How to Start a Class in Self Defense

With crime rates steadily increasing, many individuals want to learn how to protect themselves. Not only can a self-defense class provide the instructor with a good stream of income, but it also provides very valuable training and information to the participants. Good self-defense classes teach learners how to defend themselves with quick thinking and the items they already have on their person. Individuals looking to start self-defense classes need not be ninja-level experts, but they should have skills in basic self-defense techniques and some experience with martial arts.

Create a business plan for your self-defense class. Spell out in detail what the goals of the class are, how many clients will be in the class, what type of instruction will be offered to the clients and at what price. This plan can also be used in the future to secure small business funding if the owner wants to expand the business.

Choose the location the class will be held in. Pay the rental fee for the space if the class is being held outside the home.

Create a lesson plan that spells out what you are going to teach and how. It will guide thinking in terms of how long each portion of the lesson will take and what equipment is necessary for instruction.

Promote the class with business cards and fliers. Pass the cards to people who express interest in the class, and hang the fliers in businesses and on community bulletin boards.

Pass out feedback forms to the participants after the class has been conducted. Use the information to continue doing what the participants found helpful and to improve on the suggestions given.