Self-Defence School with Your Own Studio

Local families, adults seeking fitness and confidence, and members who stay month after month.

Monthly memberships, class packs, private lessons, grading or course fees and sometimes gear sales.

• Advanced self-defence or martial arts experience
• Running a class timetable and managing members
• Marketing to a local community

• A commercial lease is a big commitment, so have it reviewed before signing
• Check zoning, fire and building rules for fitness use with your municipality
• Commercial general liability insurance, waivers and injury procedures
• If you hire instructors, check WCB/WSIB requirements in your province and whether they are employees or contractors
• Check rules on teaching children, including background checks, and in Quebec, French-language requirements for signs and contracts

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the unit, mats, bags and changing space. Monthly revenue is estimated at roughly $3,000 to $15,000, depending on membership numbers and the classes you run.

Things to check include having your commercial lease reviewed, zoning, fire and building rules for fitness use, insurance and waivers, and WCB/WSIB requirements if you hire instructors. Also check background checks for teaching children, and French-language sign rules in Quebec.

You need advanced self-defence or martial arts experience, the ability to run a class timetable and manage members, and local marketing skills. Estimates suggest at least about 25 hours a week, more once you run daily classes.