Schoolownertalk.com With Allie Alberigo And Duane Brumitt

423 | What I Wish I Knew Starting My Martial Arts School vs. What I Know After 30+ Years Podcast Description In this candid episode of School Owner Talk, Duane Brumitt and Allie Alberigo get real about the lessons they've learned running martial arts schools for over three decades. From the mental toll of business ownership to the evolution of student expectations, this conversation reveals the raw truth about what it takes to build a successful martial arts school. Whether you're a new school owner struggling with the realities of running a dojo or a veteran looking for validation that you're not alone in your challenges, this episode delivers honest insights about the journey from naive beginner to seasoned school owner. Key Takeaways The Mental and Emotional Challenges The Mental Toll Reality: New school owners are often unprepared for how mentally taxing business ownership becomes. The inability to "turn off" thoughts about your school can be overwhelming, but naivety in the beginning c

Podcast Description In this episode of School Owner Talk, Duane Brumitt and Allie Alberigo sit down with Gus Lopez of Lead Hunter Media to uncover the three biggest pitfalls martial arts school owners make with their marketing—and how AI can help solve them. From struggling with poor lead quality to failing at consistent follow-up, this conversation highlights the gaps that prevent schools from growing—and introduces practical, AI-driven solutions that school owners can implement right away. Whether you’re stuck in “paralysis of analysis,” just coasting with mediocre results, or ready to dial in your marketing systems, this episode provides insights that will help you generate better leads, increase show-up rates, and maximize your enrollment process. Key Takeaways School owners fall into three categories: Level 1 – Do nothing (paralyzed by indecision). Level 2 – Do something, but without systems or tracking. Level 3 – Optimize everything with the right systems and support. Pit

421 | The Attention Span Crisis – How Martial Arts Can Be the Cure (Part 2) Podcast Description In this follow-up to Episode 420, Duane Brumitt and Shihan Allie Alberigo dive deeper into the attention span crisis facing today’s children—and how martial arts can provide the solution. This episode focuses on the practical side: how to educate parents, how to use curriculum design to reinforce focus, and how to position focus training as a powerful selling point for martial arts schools. Packed with strategies, science, and real-world examples, this episode will help school owners strengthen their programs and their messaging. Key Takeaways from the Episode Educating Parents is Essential – Parents must understand that focus is not fixed; it’s trainable. Martial arts develops focus as much as it develops physical skills. Tangible Parent Tools Work Best – Focus jars, one-page “toolkits,” and mini parent workshops create buy-in beyond the dojo. BDNF Is the Science Behind Martial Arts Training

Podcast Description In this episode of School Owner Talk, Duane Brumitt and Shihan Allie Alberigo dive into the growing attention span crisis among today’s youth and how martial arts schools can adapt. They compare childhood in the 70s, 80s, and 90s to today’s digitally distracted world, highlighting the challenges—and opportunities—for instructors. The discussion explores technology’s impact on focus, why traditional class structures no longer work, and how martial arts can uniquely rebuild a child’s ability to pay attention. This is Part 1 of a two-part series on using martial arts as the cure for shrinking attention spans. Key Takeaways Attention Spans Are Shorter Than EverKids today are wired for quick, constant stimulation—thanks to smartphones, video games, and fast-paced media—making long lectures or repetitive drills ineffective. Technology Is Both the Culprit and a ToolWhile screens fragment focus, kids often learn better from video demonstrations, proving that tech can be incorporat

Podcast Description The back-to-school season is one of the biggest growth opportunities for martial arts school owners. Parents are looking for activities that build discipline, confidence, and focus—and martial arts is at the top of that list. In this episode of School Owner Talk, Duane Brumitt and Allie Alberigo share how to capitalize on this season with targeted events, promotions, and community engagement strategies—while also tying in National Martial Arts Appreciation Month in September to create even more momentum. From Buddy Week promotions to sponsorship opportunities, team training, and retention-focused events, this conversation will help you kick off the school year with energy, excitement, and enrollment growth. Listen now and set your school up for a strong fall season. Key Takeaways Timing is Everything: Back-to-school season is prime time for parent decision-making—capitalize on it with well-timed events and offers. Buddy Week Works: A well-structured buddy program

Podcast Description In this powerful episode of School Owner Talk, Duane Brumitt and Allie Alberigo expose the “hidden leaks” that silently drain your martial arts school of students, energy, and income. From overlooked onboarding issues and poor follow-up to undertrained staff and outdated systems, these problems often go unnoticed—until it’s too late. But here’s the good news: every leak can be fixed with the right awareness and action. Tune in as Duane and Allie help you identify where your school might be losing momentum and money—and provide simple, effective ways to plug those leaks fast. Key Takeaways Hidden leaks can quietly erode your school’s success, especially in areas like retention and revenue. Weak onboarding and poor communication are major causes of early dropouts. Letting expired payments or overdue tuition slide leads to massive revenue loss. Staff mindset and lack of clear expectations can create a toxic culture without you realizing it. Systems (or lack of

