For those who have or still own/rent a dojo only?

Question

So, recently I moved to California, and am now living in a major city. Originally I lived in FL in a small town, and on the outskirts of Jacksonville. I've almost always worked out at somebody's house, as those were the dojo when the time came. Occasionally we would reserve a parks and rec building for testings and large group meetings, but never really worked in a "formal" dojo, even when I taught, it was the same.

Since coming here I've been looking at getting some more students and want to try a formal dojo. Since I am not currently rich I was thinking of going to a dojo of a different style, and seeing if we could work something out. Where I would pay them a sublease rent for the time i use the facility. Since I am doing Okinawan Karate I was thinking something like an Aikido dojo would be a decent choice since the two styles differ quite a bit. What are your experiences with this if you've done it, and how should I go about approaching the style head of that particular dojo?

Answer 1

My instructor rented some space from another dojo for years.  Most dojos don't have a huge number of students and don't have classes 24 hours a day.  A lot of the bigger dojos also have a lot of space.  Go to some of your local dojo's and talk to the instructors.  I'm sure there are plenty of dojo owners willing to rent some space to you.

Answer 2

Aaron, I have owned my own dojo since the 1970's. I'm running late this morning. I have much that might help. I'll get back to you on this.

Answer 3

I do not own my own dojo, but I am very involved in the running of our school.

I would suggest sticking to what you know. I would not plan on the dojo turning a profit (nor should it).

I suggest you only teach what you have mastered, to teach something you half know is an injustice to your students.

I don't know your background but stay with your roots. Just because your sign doesn't have the word Aikido on it doesn't mean you can't mix it in to your interpretations of techniques.

Good luck, I wish you the best.

Please don't use contracts or charge for belt testing. It is the path to the darkside.

Answer 4

I'm surprised at the other answers.  While I can appreciate and think it is necessary for senior students to take other styles, I would never invite competition into my own space.  I might have a guest instructor for a seminar or something, but never a permanent lease/rent deal.

I agree with the other post about using local schools, but it gets tough sometimes during the winter with basketball practices and other school activities.  

Churches are also a good option.  Everywhere except California has too many places for lease, local places here are just doing short term warehouse leases and moving when they get enough students to move to bigger place.  One place has grown enough to move 3 times in a year, but here there is tons of vacant space and people are desperate to lease.  

If you are serious though, see if you can find a struggling dojo that is for sale.  It's always easier to take over an existing school than it is to start a new one from scratch.  I think California would a particularly tough place to start.  Good luck!

SPIDERTIGER:  Why shouldnt a dojo make a profit?  The owner works about 60-70 hours a week and it's his only source of income.  It's open every day?  I don't get this "dojo's shouldnt make money" mentality.  It's not a charity.  

James

Answer 5

Hi Aaron,

I don't own a dojo anymore but I ran a few out of community centers when I lived in Canada. That was the easiest way to get started. Even easier than hitting up other dojos. Another dojo will likely want to use the same time periods, whereas at community centers the different clubs usually want different times (the daycare classes are different from the bible study groups, etc).

Community centers are usually cheaper. Schools (elementary, junior high, colleges, etc) are also an option but they tend to be more expensive (at least in Canada).

I knew a guy that would find warehouses and sublet from them. That could be an option...

Let me add... probably half of the professional dojos (meaning they own or rent a store front style dojo) are McDojos. This means that you only have a few decent choices to start with, and then you have to see if they have the space and time. And then you have to convince them that you wont "steal" their students...

These are a few reasons why I mentioned the idea of a community center or school to start with...

Good luck!

Answer 6

I am in a simular situation.  I teach Aikido at a Karate school.  It started because the karate instructor was interested in learning Aikido.  Now the floors are wall to wall taatemi and I have classes 5 days a week.  I think 2 things you need to keep in mind is

1) be willing to use the "open" time.  The Dojo's over head is the same if people are training or not so if you are willing to help cover costs and not compete over class times its a win win situation.

2) Have some sort of cross training agreement.  You don't want to lose students nor does the Dojo owner.  So try to set up a cooperative non-competitive arangement.

Answer 7

This is not uncommon, and a good idea.

The Tae Kwon Do studio where I take my kids also rents time/space to a Kenpo instructor and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

I also know of a Judo school that meets in a church hall.