Combat Academy
Combat Academy
Realistic Self Defence Training
b om a
y
a
ca
t
c
FRANCHISE PROSPECTUS
de m
0843 289 1632
www.combat-academy.co.uk
1
Combat Academy
contents 04 Introduction Welcome and introduction from the Combat Academy
06 Training to be an instructor What its like to train to be a Combat Academy instructor
08 The fitness industry The exciting and growing health and fitness sector
10 Combat Academy training
c
2
b m o
What its like training in self defence the Combat Academy way
a
ca
HEAD OFFICE Aston Court, Kingsmead Business Park, Frederick Place, High Wycombe, Bucks HP11 1LA
d
Combat Academy
3
12 The franchise offer The franchise offer and full franchise pack including ongoing and pre-launch support
14 Launching your business Comprehensive support and what to expect when you launch your business.
ba
25 16 Running your own club What its like running your own self defence club and
t
Combat Academy franchise...
18 Taking things forward The next step in owning your own Self defence training
y
franchise with the Combat Academy...
omba
y
a
ca
t
CONTACTS franchising@combat-academy.co.uk 0843 289 1632
c
m e
de m
4
Combat Academy
Mr. Reece Coker (right) Chief Instructor
Welcome Established in 2004 - Combat Academy is one of the strongest UK brands within the self defence training sector. Founded by Chief Instructor Reece Coker who has had over 25 years martial arts, military and professional security experience. Reece is a professionally trained Close Protection Operative and personal protection officer - sometimes referred to as a bodyguard. This experience has been combined with a military and martial arts background to create the Combat Academy system of self defence. Everything about the Combat Academy has a military flavour. This includes the uniform and strong branding right through to the ethos of courage, integrity, loyalty, discipline and self respect which are values held close by the British military.
“Working with the Combat Academy and training to be an instructor has changed my life. To have so much job satisfaction and to get paid for something that I love doing is a dream come true�.... Jason Hare (left of picture) - Combat Academy Instructor & Franchisee - Aylesbury
Combat Academy courses and classes are tremendous fun and a real sense of teamwork and camaraderie are forged between students. What makes the classes unique is the combination of emphasis on fitness, strength, flexibility, toning and self defence. In addition, Combat Academy brings in many fun and teambuilding activities, days out and camps for students. Self Defence
For more information:
Combat Academy focusses on techniques that really work under pressure and in real life situations. The techniques can be used by anyone of any age, size and physical level. This is one of the things that makes the system unique and highly appealing to women, beginners or advanced practitioners alike.
franchising@combat-academy.co.uk t.0843 289 1632
Combat Academy
INTRODUCTION Self Defence Courses The Combat Academy’s unique system combines aspects of some of the most effective martial arts. It takes into account that when defending against an attack many skills are required to defend against many different types of attack from kicks and punches to wrestling, choking, ground fighting, knives and gangs (i.e. multiple attackers)
A snap-shot of a typical course:
Physical Techniques and Training
Personal Security Theory
This is the fun part for most people – it’s time to get physical. You will learn and perfect a range of the most simple and effective techniques during the course. You will AMAZE yourself!
A detailed look at the latest personal security equipment and tactics.
Victim / Prey Behaviour An in-depth study of the victim mentality, behaviour and body language to understand how to avoid being targeted.
Fear and Anxiety Control The ability to control fear and anxiety in any crisis situation is essential and can be learned. We use advanced NLP techniques and verbal reasoning skills.
Body Language and Threat Assessment Being able to both read the body language of a potential aggressor/s is essential, as is controlling your own to influence the outcome.
Voice Commands You will learn how to use your voice. REMEMBER it’s what you say and how you say it that can make all the difference.
I am about to complete my Instructor training programme and will soon be launching my own women’s and beginners self defence seminars in Aberdeen - I can’t wait... Laurence Hamilton(right of picture) - Combat Academy Instructor & Franchisee - Aberdeen
5
6
Combat Academy
training to be an instructor Training to be a professional self defence specialist and instructor will be one of the most fantastic experiences of your life. This does not mean it will be easy, nothing worthwhile ever is.
