Ep. 96 - Andrew Green - How to run a successful kids program in 2026.

Summary In this episode of the Business of Jujitsu Podcast, host JP Levesque talks with Andrew Green from Innovative Martial Arts in Winnipeg about the basics of running a successful kids' jiu jitsu program. They discuss the importance of marketing, community events, the impact of martial arts on children, and strategies for growing a kids' program. Andrew shares insights on staff training, age group separation, and the role of the head instructor. They also explore the benefits of birthday parties as a marketing tool and the significance of summer camps and events in maintaining engagement.TakeawaysAndrew Green emphasizes the importance of community events in promoting martial arts programs.The kids' program at Innovative Martial Arts has grown to nearly 300 members, primarily children.Andrew believes that martial arts can have a significant impact on children, more so than on adults.Staff training and having the right temperament are crucial for running a successful kids' program.Separating age groups is essential to cater to different developmental stages.The head instructor should be visible but not necessarily teach all kids' classes.Birthday parties are an effective marketing tool, bringing in new leads and creating memorable experiences.Summer camps offer unique opportunities to engage children during school breaks.Andrew shares that a pre-registration period is vital for launching new classes successfully.Events and community presence are key to maintaining visibility and attracting new members.Chapters00:00:01 Introduction and Background00:00:46 Growth and Community Engagement00:01:53 Staff Training and Program Structure00:04:33 Age Group Separation and Class Management00:08:05 Marketing Strategies and Events00:17:08 Summer Camps and Seasonal Engagement00:25:36 Birthday Parties as a Marketing Tool00:38:27 Community Events and VisibilityAbout my guest: The Kids Jiu-Jitsu Playbook is a community for Jiu-Jitsu school owners, managers, and coaches who want their kids programs to run smoother, retain better, and be easier to manage.This group is focused specifically on kids classes. How to keep them engaged, how to structure classes that work, how to train coaches, and how to grow kids programs without adding chaos or burnout.Inside the group you will find hands-on coaching tips and training, internal and external marketing ideas, class games and drills, and proven systems that help improve retention, class flow, and parent satisfaction.Here's some of what's inside:Discussion forum with other experienced kids coachesClass Games Library with games that use and develop jiu-jitsu skillsCoach development manualsWhite label Newsletters you can fully customize to your school in minutesInternal marketing and retention events to get more kids and have them stay longerHow to run the best Birthday party in your cityIf you're interested in joining Andrew's community here is a link to check it out. Link: https://www.skool.com/kids-jiu-jitsu-playbook