Running a martial arts academy isn’t just about teaching great classes. To build a school that lasts, you need strong systems, aligned leadership, and a clear vision for growth. In Episode 50 of the Black Belt Business Podcast, Easton leaders Eliot Marshall, Mike Tousignant, and Ian Lieberman share the lessons they’ve learned from decades of operating successful academies.

Beyond the Martial Arts

One of the biggest themes of this episode is that being an excellent martial artist doesn’t automatically translate to being a strong academy owner. It's  crucial to learn the “business of martial arts” alongside the art itself. From sales and marketing to staff development and retention, mastering the off-the-mat skills is what allows schools to thrive long-term.

Leadership and Alignment

Being a good general manager or owner isn’t about doing everything yourself. It’s about knowing each part of the academy well enough to support your team and make informed decisions. Alignment across staff, programs, and culture is the difference between a school that feels cohesive and one that struggles with inconsistency.

Curriculum and Fundamentals

Ultimately, nothing in your academy is going to work if the product on the mats isn't strong. Without a fundamentals program and a consistent curriculum, everything else falls apart. Students need structure and clear paths of progress to stay engaged, and coaches need boundaries in order to teach with creativity and consistency.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, success in martial arts business comes down to two things:

1. Delivering a high-quality, fundamentals-based product on the mats.

2. Building systems, leadership, and culture that allow the business to grow without chaos.

Whether you’re just starting your academy or looking to scale to the next level, this episode is packed with insights to help you avoid common pitfalls and build a school that can thrive for decades.