Induction Programme The induction programme will run from Friday to Monday - finishing on a Monday night. The programme consists of the following:
Fitness The process starts with your fitness
and flexibility as you will be taken through a military style basic training and selection programme. This part of the programme will commence with a personal fitness assessment and continue with strength, flexibility, fitness and endurance training. After the first few sessions your fitness levels will start to soar.
months.
Techniques
We will assist you in developing a business plan to launch in your local area and share ideas about running courses and developing a self defence training club for women, youth and kids and mixed general classes.
You will receive a full two days technical training which gives you an overview and insight into the Technical training which will commence over the next three
Business Processes You will go through all of the internal business processes, forms, student packs and stationery in readiness to launch your business.
Business Planning
LAUNCHING YOUR BUSINESS Following your induction you will embark upon a 3 month training programme. This mainly involves weekend sessions to bring you up to the skill levels required to become a fully trained self defence
specialist and instructor. This programme is outlined fully on page 11 The programme is split into modules which you will be tested on before signing off and moving onto the next level. Once your Instructor training
is complete we will assist you in running your very first self defence course in your local area. We will be on hand to assist you at every step of the way whilst you build your confidence.
Combat Academy
The training is mental as much as physical and you will learn advanced psychological techniques and the theory of biomechanics - it is truly fascinating... Combat Academy
The Combat Academy system is unique and contains the following components:
Human Anatomy
Continuous development
Pressure Points
Psychological Skills
Biomechanics
Body Language and Threat Assessment
As an instructor, you will be trained to deliver all of the above elements up to Beginner and Level 1. This will enable you to run courses in your area and to start a self defence club and regular training classes for your course graduates. Every time you run a course in your area - your student base will grow.
As a level 1 instructor, it is important that you continue your own development and attend additional advanced training modules . This is important so that you can progress up the levels.
Weapon Defences Physical Techniques Running a Class Fitness and Strength Training
Progression will enable you to deliver advanced and specialized courses such as - Knife defence and awareness and advanced techniques.
7
8
Combat Academy
THE FITNESS INDUSTRY
financial Your business will start by running a beginners self defence course. This can be either mixed or specifically for women. The charge for a 4 week course (four weekend days) is typically £100 which is £25 for a three hour session. Most students feel that this is exceptional value and very affordable. The course is fully certified and graduates from the beginners course then go on to train at your weekly training sessions on either a monthly membership or pay as you go basis (£10 per session)
The UK Fitness and Health industry is one of the fastest growing and most robust business sectors and has seen growth despite a recession. With obesity levels at an all time high doctors are actually prescribing exercise over and above medication for a variety
of conditions including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure / stress. As a Combat academy instructor, you will be able to run our unique military fitness and self defence courses and classes.
management Very quickly you will have over 50 students regularly coming to one of your classes. This is an income of over £500 per week. By running separate groups each evening and weekend - you could have around 150 students by the end of your first year which is an income of £1500 per week or £6,000 per month.
You will aim to have from 15 to 30 students on any one course which is an income of £1500 to £3000. Most of the students will want to go on to join the Combat academy club - which means that your club will grow very quickly. After running two courses, you may well reach the levels of over 50 students who regularly want to come training. You will quickly have to run separate groups and days to ensure that your classes are not too big.
To keep your groups down to a maximum of 30 per class you will have to run a separate junior and senior class and a separate women’s group. By running your business this way - your students get maximum attention and you can grow a bigger club. A typical example MON: 18:30 - 19:30: Juniors (25 students) 20:00 - 21:30 Seniors (25 students) Tues: 18:30 - 19:30: Juniors (25 students) 20:00 - 21:30 Women’s self defence and fitness (25 students)
STUDENTS
STUDENTS
STUDENTS
STUDENTS
STUDENTS
Wed: 18:30 - 19:30 Juniors :(25 students) 20:00 - 21:30 Seniors (25 students) Thur: 18:30 - 19:30: Juniors (25 students) 20:00 - 21:30 Women’s self defence and fitness (25 students) Sat or Sun: 11:00: - 13:00 Mixed Group Outdoors - (50 students) 15:00 - 18:00: SELF DEFENCE COURSE - NEW INTAKE By using the above model you will have 200 students at £10 pay as you go plus a new intake of course students - the income is substantial!
