Schoolownertalk.com With Allie Alberigo And Duane Brumitt

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-

Episode Overview Most martial arts school owners focus on bringing in new students, but what if retention is actually more important than recruitment? In this episode, Duane and Allie break down the real cost of losing students, how to calculate the true value of retention, and strategies to build a community that keeps students engaged for years—not just months. If you’ve ever wondered why your school isn’t growing despite consistent new enrollments, this episode is a must-listen! Key Takeaways from This Episode 1. The Real Cost of Acquiring vs. Retaining a Student Recruiting new students requires significant marketing expenses, including Google ads, social media campaigns, and events. Retaining a student is significantly more cost-effective and leads to a stronger school culture. Duane and Allie discuss how to calculate both costs and why understanding this metric is crucial for school owners. 2. Why Retention is the Real Growth Strategy Many school owners believe they only nee

In this episode of School Owner Talk, hosts Duane Brumitt and Allie Alberigo sit down with Ed Pizzo, the founder of Dually, an innovative competition platform that blends martial arts, technology, and community engagement. Ed shares how Dually allows martial arts schools to create virtual challenges, engage students, boost retention, and attract sponsorships—all while making competitions more accessible and exciting. Discover how martial arts school owners can leverage this gamified challenge system to motivate students, strengthen school culture, and even monetize through sponsorships. Whether you’re looking to run virtual tournaments, skill challenges, or interactive retention strategies, this conversation will spark fresh ideas for your school’s success. Key Takeaways: 1. Dually is More Than a Tournament Platform – It provides a voting-based competition system for martial arts, fitness, and other industries. Schools can host challenges, skill competitions, and gamified engagement activities for st

In this episode, Duane Brumitt and Allie Alberigo discuss how to create a martial arts program that goes beyond physical techniques to focus on character development, leadership, and confidence. They emphasize the importance of teaching life skills that help students succeed not only in martial arts but in all aspects of life. Key Topics Discussed: • The purpose behind martial arts programs and how defining this purpose can shape a school’s culture and longevity. • The role of character development and how it impacts a student’s confidence, discipline, and perseverance. • Strategies to communicate the depth of martial arts benefits to parents to increase retention and long-term student commitment. • The importance of setting clear expectations for both students and parents from the beginning. • How leadership programs, public speaking training, and structured progress milestones contribute to student development. • The need for school owners to engage parents and create a community that s

In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest challenges martial arts school owners face—keeping students engaged and motivated from white belt to black belt and beyond. We explore common reasons students quit, the role of parents in retention, and how school culture and instructor enthusiasm play a critical role in student success. We discuss strategies for overcoming loss of interest, lack of progress, and competing activities, along with ways to strengthen the connection between students, instructors, and parents. From setting clear milestones to engaging parents in the journey, this episode is packed with practical insights on building a strong retention system. Key Topics Covered: Why students lose motivation and how to prevent dropouts The importance of instructor enthusiasm and engagement Strategies for keeping parents involved in their child’s progress The impact of setting clear goals and milestones How leadership programs and long-term vision increase retention Creating a st

In this episode, we dive deep into student retention strategies and how to transform trial members into lifelong students. We explore best practices in onboarding, parent engagement, and communication methods that keep students committed for the long haul. Key topics include: • The importance of first impressions and pre-framing expectations. • Engaging both students and parents for stronger retention. • The role of clear communication and human connection in martial arts schools. • The impact of structured onboarding and milestone celebrations. • Addressing common dropout reasons and preventing student disengagement. • The value of positioning martial arts as a lifelong journey, not just an activity. Join us as we break down the mindset and tactical approaches that lead to a thriving, long-term student base.

Want to grow your martial arts school, avoid burnout, and build a thriving leadership team? You’re in the right place! In this episode, Professor Duane Brumitt and Shihan Allie Alberigo break down the essential strategies for developing a strong leadership team that will help your school expand, retain students, and create future leaders. Key Topics Covered: Why trying to do everything yourself holds your school back How to identify and develop future leaders from your students The difference between a good instructor and a great leader How to delegate effectively and avoid burnout The importance of public speaking, decision-making, and leadership training How to create a school culture that fosters leadership and keeps students engaged Building a structured leadership pipeline can transform your school and impact students for life. Tune in to learn how to implement these strategies and take your martial arts school to the next level!

In this episode of Martial Arts School Owner Talk, Allie and Duane break down The Five Pillars of a Thriving Martial Arts School—the essential elements every school owner needs to ensure long-term success. They dive deep into: ✅ Defining Your Vision – Why having a clear mission is crucial for growth. ✅ Building Strong Leadership Teams – The power of mentorship and team development. ✅ Engaging Parents & Students – Creating a strong community inside and outside the dojo. ✅ Financial Mastery – Avoiding common pitfalls and ensuring profitability. ✅ Personal & Professional Growth – The key to staying motivated and avoiding burnout. This episode is packed with practical strategies, real-world examples, and actionable takeaways to help you run a martial arts school that thrives.

In this episode, Professor Duane Brumitt reflects on his 26-year journey as the owner of TriStar Martial Arts. From starting with a passion for training to building a full-time business, Duane shares the ups and downs of running a martial arts school. Tune in to hear about the pivotal moments that shaped his career, his transition to focusing on life skills development, and his advice for fellow school owners on leadership, financial stability, and creating lasting impact. https://youtu.be/XXVAxf0Hqlo

In this motivational podcast episode, Professor Duane Brumitt and Shihan Allie Alberigo discuss practical and inspiring strategies to end the year on a high note. They cover goal-setting, effective holiday sales, reconnecting with students, running impactful events, and even balancing family and personal development. Plus, hear insights on maximizing martial arts business potential and fostering gratitude. Perfect for school owners and martial arts instructors looking to finish strong and set up for a successful new year!   Reference in the podcast: My Plan For Living To 156: By Dan Sullivan I Trained Like A Black Belt For 90 Days https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA7i0xdQVCs

In this insightful session, we explore the transformative potential of ChatGPT and AI in martial arts school management. Join Duane Brumitt, Shihan Allie Alberigo, and special guest James Bret Dunlap as they dive into practical AI applications—from automating marketing tasks to streamlining school operations. Discover how AI can save time, enhance productivity, and elevate the student experience. Whether you're new to AI or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Resources mentioned: Make.com Lead Hunter Media High Income Skills Exceptional Classes

In this episode, Duane Brumitt and Shihan Allie Alberigo dive deep into the innovative ways martial arts school owners can use ChatGPT to streamline their business operations. They discuss practical applications for marketing, student engagement, retention, content creation, and even time management. Discover how ChatGPT can save time, generate creative content, and improve communication with parents and students alike. Whether you're a martial arts school owner or just curious about using AI tools in business, this episode is packed with actionable insights!

In this episode of School Owner Talk, Duane Brumitt and Shihan Allie Alberigo welcome back digital marketing expert Gus Lopez from Lead Hunter Media. They dive deep into the latest trends in digital marketing for martial arts schools and how to navigate the evolving landscape. Gus shares invaluable insights on leveraging social media, AI, and content creation to drive student engagement and retention. Discover how a blend of paid advertising, personal branding, and innovative tools can help you grow your school and improve retention rates. Plus, learn about Gus's game-changing licensing system and how it can simplify marketing for school owners.