Martial arts classes in a hired hall

Parents of children and teens, plus adults wanting fitness, self-defence or a hobby.

Members pay a weekly, monthly or term fee. Extra income can come from grading fees, uniforms and gear, and occasional seminars.

• Solid ability and recognised rank in your martial art
• Teaching and managing groups of different ages
• Patience and good communication with parents
• Basic admin and bookkeeping

• Public liability insurance, and check whether the hall owner requires a certificate
• A Working with Children Check (or your state's equivalent) is likely needed for instructors teaching kids, so check your state's rules
• Injury risk: use signed waivers or participation forms, keep attendance records and check what your insurer requires
• Check your state's coaching or sporting association requirements, including child safe policies
• Hall hire can be lost or repriced, so avoid relying on only one venue

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on equipment, insurance and how many classes you run. Monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on class numbers and fees.

Instructors teaching kids are likely to need a Working with Children Check or your state's equivalent, so check your state's rules. Also check public liability insurance, whether the hall owner wants a certificate, and any coaching or child safe policy requirements.

You need solid ability and recognised rank in your martial art, plus skill teaching mixed age groups and basic admin. Time is typically from around 6 hours a week, depending on how many evening classes you run.