Combat Academy
As a Combat Academy instructor you will have the strength of a quality national brand behind you. In addition our systems and methods for growing and managing your business will ensure your success and growth. You will be developing a business that has a positive impact on peoples lives and you will get involved with the community. With such a widely interesting business you will soon have a club full of students at all ages and levels - looking up to you.
Community work Combat Academy works closely with many government departments and councils to deliver training for children and youths with a variety of needs. This work is truly rewarding and challenging.
strong brand With a strong national brand behind you your business will go from strength to strength...
There is also a considerable amount of government funding and grants available for physical community based activities. Head office will assist you with the process of securing these funds and contracts in your local area. The possibilities are endless and you may even want to purchase your own plot of land at some point to run your outdoor boot-camps, survival camps and teambuilding days...
9
10
Combat Academy
about our
TRAINING Training for beginners to advanced Pictured above - Laurence Hamilton an instructor in training. Laurence has grown in fitness and strength considerably over the past six months. Continual development and progress is it the heart of the Combat Academy ethos and instructors will all continue to develop themselves...
Strength Strength training is an integral part of Combat Academy training for students. The benefits of strength training on the body are numerous including its positive effects on stress, blood pressure and obesity. In addition, strength training assists with mobility, joint and skeletal strength and can therefore be particularly effective for older students. Our approach to strength training is unique and centred around practical functional training like lifting barrels, pulling ropes and carrying objects. This approach is often called “old school” or “caveman training” but science now realises just how revolutionary and advanced this approach is. This training is often done outdoors rather than in a gym environment and is therefore a lot of fun and a very healthy approach to training. By training in this practical way, students experience less injuries as the body works in a more natural way.
Flexibility Mobility and flexibility can help to ward of injury, backache and generally improve well-being. At the Combat Academy we spend a great deal of time warming up and stretching the body to improve mobility and flexibility. We also have a series of exercises designed to increase flexibility in anyone of any age or level of fitness.
Fitness Cardiovascular health and fitness is crucial to ward off the ageing process and keep the body functioning in the optimal way. Combat Academy works in both aerobic and anaerobic ways. Simply explained - short bursts of activity and longer more endurance focussed sessions.
Weight Loss This is a big motivator for many people. Our training sessions are one of the highest rated fat burners available and become more effective the fitter you get. You will never grow out of a Combat Academy session as we simply up the pace as you progress.
Training for all ages and levels of ability Combat Academy training is for beginners right through to advanced. If you are already fit, you will find our advanced sessions the most challenging workout you have ever had. We have many personal trainers and professional athletes who workout with us because they will not get a harder workout anywhere. On the other side of things, our beginners workouts and training courses are ideal for those lacking in confidence or fitness. The sessions will make you feel welcome and well looked after. In no time your confidence and fitness levels will start to soar...
Combat Academy
INstructor training Once you become a Combat Academy Instructor, you will be joining an elite group of individuals dedicated to the study and teaching of Self Defence, Personal Security and physical well-being. The culture is one of continuous development and improvement. With this in mind Combat Academy holds regular instructor training sessions and seminars which you can attend for free as part of your instructorship. It is essential that you develop your own skills as much of your time will be spent teaching and developing others. As your students progress - you need to stay ahead in your own development to continue assisting your more advanced students. Naturally as your students develop, many of them will become instructor training candidates in their own right and may even embark upon the instructor training programme themselves. This natural progression is natural and you will always have that special bond with your old students as their first instructor. Helping others to attain this level can be very rewarding.
Additional Training courses
Reece Coker (Chief Instructor) pictured left lifting a 70KG river boulder overhead. Reece comments “The weight is awkward, jagged and unbalanced. Whilst 70KG is a significant weight, it actually feels more like 100KG. This type of practical strength training develops tremendous overall strength in the legs, back, hands, fingers, wrists as well as the more obvious muscle groups. If you want shoulders like boulders - then try lifting them�...
Once you have passed your training programme you will be certified as a level one unarmed combat instructor. There are five additional levels to achieve beyond this. Upon reaching level three - you are officially classified as an unarmed combat and self defence expert.
