Art is often seen as a pure expression of creativity and emotion, a realm untouched by the mundane concerns of money and business. However, behind every masterpiece lies a complex web of financial considerations, strategic decisions, and business acumen. Understanding the business side of the arts is crucial for martial artists, martial arts organizations, and networks to thrive in today’s competitive and ever-evolving landscape.

The relationship between art and business is symbiotic. While creativity drives the production of art, business strategies ensure its sustainability and accessibility. Many martial artists and martial arts organizations rely on monthly fees from students, various schools, and assorted fundraisers. Platforms like Kickstarter and Patreon have revolutionized how artists can fund their projects. Building a community of supporters who believe in your vision is both a financial and marketing endeavor. But as the old saying goes, it can be easier said than done.

For visual artists, selling artworks through galleries, exhibitions, and online platforms is a primary revenue stream. Musicians, writers, and performers monetize through ticket sales, royalties, and merchandise. But as martial artists, we sell and initial intangible.  It takes time for our product to show its results.  It can be frustrating for the school owner. 

An artist’s brand encompasses their unique style, story, and public persona. Consistent branding helps in creating a loyal audience and differentiating oneself in a crowded market. Utilizing social media, email marketing, and websites is essential for reaching a wider audience. Effective use of these tools requires an understanding of digital marketing principles and analytics.  Knowing how to navigate the business side of martial arts is a crucial and critical skill that most school owners are either unprepared for or lack completely.  Deciding whether to operate as a sole proprietor, a partnership, or a corporation can have significant tax and liability implications. Managing finances, budgeting, and tax planning are crucial administrative tasks that most of us do not have the training for, nor understand how to use.  Finding a business mentor is as important as finding a martial arts mentor.

The business side of martial arts is not without its challenges. Financial instability, market competition, and the pressure to balance commercial success with artistic integrity are common hurdles. I often hear a school owner say that they don’t teach for money.  Any school owners that say that is either a liar looking to push a particular narrative, or ignorant of the need to bring in money in order to stay afloat.  It takes income to keep the lights on, heat and air going, effect repairs, and replace equipment.  However, there are also numerous opportunities! The rise of digital platforms and technologies like virtual reality, blockchain, and AI are opening new avenues for artistic expression and monetization. The internet has broken down geographical barriers, allowing artists to reach wider audiences and markets more easily than ever before. Cross-disciplinary collaborations and partnerships with brands and organizations can provide new creative and financial opportunities.

Embracing the business side of the martial arts does not mean compromising on creativity or artistic values. On the contrary, a solid understanding of business principles can empower school owners to sustain their practice, reach wider audiences, and achieve greater impact. By blending creativity with commerce, martial artists can navigate the complexities of the modern world and build lasting, successful careers. The fusion of art and business is an art in itself—one that requires as much creativity, vision, and dedication as the creation of art itself.

In today’s video we cover three of our favorite sweeps from the Guard. We work two from the closed guard and one from the open guard. Check it out!

Youtube

Rumble

https://rumble.com/v546z63-mastering-sweeps-from-the-guard-essential-techniques-for-jiu-jitsu.html

In a world where personal safety can never be taken for granted, self-defense training has become increasingly popular. However, what many people fail to realize is that self-defense is not a one-time endeavor; it’s a perishable skill that requires ongoing practice and dedication. Just like any other skill, if not regularly honed, it can deteriorate over time, leaving you vulnerable when it’s needed most.

Self-defense techniques rely heavily on muscle memory, the process by which certain movements become automatic through repetition. When you train consistently, your muscles learn and remember how to react swiftly and effectively to a threat. However, without regular practice, this muscle memory fades. Physical conditioning also plays a crucial role; strength, agility, and endurance are all essential components of self-defense. Neglecting your physical fitness can diminish your ability to execute techniques efficiently and effectively.

But self-defense is not just about physical prowess; it’s also about mental readiness. The ability to stay calm, think clearly, and react quickly under pressure is crucial. Regular training helps condition your mind to handle the stress of a threatening situation. As with physical skills, mental preparedness can decline if not regularly exercised. Regular practice keeps your reflexes sharp and ensures that your responses remain instinctive and quick. A significant piece of the mental aspect of self-defense is being aware of your surroundings and understanding potential threats. This situational awareness needs to be regularly cultivated and sharpened. Practicing self-defense regularly helps you maintain a heightened sense of awareness and improves your ability to detect and respond to danger quickly.

