We’re MASSIVELY upgrading your membership
Thank you for your feedback!  Our members have spoken and we’re using your feedback to update your membership and improve your experience. We’re MASSIVELY upgrading your membership and providing you opportunities for EXTREME Growth in 2008, 2009 and beyond. Dear NAPMA Team Member, I’d like to share some “insider’s secrets” from the last nine months.  It’s been a [...]

Thank you for your feedback!  Our members have spoken and we’re using your feedback to update your membership and improve your experience.

We’re MASSIVELY upgrading your membership and providing you opportunities for EXTREME Growth in 2008, 2009 and beyond.

Dear NAPMA Team Member,

I’d like to share some “insider’s secrets” from the last nine months.  It’s been a whirlwind of activity, some major and minor crisis’ and the most exhilarating period since our creating in 1994.  Frankly, the first few months after the ownership transition was mostly chewed up with software transitions, billing glitches, fixing constantly crashing phone systems, and complete retraining for much of our staff.  Frankly, we had all learned to be somewhat complacent in the last couple of uncertain years.

Then we launched “Inner Circle,” in part to bring some of the most successful school owners in the country together to “lead from the top” and to serve as a basis for “Best Practices” for everyone else.  It’s been  a HUGE homerun for us, them and most of all YOU.

Beginning in January we’re really taken the “Skin Off” the organization and taken a very painful scrub brush to systems, processes, contributors and mostly to support and guidance that you need to help you grow.  You may not realize it but I can share with you now that we’ve  created an INCREDIBLE Brain Trust of experts from within and outside of the martial arts industry.  We’ve pulled back in old friends and former staff with fantastic ideas about moving everyone to the next level.  We’ve sat down with the VERY best people who know how to fill Dental Offices, Chiropractic Offices, Fitness Centers and Dance Schools.  We’ve assembled a brain trust that include the sharpest marketing minds in the world.   We’ve taken our own advice and assembled an INCREDIBLE master-mind team of experts from within and external to the martial arts industry.

And, then we’ve looked into our membership base and for the first time REALLY dug into everyone’s perspective and expert opinion with one and only one objective in mind.

The question we’ve asked the brain-trust of experts and our own “Master-Mind” team of like-minded individuals from other industries is this:

“What can we do to make sure our Martial Arts School Members THRIVE in challenging times and to help them adapt to the changing industry conditions.    In short how can we be THE source of insuring a constantly growing student body, improving revenues, and a quality life-style for our members.”

We’re poised to implement some of the most radical improvements and enhancements ever seen in the martial arts industry to facilitate YOUR personal and professional growth.  To help your martial arts school be the unexcelled center of excellence in your community.  Most if not all of the improvements and enhancements come from outside the industry, the rest come from true HIGH PERFORMER school owners who are not the usual suspects hitting the speaking tour and trying to sell you the next sales or curriculum program.
We’re really excited about the incredible feedback that we’ve heard from members like you.

All of our staff have been poring over member surveys and reviewing the various letters and emails that we receive.   Now we have GREAT feedback from you for new ways to package content, new materials and programs to focus on, and new ways to help you grow.

We’ve learned a lot, and will be sharing much of it with you here or in months to come.  Early in the year we’ve completed extensive surveys, talked to 100’s of clients, and even invited Dan Kennedy and Bill Glazer to our Clearwater, Florida offices to give us lots off ideas to support our clients and help the martial arts industry grow – bigger and faster.

Most of our member feedback honestly is about how to make our content delivery more productive for your learning style.  It’s about how to facilitate moving things from the idea phase to aggressive implementation.  And, it’s about helping you be what you love to be (a quality martial artist) while giving your support on all aspects of teaching methodology, sales, marketing, leadership and persuasion.

Admittedly, after we read the many, many surveys that have been returned we arrived at two competing conclusions.  First, there are a lot more members running VERY highly successful schools than we realized.  Many of them are now in our “Inner Circle” team (www.NAPMA.com/innercircle.)  Others should be but aren’t yet.  We were surprised at the number of VERY big schools that we’ve heard from and who attribute NAPMA as a huge component of their success.  We were also made a aware of a larger group than we would have expected who will have to be drug “Kicking and Screaming” to be successful.  There are still more than we’d like who are interesting only in technical mastery and not in running a professional school with quality marketing, sales, and business systems in place.   It’s sad but true that some just don’t “get it” that quality and professionalism go hand-in-hand.

For those opposed to making a living and thriving in their community we gleefully admit that we may be forced to “leave you behind.”   For those looking to continue the dramatic professionalization that we helped kick-off many years ago and continue to lead the charge on – I think you will be thrilled not only by the new features of the program but by the incredible accelerations in RESULTS that you will experience if you will fully participate, read and listen to the materials, and most important wake up every day and DO SOMETHING to improve your school.  If have aspirations of growth you must not be missing the “Maximum Impact” content.  Certainly if you qualify you may want to ask about the waiting lists or availability of Peak Performers or Inner Circle.

Our first wave of feedback was that there are more schools hitting HIGH NET PROFITS than ever before in history.  We’ve learned that the top 20% of schools needed more room to grow and expand.  Many were ready to go from $300,000 a year to $1,000,000 a year or more.  Others, were ready to really go from part-time to full-time or from $100,000 a year to $400,000 or more.  Others were ready to either grow through multiple schools or become “Regional Developers.” Our first step was to add higher level “Telecoaching and Peer Support Master-Mind” teams.   These provide the  perfect venue to really “turbo-charge” member growth.

In a “Whirlwind of Activity” since December we’ve:

1.    Created and filled the “Inner Circle” Team.   It’s a team of some of the highest quality school owners in the world.  They have met twice as a “Master-Mind” team in Clearwater.  Many attended the “Ultimate Martial Arts Marketing Boot camp.” And the work together monthly by teleconference and discussion board.    These school owners are grossing $400,000 a year AND UP.   I think our current record is looking to be several schools in the  $1,000,000 + per year in a single school (less than 6,000 square feet.)  And, there are several multi-school owners.   They’ve been a marvelous “sounding board” for us to lean new ways to help all members achieve the highest possible levels of success.  They’ve made many of the suggestions that you’ve been seeing implemented for everyone.

A TYPICAL result from that team is as described here by Jonathan Metcalf:

UP 40% from 2007!.

I AM ON TRACK! My enrollment hit 310 yesterday which was my June 1st goal! I set income and enrollment goals last year for this year. I have been blowing past my financial goals (which were based on about 33% growth over 2007 even though I was steady between 2006-2007. I have had a very strong financial year.   My YTD goal was $215,887 but, in fact, I hit $261,584! That’s 20% over goal! Last year (for the first 5 months) I had made only 185,899, which is 40% growth!!!    Thank you guys so much for your help! For the first time I can remember, I had people come and ask me for an upgrade. Very empowering.  So: Here is what I have learned - that despite the unexpected - Stephen Oliver and Dan Kennedy were right in their predictions I raised my prices, increased my volume, increased my closing rate and decreased my complaints about money and have people upgrading into even more expensive programs even when consumer confidence is supposedly low.

WOW! This is cool! Thanks again guys. You have been a support and inspiration

Jonathan Metcalf (jonathan@integritymartialarts.com)

2.    We’ve created and are filling the “Peak Performers” team (limited space is available for qualified candidates.)  These are schools typically grossing between $100,000 and $400,000 a year.   They are either full-time in their school operations or targeting the transition very quickly.  It’s a combination “Master-Mind” and A-Z discussion and seminar format designed to more school owners quickly to the “next level” in their operations.   This is a place for schools with growth aspirations, but who are not yet in the top 5% of member performance.  Learn more at www.NAPMA.com/innercircle and complete an application for consideration if you quality.

Hi Rob,

I just wanted to thank you for a copy of “Think and Grow Rich”. It was a pleasant surprise receiving it in the mail yesterday. I think it’s a great time to re-read it.   I am already seeing the results of the peak performers group. May was our best month ever and I am hoping to see even better results in the following months.  The information I got off the forum has helped greatly and I am learning from everyone on it. I am starting to allocate time each day to write or respond on the forum.  The future is looking great!