A typical training session Much of the time is spent training outdoors and believe it or not - rain and snow actually makes the training even more interesting. This is military boot-camp style training at its best. We also conduct gym and classroom sessions as sometimes this environment suits the programme. There is nothing better though than getting back outdoors and training on a recreation ground, a meadow, woodland or our own dedicated Combat Academy training ground in the beautiful Buckinghamshire village of Askett...
11
12
Combat Academy
Combat Academy has made the process of launching in business very simple.
FRANCHISE PACK COMPLETE STARTER KIT Everything you need to start running your own self defence courses and classes is included within your franchise fee...
all included in fee
We supply you with everything you need to start your business including:
Marketing Pack Leaflets, posters, flyers are all included within your marketing pack. You will have materials for attracting all of your different customer bases such as: women, youth and kids, mixed and beginners groups.
Equipment All of the training and protective equipment that you need such as gloves, pads, practice knives and more.
Uniform Your own Instructor training uniforms. A comprehensive all weather kit.
Powerful Website Combat Academy has developed a powerful website with articles, videos and student login areas. The student zone gives information and training tips to the students - plus instructional technique videos. The student syllabus is also listed online Your own web area As an instructor, you will have your own unique website login and you will have your own area web page. You will be able to add articles and post videos of your training sessions and your students will be able to share comments and ideas.
c
ca
y
y
de m
a
a
ca
omba
t
omba
t
c
Combat Academy
de m
Pads and gloves
Instructor uniforms
Stationery Pack
A selection of pads and gloves which your students can use within your class. There will be enough to train a group of up to 30 students on one group. Extras can be purchased on request.
You will have a selection of all weather training uniforms which includes coveralls, tactical military uniform, fleece and warm weather pack. Additional sets can be ordered on request.
A comprehensive stationery pack will be provided. This includes student packs, marketing materials, letterheads, business cards. Additional promotional items can be ordered from our catalogue.
exclusive territory We will work with you to develop your own exclusive territory in your area. You will be the only Combat Academy school within your designated patch and we will work with you to fully market yourself within this zone.
instructor development. It also covers your public liability insurance. This fee is £50 per month for your first year in business and rising to £100 per month thereafter.
If your business develops and you wish to acquire additional areas then we would very much support you on this as you will already be up and running and fully trained.
Your students will pay an initial joining fee which includes a comprehensive starter pack comprising of: Training equipment, protective equipment and uniform. The membership fee is £50 per annum and the starter pack is an additional £75. This joining fee is paid directly to Combat Academy Head Office and we invoice the student every year for their ongoing membership fees.
No Royalty Fees You keep one hundred percent of all of the course and pay as you go fees from your students. Combat Academy charges a nominal management services fee each month. This fee is a contribution towards head office, the website and your continuous
Student Joining fees
High Income Potential A total investment of £2,500 for an income that could exceed £8000 per month. To earn this figure - you only need around 100 students over your separate groups training twice per week. E.g. 25 women - 25 youth - 25 kids - 25 mixed. That is 100 students paying you £10 pay as you go and coming to two separate sessions.. Even at the start of your business - with one group of 25 women attending 2 classes per week - you will have an income of around £2000 per month...
13
14
Combat Academy
ongoing support Once you have trained to be an instructor - it is time to launch your business. Finding students and marketing yourself in your area is now the next step. The process of marketing yourself is fairly simple as long as our process is followed. We will also work with you to identify good local partnerships within your local authority, network of schools and community groups and gyms. Some of the marketing is very simple and as uncomplicated as putting posters up in your local gym. Hiring a hall for one of your courses is also a powerful way of starting - as the gym will help you to market to a captive audience of their existing members who are interested in health, fitness and classes. Working with local women’s groups can also be a fairly powerful approach to market a women’s self defence course. Local businesses can also assist you with the corporate side of things as many are interested in organising staff team-building days and a military boot-camp style self
defence course will often appeal to them. The direct approach: We also strongly recommend the direct leafleting approach and directly speaking to people whilst you are wearing the uniform in the local town. The response to a military uniform will surprise you in its positivity and many people will stop to speak to you and find out what is happening. There are many ways to market a self defence course and the approach will vary depending on whether your audience is women, men, youth or kids. Social media marketing also plays a big part in getting the word out there and we will help you to cover as many bases as possible. We want you to be successful as we make our money out of you having as many long term students as possible...
