, and screen time are all competing for your students’ attention. Social media ROI is long-term: Stop judging performance by one month—review it across 12. Follow-up systems make or break success: Most leads fail due to poor follow-up, not bad targeting. Daily marketing matters: Whether it’s emails, push notifications, or SMS, consistency drives results. Price determines growth potential: You need to charge enough to afford proper marketing. Your job isn’t done at the click: Ads introduce you—the sale comes from your next step. Action Steps for School Owners Audit Your Summer StrategyAsk: Are you showing up where your prospects are? Are you sending a consistent message? Keep Running Ads Year-RoundDon’t fall into the trap of seasonal marketing—build brand awareness constantly. Improve Your Follow-UpSet up automated texts, emails, and personal outreach (at least 7 touches over 12 days). Invite and Message Post EngagersOn platforms like Facebook, follow up with people who like your ads but haven’t opted in. Start Daily EmailsUse AI or write short benefit-driven messages that go out every day to your lead list. Evaluate Your PricingEnsure your tuition structure supports your goals and allows for a marketing budget. Think Long-TermTrack your ROI across 12 months—not 30 days. You’re building a brand, not flipping a switch. Additional Resources Mentioned Book: Good to Great by Jim Collins (Flywheel Concept) Book: The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel (compound investing + long-term thinking) Tool: Lead Hunter Media – Digital marketing agency for martial arts schools Concepts: The Flywheel Effect Guerrilla marketing Daily emails via AI automation Facebook invite + messenger outreach

In Episode #412 of School Owner Talk, Duane Brumitt and Shihan Allie Alberigo tackle some of the toughest challenges faced by martial arts

Branding That Breathes: Aligning Your Martial Arts School with Your Culture Podcast Description: In this episode of School Owner Talk, Duane Brumitt and Shihan Allie Alberigo dive deep into the often-overlooked topic of branding for martial arts schools. It’s not just about logos or colors—it’s about creating a brand that breathes life into your school and reflects the core values, culture, and mission of your business. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for years, understanding how to align your branding with your school’s culture can be the key to attracting the right students and creating a lasting impact. Tune in to hear actionable advice on how to build an authentic brand, avoid common mistakes, and connect with your students on a deeper level. https://youtu.be/y6tbrSdNKVM Key Takeaways: Branding is More Than Just a Logo: The true brand of your school is defined by its culture, values, and the emotional connection it creates. It’s about aligning your marketing, your physical space, and the overall experience with your core mission. The Importance of Consistency: The look and feel of your school, from the design of your website to the atmosphere in your lobby, should all reflect the same message. Inconsistencies between your marketing and your actual school experience can confuse potential clients. Culture Drives Brand Identity: The culture of your school is crucial in defining your brand. Whether you’re teaching a traditional martial art or a modern style, the vibe and philosophy you create should be authentic and resonate with your students. Identify What You Stand For: Understanding your mission and purpose will guide your branding decisions. Whether you’re targeting a specific age group or focusing on building self-confidence, know why your school exists and what you’re offering to the community. The Role of Your Team: Your instructors and staff play a crucial role in reinforcing your brand. The way they behave, talk, and interact with students should align with the culture you’re trying to establish. Action Steps for School Owners: Survey Your Students: Create a simple survey (either on paper or digitally) asking your students and their families what they think about your school, its atmosphere, and the values it represents. This will give you valuable insights into how your brand is perceived and where improvements can be made. Clarify Your Brand’s Story: Reflect on your personal journey in martial arts and how it shaped the way you run your school. Make sure your story is clear in your branding efforts—this helps foster an authentic connection with your students. Audit Your School’s Physical Presence: Take a hard look at your school’s physical environment. Does it align with your brand? Is it clean, welcoming, and reflective of the values you promote? The first impression is everything, so ensure that your school’s atmosphere matches the message you want to convey. Survey Your Target Market: Use tools like SurveyMonkey to ask your clients why they chose your school and why they continue to stay. This will help you identify what’s working well and what you might need to adjust in your branding.

