Muay thai gym with its own premises

Adults wanting fitness and skills, parents paying for kids' classes, and keen amateurs who want to train for fights.

Weekly or monthly membership fees, class passes, private lessons, gear sales and grading or fight-camp fees.

• Strong Muay Thai technique and teaching ability
• Running safe, well-paced group classes
• Customer service and member retention
• Basic bookkeeping and marketing

• Council approval or zoning for a gym use and noise limits, check with your local council before signing a lease
• Public liability and professional indemnity insurance that covers contact sports
• Injury risk and member waivers, get the wording checked by a professional
• A working with children check if you teach kids, requirements differ by state
• Lease commitments and rent, which can be the biggest ongoing cost
• Workers compensation insurance and employment rules once you hire coaches

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and equipment such as bags, pads and a ring or mat area. Rent and lease commitments can be the biggest ongoing cost.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on member numbers, class timetable and private sessions. Expect to commit at least about 30 hours a week, and remember rent and coaching costs come out of that revenue.

Check council approval or zoning for gym use and noise limits before signing a lease. Also check insurance that covers contact sports, member waiver wording with a professional, working with children check requirements in your state, and workers compensation once you hire coaches.