Thanks.
Sensei Tim Rosanelli
Maximum Impact Karate
(215) 249-3532
www.maximpactkarate.com

3.    We’ve added Lee Milteer and her world renown “Millionaire Skills” coaching program which includes monthly “Telecoaching Calls”, Weekly lessons, and a member website among other features to help our “Inner Circle” and “Peak Performers” members expand their “Wealth Consciousness” and improve their personal business and success skills.   Each month she provides business lessons and success skills to help school owners grow.  She also brings very high caliber interviews such as the founder of Chuck-E-Cheese, Mr. Chicken Soup for the Soul:  Mark Victor Hansen, and Mr. NO B.S. Dan Kennedy.   Lee also has been kind enough to contribute to Martial Arts Professional Magazine, Martial Arts Professional – online, and occasionally to “Maximum Impact.”

4.    Resurrected the World Conference – Recreated and refocused as the “Extreme Success Academy.”   This is an event new and unequaled to teach you how to be successful in marketing, operations, sales, and in building and creating wealth.

It’s NOT focused on learning the next MMA move, or as a social environment for part timers without growth aspirations.  It’s DEFINITELY not populated with the “Usual Suspects” of speakers.  It is dominated by REAL World school owners sharing their actual CURRENT results and sharing with you how to accomplish that yourself, and by real-world business experts to help you grow your wealth and your business.  You’ve GOT to be at the Extreme Success Academy and if you haven’t registered, do it now at:  www.ExtremeSuccessAcademy.com  Unlike other events it’s about creating a substantial career as a school owner.

5.    Expanded, Enhanced, and Improved “Maximum Impact.”

At no additional charge, we’ve moved “Maximum Impact” from every other month to monthly and reorganized the format and the content.   Maximum Impact is now:   A once a month “telecoaching opportunity” where you get to ask questions and be focused on what you should be accomplishing in “real-time” moderated by Stephen Oliver along with Toby Milroy, myself, and a variety of experts.  The July “Bonus Teleconference” features Marketing Guru and Renegade Millionaire Dan Kennedy.

In addition by popular demand of members, to make your Maximum Impact materials easier to use we’ve:

A.    We’ve started posting MP3’s of the Teleconferences immediately on the Maximum Impact Members Website.

B.    We’ve started packaging the content DVD or CD’s directly with their transcripts for easy storage and to keep them together (rather than the separate plastic cases.)

C.    We’ve reorganized the transcripts as booklets rather than loose paper to help you use them effectively and internalize the material.

D.    Following our UNIVERSAL member feedback looking for real success stories from peers sharing their real life “best practices” we’ve added monthly “Success Story” Interviews with highly successful school owners just like you, who share their step by step secrets to recent success.

E.    Launched a MASSIVE new “Maximum Impact” Members Only Website that includes teleconference replays, archived materials as members have requested, and A LOT of other constantly updating materials.   Including recently Dan Kennedy and Jay Abraham Interviews, Transcripts, bonus chapters, etc., etc.

F.    We’ve added “Inner Circle,” “Peak Performers,” and “Maximum Impact” Members Only Discussion Boards for accelerated feedback and an opportunity for peer support.

G.    Coming Soon to Maximum Impact:  Instructor Training resources including CONSTANTLY updated curriculum video clips for curriculum and drills including “Little Ninja’s ®,” “Edge MMA ™ ,” and “Fitness Kickboxing ®,”  among others.

6.    We’ve created and continue expanding www.MartialArtsProfessional.com, now Martial Arts Professional has DOUBLE or more the content as before with materials available on-line.  There’s also now a COMPLETE archive of past issues beginning with January 2008 and moving forward.  View any entire issue one or two weeks before receiving it in the mail, or return to reference valuable content.

Also at www.MartialArtsProfessional.com:

A.    We’ve also added interesting Blogs – See Stephen Oliver’s entertaining daily blog up and running now.  Toby’s and Mine coming soon along with content by Tom Callos.

B.    We’ve also begun expanding and posting ALL letters to the editor on-line (especially those that didn’t make it into the magazine.)

C.    We’ve added “Chuck Norris’s” weekly commentary as well.

D.    And, we’re rapidly expanding and preparing for daily updates for a complete range of Martial Arts in the News.  (see recent additions from “The Wall Street Journal” and “Forbes Magazine” among others.

E.    We’ve expanded our range of contributors to include Dan Kennedy, Jim Rohn, Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins, Jay Abraham, Joe Lewis, Jeff Smith, Denis Waitley, and many others.

F.    We’ve conducted many more high profile “Celebrity Interviews” with individuals ranging from Chuck Norris to Stephen Hayes and Jhoon Rhee to Jackie Chan and Jet Li.

7.    Exciting and POWERFUL timely promotions.   For all members we teamed up with Lionsgate Entertainment for powerful co-promotions with “The Forbidden Kingdom,” providing free teleconferences, written reports, and extensive marketing materials to use in conjunction with this BIG BUDGET Blockbuster.

We created tools to help with the adult market using “Red Belt” a solid adult movie with a positive martial arts (MMA & BJJ) message.

Most exciting is our current promotion in conjunction with Dream Works pictures with “Kung-Fu Panda.”   Again, complete artwork provide 8 weeks before the movie premier, teleconferences, written reports and a complete BLUE-PRINT as a Free Member bonus to capitalize on the “Little Ninja®” market in conjunction with this HUGE movie promotion.

All of these materials were made available QUICKLY on-line and communicated to members via Email & Fax (make sure we have both UTD in your file) and posted with complete A-Z instructions on your member websites.   Also,  teleconferences were posted for REPLAY immediately on-line.

These promotions will be worth many 100’s of new students for those industrious enough to implement aggressively.  I hope you took advantage of this incredible opportunity to fire up your current students and get in front of a huge flood of people looking excited about the martial arts.

8.    “Member Services”  For your convenience we’ve also added MANY new member services features on-line including:

A.    The ability to find out when any package was shipped for your planning purposes by visiting www.NAPMA.com/shipping

B.    The ability to immediately update your member information on-line without playing phone-tag with a staff member by visiting:  www.NAPMA.com/memberservices
This is extremely useful for updating credit cards, billing address, phone number, fax number, email address or any other member information.

C.    The ability to gain immediate answers to “Technical Support Questions” like:  How do I get into my member areas?  What’s my password” and such by immediately contacting our technical people from the member services page.  (Live person real-time chat.)

D.    The ability to immediately solve membership issues or shipping issues in real-time on-line.
(Live person real-time chat.)

E.    The ability to directly and easily contact staff members via Email for shipping, technical, and other member services questions. (Live person Real-Time on-line chat.)

F.    The ability to have your questions answered directly via the Discussion Boards or the Monthly “Maximum Impact” members teleconferences.

OK, Now WHAT’S NEXT??

We’ve taken your feedback and are now immediately implementing!  You’ll be seeing lots of things you’ve directly asked for and, some things that solve other problems and expand on opportunities that you’ve pointed out in your surveys.   We’ve learned a lot about what you want and need to grow your school.

Like what??

Your “Monthly Basic Toolkit” it’s becoming more “web-interactive.”  You’ve told us that you’re more internet capable and would like to have more ready access to member support tools.    You’ve also pointed about that some pieces are redundant, and other teaching elements can be expanded for an improvement in your results.   You’ve pointed out you’d like the content to be easier to use and more directly IMPLEMENTABLE.

Specifically starting this month we’re giving you what you’ve asked for by:

1.    As you’ve requested we’re making organizing your BASIC “Toolkit” easier by sending you a FREE NAPMA three-ring note-book.  (Maximum Impact Members already that 3-ring notebooks for the Maximum Impact Materials.)   From now on all physically delivered materials will be 3-Hole punched for easier organization.   The notebook includes monthly tabs for easy organization.  The member materials will continue to be color coded for easy reference within your notebook.

2.    As you’ve requested, we’re repackaging the CD’s & DVD’s so that they can be stored with the written materials rather than stacked separately (and, getting lost.)   The plastic cases are replaced by more convenient three hole punched disc holders.

3.    As you’ve requested “NAPMA Now” continues it’s evolution to a truly useful and beneficial newsletter and advice support tool.   One of the things you’ve told us is that you want “SPECIFIC HOW-TO” advice and very clear “DIRECTION” on implementation.

