Aikido classes in rented space

Adults, teens and parents looking for a non-competitive martial art for fitness, self-defense skills and stress relief.

Monthly membership fees, with drop-in session rates, a discount for families, and fees for belt tests, seminars and uniforms.

• Advanced aikido rank and years of practice
• Clear, patient teaching
• Knowing how to teach safe falling and partner practice
• Basic bookkeeping and organizing

• General liability insurance, and check whether the venue requires you to be named on your policy
• Injury risk in a contact art, so use waivers and teach safe ukemi (falling) first
• Check whether your aikido organization (such as the USAF or Aikikai affiliates) requires affiliation or rank recognition to teach under their name
• Check with your city or county for any business license, and your state for sales tax rules on memberships
• Extra care and checks when teaching children, including any background check expectations from venues or parents

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your venue, mats and insurance. Some venues provide mats, while in others you bring your own. Treat this as an estimate and check venue fees before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $300 to $2,000, depending on how many classes you run and how large your membership grows. That is revenue, not profit, so account for venue costs when you plan.

Check whether the venue requires you to be named on your general liability policy, and use waivers and teach safe ukemi first. Also check any affiliation rules from your aikido organization, local business license, sales tax on memberships, and checks for teaching children.