Financial Projections Month 1 = 15 students (first course)
£1500
Month 2 = 15 course plus 10 PAYG
£1500 plus £800 PAYG = £2,300
Month 3 = 15 course plus 20 PAYG
£1500 plus £1600 PAYG = £3,100
Month 4 = 15 course plus 30 PAYG
£1500 plus £2400 PAYG = £3,900
Every time you run a training course a large percentage of the students will want to come to your PAYG classes after graduating. This ensures that your PAYG classes will grow. The above projections assume that you are running 2 sessions per week that each of your students attends. By month 4 your income will be significant with just 30 students...
Combat Academy
No business is ever easy and if you don’t put the work in then you may just trip along. We want you to become as successful as possible and we want your business to grow. Combat Academy works hard to select the best and most driven candidates who want to succeed...
ROAD TO SUCCESS EASY STREET
The initial investment level is very low in terms of capital outlay. This means that the franchise is affordable to most people. Most people, however will not be right for a Combat Academy franchise as we are looking for self motivated people who are passionate about helping others and having a positive impact on the lives of students. Making a financial success out of a Combat Academy franchise is relatively easy if our processes are followed but we have a strict recruitment and selection
programme as follows:
Self Motivation You must be a self starter through and through.
Organised The ability to organise large groups of students is essential.
Time
committed and passionate about the Combat Academy concept.
Interested in Health and Fitness Whilst you do not have to be a personal trainer already, having a interest in health and fitness is essential.
You must be prepared to put time into this venture.
Commitment You must be one hundred percent
High Income Potential The income potential is very high and as a membership club - every sale you make will repeat year upon year. This is unique and you will be creating a substantial residual income. Your business has the potential of being profitable almost immediately and certainly following your first course / seminar. The potential for profit of over £70,000 is very real for a business which runs with very low overheads. If our systems and processes are followed - we guarantee profitability within the first year of business.
Low Investment The initial investment for an exclusive franchise territory is very low and mainly based upon the license fee, training and ongoing support. The total investment in a business which could be producing a profit of over £70,000 within the first year is less than £3,000 - including license fee, training, starter pack, first print run of your marketing materials.
15
16
Combat Academy
Running your own
self defence club
A day in the life... Pictured above a class run in Aylesbury by Rocky Tamplin - Combat Academy Instructor.. Rocky started off as a student and quiickly realised that he wanted to become involved in running his own classes. Rocky is now one of our most experienced instrctors and an assett to the team...
Getting paid to run self defence and fitness classes is a dream for most people. The hours are incredibly friendly and you will mix and become friends with many amazing people. You will also become a mentor for many people who will look up to you. This is particularly true when running youth and kids groups which is a real responsibility but very rewarding.
Mentoring As part of the Combat Academy Programme, junior students will have the chance to win merit badges for skills and achievements such as: discipline, courage, loyalty, perseverance and so on. This merit badge system is highly rewarding for the children but also very important for the parents who are paying to enrol their children.
Moving up the ranks Once students are ready they are graded and upon successfully passing they can move up the ranks to the next level. A rank badge is then issued and can be worn with pride. The rank badges resemble the military stripes system. There are 8 student levels and then 5 instructor levels. As an instructor you will be allocated 3 grading slots per year which you can put your students up for if you feel that they are ready. The gradings will be conducted in your local area and a representative from Combat Academy Head Office will attend.
This system keeps the kids and parents motivated and it promotes a culture of achievement at all levels. This is a far more rewarding programme than having a club champion because they are fitter and stronger. It means that all students are included and can do well.
Restraint module:
Modules
Clinching module
To keep adult and youth students motivated - there are different modules and award badges that can be achieved. Modules include:
Ground Fighting / Knife Awareness
This module focusses on the ability to restrain your attacker without damage...
Controlling your opponent whilst staying on your feet...
Ground Fighting module The art of overpowering your opponent should the fight end up on the floor...
Urban Safari / Restraint / clinch There are many more modules and each of the badges represents that the student has successfully completed that module. There are many modules to complete and badges to be won.