That’s now included in all aspects of our program (from me in the “Sounds of Success” and “NAPMA Innovations) and from Stephen Oliver and Toby Milroy in NAPMA Now.  NAPMA Now includes:

A.    Your “Growth Opportunities” calendar “looking forward” for many months to let you plan for events, teleconferences, Inner Circle and Peak Performers Meetings, along with special events like our “Maximum Impact Members Gathering.”

B.    Easily referenced “Contacting us” and problem solving guides.

C.    Technical guides for web access and discussion board access.

D.    ANSWERS to your questions from survey submissions (submit yours if you haven’t already by visiting www.NAPMA.com/survey)  by Stephen Oliver, Toby Milroy, or me.

E.    Timely and Focused advice on how to grow your school in conjunction with seasonal events or around Economic Ups and Downs.

4.    Giving you access to various “Modes” of learning.  Something that some of you shared is that it some of you prefer reading to listening.  Whether it’s because as some of you shared that you don’t spend much time in the car or for others it’s because you learn better by reading than listening.   To support your preferences we’ll be adding transcripts of the “Sounds of Success” and posting at your Member Web Site.   Additionally, we’ll be posting the interviews at your member website as an MP3 to listen to on-line or download into your IPOD or other MP3 player.

5.    We discovered that many schools find implementation challenging for one of several reasons.   We’re attempted to address all of these issues for you (as requested and with many enhancements) with the various marketing materials, ads, mailings, newsletters in the following ways:

A.    Incredible new “Print on Demand” options where you can:

1.    Personalize and have us print and drop ship marketing materials directly to you.  Eliminating having to deal with “Publisher Files,’ with having to deal with vendors, and with having to deal with several different vendors.

2.    Upload your student or prospect lists and we’ll mail it for you!

3.    Just ask and we’ll pull a “Suspect List” and mail the market materials for you in your area.

B.     COMING SOON:   Your student Kickin’ newsletter DONE COMPLETELY FOR YOU.  Give us your calendar of events or other information and we’ll personalize it and mail it for you to your Students, Former Students, and Prospect Lists.

Your school newsletter should go to your inactive student list, your prospects lists as well as your actively attending students.  It’s a chore each month to personalize the newsletter, get it printed and mailed.  We’ll be teaching you “best practices” for using a school newsletter, improving the newsletter we provide you AND handling everything for you including putting it in the mail.

C.    Artwork SOONER.   We’ll be making seasonal artwork available on-line a month earlier than you are used to.  We’ll also have two months of artwork at a time available on-line at your member site.  You’ll also have “Evergreen” artwork needs always available including accessible on our “Print on Demand” system.

D.    MORE art-work options that fit your particular situation.   We’ll have more options especially in “print on demand” personalized for your particular style and audience.

E.    COMING SOON:  A new NAPMA Members Only: “National Leadership Club” Newsletter and support materials including student websites, marketing materials and handouts.

We’ll be making all of these available for you online rather than having to wait for your “box” and the enclosed CD.   They’ll be available to you sooner.  With easier to use “Print on Demand” options that eliminate your need to master software and other technical stuff.

Many of you have requested VERY SPECIFIC support on specific topics.  In addition to answering questions each month submitted with surveys we will periodically include in your member materials (and, on-line) “Special Reports” with things you need to know as identified by both surveys and industry trends.

The first such report was on “Tuition Pricing,” the second one is on “Operating Statistics” with the accompanying forms you need.  Upcoming ones will include special reports on “Improving Student Retention,” “Creating higher quality Black Belts,” “Non-confrontational sales methods,” “Recruiting and Training Staff,” and “Growing your school quickly,” as well as specialty reports such as applying professional methods to BJJ schools, and moving from part-time to full-time.

6.    We are adding a huge number of additional member support options during the rest of the year, such as:

A.    Member Websites and Internet Support Tools.  A wide variety of internet marketing support and student resources.

B.    24/7 Telephone answering and appointment setting. Never miss another student “Info Call.”

C.    Higher Level “Expert” tools such as a “Time Management Program for Martial Arts Entrepreneurs,” and high level marketing coaching.

D.    Extensive continued enhancements to the “Maximum Impact” Members website.

As we continue to improve your membership materials, we’d like to hear your feedback!  Please submit your membership survey form and ask important questions.   As a side note, we’ve broken a pricing policy that we insist that you follow.  Since 1994 the membership fees have stayed the same.   Last year we went in the hole over $150,000 on shipping and handling alone.

We announced several months ago that we would increase S&H fees for both Maximum Impact and Basic Members and waited until now to implement.  That minor increase will happen with the next billing cycle as our shipping and fulfillment costs once again JUMPPED in cost.   So you’ll notice a minor increase in your monthly tuition to cover that more appropriate Shipping and Handling fee.   For the time being we’ve doubled the Maximum Impact content (from 6 X a year to 12 X per year,)  radically expanded your resources, and improved your membership materials all at 1994 prices.

As we continue to improve we may have to follow our own advice and increase tuition in the future.   Certainly the tuition fees for “Inner Circle,” and “Peak Performers” will increase from our “Pioneer Discounts.”  We’ve already, as previously announced moved from the “Pioneer levels” to an intermediate “new release” tuition.  Soon they will escalate again.

I know that MANY members are excited about all the upcoming tools and enhancements.  Some have been apprehensive but they’ve been rewarded with incredible growth opportunities and great new member materials and opportunities.

I hope you are thrilled with your “Basic Toolbox” new look and feel.  If you are not receiving the Maximum Impact content you should make sure that your membership gets upgraded right away. Make sure you are making full use of your Member Websites, Discussion Boards, Telecoaching Calls, Meetings, and Events.    I look forward to meeting you in Clearwater, Florida at the Extreme Success Academy and hope to hear from soon.

Thank you.

Rob Colasanti, President
National Association of Professional Martial Artists (NAPMA)

P.S.  PLEASE make sure you’ve been heard by completing the member survey.   See www.NAPMA.com/survey

Finally, I’m sure you may have a few challenges figuring out how to get in the web site or figuring things out.  Feel free to directly contact our technical support team on-line to get immediate help.  Our priority is helping you grow your school, provide for your family, and create the income you deserve.  You’ll truly be able to improve your school while providing higher and higher quality instruction from our constantly improving membership materials.
Dear Rob,
I just opened this month’s Napma package, and surprisingly I found the CD that I had a conversation with Toby. I am so honored to be in the CD, and I want to thank you for that.  I felt that I am little embarrassed, because of my poor English, and I still have some difficulties to explain things in English.  I guess people who listen to the CD have to pay closer attention to it, right?   ;-)  Oh, by the way, you mention my school’s gross last year as 1.3 M, but 1.03 M is the correct number.  My number is still growing, and I am projecting 1.15 M for 2008.  I will let you know exact number early next year. I have seen that Napma has been doing lots of changing and improving.  Napma is always helpful to improve my Martial arts school in business and my teaching skills since the first day of joining.   Inner Circle Meeting has been extremely helpful, and all members are very open minded and eager to work together.
Again Rob, thank you for your help and all the great work in Napma, and I wish you and Napma continuously grow in the future. I will see you in July at the Inner Circle meeting.
Sincerely, Jason Yi

Source: www.napma.com

A series of valuable lessons….from Jhoon Rhee
A series of valuable lessons…. In the July and August packages you received part 1 and part 2 of an interview with my instructor Jhoon Rhee.  Jeff Smith and I have been associated with Jhoon Rhee for 45 and coming up on 40 years respectively.   If  you pay close attention to the interview and to the [...]

A series of valuable lessons….

In the July and August packages you received part 1 and part 2 of an interview with my instructor Jhoon Rhee.  Jeff Smith and I have been associated with Jhoon Rhee for 45 and coming up on 40 years respectively.   If  you pay close attention to the interview and to the discussions we’ll have at the Extreme Success Academy there are many, many lessons to learn from Jhoon Rhee.  First, a trivia point the “Nobody Bothers Me” song that you heard on the CD was Nils Lofgren.  He was a Jhoon Rhee student with Jeff Smith (and, myself) in Kensington, MD.  He’s now a key member of the “E-Street Band” with Bruce Springsting (if you see them playing he’s the shorter guy to Bruce’s left (as you are facing them) with the Bandana.   In Washington, D.C. you couldn’t go anywhere without people knowing both “Nobody Bothers Me” and USA-1000 (their phone number.)