Self-defense is an evolving field. New techniques and strategies are constantly being developed, and regular training ensures you stay updated. Even the basics need continual refinement. What may have been a strong technique six months ago could be less effective if your form has slipped or if you’ve forgotten key elements. Regular practice allows you to refine your techniques, correct bad habits, and adapt to new methods, keeping your skills relevant and effective.

Confidence is a byproduct of competence. Regular self-defense training boosts your confidence in your ability to protect yourself, which can deter potential threats. Without consistent practice, self-doubt can creep in, undermining your ability to respond effectively in a real-life scenario. Regular training reinforces your skills and boosts your confidence, ensuring you can act decisively if needed.

Consistent training often means being part of a community, such as a martial arts school or a self-defense class. This community provides accountability and support, encouraging you to stay on track with your training. It also offers opportunities to practice with different partners, exposing you to a variety of scenarios and techniques. This diversity is crucial for developing a well-rounded skill set.

Self-defense is much more than a set of techniques learned once and then forgotten. It’s a dynamic, perishable skill that requires ongoing commitment and practice to maintain. Regular training ensures that your physical and mental faculties remain sharp, your techniques stay refined, and your confidence in your abilities is unshakable. In a world where personal safety is paramount, the importance of keeping your self-defense skills fresh and effective cannot be overstated. Make the commitment to continuous learning and practice and ensure that you are always prepared to protect yourself and those you care about.

This week we go add on to one of our earlier video sets. Simple Drill (links to the drill video’s are in the video description) allows us to learn to move, defend, and add submissions all while using varying intensity levels. Check it out!

Youtube

Rumble

https://rumble.com/v51oh3q-using-simple-drill.html

In the world of martial arts and physical training, two primary focuses often arise: sport-oriented training and self-defense training. While both disciplines share common roots and techniques, their objectives, training methods, and outcomes are distinct. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right path for your goals and ensure you are adequately prepared to achieve your desired outcomes.

The primary objective of sport-oriented training is to prepare individuals for competition. This form of training emphasizes rules, scoring points, and achieving victory within a controlled environment. Examples include mixed martial arts (MMA), Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), and boxing. Athletes are trained to optimize performance, hone techniques specific to their sport, and develop strategies to outscore or outmaneuver their opponents. Training is typically regimented and follows a specific schedule to prepare for competitions. Athletes engage in controlled sparring sessions, focusing on techniques allowed within the sport’s rules. There is a high emphasis on physical conditioning, strength training, and endurance to enhance athletic performance. Athletes focus on the refinement of techniques to score points or achieve submissions under the rules of the sport. Athletes who undergo sport-oriented training become adept at competing within their chosen martial art. They develop a high level of fitness, technical skill, and strategic thinking. Success is measured by victories in competitions, belts, titles, and rankings. This type of training fosters discipline, camaraderie, and a sense of achievement within a structured, rule-based environment.

In contrast, self-defense training is designed to equip individuals with the skills necessary to protect themselves in real-life situations. The focus is on practicality, efficiency, and survival. Techniques are taught to neutralize threats quickly and escape danger. Self-defense training often incorporates situational awareness, de-escalation tactics, and responses to various types of assaults, such as armed attacks or multiple assailants. Training often involves simulations of real-life attacks and scenarios one might encounter on the street. Emphasis on techniques that can be adapted to various unpredictable situations is paramount. Students focus on building mental resilience, situational awareness, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Individuals trained in self-defense gain the confidence and skills needed to protect themselves in unpredictable and potentially dangerous situations. The outcome is not measured by medals or trophies but by the ability to stay safe and avoid harm. Practitioners develop a heightened sense of awareness and the capability to react swiftly and effectively to threats.

Selecting between sport-oriented training and self-defense training depends on one’s personal goals and motivations. If you seek the thrill of competition, the camaraderie of a team, and the challenge of honing your skills in a controlled environment, sport-oriented training might be the right choice. However, if your primary goal is to enhance personal safety and be prepared for real-world threats, self-defense training is more appropriate.