Building Wealth as a Martial Arts School Owner: From Paycheck to Prosperity Podcast Summary: In this eye-opening episode, Duane Brumitt and Allie Alberigo tackle a topic often avoided by martial arts school owners: finances. From personal money mistakes to strategies for long-term wealth and retirement planning, they break down real-life stories, hard lessons, and actionable financial wisdom that every school owner needs to hear. Whether you’re drowning in debt or just beginning to think about the future, this episode gives you the financial clarity and inspiration to make smarter money moves today. https://youtu.be/ZA4yX3h8fVY Key Takeaways: The Trap of Living Paycheck to PaycheckWhy more students won’t solve your financial problems and how to break the cycle of financial stress. The Importance of Paying Yourself FirstLearn the foundational rule for building wealth and how to live below your means while doing it. Separate Business and Personal FinancesAvoid common financial chaos by treating your school like a real company — not an extension of your wallet. Create Multiple Revenue Streams Inside Your SchoolDiscover overlooked income opportunities already in your dojo, from retail to events. Shift from Self-Employed to True Business OwnerUnderstand the Cash Flow Quadrant and how to evolve from being your own employee to a wealth-building entrepreneur. Action Steps for School Owners: Open a savings account today if you don’t already have one. Meet with a financial advisor and explore retirement options. Start saving at least 10% of your income—personally and for your school. Schedule a monthly “Money Meeting” with yourself (or spouse) to track and review expenses and profit. Conduct a quarterly financial audit and renegotiate your bills (like internet or phone). Final Thoughts: It’s never too early—or too late—to take control of your financial future. Whether you’ve been teaching for 30 years or are just starting out, developing strong financial habits can mean the difference between surviving and thriving. Don’t let money manage you. Build a life—and a retirement—you’re proud of.

Episode Summary: With the new Karate Kid: Legends movie hitting theaters on May 30, 2025, this episode is a masterclass in how martial arts school owners can harness the buzz to boost enrollments. Stephen Oliver shares his decades of marketing wisdom, including stories from past movie promotions like Enter the Dragon, Power Rangers, and The Karate Kid. Together with Duane and Allie, the conversation explores real-world strategies for creating visibility, foot traffic, and community engagement around the movie release—whether it’s a hit or a flop. https://youtu.be/vwTym6L1jro Key Takeaways: Use the Movie’s MomentumMajor movie releases are marketing goldmines. Parents will be taking their kids to see Karate Kid: Legends, so ride that wave. Get In Early with Local TheatersBuild relationships with theater managers now. Some will let you set up booths for free—others may require rental through national agencies. It’s Not Just the Movie—It’s the MessageWhat worked about the original Karate Kid wasn’t just the fighting—it was the philosophy. Use that message in your marketing. Be Proactive, Not PassiveDon’t just sit at a booth and wait for someone to talk. Have interactive elements (like prize wheels or a ninja mascot) and collect leads actively. You Don’t Need a Perfect Movie—You Need a PlanWhether the movie is good or bad, it’s a talking point. You can reframe or reinforce the message of martial arts depending on the film’s impact. Action Steps for School Owners: Contact Your Local Theater This WeekAsk if you can set up a booth opening weekend (May 30–June 2) or even before that with previews. Bonus if you can do a private screening. Create Karate Kid-Themed Referral EventsPlan events like “Bring a Buddy to the Movies” night, birthday parties, or buddy weeks using Karate Kid themes. Design Movie-Themed Marketing AssetsUpdate rack cards, social ads, flyers, and banners with Karate Kid imagery and tie-ins. Bonus: Match the color scheme of the movie posters. Build a Pre-Release BuzzPost on your social media with Karate Kid trivia, throwbacks, or countdowns. Get your students and parents excited. Train Your TeamPrepare your staff with lead capture scripts, appointment-setting processes, and follow-up systems. Plan for High VolumeIf your marketing hits, you’ll need systems in place to handle an influx of leads and intros. Make sure your front desk and instructors are ready.