Anyway, to some lessons….

Lesson 1.   Early realization that commercial success was necessary.  Jhoon Rhee (as well as Bruce Lee) was openly reviled by many in the martial arts community.  Both for their “innovation” and their “commercialism.”  I recall Black Belt Magazine articles debates in the 1960’s one being “The Case against Commercialism” and another referring to Jhoon Rhee as the Piped Piper of Korean Karate.   Upon listening to the interview I thought I’d clarify one point.  You might have gotten the idea that Bruce Lee as “anti-commercial.”  Actually the opposite is true.  If you look at the letters between the two of them you’ll see that Bruce Lee was sending Jhoon Rhee advertising from Chuck Norris and others for karate schools and was very interested in the business aspects.  However, Bruce Lee decided that his path to wealth was acting not operating martial arts schools.  Jhoon Rhee made the opposite decision.   I’ve talked with Grand Master Rhee about this goals statement that Bruce Lee wrote.  Jhoon Rhee was actually on the phone with him at the time.  Clearly neither Bruce Lee or Jhoon Rhee had “hang-ups” about whether they should be making money from martial arts.  Jhoon Rhee described it to me in two ways:  First, it’s impossible to accomplish much of anything without financial resources.  Second, if you are providing a great service you deserve to be well compensated.

“My Definite Chief Aim:

I, Bruce Lee, will be the highest paid Oriental superstar in the United States.  In return I will give the most exciting performances and render the
best of quality in the capacity of an actor.
Starting in 1970, I will achieve world fame and from then onward till the end of 1980,
I will have in my possession $10,000,000.
Then I will live the way I please and achieve inner harmony and peace.”
Bruce Lee, January 1969.

Lesson 2.    The Master-Mind effect.   You heard a little bit about the people that Jhoon Rhee surrounded himself with.   I can tell you from personal experience that his peer group and “Master-Mind” group was not the other guys running schools who were failing, making excuses, and failing.   Who was he associating with?   Well other than Bruce Lee he was associating with a large group of congressmen and senators, he affiliated with smart and wealthy people ranging from Jack Anderson to Tony Robbins.  He brought Nick Cokinos (EFC Founder) into the martial arts business (as well as myself, Jeff Smith and  others.)   He was constantly seeking out others who could contribute to his goals and who could support his vision.  Think Muhammad Ali, Zig Ziglar, the Coach of the Red Skins, the President of the Motion Picture Association of America and many others.   He affiliated with the VERY top school owners he could find in the country and openly shared ideas with them (Chuck Norris schools among others.)

Lesson 3.    Immunity from Criticism.   Jhoon Rhee introduced many innovations. Overlooked may be the early ability to run successful commercial schools, with quality marketing and effective sales processes, teaching many thousands of students.  Next he associated with rebels such as Bruce Lee. Surrounded himself with successful American (breaking out of the Korean community.)  Next he invented and promoted foam safety equipment.  Helped launch full-contact kick-boxing.  Invented musical forms.  Even having his team wear “color” uniforms (Red.) And the list could go on and on.  At each step some portion of the martial arts community considered him a “sell-out” or just a “self-promoter.”  Safety equipment rather than being universally embraced was controversial.  Traditionalists proclaimed it would destroy technique.  Tournament promoters claimed it would make competition more dangerous.  Many refused to use it.   Musical form which dominates today was derided as destroying traditional form.   He managed to persevere throughout all of the criticism, ignore the critics, and keep his eyes on his own goals.

Lesson 4.      Resources used to produce incredibly high quality students.   At the same time that we had a huge percentage of the World Ranked kick-boxers on staff and the current and future World Forms Champions (John Chung then Charlie Lee) Washington areas schools called Jhoon Rhee a “Belt Factory.”  In reality Jhoon Rhee’s schools had a very high (for the era) graduation rate to Black Belt.  The Black Belts were rigorously screened.  Children were required not only to have physical mastery but good grades and behavior.  The quality of the students across 7 then 9, then 12 schools was incredibly HIGH.  Far from “Selling Out” the Jhoon Rhee schools produced many of today’s industry leaders That would have been impossible if it had not been the very good living that two full-time instructors per location were able to make (in the 1970’s) by running a martial arts school (I was making $30,000 base +  commissions equaling around 10% of the gross while a full-time student at Georgetown University in 1980.)

Lesson 5.    Seeking Experts.   Jhoon Rhee relentlessly sought out experts to help him grow his business. In the Pre-NAPMA days he sought out Publicity experts (actually hiring a full-time PR guy AND Sugar Ray Leonard’s publicist.)   He pulled Nick Cokinos out of the Dance Industry and relentlessly looked for experts in sales, marketing, teaching, management and even franchising to help him grow his organization.

Lesson 6.    Relentless Promotions.   As a staff member (and, full time College Student) I was annoyed by the constant parade of promotions.  A HUGE demo at the 4th of July celebration on the Washington mall each year.  Classes taught to the FBI.  Presentations at Elementary Schools, High Schools, and Colleges.  A parade of classes taught to everyone from local police to Congressmen.  Jhoon Rhee was relentless in finding ways to introduce the public to Tae Kwon Do (and, specifically to “Jhoon Rhee Karate.”) It was an total, never ending quest to fill the schools and therefore improve the gross, improve staff salaries, and “spin-off” resources for other purposes.  He discusses Muhammad Ali being an very good promoter – and, Jhoon Rhee learned from him and many others how to promote himself and by the way get Muhammad Ali to mention his name in front of 50,000,000 TV viewers and join him in front of millions live during their tour of Korea.

Lesson 7.    Goals Orientation.   Jeff Smith and I were talking with Grand Master Rhee last Monday night (12 midnight his time!)  He reminded me of this:  “When you were 10 years old you told me you were going to go to Denver and open Jhoon Rhee Karate schools.”   It’s interesting that he remembers and was impressed.  Truth is when I was 10 I said I wanted to open Jhoon Rhee Schools.  It was more around 18 when the idea of doing it in Denver bubbled up.  However, the fact that he remembers shows how rarely we set serious goals and follow-through.  To be successful you first must make a “Decision” you can call it setting a target.  Being goal oriented.  Whatever… but you’ve got to decide that no-excuses you are going to make it happen.

What should you take away from the interviews and from your discussions with Jhoon Rhee at the upcoming “Extreme Success Academy?”   Well at the least you should know that it’s okay to make money and grow your school.  That not only does commercialism imply “selling out” but that the more resources you have the better you can make your students.  Next,  that you need to spare no expense in associating with a quality Master-Mind team and in developing knowledge (and, hiring experts) to shorten your own learning curve.  Finally, that you need to be tireless in promoting your school and make sure that you have the tools and resources to do that effectively.

Source: www.napma.com

Thanks for you patient and long replied
Hi Stephen Thanks for you patient and long replied. I really appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to help me understand your business model. You have gained my respect, and allow me to have glimpse into your humanity. Concerning NAPMA - you are correct; I have your monthly Martial Arts Professional Magazine. Sorry about the mixed up. Concerning NAPMA [...]

Hi Stephen
Thanks for you patient and long replied. I really appreciate you
taking time out of your busy schedule to help me understand your
business model. You have gained my respect, and allow me to have
glimpse into your humanity.

Concerning NAPMA - you are correct; I have your monthly Martial Arts
Professional Magazine. Sorry about the mixed up.

Concerning NAPMA members, of course I am not saying in any way you
should take responsible for any your members' action. Is just that
some of the members I have met are so profit driven that they forget
to behave in a certain decorum.

As in any internet forum there is always trolls who are shouting and
screaming nonsense. I just didn't really have time to edit it down.

My biggest concern about your organization is that it is almost become
the de-facto martial arts school. How do I tell the consumer that my
black belt is hard earned? How do I tell my consumer that we sparred
and hit the pad every night? How do I tell my consumer that we don't
teach kids, Teaching children martial arts is a new modern day
phenomena - not the standard.

Stephen I just read your follow up email. And because you have shown
me a lot of respect, and patient, I will remove the material. Please
accept my apology for my misjudgment in my post. You have won me over
with your calm rationale and explanation. I always tried to respect
people who are my elders even if I don't agree with their opinions -
unless it violates my consciences.

