Sambo classes in a rented hall or gym

Adults looking for a combat sport or fitness, parents of children and teens, and people with a judo, wrestling or jiu-jitsu background who want to try something new.

Monthly memberships or class packs, plus drop-in fees, grading or seminar fees, and the occasional kit sale such as jackets and shoes.

• Solid sambo technique and coaching ability
• Running safe, well-organized classes
• Friendly and good at keeping members coming back

• Commercial general liability insurance that explicitly covers combat sports, plus signed waivers
• Coaching certification and criminal record or vulnerable sector checks if you teach children, and the rules your province or venue sets
• Mat storage and set-up time, and whether your venue will let you leave equipment
• Whether you need to charge GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold
• Winter weather and holiday periods can reduce attendance

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your mats, insurance, marketing and the hall rental terms. Renting space by the session means no premises of your own to pay for.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many members you attract and your fees. Winter weather and holiday periods can reduce attendance, so these are estimates only.

Check that your commercial general liability insurance explicitly covers combat sports, and use signed waivers. If you teach children, check coaching certification, criminal record or vulnerable sector checks, and the rules your province or venue sets.