EDITORIAL

BUSINESS OF THE BUSINESS

Allen Woodman Editor / Publisher

International Martial Arts Magazine

Once again, I am sending a heartfelt thank you to all our readers worldwide.

The magazine is currently published in 10 countries and in 9 languages. We have so far reached over 25,000 readers and still growing.

As we are a community magazine, we are asking, and I’d like to ask all our readers to share our publication with those in your circle.

International Martial Arts Magazine is mainly on our 3rd issue, but we continue to reach out to all corners of the globe and from all arts and systems. Send in your articles photos and event information We will do our best to include it in future issues.

In this issue we are proudly featuring some women in martial arts and the female perspective Many strong and intelligent women are leaders and key proponents to their respective arts. I always want to bring them to the limelight and promote them in the way they should be seen.

They should be noticed strong, resilient and beautiful individuals that propel themselves into the fight with little regard of what others may think of them.

They often must overcome obstacles their male counterparts never have to face. All the while maintaining their dignity and cultural individuality and diversity.

The martial arts industry has been experiencing a fascinating transformation marked by expansion and adaptation. As we delve into its current state, we find it at the intersection of traditional practice and modern business dynamics.

The industry's growth can be attributed to an increased interest in personal health and self-defense and the popularity of mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions on a global scale. By marketing and promoting MMA on every TV and in every town, the MMA business thrives and grows exponentially in the market.

Innovative business models are emerging within the martial arts sphere. Franchising has become a notable trend, with successful schools expanding their brand through franchise agreements.

This allows for consistency in training while enabling business owners to tap into an established market. Additionally, digital platforms are becoming increasingly vital Many schools now offer online classes, expanding their reach beyond local geography to a global audience.

The martial arts industry has a significant economic footprint. From gear manufacturers to event promoters, the sector supports many businesses. Open competitions, individual martial arts tournaments, and high-profile MMA events, for instance, generate substantial revenue through ticket sales, merchandising, and broadcasting rights.

These events also have a ripple effect on local economies, boosting sales in hospitality and services.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many martial arts schools to pivot quickly, highlighting the industry's adaptability.

Schools that embraced online training managed to sustain their business, and some even thrived by attracting students from areas previously out of their reach. This digital shift is likely to remain a permanent feature of the industry.

The Martial arts industry statistics at a glance has been valued at approximately $90.25 billion. It’s predicted to increase to $171.14 billion by 2028. There are over 42,000 martial arts schools in America, employing around 70,000 people (many studios are owner-run) An estimated 2.34 million Americans took part in martial arts training for fitness Martial arts business and revenue data.

US martial arts studio revenue has been climbing at a compound aggregate growth rate (CAGR) of 1.1%. Martial arts studio members pay an average of $103 USD per month for their training. The average annual earnings for a martial arts instructor in the US are $40,249 USD The martial arts industry’s market size has grown at an average rate of 18.7% since 2012 and grew to an estimated $10 billion by 2023.

The martial arts industry is kicking serious butt in the United States. Around 18 million Americans participate in martial arts at least once a year. This includes 9 4 million adults, 5 5 million teenagers, and 3.2 million children. Your average martial arts practitioner is 33 years old, although children aged 612 are the largest age group of martial arts practitioners.

The gender demographics are also quite even. This is what the breakdown looks like: 60% of martial arts students are men, and 40% of martial arts students are women.

Wondering what some of the most popular martial arts disciplines earn on average per year?

Here’s how the relative annual revenues for different types of martial arts studios stack up: Mixed-martial arts (MMA): $254,083 Boxing: $152,544 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: $139,193 Karate: $105,472 Mixed martial arts (MMA) come out right on top, with boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and karate bringing up the rear. Smaller disciplines like Krav Maga and kickboxing aren’t on the list but that’s not to say that they aren’t winners, either. (We know lots of successful gyms that focus on both.)

Moreover, as people become more conscious of the importance of physical fitness and self-defense, the demand for martial arts training is expected to grow, providing a positive outlook for the industry's economic prospects.

In conclusion, the martial arts industry is experiencing dynamic growth, driven by a blend of tradition and innovation. As it evolves, its financial impact expands, offering opportunities and challenges.

The adaptability shown by businesses within this industry points to a resilient and flourishing future.

The martial arts industry can be lucrative. However, it is generally not run by businessmen or women but by martial artists. The key word is artist. These are people who have a true passion for the arts. It's that passion that continues to hold to traditions and cultural aspects.

These are individuals who are more concerned about the arts and their students' growth than the money that they bring.

Best regards,

Allen Woodman

Editor-in-Chief and Creative Designer

INTERNATIONAL MARTIAL ARTS MAGAZINE