Mong

Source: www.napma.com

We’re MASSIVELY upgrading your membership
Thank you for your feedback!  Our members have spoken and we’re using your feedback to update your membership and improve your experience. We’re MASSIVELY upgrading your membership and providing you opportunities for EXTREME Growth in 2008, 2009 and beyond. Dear NAPMA Team Member, I’d like to share some “insider’s secrets” from the last nine months.  It’s been a [...]

Thank you for your feedback!  Our members have spoken and we’re using your feedback to update your membership and improve your experience.

We’re MASSIVELY upgrading your membership and providing you opportunities for EXTREME Growth in 2008, 2009 and beyond.

Dear NAPMA Team Member,

I’d like to share some “insider’s secrets” from the last nine months.  It’s been a whirlwind of activity, some major and minor crisis’ and the most exhilarating period since our creating in 1994.  Frankly, the first few months after the ownership transition was mostly chewed up with software transitions, billing glitches, fixing constantly crashing phone systems, and complete retraining for much of our staff.  Frankly, we had all learned to be somewhat complacent in the last couple of uncertain years.

Then we launched “Inner Circle,” in part to bring some of the most successful school owners in the country together to “lead from the top” and to serve as a basis for “Best Practices” for everyone else.  It’s been  a HUGE homerun for us, them and most of all YOU.

Beginning in January we’re really taken the “Skin Off” the organization and taken a very painful scrub brush to systems, processes, contributors and mostly to support and guidance that you need to help you grow.  You may not realize it but I can share with you now that we’ve  created an INCREDIBLE Brain Trust of experts from within and outside of the martial arts industry.  We’ve pulled back in old friends and former staff with fantastic ideas about moving everyone to the next level.  We’ve sat down with the VERY best people who know how to fill Dental Offices, Chiropractic Offices, Fitness Centers and Dance Schools.  We’ve assembled a brain trust that include the sharpest marketing minds in the world.   We’ve taken our own advice and assembled an INCREDIBLE master-mind team of experts from within and external to the martial arts industry.

And, then we’ve looked into our membership base and for the first time REALLY dug into everyone’s perspective and expert opinion with one and only one objective in mind.

The question we’ve asked the brain-trust of experts and our own “Master-Mind” team of like-minded individuals from other industries is this:

“What can we do to make sure our Martial Arts School Members THRIVE in challenging times and to help them adapt to the changing industry conditions.    In short how can we be THE source of insuring a constantly growing student body, improving revenues, and a quality life-style for our members.”

We’re poised to implement some of the most radical improvements and enhancements ever seen in the martial arts industry to facilitate YOUR personal and professional growth.  To help your martial arts school be the unexcelled center of excellence in your community.  Most if not all of the improvements and enhancements come from outside the industry, the rest come from true HIGH PERFORMER school owners who are not the usual suspects hitting the speaking tour and trying to sell you the next sales or curriculum program.
We’re really excited about the incredible feedback that we’ve heard from members like you.

All of our staff have been poring over member surveys and reviewing the various letters and emails that we receive.   Now we have GREAT feedback from you for new ways to package content, new materials and programs to focus on, and new ways to help you grow.

We’ve learned a lot, and will be sharing much of it with you here or in months to come.  Early in the year we’ve completed extensive surveys, talked to 100’s of clients, and even invited Dan Kennedy and Bill Glazer to our Clearwater, Florida offices to give us lots off ideas to support our clients and help the martial arts industry grow – bigger and faster.

Most of our member feedback honestly is about how to make our content delivery more productive for your learning style.  It’s about how to facilitate moving things from the idea phase to aggressive implementation.  And, it’s about helping you be what you love to be (a quality martial artist) while giving your support on all aspects of teaching methodology, sales, marketing, leadership and persuasion.

Admittedly, after we read the many, many surveys that have been returned we arrived at two competing conclusions.  First, there are a lot more members running VERY highly successful schools than we realized.  Many of them are now in our “Inner Circle” team (www.NAPMA.com/innercircle.)  Others should be but aren’t yet.  We were surprised at the number of VERY big schools that we’ve heard from and who attribute NAPMA as a huge component of their success.  We were also made a aware of a larger group than we would have expected who will have to be drug “Kicking and Screaming” to be successful.  There are still more than we’d like who are interesting only in technical mastery and not in running a professional school with quality marketing, sales, and business systems in place.   It’s sad but true that some just don’t “get it” that quality and professionalism go hand-in-hand.

For those opposed to making a living and thriving in their community we gleefully admit that we may be forced to “leave you behind.”   For those looking to continue the dramatic professionalization that we helped kick-off many years ago and continue to lead the charge on – I think you will be thrilled not only by the new features of the program but by the incredible accelerations in RESULTS that you will experience if you will fully participate, read and listen to the materials, and most important wake up every day and DO SOMETHING to improve your school.  If have aspirations of growth you must not be missing the “Maximum Impact” content.  Certainly if you qualify you may want to ask about the waiting lists or availability of Peak Performers or Inner Circle.

Our first wave of feedback was that there are more schools hitting HIGH NET PROFITS than ever before in history.  We’ve learned that the top 20% of schools needed more room to grow and expand.  Many were ready to go from $300,000 a year to $1,000,000 a year or more.  Others, were ready to really go from part-time to full-time or from $100,000 a year to $400,000 or more.  Others were ready to either grow through multiple schools or become “Regional Developers.” Our first step was to add higher level “Telecoaching and Peer Support Master-Mind” teams.   These provide the  perfect venue to really “turbo-charge” member growth.

In a “Whirlwind of Activity” since December we’ve:

1.    Created and filled the “Inner Circle” Team.   It’s a team of some of the highest quality school owners in the world.  They have met twice as a “Master-Mind” team in Clearwater.  Many attended the “Ultimate Martial Arts Marketing Boot camp.” And the work together monthly by teleconference and discussion board.    These school owners are grossing $400,000 a year AND UP.   I think our current record is looking to be several schools in the  $1,000,000 + per year in a single school (less than 6,000 square feet.)  And, there are several multi-school owners.   They’ve been a marvelous “sounding board” for us to lean new ways to help all members achieve the highest possible levels of success.  They’ve made many of the suggestions that you’ve been seeing implemented for everyone.

A TYPICAL result from that team is as described here by Jonathan Metcalf:

UP 40% from 2007!.

I AM ON TRACK! My enrollment hit 310 yesterday which was my June 1st goal! I set income and enrollment goals last year for this year. I have been blowing past my financial goals (which were based on about 33% growth over 2007 even though I was steady between 2006-2007. I have had a very strong financial year.   My YTD goal was $215,887 but, in fact, I hit $261,584! That’s 20% over goal! Last year (for the first 5 months) I had made only 185,899, which is 40% growth!!!    Thank you guys so much for your help! For the first time I can remember, I had people come and ask me for an upgrade. Very empowering.  So: Here is what I have learned - that despite the unexpected - Stephen Oliver and Dan Kennedy were right in their predictions I raised my prices, increased my volume, increased my closing rate and decreased my complaints about money and have people upgrading into even more expensive programs even when consumer confidence is supposedly low.

WOW! This is cool! Thanks again guys. You have been a support and inspiration

Jonathan Metcalf (jonathan@integritymartialarts.com)

2.    We’ve created and are filling the “Peak Performers” team (limited space is available for qualified candidates.)  These are schools typically grossing between $100,000 and $400,000 a year.   They are either full-time in their school operations or targeting the transition very quickly.  It’s a combination “Master-Mind” and A-Z discussion and seminar format designed to more school owners quickly to the “next level” in their operations.   This is a place for schools with growth aspirations, but who are not yet in the top 5% of member performance.  Learn more at www.NAPMA.com/innercircle and complete an application for consideration if you quality.

Hi Rob,

I just wanted to thank you for a copy of “Think and Grow Rich”. It was a pleasant surprise receiving it in the mail yesterday. I think it’s a great time to re-read it.   I am already seeing the results of the peak performers group. May was our best month ever and I am hoping to see even better results in the following months.  The information I got off the forum has helped greatly and I am learning from everyone on it. I am starting to allocate time each day to write or respond on the forum.  The future is looking great!

