Are you ready to create a positive impact in the local community through your own business?
One particular established business has wide-ranging appeal, with an almost infinite target market ranging from toddlers to 92 year-olds.
It is a low investment business model that requires no technical expertise. What it does demand is a real passion for personal development, the desire to be a positive influence, and strong communication skills.
Intrigued? Well these are the key components of a business that does so much more than its name suggests.
MF Martial Arts is unlike any other youth development martial arts business, points out director Ryan Canavan.
MF Martial Arts is all about learning life skills
“Most people’s understanding is that martial arts is a combat sport, but we stand out as unique. Yes, we do have a world class syllabus, but our primary focus is on educational benefits such as life skills, personal safety, choosing the right friends, making the right financial decisions and other important skills that set children up for a better life.
“Whether students are kids or adults, we tailor programs to their level. For young children it is about learning to take turns, using communicative words in kindy and school. For children aged seven to 12, it’s about learning leadership skills and developing confidence and self respect and for adults it is about personal growth.”
The Martial arts element of the program is just the vehicle to a broader learning curriculum, he says.
“We are bridging the gap for children, teaching them to make better choices, to stay away from drugs and alcohol, to learn about first aid, and more. We teach what parents and teachers don’t have the time or resources for.”
For parents putting their children through an MF Martial Arts program, there are multiple benefits.
Coaching kids to become strong, independent leaders
“We push academic leadership. Parents consider us more like a private school where children are learning to become strong, independent leaders.
“We have a life skills manual that covers all different types of topics. When we get to a topic, perhaps money management, the instructor reads a story about pocket money and we talk with the children about different situations and outcomes.”
There’s a rigour to this program that mirrors the discipline required in martial arts. Every three months as part of the grading process to achieve the next colour belt, children need to complete a project.
“We’ve got systems in place, workbooks and manuals and there is a homework element to progress, and that has to be approved. It is sent to the child’s school teacher to show them what life skills the child has learned, and for the teacher to tick a box confirming the student has been respectful in class.
“Parents are also involved in the process. We have job lists for the students to complete at home and parents have to give permission to the student to grade based on behaviour at home. Parents and teachers love this aspect.
“If there is an issue to rectify, our instructors get involved in creating strategies to improve behaviour,” says Ryan.
The Life Skills element of the program repeats every 12 to 18 months, so over a four year period – which is the time it takes to progress to the esteemed black belt level – kids get to bed down the concepts.
From kids to grandparents, something for everyone
“We start our Kinder Mats programs for children as young as two, which is a side-by-side program where parents assist their child in class. This program is designed to enhance basic skills such as balance, coordination and having fun.”
A ladies-only class is available for women aged 12 and over; an adults class caters for teenagers onwards.
“There’s no homework for adults!” says Ryan. MF Martial Arts for adults is based around fitness, but with an equal focus on personal development.
“Every belt has a theory attached to it; for instance, the yellow belt teaching is inspired by Tony Robbins’ coaching methods.”
Group discussions on adult theories replace the stories that help children navigate concepts. For adults the discussed topics might be based on developing resilience, or dealing with tough choices.
Physical, spiritual and mental development are traditionally part of martial arts. At MF Martial Arts the life lessons are the life force of the business.
For the right franchisee, this is a brilliant opportunity to step up and help every student make better life choices.
MF Martial Arts is a low investment business
And in the process, build a robust business. The company offers territories which have the potential to build big income earning businesses with minimal overheads. As a well established franchise, every aspect of the business is backed by training and systems, making business practice easy.
MF Martial Arts is a low cost investment: $25,000 to purchase a franchise package. This awards franchisees a suitable territory, and a full starter pack including uniforms, marketing materials, training and more.
“The territories are based on local demographics that match our customer avatars, and this gives franchisees assurance that the business potential is there,” says Ryan.
Franchisees don’t need a permanent location to operate from, they lease space on a casual basis, significantly reducing ongoing costs.
Ryan reiterates that MF Martial Arts is ideal for franchisees without any martial arts expertise but who bring a heartfelt passion for making a real impact.
“Right now 70 per cent of our students are under-12s, so it’s important the franchisee is passionate. It’s about seeing youth crime and disrespectful kids and wanting to positively influence Australia’s youth.”
Ideal franchisees bring an open mind to learning, a love of fitness and a commitment to shape lives.
“If this is you, then MF Martial Arts really opens the door to so much potential,” he says.