Jiu-Jitsu club in a rented hall

Parents signing up children, plus adults wanting fitness, self-defence or a new hobby.

Monthly membership fees, with extra charges for gradings, belts, uniforms (gis) and the odd seminar or trial-class pack.

• Solid jiu-jitsu experience and a recognised rank
• Patient, clear teaching, especially with children
• Basic admin and talking with parents

• Commercial general liability insurance that covers martial arts instruction, and whether the venue requires its own cover
• Working with children: check whether you need a vulnerable sector or criminal record check, and ask about safe-sport policies
• Injury risk: use signed waivers, good mat quality and clear class rules, and check what your province's rules say about waivers
• Check whether your style or rank needs affiliation with a provincial or national association before you can grade students
• Hall rental can be lost or repriced, so keep a backup venue in mind
• Check GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the mats you buy, insurance and hall rental terms. Portable mats and liability cover are likely to be the main items, so get quotes before you commit.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $4,500, depending on how many sessions you run and how many kids and adults join. Hall rental can be lost or repriced, so keep a backup venue in mind.

Check that your commercial general liability insurance covers martial arts instruction and whether the venue needs its own cover. Check whether you need a vulnerable sector or criminal record check, safe-sport policies, waiver rules in your province, and any association affiliation needed for grading.