In this episode of School Owner Talk, Duane Brumitt and Allie Alberigo deliver a highly practical and motivating conversation around one of the most underused growth strategies in martial arts school ownership: community engagement. From partnering with local schools and daycares to maximizing field trips, fundraisers, birthday parties, and even Facebook groups — Duane and Allie share how school owners can create visibility, trust, and new student leads by becoming a community asset, not just a business. They discuss: Real-life examples of events that worked (and ones that didn’t) Tools like Notion and Dropbox for event journaling How to turn donation requests into marketing opportunities Delegating outreach without spending a fortune If you’re feeling like leads have slowed down or that your school is being overlooked — this episode is your blueprint for turning local relationships into a lead machine. Key Takeaways from This Episode 1. Local visibility must be intentional. Just because your school has been around for years doesn’t mean your community knows who you are. Visibility requires proactive effort and consistent outreach. 2. Events are opportunities — before, during, and after. Every event can become a marketing asset. From how you promote it, to how you follow up, to how you document it for future use — don’t leave opportunities on the table. 3. Use an event journal. Creating a repeatable system (physical or digital) helps you track what worked, what didn’t, and what to improve for the next time. This reduces stress and increases success. 4. Hire or delegate outreach. You don’t need to do it all. Identify someone who enjoys talking to people and give them the responsibility of reaching out to local businesses, churches, and organizations. 5. Donation requests are lead generators. Set up a donation request page on your website. Include a form with questions like, “Is this an annual event?” so you can follow up next year. Use the opportunity to get your name in front of more people. Action Steps for School Owners 1. Identify five local organizations to contact. Start with the obvious ones: schools, daycares, libraries, camps, or churches. Reach out with a genuine offer to serve or support. 2. Create a donation/fundraiser webpage. Make it easy for people to request support from your school. Offer things like free trials, birthday parties, or self-defense classes as donations. 3. Build your event journal system. Whether in a binder or inside Notion, start logging your events, what you did to prepare, how you followed up, and what could be improved. 4. Delegate the outreach. Hire a part-time person, offer a commission, or ask a trusted parent volunteer to be your “community connection.” Give them a script and a goal. 5. Start small but start now. Pick one local event happening in the next 30 days and commit to being part of it — even if it’s just donating a raffle prize or setting up a booth. Final Thoughts Community involvement is not just a nice idea — it’s a powerful, long-term marketing strategy. By becoming a trusted presence in your area, you not only attract students, but you also position your martial arts school as a pillar of leadership and service. Whether you’re just starting out or getting back into community outreach after a break, the key is to take action, stay organized, and remain consistent. Your community is full of opportunities — you just have to step into them.

Episode Overview In this honest and heartfelt episode of School Owner Talk, Duane and Allie open up about something all martial arts school owners experience—but often don’t talk about: burnout. From feeling exhausted and frustrated to questioning motivation and drive, they dive into what it means to hit a wall and how to keep leading when energy is low and emotions run high. If you’ve ever felt like tapping out, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and that there’s a path forward. Key Takeaways from the Episode • Burnout is real—and common. Even passionate school owners feel mentally and emotionally spent. • You don’t have to be 100% to still make a difference. Sometimes just showing up is enough. • Setting boundaries is essential. Whether it’s around your time, energy, or availability, you need to protect your peace. • Comparison is dangerous. Judging yourself based on others—especially on social media—can drain motivation and cause self-doubt. • Delegate and offload. Hand off what you can, especially tasks that drain you the most. • Mental maintenance matters. Whether it’s a walk, time with family, or a favorite TV show, scheduled downtime helps you recharge. • Reignite your why. Your purpose can evolve, and reflecting on it can help restore energy and passion. Action Steps for School Owners 1. Revisit and redefine your “why.” What drives you now may be different from what drove you five years ago. 2. Create a reignite list. Write down small wins or tasks that help build positive momentum. 3. Pick one task to delegate this week. Offload something that drains you. 4. Schedule your mental maintenance. Block time in your calendar to rest, unplug, and recharge. 5. Connect with others. Reach out to fellow school owners for support or even start a monthly meetup to talk shop—and life. Final Thoughts Being tired doesn’t make you weak. Being frustrated doesn’t mean you’re failing. And losing motivation doesn’t mean you’ve lost your purpose. It means you’re human. And just like any black belt will tell you—progress often comes through perseverance. You’ve got this, and we’re right there with you.