Episodes

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 serv...

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...

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 compe...

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 r...

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, und...

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 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 ar...

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 ...

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....

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 an...

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 shifte...

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...

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 sy...

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 developm...

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, ins...

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 o...

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 be...

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 – Avoi...

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.

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...

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 action...

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 to...

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 ...