Podcast Description In this raw and revealing episode of School Owner Talk, Allie Alberigo and Duane Brumitt have an honest conversation about what it’s like to run a martial arts school when things aren’t going well — and you still have to “stay positive.” They share their personal frustrations, reflect on recent events with low turnout and lack of engagement, and talk candidly about the pressure school owners feel to always be “on.” This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt alone in the grind of school ownership and needs a reminder that they’re not. https://youtu.be/a8RsXoE4qks Key Takeaways Even successful school owners experience disappointment and discouragement — you’re not alone. It’s okay to admit that an event or idea flopped; not everything has to be a win. Social media creates pressure to always show positivity, which can disconnect you from your authentic experience. Talking to other school owners who are going through the same challenges can be incredib

Podcast Description Summer should be a time to recharge — but for martial arts school owners, it often turns into a season of burnout and overwhelm. In this episode, Duane Brumitt and Allie Alberigo share real-world strategies to help you enjoy your summer while keeping your school healthy and profitable. They break down how to plan intentional time off, train your team to operate smoothly in your absence, and use systems and automations to keep your leads and students engaged — so you can step away without losing momentum. https://youtu.be/BzSDvTvGGfc Key Takeaways Why scheduling planned closures can strengthen retention and family loyalty How to set and enforce communication boundaries with staff and parents Tools and routines Duane and Allie rely on for owner self-care and productivity The difference between delegating and abdicating — and why it matters How Parkinson’s Law can help you work smarter, not harder Real examples to protect your time off — without guilt Acti

Podcast Description In this episode of School Owner Talk, Allie Alberigo and Duane Brumitt dive deep into the art of enrollment and upgrades. If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable selling, unsure how to present your programs, or hesitant to introduce upgrades like Leadership or BBC — this episode is for you. You’ll learn how to confidently present your school’s value, close enrollments without pressure, and build an upgrade culture that feels rewarding — not salesy. Key Takeaways Sales is about service, not persuasion A smooth enrollment process starts with connection Use scripts, visuals, and practice to confidently present your programs Upgrades should be earned and exciting, not forced Students and parents respond to clarity, structure, and confidence Action Steps for School Owners Audit your current enrollment process — Is it consistent and parent-friendly? Train your team to deliver a clear presentation and confidently handle objections. Create a visual pricing sheet or

Podcast Description In this high-energy episode of School Owner Talk, Allie and Duane dive into one of the most powerful yet underutilized tools in martial arts school marketing — the referral contest. They walk you through exactly how to plan, launch, and promote a full-blown referral campaign that not only generates new leads and sign-ups but also creates excitement and unity throughout your school. Whether you’re brand new to referrals or looking to level up your system, this episode lays out everything you need to turn your students into your best promoters.  Key Takeaways Referrals remain the most trusted and cost-effective form of lead generation. A referral contest creates energy, excitement, and organic growth. Success lies in the structure: timeline, visibility, reward system, and promotion. Avoid common mistakes like weak prizes, poor follow-up, or lack of urgency. Use contests to deepen your school culture and strengthen retention. Action Steps for School Owners Choose

In the competitive world of martial arts schools, having a strong and recognizable brand identity can make all the difference. Join us in this episode as we explore the essential elements of building a powerful brand that resonates with current and potential students. We’ll discuss how to define your school's unique value proposition, create a memorable logo and visual identity, and develop consistent messaging across all platforms. Discover strategies to differentiate your school from the competition and attract a loyal student base by leveraging the power of branding. What is a unique strategic purpose? The elements of a good USP. Failing to plan is planning to fail. The creative process. Assignment: Answer the following questions? Do you already have a USP? What is it? How effective do you think it is?

Podcast Description Summer may be slow for some, but smart school owners know it’s no time to go silent. In this episode, Duane and Allie sit down with longtime marketing partner Gus Lopez from Lead Hunter Media to dive into why consistent marketing—especially through social media—is essential during the summer months. Discover the psychology of momentum, the real cost of going quiet, and why visibility now pays dividends in the fall. Whether you’ve got 10 students or 300, this episode is your roadmap to thriving through the summer. https://youtu.be/osfmpM6Neok Key Takeaways Momentum matters: Halting marketing kills momentum—consistency builds compounding results. Summer is a visibility opportunity: While others pause, your brand can rise above the noise. Your competitors aren’t just other schools: Sports, camps, and screen time are all competing for your students’ attention. Social media ROI is long-term: Stop judging performance by one month—review it across 12. Follow-up systems

In Episode #412 of School Owner Talk, Duane Brumitt and Shihan Allie Alberigo tackle some of the toughest challenges faced by martial arts

Branding That Breathes: Aligning Your Martial Arts School with Your Culture Podcast Description: In this episode of School Owner Talk, Duane Brumitt and Shihan Allie Alberigo dive deep into the often-overlooked topic of branding for martial arts schools. It’s not just about logos or colors—it’s about creating a brand that breathes life into your school and reflects the core values, culture, and mission of your business. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for years, understanding how to align your branding with your school’s culture can be the key to attracting the right students and creating a lasting impact. Tune in to hear actionable advice on how to build an authentic brand, avoid common mistakes, and connect with your students on a deeper level. https://youtu.be/y6tbrSdNKVM Key Takeaways: Branding is More Than Just a Logo: The true brand of your school is defined by its culture, values, and the emotional connection it creates. It’s about aligning your marketing

