Full-Time martial arts school with its own dojo

Families and adults who pay monthly memberships, often on direct debit, plus those paying for grading, kit and events.

Recurring monthly memberships across a full timetable, with extra income from gradings, kit, camps, birthday parties and private lessons.

• Senior instructor qualification in your style
• Teaching all ages and abilities
• Marketing and local networking
• Managing rent, budgets and other instructors

• Planning use class and lease terms, check with the council and a solicitor before signing
• Public liability and buildings or contents cover for the unit, plus employer's liability if you hire instructors
• Business rates and fit-out costs, check whether any relief applies
• Enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding for all staff working with children
• Fixed rent every month even when numbers dip, so keep some cash reserve
• Music licensing may be needed if you play music in classes, check with the relevant licensing bodies

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on the unit you lease, the mats and equipment you buy, and how much fit-out is needed. Check whether any business rates relief applies.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £2,500 to £12,000, depending on your member numbers, class timetable and any grading, kit or event income. Rent is fixed every month, so keep some cash reserve for quieter periods.

Check the planning use class and lease terms with the council and a solicitor before signing. Also check insurance for the unit, enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding for staff working with children, and whether you need music licensing for classes.