20 Business Ideas For Martial Artists [2024]
Are you a martial artist looking to turn your passion into a lucrative business? The skills and discipline you've honed over years of training can open up a world of entrepreneurial opportunities. In 2024, there are more ways than ever to leverage your expertise in the martial arts industry.
You could start your own martial arts school, teaching others the art forms you've mastered. Alternatively, you could develop specialized fitness programs that incorporate martial arts techniques for those looking to get in better shape. If you have a knack for communication, you might explore making instructional videos or writing books catered to martial arts enthusiasts.
Another potential avenue could be developing and selling martial arts equipment and gear. From designing custom uniforms to creating innovative training tools, the possibilities are diverse. Read on to explore these ideas in detail and discover how you could turn your martial arts proficiency into a thriving business.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other martial artist businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel could be an excellent way for martial artists to supplement their income, share their passion, and build a personal brand. By creating engaging video content, you can attract a global audience interested in martial arts training, techniques, and philosophies. Through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales, a YouTube channel can transform your skills into a profitable endeavor, all while allowing you to cultivate a community and impart your knowledge.
Consistency and quality are crucial to building a successful YouTube channel. Discover success stories and marketing ideas for your martial arts channel to see how others have turned their channels into thriving businesses. Despite the initial hard work, the long-term rewards can be substantial, making it a venture worth considering for any martial artist.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You could reach a global audience by sharing your martial arts expertise and unique perspective.
- You could monetize your passion through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
- You could build a loyal community of followers, enhancing your brand and opening up additional opportunities.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
2. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
By starting an online course sales business, you could leverage your martial arts expertise to generate a steady stream of passive income. With the booming e-learning market expected to reach over $645 billion, this is a golden opportunity to share your knowledge with a global audience. Imagine creating a step-by-step self-defense course, advanced martial arts techniques, or fitness routines based on martial arts principles—all of which could appeal to a diverse group of learners.
Why start an online course sales business?
- You could transform your passion into profit by teaching martial arts skills to a wide audience.
- It offers passive income potential; once the course is created, it can generate revenue for years.
- Sharing your expertise could enhance your reputation and open doors to further opportunities in martial arts.
For more details on the pros and cons of starting an online course sales business, visit Starter Story.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
3. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog as a martial artist can be a rewarding way to share your expertise and passion with a dedicated online community. By focusing on a specific aspect of martial arts, you could create engaging content such as training tips, equipment reviews, and personal anecdotes that resonate with your audience. With the right strategy, a niche blog could supplement your income through various monetization methods like affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and collaborations with relevant brands. For more insights, take a look here.
Why start a niche blog?
- You could build a loyal community by sharing your unique martial arts journey and insights.
- Diversifying your revenue streams with affiliate links and brand partnerships can provide financial stability.
- Sharing your expertise can open up opportunities to speak at events and increase your visibility in the martial arts world.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
4. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
As a martial artist with entrepreneurial ambitions, developing an AI writing tool could be your gateway to the tech-driven future. This business involves creating a digital tool powered by Artificial Intelligence to generate accurate and engaging content. Leveraging AI’s capabilities, you could transform how businesses, bloggers, and students approach writing, offering them a more efficient solution.
Unveiling this innovative sphere could not only bolster your income but also set you apart as a tech-savvy pioneer. The constant demand for quality content makes this endeavor substantively needed and lucrative. For more insights into the prospects of starting this business, check out these success stories on Starter Story.
Why develop an AI writing tool?
- The market for automated content creation is rapidly expanding, providing a significant income opportunity.
- AI tools can significantly reduce the workload for writers by offering quick, error-free content generation.
- Embracing technology allows you to stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape, making your business future-proof.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.
5. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
As a martial artist, creating a mobile app could be a highly lucrative side business or even a primary source of income. Whether you’re interested in developing a fitness app focused on martial arts routines, a virtual dojo, or an instructional app filled with techniques and tutorials, the possibilities are vast. Developing an app involves planning, designing, and marketing, but the potential to reach and impact millions could be well worth the effort. Additionally, with the rising global interest in martial arts for fitness and self-defense, your app could tap into a significant market.
Why consider creating a mobile app?
- You'll have the ability to share your martial arts expertise globally, reaching users beyond your local area.
- A well-designed app can generate continuous revenue, offering subscription models, in-app purchases, or one-time payments.
- You could build a community of engaged users, providing value through content updates and interactive features.
For more inspirational success stories, check out these mobile app business examples.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
6. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Starting a health and wellness app would make sense as a martial artist because you already embody the principles of discipline, fitness, and well-being that users seek in such platforms. By leveraging your expertise, you could offer customized workout programs, nutrition advice, and mental wellness strategies to a wider audience. This digital venture not only supplements your income but also helps you reach more people without being limited by geographical constraints.
Why start a health and wellness app?
- You could tap into a growing market of health-conscious individuals looking for expert advice.
- Your martial arts background provides you with unique insights and techniques that can set your app apart from others.
- You could positively impact lives by offering accessible guidance on physical fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being.