Ultimately, both paths offer valuable skills and benefits. Many martial artists find value in cross-training, combining elements of both sport and self-defense to become well-rounded practitioners. By understanding the differences and aligning your training with your goals, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs and aspirations.

Today we wrap up our combination series with the Phase 4 combo series. And in the manner of giving you a stand up two-fer, we added the Fighting 4 series as well! Enjoy!

YouTube

Rumble

https://rumble.com/v4ypn7u-ch-llc-combo-4-and-fighting-4-series.html

#martialarts #mma #karate #fitness #kickboxing #bjj #boxing #muaythai #jiujitsu #training #selfdefense #kungfu #taekwondo #ufc #fight #motivation #fighter #judo #grappling #sport #brazilianjiujitsu #workout #gym #wrestling #martialartist #mixedmartialarts #blackbelt #wingchun #wushu #brucelee

Teaching to the “Lowest Common Denominator” is a common recommendation in various educational and training settings, but it is fundamentally flawed. This approach focuses on the slowest learners in the group, often resulting in the more capable and average learners being neglected. Here’s why this strategy is counterproductive and how a more balanced approach can benefit all your students.

Looking at the student demographics, I split the class into three groups, gazelles, rabbits, and turtles. Gazelles are those are the top performers who grasp concepts quickly. They make up about 10% of the class. They are agile learners, both mentally and physically, and thrive on challenges. Rabbits represent the majority of the class, around 80%. They have the potential to understand and apply concepts with some effort and guidance. They are the backbone of any class, steadily progressing with appropriate instruction. Turtles are the remaining 10% and they are the slowest learners. They need considerable time and individual attention to catch up with the rest of the class.

Teaching to the turtles tends to alienate the Gazelles and Rabbits. By focusing on the slowest learners, the Gazelles quickly become disengaged. They are ready to advance but are held back, leading to boredom and frustration. Gazelles are often the future leaders or top performers. Neglecting their needs means missing the opportunity to nurture and develop these talents to their fullest potential. Similarly, the Rabbits, who make up the bulk of the class, will also lose interest and motivation if the pace is too slow. Teaching to the lowest common denominator means that class time is not used efficiently. The majority of students are not challenged enough, resulting in a lack of progress for the entire group.

Instead of aiming instruction at the Turtles, a more balanced method targets the Rabbits. Here’s why this approach is beneficial. By teaching to the Rabbit group, you ensure that the majority of the class is actively engaged and progressing. This keeps the class dynamic and maintains a steady pace of learning. Gazelles can be given advanced tasks or additional challenges to keep them engaged and progressing at their pace. This allows them to continue developing without being held back. With the majority of the class (Rabbits) engaged in productive learning activities, instructors can devote more time and resources to the Turtles. This focused assistance helps the slowest learners catch up without compromising the overall class progress. As the class progresses, you can tailor activities and tasks to different groups. Provide more challenging tasks for gazelles, standard tasks for rabbits, and additional support for turtles.

This approach also allows you to regularly assess students and regroup them based on their current understanding and progress. This dynamic grouping ensures that each student receives the appropriate level of challenge and support. I often encourage gazelles and advanced Rabbits to assist Turtles. It is not unusual to move split Gazelle groups that have a firm grasp of the teachings and pair them with turtles that are struggling.  Peer teaching can be incredibly effective and benefits both the helper and the learner. Regularly monitor the progress of all students. This allows you to adjust your teaching strategies and ensure that everyone is progressing appropriately.

Teaching to the lowest common denominator is an outdated and inefficient approach. By focusing on the Rabbits, the majority of your students, you create an environment where most learners are actively engaged and progressing. This method allows you to provide additional challenges to the Gazelles and focused support to the Turtles, ensuring that all students benefit from the training. This balanced approach not only enhances learning outcomes but also maintains a dynamic and motivating class atmosphere.

This week we follow up our Stand Up Two-fer with the Combination Series 2 and Combination Series 3 from our Stand Up Curriculum! Check it out!!