Thanks.
Sensei Tim Rosanelli
Maximum Impact Karate
(215) 249-3532
www.maximpactkarate.com

3.    We’ve added Lee Milteer and her world renown “Millionaire Skills” coaching program which includes monthly “Telecoaching Calls”, Weekly lessons, and a member website among other features to help our “Inner Circle” and “Peak Performers” members expand their “Wealth Consciousness” and improve their personal business and success skills.   Each month she provides business lessons and success skills to help school owners grow.  She also brings very high caliber interviews such as the founder of Chuck-E-Cheese, Mr. Chicken Soup for the Soul:  Mark Victor Hansen, and Mr. NO B.S. Dan Kennedy.   Lee also has been kind enough to contribute to Martial Arts Professional Magazine, Martial Arts Professional – online, and occasionally to “Maximum Impact.”

4.    Resurrected the World Conference – Recreated and refocused as the “Extreme Success Academy.”   This is an event new and unequaled to teach you how to be successful in marketing, operations, sales, and in building and creating wealth.

It’s NOT focused on learning the next MMA move, or as a social environment for part timers without growth aspirations.  It’s DEFINITELY not populated with the “Usual Suspects” of speakers.  It is dominated by REAL World school owners sharing their actual CURRENT results and sharing with you how to accomplish that yourself, and by real-world business experts to help you grow your wealth and your business.  You’ve GOT to be at the Extreme Success Academy and if you haven’t registered, do it now at:  www.ExtremeSuccessAcademy.com  Unlike other events it’s about creating a substantial career as a school owner.

5.    Expanded, Enhanced, and Improved “Maximum Impact.”

At no additional charge, we’ve moved “Maximum Impact” from every other month to monthly and reorganized the format and the content.   Maximum Impact is now:   A once a month “telecoaching opportunity” where you get to ask questions and be focused on what you should be accomplishing in “real-time” moderated by Stephen Oliver along with Toby Milroy, myself, and a variety of experts.  The July “Bonus Teleconference” features Marketing Guru and Renegade Millionaire Dan Kennedy.

In addition by popular demand of members, to make your Maximum Impact materials easier to use we’ve:

A.    We’ve started posting MP3’s of the Teleconferences immediately on the Maximum Impact Members Website.

B.    We’ve started packaging the content DVD or CD’s directly with their transcripts for easy storage and to keep them together (rather than the separate plastic cases.)

C.    We’ve reorganized the transcripts as booklets rather than loose paper to help you use them effectively and internalize the material.

D.    Following our UNIVERSAL member feedback looking for real success stories from peers sharing their real life “best practices” we’ve added monthly “Success Story” Interviews with highly successful school owners just like you, who share their step by step secrets to recent success.

E.    Launched a MASSIVE new “Maximum Impact” Members Only Website that includes teleconference replays, archived materials as members have requested, and A LOT of other constantly updating materials.   Including recently Dan Kennedy and Jay Abraham Interviews, Transcripts, bonus chapters, etc., etc.

F.    We’ve added “Inner Circle,” “Peak Performers,” and “Maximum Impact” Members Only Discussion Boards for accelerated feedback and an opportunity for peer support.

G.    Coming Soon to Maximum Impact:  Instructor Training resources including CONSTANTLY updated curriculum video clips for curriculum and drills including “Little Ninja’s ®,” “Edge MMA ™ ,” and “Fitness Kickboxing ®,”  among others.

6.    We’ve created and continue expanding www.MartialArtsProfessional.com, now Martial Arts Professional has DOUBLE or more the content as before with materials available on-line.  There’s also now a COMPLETE archive of past issues beginning with January 2008 and moving forward.  View any entire issue one or two weeks before receiving it in the mail, or return to reference valuable content.

Also at www.MartialArtsProfessional.com:

A.    We’ve also added interesting Blogs – See Stephen Oliver’s entertaining daily blog up and running now.  Toby’s and Mine coming soon along with content by Tom Callos.

B.    We’ve also begun expanding and posting ALL letters to the editor on-line (especially those that didn’t make it into the magazine.)

C.    We’ve added “Chuck Norris’s” weekly commentary as well.

D.    And, we’re rapidly expanding and preparing for daily updates for a complete range of Martial Arts in the News.  (see recent additions from “The Wall Street Journal” and “Forbes Magazine” among others.

E.    We’ve expanded our range of contributors to include Dan Kennedy, Jim Rohn, Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins, Jay Abraham, Joe Lewis, Jeff Smith, Denis Waitley, and many others.

F.    We’ve conducted many more high profile “Celebrity Interviews” with individuals ranging from Chuck Norris to Stephen Hayes and Jhoon Rhee to Jackie Chan and Jet Li.

7.    Exciting and POWERFUL timely promotions.   For all members we teamed up with Lionsgate Entertainment for powerful co-promotions with “The Forbidden Kingdom,” providing free teleconferences, written reports, and extensive marketing materials to use in conjunction with this BIG BUDGET Blockbuster.

We created tools to help with the adult market using “Red Belt” a solid adult movie with a positive martial arts (MMA & BJJ) message.

Most exciting is our current promotion in conjunction with Dream Works pictures with “Kung-Fu Panda.”   Again, complete artwork provide 8 weeks before the movie premier, teleconferences, written reports and a complete BLUE-PRINT as a Free Member bonus to capitalize on the “Little Ninja®” market in conjunction with this HUGE movie promotion.

All of these materials were made available QUICKLY on-line and communicated to members via Email & Fax (make sure we have both UTD in your file) and posted with complete A-Z instructions on your member websites.   Also,  teleconferences were posted for REPLAY immediately on-line.

These promotions will be worth many 100’s of new students for those industrious enough to implement aggressively.  I hope you took advantage of this incredible opportunity to fire up your current students and get in front of a huge flood of people looking excited about the martial arts.

8.    “Member Services”  For your convenience we’ve also added MANY new member services features on-line including:

A.    The ability to find out when any package was shipped for your planning purposes by visiting www.NAPMA.com/shipping

B.    The ability to immediately update your member information on-line without playing phone-tag with a staff member by visiting:  www.NAPMA.com/memberservices
This is extremely useful for updating credit cards, billing address, phone number, fax number, email address or any other member information.

C.    The ability to gain immediate answers to “Technical Support Questions” like:  How do I get into my member areas?  What’s my password” and such by immediately contacting our technical people from the member services page.  (Live person real-time chat.)

D.    The ability to immediately solve membership issues or shipping issues in real-time on-line.
(Live person real-time chat.)

E.    The ability to directly and easily contact staff members via Email for shipping, technical, and other member services questions. (Live person Real-Time on-line chat.)

F.    The ability to have your questions answered directly via the Discussion Boards or the Monthly “Maximum Impact” members teleconferences.

OK, Now WHAT’S NEXT??

We’ve taken your feedback and are now immediately implementing!  You’ll be seeing lots of things you’ve directly asked for and, some things that solve other problems and expand on opportunities that you’ve pointed out in your surveys.   We’ve learned a lot about what you want and need to grow your school.

Like what??

Your “Monthly Basic Toolkit” it’s becoming more “web-interactive.”  You’ve told us that you’re more internet capable and would like to have more ready access to member support tools.    You’ve also pointed about that some pieces are redundant, and other teaching elements can be expanded for an improvement in your results.   You’ve pointed out you’d like the content to be easier to use and more directly IMPLEMENTABLE.

Specifically starting this month we’re giving you what you’ve asked for by:

1.    As you’ve requested we’re making organizing your BASIC “Toolkit” easier by sending you a FREE NAPMA three-ring note-book.  (Maximum Impact Members already that 3-ring notebooks for the Maximum Impact Materials.)   From now on all physically delivered materials will be 3-Hole punched for easier organization.   The notebook includes monthly tabs for easy organization.  The member materials will continue to be color coded for easy reference within your notebook.

2.    As you’ve requested, we’re repackaging the CD’s & DVD’s so that they can be stored with the written materials rather than stacked separately (and, getting lost.)   The plastic cases are replaced by more convenient three hole punched disc holders.

3.    As you’ve requested “NAPMA Now” continues it’s evolution to a truly useful and beneficial newsletter and advice support tool.   One of the things you’ve told us is that you want “SPECIFIC HOW-TO” advice and very clear “DIRECTION” on implementation.

