How to Get More Martial Arts Students: 12 Winning Strategies!

Last Updated on 3 October, 2025

Did you know most martial arts studios generate between $50,000 and $200,000 annually, with the most successful studios earning up to $1 million? Growing your student base is the key to unlocking higher revenue and maximizing your studio’s resources.

In this guide, we’ll explore actionable strategies to attract more martial arts students, boost enrollment, and grow your studio.

How do you attract martial arts students?

Getting more students in the door can seem daunting, but you’re no stranger to hard work. Here are a dozen ideas that have worked for our most successful martial arts studios, to get you started.

1. Identify and Understand Your Ideal Students

To grow your martial arts school, you need to know your target audience. Are they seeking fitness, self-defense, or confidence-building? Segment your audience into groups such as children, teens, and adults, and tailor your classes and marketing messages to resonate with each group.

Pro tip: Using analytic tools can help you gather student data and segment your audience more effectively.

2. Implement a Referral Program

Referral programs are a proven way to increase student enrollment. Incentivize current students and parents to refer friends by offering rewards like discounts, merchandise, or gift cards.

Pro tip: Some software management systems allow you to automate your rewards programs, track referrals, and engage students seamlessly.

3. Partner with Local Schools

Local schools are a goldmine for potential students. Offer free demonstrations during P.E. classes or after-school programs to engage kids and their families. Fun, interactive sessions will leave a lasting impression and encourage parents to enroll their children.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to bring business cards or flyers with details about your studio. Ideally, they should have a QR code or other easy access to your website.

4. Host Open Practices

Hosting open practices invites potential students to experience your martial arts classes without commitment. These events help newcomers get comfortable and build confidence in your teaching style.

Pro tip: Offer a free class or other incentive to collect emails at your open house so you can stay in touch with potential clients.

5. Organize Martial Arts Tournaments

Tournaments showcase your studio and attract new students. Invite local families to watch your current students in action and use the opportunity to promote your classes.

Pro tip: Reach out to other martial arts studios that offer different services than your studio; that way, you can help build the community without stepping on each other’s toes.

As noted by Martin Giroux, the owner of Karaté Sportif, “We’ve been able to host several tournaments and increase participation because of WellnessLiving. The scheduling tools have made it so much easier to manage these events and bring in new students.”

6. Create More Classes for Adults

While many martial arts studios focus on kids, adults represent a significant untapped market. Offer unique classes, such as women’s self-defense, advanced techniques, or low-impact classes for seniors.

Pro tip: Classes with a theme work just as well for adults as kids. For example, Millennials are more likely to get excited about fitness classes that are related to a fandom or fitness celebrity they already enjoy.

7. Engage with the Community

Engage with your local community to boost brand awareness. Sponsor events, set up booths at fairs, or volunteer at local organizations to establish a strong presence. Advertise your classes at community centers, cafes, libraries, laundry mats, and other local small businesses.

Pro tip: Many community and school events sell advertisements as a way to fundraise. This is the perfect spot to get your ads in front of children and parents.

8. Offer Themed Parties and Special Events

Special events such as workshops, holiday fitness classes, or themed parties can attract new clients while strengthening relationships with existing ones. Allow attendees to bring a friend for free to maximize exposure.

Pro tip: 50/50 raffles are a great way to get guests at an event excited. You could split the earnings of the raffle between your studio and a party member, or donate your studio’s portion to a local charity.

9. Leverage Social Media

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are invaluable for growing your martial arts studio. Share class highlights, student testimonials, and behind-the-scenes content to build engagement.

Pro tip: Some business management tools offer automated social media marketing that integrates with the rest of your administration systems.

10. Optimize Your Website for Search Terms

SEO ensures your website appears in local searches for terms like “martial arts classes near me.” Incorporate relevant keywords, update your Google My Business profile, and into the content of your site to boost visibility.

Pro tip: Yoast SEO offers many automated tools that can help your website gain SEO traction quickly and convert new visitors into new students.

11. Advertise Online

Google Ads and social media advertising are great ways to reach potential students. Target local demographics and use strong calls to action, like signing up for a free trial class or tour.

Pro tip: Include unique codes with any advertisement or promotional offer that you run. This allows you to track how valuable each advertising campaign is.

12. Gather and Implement Feedback

Satisfied students are your best advocates. Regularly survey your clients to identify areas for improvement and ensure a positive experience. Keep your feedback surveys brief and easy to fill out to increase your fill rate. If you want to ask for in-depth feedback, offer an incentive like free merch or a discount on an upcoming class.

Pro tip: Ask if people are ok with you using all or part of their response in your advertising. Then post all your glowing feedback for prospective students and their parents to see on your website or social media feed.

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Ready to grow your martial arts school and attract more students? WellnessLiving’s martial arts software provides all the tools you need to manage your business, from student enrollment to marketing automation.

Take the first step toward success—book a demo today!