Wing chun school with its own studio

Local adults, teens and families looking for self-defense, fitness and structured martial arts training.

Recurring monthly membership fees, with extra income from belt or level testing fees, seminars, private lessons and merchandise.

• Advanced Wing Chun skill and teaching experience
• Running a small business and handling lease and budgets
• Customer service and member retention
• Marketing and local networking

• Commercial leases are long commitments, so have the terms reviewed before signing and consider shorter initial terms
• Upfront costs usually include a security deposit, first month's rent and fit-out such as flooring, mirrors, signage and sometimes changing areas, which can add up quickly
• Check zoning and any certificate of occupancy requirements with your city or county before signing a lease
• General liability insurance, and property cover for equipment
• Waivers and rules for minors; check your state's requirements and any background-check expectations for youth programs
• Workers' compensation insurance once you hire instructors; check how your state classifies contractors versus employees
• Membership numbers can be slow to build and can dip, so keep a cash reserve

Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on the lease, security deposit, first month's rent and fit-out such as flooring, mirrors and signage. These upfront costs can add up quickly.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on membership numbers, class programs and pricing. Membership can be slow to build and can dip, so a cash reserve helps. Plan on at least about 25 hours a week.

Have commercial lease terms reviewed and consider a shorter initial term. Check zoning and certificate of occupancy requirements with your city or county, waiver and youth program rules, general liability and property insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire instructors.