For more insights on starting a health and wellness app, you can check out some success stories here.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
7. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Starting a social media automation business as a martial artist taps into your discipline and strategic thinking, enabling you to effortlessly manage multiple accounts while driving significant engagement and growth. This opportunity involves creating tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data for clients ranging from small businesses to influencers. With the increasing demand for consistent and strategic social media engagement, there’s a lucrative market for these services.
By leveraging your martial arts mindset, you could develop or integrate innovative software solutions, stay updated on social media trends, and build strong client relationships tailored to their needs. A background in martial arts can provide the perseverance and focus necessary to succeed in this tech-driven landscape. For more ideas on making your social media automation business profitable, click here.
Why start a social media automation business?
- You could turn your tech and marketing skills into a profitable venture by helping others save time and enhance their social media presence.
- Leveraging the discipline and strategic mindset from martial arts, you could effectively manage and grow multiple social media accounts seamlessly.
- This business provides a flexible side income stream that could easily transition into a full-time endeavor.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
8. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Integrating AI solutions into your business as a martial artist can help you supplement your income, make extra money, or even start a full-fledged side business. An AI-based business solution leverages artificial intelligence to streamline operations, provide valuable customer insights, and make data-driven decisions. This can include automating repetitive tasks, enhancing customer service, and optimizing marketing strategies. The demand for AI solutions is growing rapidly, making it a potentially lucrative opportunity for those looking to innovate and outperform competitors.
Why start an AI-based business solution?
- You can enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs by automating routine tasks.
- AI offers valuable customer insights and market predictions, helping you make informed decisions.
- Many AI platforms are user-friendly and provide robust support, so you don't need a tech background to get started.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
9. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast could be an excellent way for martial artists to supplement their income, make extra money, or even create a full-scale business. By sharing their expertise, stories, and insights, martial artists can connect with a larger audience and build a community around their passion for martial arts. To get started, they'll need to choose a niche, acquire some basic recording equipment, and find a hosting platform. Promotion through social media and online communities can help build an audience and attract sponsors or advertisers.
Why consider starting a podcast?
- It allows you to share your martial arts knowledge and experiences with a broad audience.
- You can build a dedicated community of listeners who are passionate about martial arts.
- Monetization opportunities exist through sponsorships, advertising, and listener support.
For more inspiration and practical advice on starting a podcast, check out these success stories from Starter Story.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
10. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
As a martial artist with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a WordPress plugin business can be a rewarding way to supplement your income or even create a full-time venture. With WordPress being a dominant platform for websites, there is a growing demand for plugins that provide solutions to specific problems. If you can identify an issue within the martial arts community or general web management and develop a plugin to solve it, you could generate substantial income from sales and support services.
You could sell your plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon, your blog, or a dedicated website. This business allows you to leverage your problem-solving skills and technical expertise to create digital products that people need.
Learn more about starting a WordPress Plugin Business.
Why starting a WordPress plugin business?
- Creating solutions for online problems taps into a large market demand.
- It offers the potential for passive income through sales and recurring subscriptions.
- It allows you to use and expand your technical skills while solving real-world issues for your community and beyond.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
11. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
As a martial artist, venturing into the world of lead generation tools offers a unique opportunity to blend tech-savvy skills with an entrepreneurial mindset. By creating a lead generation tool, you could automate the process of identifying and capturing potential customer leads for businesses, allowing firms to streamline their marketing efforts and grow their customer base. This business model not only supplements your income but also leverages your ability to understand discipline and strategy, much like in martial arts.
Efficient lead generation tools integrate seamlessly with various digital platforms, helping businesses gather valuable data such as email addresses, phone numbers, and customer interests. If you possess marketing insight and technical skills, developing a lead generation tool allows you to tap into a high-demand market with significant potential for profitability. For more detailed insights, you can explore here.
Why developing a lead generation tool?
- High demand: Businesses are always looking for ways to streamline their marketing efforts and increase their customer base.
- Profit potential: A well-designed tool can generate significant income, providing a profitable business model for tech-savvy entrepreneurs.
- Impact: By automating lead generation, you help businesses focus on what they do best, effectively boosting their performance.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
12. Start a volleyball accessories business
If you’re a martial artist looking to diversify your income, why not consider starting a volleyball accessories business? Volleyball, like martial arts, is a sport that relies heavily on specialized equipment and gear, making it a lucrative market to tap into. Whether you're designing custom knee pads, wristbands, or portable ball pumps, this venture allows you to leverage your insight into athlete needs and quality equipment.
Running a volleyball accessories business might sound like a different ball game compared to martial arts, but it hinges on similar principles: dedication, discipline, and a deep understanding of what athletes require. Plus, the growing popularity of recreational sports means there’s a continuously expanding customer base for high-quality volleyball gear. To learn more about the logistics and success stories related to this business idea, check out this page on Starter Story.
Why starting a volleyball accessories business?
- You could tap into a niche market with high demand for quality sports accessories.
- Running this business allows you to utilize your entrepreneurial skills and sporting knowledge.