That’s now included in all aspects of our program (from me in the “Sounds of Success” and “NAPMA Innovations) and from Stephen Oliver and Toby Milroy in NAPMA Now.  NAPMA Now includes:

A.    Your “Growth Opportunities” calendar “looking forward” for many months to let you plan for events, teleconferences, Inner Circle and Peak Performers Meetings, along with special events like our “Maximum Impact Members Gathering.”

B.    Easily referenced “Contacting us” and problem solving guides.

C.    Technical guides for web access and discussion board access.

D.    ANSWERS to your questions from survey submissions (submit yours if you haven’t already by visiting www.NAPMA.com/survey)  by Stephen Oliver, Toby Milroy, or me.

E.    Timely and Focused advice on how to grow your school in conjunction with seasonal events or around Economic Ups and Downs.

4.    Giving you access to various “Modes” of learning.  Something that some of you shared is that it some of you prefer reading to listening.  Whether it’s because as some of you shared that you don’t spend much time in the car or for others it’s because you learn better by reading than listening.   To support your preferences we’ll be adding transcripts of the “Sounds of Success” and posting at your Member Web Site.   Additionally, we’ll be posting the interviews at your member website as an MP3 to listen to on-line or download into your IPOD or other MP3 player.

5.    We discovered that many schools find implementation challenging for one of several reasons.   We’re attempted to address all of these issues for you (as requested and with many enhancements) with the various marketing materials, ads, mailings, newsletters in the following ways:

A.    Incredible new “Print on Demand” options where you can:

1.    Personalize and have us print and drop ship marketing materials directly to you.  Eliminating having to deal with “Publisher Files,’ with having to deal with vendors, and with having to deal with several different vendors.

2.    Upload your student or prospect lists and we’ll mail it for you!

3.    Just ask and we’ll pull a “Suspect List” and mail the market materials for you in your area.

B.     COMING SOON:   Your student Kickin’ newsletter DONE COMPLETELY FOR YOU.  Give us your calendar of events or other information and we’ll personalize it and mail it for you to your Students, Former Students, and Prospect Lists.

Your school newsletter should go to your inactive student list, your prospects lists as well as your actively attending students.  It’s a chore each month to personalize the newsletter, get it printed and mailed.  We’ll be teaching you “best practices” for using a school newsletter, improving the newsletter we provide you AND handling everything for you including putting it in the mail.

C.    Artwork SOONER.   We’ll be making seasonal artwork available on-line a month earlier than you are used to.  We’ll also have two months of artwork at a time available on-line at your member site.  You’ll also have “Evergreen” artwork needs always available including accessible on our “Print on Demand” system.

D.    MORE art-work options that fit your particular situation.   We’ll have more options especially in “print on demand” personalized for your particular style and audience.

E.    COMING SOON:  A new NAPMA Members Only: “National Leadership Club” Newsletter and support materials including student websites, marketing materials and handouts.

We’ll be making all of these available for you online rather than having to wait for your “box” and the enclosed CD.   They’ll be available to you sooner.  With easier to use “Print on Demand” options that eliminate your need to master software and other technical stuff.

Many of you have requested VERY SPECIFIC support on specific topics.  In addition to answering questions each month submitted with surveys we will periodically include in your member materials (and, on-line) “Special Reports” with things you need to know as identified by both surveys and industry trends.

The first such report was on “Tuition Pricing,” the second one is on “Operating Statistics” with the accompanying forms you need.  Upcoming ones will include special reports on “Improving Student Retention,” “Creating higher quality Black Belts,” “Non-confrontational sales methods,” “Recruiting and Training Staff,” and “Growing your school quickly,” as well as specialty reports such as applying professional methods to BJJ schools, and moving from part-time to full-time.

6.    We are adding a huge number of additional member support options during the rest of the year, such as:

A.    Member Websites and Internet Support Tools.  A wide variety of internet marketing support and student resources.

B.    24/7 Telephone answering and appointment setting. Never miss another student “Info Call.”

C.    Higher Level “Expert” tools such as a “Time Management Program for Martial Arts Entrepreneurs,” and high level marketing coaching.

D.    Extensive continued enhancements to the “Maximum Impact” Members website.

As we continue to improve your membership materials, we’d like to hear your feedback!  Please submit your membership survey form and ask important questions.   As a side note, we’ve broken a pricing policy that we insist that you follow.  Since 1994 the membership fees have stayed the same.   Last year we went in the hole over $150,000 on shipping and handling alone.

We announced several months ago that we would increase S&H fees for both Maximum Impact and Basic Members and waited until now to implement.  That minor increase will happen with the next billing cycle as our shipping and fulfillment costs once again JUMPPED in cost.   So you’ll notice a minor increase in your monthly tuition to cover that more appropriate Shipping and Handling fee.   For the time being we’ve doubled the Maximum Impact content (from 6 X a year to 12 X per year,)  radically expanded your resources, and improved your membership materials all at 1994 prices.

As we continue to improve we may have to follow our own advice and increase tuition in the future.   Certainly the tuition fees for “Inner Circle,” and “Peak Performers” will increase from our “Pioneer Discounts.”  We’ve already, as previously announced moved from the “Pioneer levels” to an intermediate “new release” tuition.  Soon they will escalate again.

I know that MANY members are excited about all the upcoming tools and enhancements.  Some have been apprehensive but they’ve been rewarded with incredible growth opportunities and great new member materials and opportunities.

I hope you are thrilled with your “Basic Toolbox” new look and feel.  If you are not receiving the Maximum Impact content you should make sure that your membership gets upgraded right away. Make sure you are making full use of your Member Websites, Discussion Boards, Telecoaching Calls, Meetings, and Events.    I look forward to meeting you in Clearwater, Florida at the Extreme Success Academy and hope to hear from soon.

Thank you.

Rob Colasanti, President
National Association of Professional Martial Artists (NAPMA)

P.S.  PLEASE make sure you’ve been heard by completing the member survey.   See www.NAPMA.com/survey

Finally, I’m sure you may have a few challenges figuring out how to get in the web site or figuring things out.  Feel free to directly contact our technical support team on-line to get immediate help.  Our priority is helping you grow your school, provide for your family, and create the income you deserve.  You’ll truly be able to improve your school while providing higher and higher quality instruction from our constantly improving membership materials.
Dear Rob,
I just opened this month’s Napma package, and surprisingly I found the CD that I had a conversation with Toby. I am so honored to be in the CD, and I want to thank you for that.  I felt that I am little embarrassed, because of my poor English, and I still have some difficulties to explain things in English.  I guess people who listen to the CD have to pay closer attention to it, right?   ;-)  Oh, by the way, you mention my school’s gross last year as 1.3 M, but 1.03 M is the correct number.  My number is still growing, and I am projecting 1.15 M for 2008.  I will let you know exact number early next year. I have seen that Napma has been doing lots of changing and improving.  Napma is always helpful to improve my Martial arts school in business and my teaching skills since the first day of joining.   Inner Circle Meeting has been extremely helpful, and all members are very open minded and eager to work together.
Again Rob, thank you for your help and all the great work in Napma, and I wish you and Napma continuously grow in the future. I will see you in July at the Inner Circle meeting.
Sincerely, Jason Yi

Source: www.napma.com

A series of valuable lessons….from Jhoon Rhee
A series of valuable lessons…. In the July and August packages you received part 1 and part 2 of an interview with my instructor Jhoon Rhee.  Jeff Smith and I have been associated with Jhoon Rhee for 45 and coming up on 40 years respectively.   If  you pay close attention to the interview and to the [...]

A series of valuable lessons….

In the July and August packages you received part 1 and part 2 of an interview with my instructor Jhoon Rhee.  Jeff Smith and I have been associated with Jhoon Rhee for 45 and coming up on 40 years respectively.   If  you pay close attention to the interview and to the discussions we’ll have at the Extreme Success Academy there are many, many lessons to learn from Jhoon Rhee.  First, a trivia point the “Nobody Bothers Me” song that you heard on the CD was Nils Lofgren.  He was a Jhoon Rhee student with Jeff Smith (and, myself) in Kensington, MD.  He’s now a key member of the “E-Street Band” with Bruce Springsting (if you see them playing he’s the shorter guy to Bruce’s left (as you are facing them) with the Bandana.   In Washington, D.C. you couldn’t go anywhere without people knowing both “Nobody Bothers Me” and USA-1000 (their phone number.)

