Customer Reviews

The Truth About the Martial Arts Business

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've enjoyed Graden's previous books much more. There is not much new information in this book, and the book contains too much advertising of his own companies and his former student's companies. It seems that the whole purpose of the book is to make you a customer of his company. Not worth buying.

...and this time around it should at least ruffle your feathers!

John Graden, Martial Arts Master Teacher, has gone to the heart of what it takes to be an effective Martial Arts teacher today. Without completely disgarding the training ideas of the past, he instead shows how to build on these ideas, how to use what we know about the psychology of learning, the physics of motion and the economics of the 21st century to create a learning environment that firmly turns it's back on the "Dungeon Dojos" of the last century and creates a modern, safe atmosphere where serious, effective and (dare I say it?) FUN martial arts training can take place!

(Lest any naysayers regard the concept of "safety" and "fun" as somehow being contrary to "real" martial arts training, I refer them to the summary chapter entitled "A School Full of Pooh Bears"--it will open your eyes!)

There are lots of things to learn here, lots of great writing, too. If nothing else, I will always remember Mr. Graden refering to the war-like aspects of the Martial Arts and explaining that this doesn't mean that every class is devoted to destroying the enemy. He explains: "...that our foundation is one of peace through superior firepower."

I like that. Get the book. You'll like it, too.

John Graden has a unique way of showing you everything you need to successfully run a top martial art school in today's age.

He does it with the insight of someone who has obviously "been there and done that".

This new book can be used by any martial arts instructor, regardless of style, as a step-by-step blueprint for everything from how to negotiate a lease for your school up to how to train and compensate an employee/instructor.

No one else in the industry has his superb talents. The martial arts industry will forever owe a huge debt to this man for showing us how to be a professional success without selling out!

John Graden has done it again! First by creating NAPMA, the ACMA, and now MATA (The Martial Arts Teachers Association), he has summed it all up in a way that hits home for every instructor that reads The Truth About the Martial Arts Business.

Mr. Graden points out the best way to handle every aspect of teaching professionally, so you can get it right the first time. Why reinvent the wheel when you can learn from those who have gone before you?

As a martial arts school business consultant, I am in a position to speak to many instructors who have read it. Besides the fact that thus far everyone has commented that it was the best martial arts business book they have ever read, I also kept hearing the same comment, "I felt like he was talking directly to me!" I concur.

Mr. Graden's two previous books, Black Belt Management, and How to Open and Operate a Successful Martial Arts School were great, but this newest book has raised the standard that places The Truth About The Martial Arts Business in a class of its own. It struck a cord deep within me when Mr. Graden explained what he has named "The Control Factor" and how it is responsible for many of the decisions we make. This book makes us aware of all the instances where we viewed the world with what he calls, "Black Belt Eyes," which drastically improved my marketing ability. I was also mesmerized by the way the book points out all that we as martial arts instructors have in common from our childhood, despite coming from different parts of the country, varying social and economic classes, and emanating from styles on opposite ends of the spectrum and with opposing viewpoints. Once armed with the knowledge that this book provided, it changed the way I looked at martial arts, and my motivating factors for making certain decisions became clear.

So whether you are a colored belt that thinks choosing a career or hobby as a martial arts instructor looks fun, a professional multi-school owner, or somewhere in between, I highly recommend reading this book! (And buy one for your instructor too! You may set off some bells and whistles, and change the way they view the martial arts too.) I also recommend this book to all entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and anyone in a position of authority or power. I can easily see this book changing their lives as well, and the way they handle employees and control their business.

All in all, this is the best book in the history of martial arts!

Joe Brignoli

Martial Arts Business Consultant

The content of this book accomplished two very important things for me, as a martial arts businessman - 1) it re-affirmed what I was already doing in my business and, most important, 2) it provided me with new concepts, methods and ideas that will help take my business to the next level. Awesome resource!

If you are a martial artist who wants to make a living full time and not just do martial arts on the side then you NEED this book. You'll learn how to set up a very successful school that you can be proud. Every instructor no matter what should get this book!!

This is the book you need if you are in the martial arts business or contemplating starting. It contains real information that is direct and to the point. John Graden is definitely the go to person for martial arts business advice.

John Graden has taken on a topic that inspires equal measures of love and hatred. Professionals appreciate his no-nonsense approach to running a commercial operation with sound business principles. Failures like to blame their problems on "McDojos" and see John as their patron saint. Nothing could be further from the truth. In this update to a classic, John outlines solid techniques for recruiting and, more importantly, retaining quality students through customer-centric practices. If you want to truly succeed as a business and NOT sell out your art or integrity, this should be your handbook.

If you have a martial arts school or just a club, this is a must have book! Go for it immediately!

Whether you are a longstanding owner/instructor, or the new kid on the block, you will do yourself a favor if you read Mr. Graden's book. The author's perspective, based on many years' experience, will give you new insight into your own operation. Mr. Graden tells it like it is, and whether you agree or disagree, you will surely examine many aspects of your own teaching and business practice. I will recommend this book to all my associates.

Brian Lowry

Napanee Karate Club