Rumble

https://rumble.com/v4w2c8e-ch-llc-combination-series-2-and-3.html

Youtube

#martialarts, #mma, #karate, #fitness, #kickboxing, #bjj, #boxing, #muaythai, #jiujitsu, #training, #selfdefense, #kungfu, #taekwondo, #ufc, #fight, #motivation, #fighter, #judo, #grappling, #sport, #brazilianjiujitsu, #workout, #gym, #wrestling, #martialartist, #mixedmartialarts, #blackbelt, #wingchun, #wushu, #brucelee

Recently I asked a friend why he didn’t train with me.  He replied that he had so much on his plate and was so busy that he couldn’t fit anything else into it.  It got me to thinking.  In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for personal pursuits can seem like an impossible task. With work, family commitments, social obligations, and the myriad of responsibilities that come with modern life, it’s easy to let important activities like training fall by the wayside. However, for those passionate about self-improvement, or one who’s life may be on the line, carving out time for physical fitness, self-defense, skill development, or personal growth training is essential.

The first step in making time for training is to establish clear and achievable goals. Whether you’re aiming to get in better shape, learn new defensive strategies, or simply sharpening those you already have, having specific objectives will give your training purpose and motivation. Break down your goals into smaller, more manageable tasks, and prioritize them based on their importance and relevance to your overall objectives.

Take a critical look at how you spend your time each day and identify activities that could be considered time wasters. This could include excessive social media scrolling, watching TV, or spending too much time on non-essential tasks. I hear the lack of time excuse often when speaking with potential clients.  We always claim to never have time, yet they can tell me who won the latest sports contest, what happened on their favorite sitcom, and what the latest celebrity gossip is.  By eliminating or reducing these time sinks, you can free up valuable hours for training.

Once you’ve identified pockets of time in your day, create a schedule that includes dedicated training sessions. Treat these sessions as non-negotiable appointments with yourself and prioritize them just like you would any other important commitment. Whether it’s early morning workouts, lunchtime cardio, or evening skill-building sessions, consistency is the key to progress.

Incorporate training into activities you’re already doing. For example, listen to podcasts or audiobooks related to your training goals during your commute or while doing household chores. You can also combine socializing with exercise by inviting friends or family to join you for a workout or practice session. Having someone to whom you are accountable helps keep you on the path, especially when it comes to working out early in the morning.

Life is unpredictable, and there will inevitably be days when your best-laid plans are disrupted. Instead of letting these setbacks derail your training, embrace flexibility, find alternative ways to stay active and engaged. Whether it’s a quick bodyweight workout at home or a few minutes of meditation during a hectic day, every little bit counts towards your progress. A good friend of mine, Neal Bryant, once said, “A little bit every day is better than a lot once in a while.”

Remember to prioritize self-care and rest alongside your training efforts. Adequate sleep, healthy nutrition, and stress management are essential for optimal performance and recovery. (We did an entire blog series on the Code of the Warrior that you can view here) By taking care of your physical and mental well-being, you’ll be better equipped to tackle your training goals with energy and enthusiasm.

Finally, stay motivated by celebrating your progress and acknowledging the positive impact that training has on your life. Surround yourself with supportive peers, seek inspiration from role models in your field, and remind yourself of the reasons why you started your training journey in the first place. Stay away from the scale!  All too often those looking to lose weight tend to track their progress by stepping on the weight scale.  However, if you are working out, you may also be gaining muscle so your weight will fluctuate often. Taking pictures in 90-day periods will give you a much better, more accurate depiction of your progress.  And don’t be afraid to adjust your goals or approach as needed to stay engaged and excited about your training. Our Centurion Holdings, LLC Full Body Workout Program is available here.

In conclusion, making time for training is not about finding extra hours in the day, but rather about prioritizing what truly matters to you. By setting clear goals, managing your time effectively, and staying flexible in the face of challenges, you can create a sustainable training routine that fits seamlessly into your busy life. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start making time for the things that bring you closer to your goals. Your future self will thank you for it!

For this weeks video, we utilize our Combo Series 1 from our Beginners Stand Up Curriculum, and we also feature our Power Doubles series as well! Check it out! (Videos are available after 2pm EST)

Rumble

https://rumble.com/v4sxlth-ch-stand-up-combo-serires-1-and-power-doubles.html

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