Anyway, to some lessons….

Lesson 1.   Early realization that commercial success was necessary.  Jhoon Rhee (as well as Bruce Lee) was openly reviled by many in the martial arts community.  Both for their “innovation” and their “commercialism.”  I recall Black Belt Magazine articles debates in the 1960’s one being “The Case against Commercialism” and another referring to Jhoon Rhee as the Piped Piper of Korean Karate.   Upon listening to the interview I thought I’d clarify one point.  You might have gotten the idea that Bruce Lee as “anti-commercial.”  Actually the opposite is true.  If you look at the letters between the two of them you’ll see that Bruce Lee was sending Jhoon Rhee advertising from Chuck Norris and others for karate schools and was very interested in the business aspects.  However, Bruce Lee decided that his path to wealth was acting not operating martial arts schools.  Jhoon Rhee made the opposite decision.   I’ve talked with Grand Master Rhee about this goals statement that Bruce Lee wrote.  Jhoon Rhee was actually on the phone with him at the time.  Clearly neither Bruce Lee or Jhoon Rhee had “hang-ups” about whether they should be making money from martial arts.  Jhoon Rhee described it to me in two ways:  First, it’s impossible to accomplish much of anything without financial resources.  Second, if you are providing a great service you deserve to be well compensated.

“My Definite Chief Aim:

I, Bruce Lee, will be the highest paid Oriental superstar in the United States.  In return I will give the most exciting performances and render the
best of quality in the capacity of an actor.
Starting in 1970, I will achieve world fame and from then onward till the end of 1980,
I will have in my possession $10,000,000.
Then I will live the way I please and achieve inner harmony and peace.”
Bruce Lee, January 1969.

Lesson 2.    The Master-Mind effect.   You heard a little bit about the people that Jhoon Rhee surrounded himself with.   I can tell you from personal experience that his peer group and “Master-Mind” group was not the other guys running schools who were failing, making excuses, and failing.   Who was he associating with?   Well other than Bruce Lee he was associating with a large group of congressmen and senators, he affiliated with smart and wealthy people ranging from Jack Anderson to Tony Robbins.  He brought Nick Cokinos (EFC Founder) into the martial arts business (as well as myself, Jeff Smith and  others.)   He was constantly seeking out others who could contribute to his goals and who could support his vision.  Think Muhammad Ali, Zig Ziglar, the Coach of the Red Skins, the President of the Motion Picture Association of America and many others.   He affiliated with the VERY top school owners he could find in the country and openly shared ideas with them (Chuck Norris schools among others.)

Lesson 3.    Immunity from Criticism.   Jhoon Rhee introduced many innovations. Overlooked may be the early ability to run successful commercial schools, with quality marketing and effective sales processes, teaching many thousands of students.  Next he associated with rebels such as Bruce Lee. Surrounded himself with successful American (breaking out of the Korean community.)  Next he invented and promoted foam safety equipment.  Helped launch full-contact kick-boxing.  Invented musical forms.  Even having his team wear “color” uniforms (Red.) And the list could go on and on.  At each step some portion of the martial arts community considered him a “sell-out” or just a “self-promoter.”  Safety equipment rather than being universally embraced was controversial.  Traditionalists proclaimed it would destroy technique.  Tournament promoters claimed it would make competition more dangerous.  Many refused to use it.   Musical form which dominates today was derided as destroying traditional form.   He managed to persevere throughout all of the criticism, ignore the critics, and keep his eyes on his own goals.

Lesson 4.      Resources used to produce incredibly high quality students.   At the same time that we had a huge percentage of the World Ranked kick-boxers on staff and the current and future World Forms Champions (John Chung then Charlie Lee) Washington areas schools called Jhoon Rhee a “Belt Factory.”  In reality Jhoon Rhee’s schools had a very high (for the era) graduation rate to Black Belt.  The Black Belts were rigorously screened.  Children were required not only to have physical mastery but good grades and behavior.  The quality of the students across 7 then 9, then 12 schools was incredibly HIGH.  Far from “Selling Out” the Jhoon Rhee schools produced many of today’s industry leaders That would have been impossible if it had not been the very good living that two full-time instructors per location were able to make (in the 1970’s) by running a martial arts school (I was making $30,000 base +  commissions equaling around 10% of the gross while a full-time student at Georgetown University in 1980.)

Lesson 5.    Seeking Experts.   Jhoon Rhee relentlessly sought out experts to help him grow his business. In the Pre-NAPMA days he sought out Publicity experts (actually hiring a full-time PR guy AND Sugar Ray Leonard’s publicist.)   He pulled Nick Cokinos out of the Dance Industry and relentlessly looked for experts in sales, marketing, teaching, management and even franchising to help him grow his organization.

Lesson 6.    Relentless Promotions.   As a staff member (and, full time College Student) I was annoyed by the constant parade of promotions.  A HUGE demo at the 4th of July celebration on the Washington mall each year.  Classes taught to the FBI.  Presentations at Elementary Schools, High Schools, and Colleges.  A parade of classes taught to everyone from local police to Congressmen.  Jhoon Rhee was relentless in finding ways to introduce the public to Tae Kwon Do (and, specifically to “Jhoon Rhee Karate.”) It was an total, never ending quest to fill the schools and therefore improve the gross, improve staff salaries, and “spin-off” resources for other purposes.  He discusses Muhammad Ali being an very good promoter – and, Jhoon Rhee learned from him and many others how to promote himself and by the way get Muhammad Ali to mention his name in front of 50,000,000 TV viewers and join him in front of millions live during their tour of Korea.

Lesson 7.    Goals Orientation.   Jeff Smith and I were talking with Grand Master Rhee last Monday night (12 midnight his time!)  He reminded me of this:  “When you were 10 years old you told me you were going to go to Denver and open Jhoon Rhee Karate schools.”   It’s interesting that he remembers and was impressed.  Truth is when I was 10 I said I wanted to open Jhoon Rhee Schools.  It was more around 18 when the idea of doing it in Denver bubbled up.  However, the fact that he remembers shows how rarely we set serious goals and follow-through.  To be successful you first must make a “Decision” you can call it setting a target.  Being goal oriented.  Whatever… but you’ve got to decide that no-excuses you are going to make it happen.

What should you take away from the interviews and from your discussions with Jhoon Rhee at the upcoming “Extreme Success Academy?”   Well at the least you should know that it’s okay to make money and grow your school.  That not only does commercialism imply “selling out” but that the more resources you have the better you can make your students.  Next,  that you need to spare no expense in associating with a quality Master-Mind team and in developing knowledge (and, hiring experts) to shorten your own learning curve.  Finally, that you need to be tireless in promoting your school and make sure that you have the tools and resources to do that effectively.

Source: www.napma.com

Thanks for you patient and long replied
Hi Stephen Thanks for you patient and long replied. I really appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to help me understand your business model. You have gained my respect, and allow me to have glimpse into your humanity. Concerning NAPMA - you are correct; I have your monthly Martial Arts Professional Magazine. Sorry about the mixed up. Concerning NAPMA [...]

Hi Stephen
Thanks for you patient and long replied. I really appreciate you
taking time out of your busy schedule to help me understand your
business model. You have gained my respect, and allow me to have
glimpse into your humanity.

Concerning NAPMA - you are correct; I have your monthly Martial Arts
Professional Magazine. Sorry about the mixed up.

Concerning NAPMA members, of course I am not saying in any way you
should take responsible for any your members' action. Is just that
some of the members I have met are so profit driven that they forget
to behave in a certain decorum.

As in any internet forum there is always trolls who are shouting and
screaming nonsense. I just didn't really have time to edit it down.

My biggest concern about your organization is that it is almost become
the de-facto martial arts school. How do I tell the consumer that my
black belt is hard earned? How do I tell my consumer that we sparred
and hit the pad every night? How do I tell my consumer that we don't
teach kids, Teaching children martial arts is a new modern day
phenomena - not the standard.

Stephen I just read your follow up email. And because you have shown
me a lot of respect, and patient, I will remove the material. Please
accept my apology for my misjudgment in my post. You have won me over
with your calm rationale and explanation. I always tried to respect
people who are my elders even if I don't agree with their opinions -
unless it violates my consciences.

Mong

Source: www.napma.com