Open a full-time aikido dojo

Local adults and families who want regular, year-round training, plus visiting students at seminars.

Monthly memberships, children's programs, drop-in fees, seminars, gradings and uniform or equipment sales. Some dojos sublet the space to other classes.

• Advanced aikido rank and teaching experience
• Running a business and managing a lease
• Building and keeping a community of members
• Basic bookkeeping and marketing

• Commercial lease terms, personal guarantees and what happens if you leave early
• Zoning, occupancy limits, fire code and any business licence required by your municipality
• Commercial general liability insurance, plus signed waivers
• Vulnerable sector checks and child safety policies if you run youth classes
• WCB/WSIB coverage and employment rules if you hire assistant instructors, check your province
• GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold
• Quebec has French-language requirements for signs and marketing
• Slow summers and winter storms can hit membership income

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000 CAD, depending on your premises, mat area, change rooms and lease terms. Review any commercial lease carefully, including personal guarantees and what happens if you leave early.

Check your commercial lease terms, zoning, occupancy limits, fire code and any municipal business licence. Also check commercial general liability insurance, signed waivers, vulnerable sector checks for youth classes, and WCB/WSIB rules if you hire assistant instructors in your province.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $3,000 to $12,000 CAD, depending on membership numbers, class mix and fees. Slow summers and winter storms can reduce income, and a full-time dojo usually needs at least around 20 hours a week.