Martial arts classes in a rented hall

Parents of children and teens, adults wanting fitness or self-defence, and families who sign up together.

Monthly membership fees or term fees, plus extras such as grading or belt test fees, uniforms and the odd seminar or camp.

• Solid technical skill and a recognised rank in your art
• Patient, clear teaching
• Managing groups and safety
• Talking with parents and members

• Commercial general liability insurance that covers martial arts instruction; check what your hall also requires
• Whether your style's governing body or provincial association requires instructor certification or affiliation
• Police record check (vulnerable sector) is often expected when teaching children; check with your hall and association
• Signed waivers and a written injury and first aid plan; consider first aid and CPR training
• GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold; check with the CRA
• Hall rental can rise or be cancelled, so keep a backup option

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on equipment, insurance and the hall you rent. Hall rental can rise or be cancelled, so it is worth keeping a backup option in mind.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many members you have, how many classes you run and what your hall costs. Families who sign up together can help fill your timetable.

Check that your insurance covers martial arts instruction and what your hall requires. Also check instructor certification or affiliation with your style's governing body, police record checks for teaching children, waivers and first aid plans, and GST/HST registration with the CRA.