Full-Time jiu-jitsu school in your own dojo

Families with children, teens and adults who train regularly, plus people joining for fitness or self-defence.

Ongoing membership fees (often by direct debit), grading fees, uniforms and merchandise, and holiday programs or seminars.

• Strong jiu-jitsu skills and teaching experience
• Running a business: budgeting, marketing and lease negotiation
• Managing and keeping members
• Leading and developing other instructors

• Council approval or a change of use may be needed for a martial arts studio, so check with your local council before signing a lease
• Commercial lease terms, bond and make-good clauses: consider getting advice before signing
• Public liability and personal accident insurance for contact sports, plus workers compensation once you hire staff
• Working With Children Check for you and any instructors who teach kids
• Rent and fixed costs continue even if membership dips, so keep a cash buffer
• Check GST registration, and whether you need to register your business name and an ABN

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the premises, mats, fit-out and insurance. Rent and fixed costs continue even if membership dips, so keep a cash buffer.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your membership numbers, class timetable and whether you add other instructors. It is usually a full-time commitment of around 25 hours a week or more.

Things to check: council approval or a change of use for a martial arts studio, commercial lease terms, insurance including workers compensation once you hire staff, Working With Children Checks, GST registration, and business name and ABN registration.