388 | Building Lifelong Connections: The Key to Student Retention in Martial Arts

School Owner Talk

In this episode, Shihan Allie Alberigo and Duane Brumitt dive into one of the most significant challenges martial arts school owners face: student retention. While it's rare for students to stay with the same school throughout their entire martial arts journey, Allie and Duane share insights on how to foster deeper, more meaningful connections to keep students engaged long-term. Drawing from their decades of experience, they discuss the importance of creating a sense of belonging and value, getting to know students and their families personally, and creating a community through events and activities like movie nights, picnics, and progress review meetings. Shihan Allie also reflects on how the sense of reverence and respect for the martial arts has evolved and how instructors can cultivate this mindset in students today. As they navigate the changing landscape of martial arts instruction—including the increasing role of video demonstrations—Allie and Duane provide actionable advice for school owners to adapt their teaching methods and build stronger relationships with their students and families. Whether you're a martial arts school owner or an instructor, this episode offers valuable insights into the "relationship business" of martial arts and how to build lasting connections that drive student retention.