Building Wealth as a Martial Arts School Owner: From Paycheck to Prosperity Podcast Summary: In this eye-opening episode, Duane Brumitt and Allie Alberigo tackle a topic often avoided by martial arts school owners: finances. From personal money mistakes to strategies for long-term wealth and retirement planning, they break down real-life stories, hard lessons, and actionable financial wisdom that every school owner needs to hear. Whether you’re drowning in debt or just beginning to think about the future, this episode gives you the financial clarity and inspiration to make smarter money moves today. https://youtu.be/p3zykqRLmEU Key Takeaways: The Trap of Living Paycheck to PaycheckWhy more students won’t solve your financial problems and how to break the cycle of financial stress. The Importance of Paying Yourself FirstLearn the foundational rule for building wealth and how to live below your means while doing it. Separate Business and Personal FinancesAvoid common financial chaos by t

Episode Summary: With the new Karate Kid: Legends movie hitting theaters on May 30, 2025, this episode is a masterclass in how martial arts school owners can harness the buzz to boost enrollments. Stephen Oliver shares his decades of marketing wisdom, including stories from past movie promotions like Enter the Dragon, Power Rangers, and The Karate Kid. Together with Duane and Allie, the conversation explores real-world strategies for creating visibility, foot traffic, and community engagement around the movie release—whether it’s a hit or a flop. https://youtu.be/vwTym6L1jro Key Takeaways: Use the Movie’s MomentumMajor movie releases are marketing goldmines. Parents will be taking their kids to see Karate Kid: Legends, so ride that wave. Get In Early with Local TheatersBuild relationships with theater managers now. Some will let you set up booths for free—others may require rental through national agencies. It’s Not Just the Movie—It’s the MessageWhat worked about the original Karate Kid 

In this episode of School Owner Talk, Duane Brumitt and Allie Alberigo deliver a highly practical and motivating conversation around one of the most underused growth strategies in martial arts school ownership: community engagement. From partnering with local schools and daycares to maximizing field trips, fundraisers, birthday parties, and even Facebook groups — Duane and Allie share how school owners can create visibility, trust, and new student leads by becoming a community asset, not just a business. They discuss: Real-life examples of events that worked (and ones that didn’t) Tools like Notion and Dropbox for event journaling How to turn donation requests into marketing opportunities Delegating outreach without spending a fortune If you’re feeling like leads have slowed down or that your school is being overlooked — this episode is your blueprint for turning local relationships into a lead machine. Key Takeaways from This Episode 1. Local visibility must be intentional. Ju

Episode Overview In this honest and heartfelt episode of School Owner Talk, Duane and Allie open up about something all martial arts school owners experience—but often don’t talk about: burnout. From feeling exhausted and frustrated to questioning motivation and drive, they dive into what it means to hit a wall and how to keep leading when energy is low and emotions run high. If you’ve ever felt like tapping out, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and that there’s a path forward. Key Takeaways from the Episode • Burnout is real—and common. Even passionate school owners feel mentally and emotionally spent. • You don’t have to be 100% to still make a difference. Sometimes just showing up is enough. • Setting boundaries is essential. Whether it’s around your time, energy, or availability, you need to protect your peace. • Comparison is dangerous. Judging yourself based on others—especially on social media—can drain motivation and cause self-doubt. • Delegate and offload. Hand

Episode Overview In this value-packed episode of School Owner Talk, Duane Brumitt and Allie Alberigo explore the most common mistakes martial arts school owners make—often without realizing it—and how to correct them. From retention and pricing issues to burnout and outdated marketing, this conversation is focused on helping school owners take back control of their business and reignite their passion. Whether you are new to school ownership or have been in the game for decades, the strategies and insights shared in this episode are designed to help you work smarter, serve your students better, and build a stronger business. Key Takeaways from the Episode Retention is more important than recruitment. If your school is constantly losing students, bringing in new ones will only mask the problem temporarily. Emotional connection is a major retention driver. When students and parents feel personally connected to your program and instructors, they are far more likely to stay. Many school owners u

Introduction In this episode of School Owner Talk, Duane Brumitt and Allie Alberigo sit down with martial arts legend Keith Vitali. From dominating the tournament scene to starring in martial arts films alongside Jackie Chan, Keith has made a lasting impact on the industry. His journey is one of dedication, discipline, and seizing life-changing opportunities. 1. The Defining 10 Seconds That Changed His Life • Keith shared the story of how a single fight in the Battle of Atlanta tournament shifted his entire future. • Losing 4-0 with 10 seconds left, he landed a jump spinning kick, earning a rare four-point score—a moment that led him to realize his true potential. • Had he lost that fight, he might have pursued law instead of martial arts, proving that small moments can shape destinies. 2. His Transition from Competitor to Actor • Keith was discovered through magazine covers, leading to his breakout role in Revenge of the Ninja, which became a worldwide success. • He shared behind-the-