Knife Defence Defending against knives and bladed weapons...
Combat Academy
Specialist Courses Once you are trained as an instructor - you can progress to level two where you will be able to deliver our specialised programmes for schools such as:
Anti-bullying workshops Knife awareness workshops Confidence Building Special Needs These specialist courses take a little more training to deliver but once you have acquired the skills this can be a truly rewarding and lucrative part of what you bring to the local community.
support women in business in general. Many women who want to workout or learn self defence like to do so in an all female environment. With this in mind we are particularly keen to recruit many more female instructors into our ranks and we offer many incentives to attract the right people.
We can also work closely with you to tailor even more specific courses, weekend camps and even local events and demonstrations.
Ex-military Instructors required
Part of the value of owning a Combat Academy franchise is the support and credibility that head office can give you to help develop your business.
In addition to female instructors we are keen to attract ex military personnel who are interested in starting their own businesses . Ex-military personnel can make excellent instructors and have a unique understanding of the Combat Academy ethos. We offer many incentives to ex forces personnel including discounted franchise fees and additional support.
Female Instructors Required Whilst men or women make equally good instructors - we are particularly keen to bring more females into the business and to
With a military feel and branding through and through - a fantastic opportunity exists for ex forces personnel who want to develop their own businesses with full support from the Combat Academy.
Specialised womens self defence In addition to general self defence, Combat Academy runs courses aimed exclusively to women. The techniques taught are designed to work against much larger and stronger attackers and they utilised advanced bio-mechanics together with psychology to overcome even the most relentless and brutal attacker. You will be amazed by the techniques and philosophies and concepts. Perhaps soon you will be running your own courses and teaching these skills...
17
Combat Academy
taking things forward The Process b om a
y
a
ca
t
c
18
de m
If you think that owning a Combat Academy franchise is right for you and that you have the unique attitude and skills to make it a success then we would love to hear from you. The process is very straight forward and by reading this Franchise Prospectus you have already taken the exciting first step.
Launching your own business is an important decision and one that you should not enter into lightly. Owning a Combat Academy franchise can be one of the most rewarding ventures and something that you can do successfully whilst balancing time with the family...
Interview The next stage is a meeting and interview where we can get to know each other and ask all of the important questions. Following all questions being asked and satisfied by both parties, you will receive an enrolment form where a deposit towards your franchise fee is paid.
Induction Arrangements will now be made for you to attend the next available recruitment, selection and induction course which is held over 3 days at head office.
Franchise Agreement At the end of your induction, arrangement will be made to formally sign your franchise agreement and confirm your agreed exclusive territory. The balance of your franchise fee now becomes due and your instructor training programme will commence.
Instructor training The training will typically run from Friday through to Sunday which gives you plenty of time to spend in the week with family and tying up any other loose ends with work if applicable. Some people will have part time jobs so this system gives maximum flexibility to all. The training lasts for three months and during this time you can start marketing the business in your local area when you are not on the instructor training. By the time you qualify - you should already have a full intake of students for your very first self defence course.
Combat Academy
Next Step To arrange a meeting and interview simply call us on: 0843 289 1632 Alternatively email your request through to: franchising@combatacademy.co.uk and one of our team will make contact as soon as possible. The Interview The idea of an interview is frightening to many people. The interview is not like a typical job interview - it is a mutual chance for us to get to know each other and ask as many questions as possible. We also need to make sure that the opportunity is right for you.
Our franchise opportunity is awarded to the best people, it is not something that can simply be bought. That said, the process is very straightforward and if you are successful we will make you a formal offer of franchise and send you an enrolment form. You could be up and running in business within a couple of weeks although you will not deliver your first seminar or self defence course until qualified. We encourage you to go home during your instructor training and start the process of marketing in your local area which ensures that you have a full course ready as soon as you pass your final exams..
19
Combat Academy
20
Combat Academy
Realistic Self Defence Training
co
FRANCHISE PROSPECTUS
a b t m Head Office
Aston Court, Kingsmead Business Park, Frederick Place, High Wycombe, Bucks
HP11 1LA
ac
m
www.combat-academy.co.uk
0843 289 1632