- Diversifying into recreational sports gear can supplement your income while maintaining your connection to the athletic community.
How much you can make: $1,000,000/month
CROSSNET, the world's first four-way volleyball game, went from $74,000 in revenue in 2018 to $2,250,000 in sales in just one year by attracting customers through social media, email marketing, and exclusive distribution agreements with retailers like Target.
13. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
For martial artists with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a subscription box business offers a promising avenue to supplement your income or even build a full-fledged business. Leveraging your expertise, you could curate monthly boxes filled with training equipment, instructional DVDs, health supplements, and exclusive martial arts merchandise. These boxes not only provide ongoing value to your subscribers but also create a steady revenue stream for you, enhancing customer engagement and loyalty.
Explore success stories and tips to take your first step at Starter Story.
Why a subscription box business?
- Niche expertise: As a martial artist, you have unique insights into the needs and preferences of your community, making your box offerings highly relevant and valuable.
- Recurring revenue: Subscription models ensure a steady stream of income, offering financial stability and growth opportunities.
- Community building: A subscription box helps you foster a dedicated community, enhancing customer loyalty and providing an avenue for deeper engagement.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
14. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business could be a great way for martial artists to supplement their income while leveraging their passion and knowledge of the field. By promoting relevant products and services, such as martial arts gear, fitness supplements, or training programs, you can earn commissions on every sale made through your referral links. This entrepreneurial venture allows you to utilize your existing network and expertise in the industry to generate passive income over time.
To get started, you may want to explore how other affiliate marketers have found success in similar niches. Learning how to choose the right products and brands to partner with is crucial for maximizing your earnings. Check out Starter Story’s success stories for inspiration and practical advice.
Why consider affiliate marketing?
- It's low-cost and low-risk. There’s no need to invest in inventory or warehousing.
- Your martial arts expertise provides a natural and authentic foundation for promoting related products.
- Affiliate marketing offers the potential for passive income, allowing you to focus on your primary martial arts activities while still earning extra money.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
15. Start a web scraping API ($34.2K/month)
In today’s data-driven world, accessing web data efficiently can make or break a business. By starting a web scraping API, you could provide companies with tools to automate data collection, whether for market research, competitor analysis, or content aggregation. Although it requires robust coding skills and knowledge of web protocols, the versatility of this business idea means your service can cater to a multitude of industries, offering endless entrepreneurial potential.
Why start a web scraping API?
- Data is invaluable. Businesses need actionable insights, and your service could be their go-to source.
- Low overhead costs. Unlike physical businesses, a web scraping API mainly requires your time and coding expertise.
- High scalability. Start with a niche and expand as you grow, maximizing your revenue without massive upfront investment.
For more insights, check out tips on starting a web scraping API here.
How much you can make: $50 — $125,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $900 (?)
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
PlanIt is a travel recommendation and planning platform that has seen compelling growth in database coverage and user growth, covering every country in the world with several thousand users and a large SEO focus as well as a growing interest from travel and lifestyle businesses to list their details.
16. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
Starting a niche website as a martial artist could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even create a full-fledged business. By focusing on your expertise in martial arts, you can create targeted content such as techniques, instructional videos, reviews of gear, and more to serve a dedicated audience. This allows you to monetize through various channels including affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling exclusive digital products.
Why start a niche website?
- Turn your unique knowledge into a reliable income. Your expertise in martial arts positions you as an authority, making your content valuable.
- Enjoy creative freedom and flexibility. You can write, film, and share what you're genuinely passionate about.
- Create a sustainable passive income. Over time, your site can generate revenue consistently with minimal ongoing effort.
For more detailed success stories, visit Starter Story.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
17. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
Venturing into a stock investing business can be an excellent way to supplement your income as a martial artist. Busy training schedules often allow for flexible hours, making stock trading a viable option as you can analyze markets and execute trades at your convenience. Market insights and proper strategy will enable you to potentially turn a significant profit, adding another layer to your financial security.
If you love analyzing trends and making calculated decisions, this business aligns well with the analytical prowess needed in martial arts. Educational resources and online trading platforms are readily available to help you get started efficiently. This endeavor requires a lot of dedication and continuous learning, much like the commitment you already give to your martial arts practice.
Why consider starting a stock investing business?
- You can leverage your analytical skills, honed through martial arts, for financial gain.
- The flexible trading hours can easily fit around your training and teaching schedules.
- Investing intelligently in stocks offers the potential for high returns over time.
For more on starting a stock investing business, explore success stories.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.
18. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
If you're a martial artist looking for a unique way to supplement your income or start a side business, consider diving into stock photography. As a martial artist, you possess the agility, precision, and focus required to capture dynamic and captivating shots that stand out in the competitive stock photography market. By investing in quality photography gear and honing your skills, you could create an impressive portfolio that can attract buyers, from bloggers to marketing agencies, who are in need of high-quality, action-packed visuals.
Why start a stock photography business?
- You could leverage your unique perspective as a martial artist to produce niche, in-demand photos that capture the intensity and artistry of martial arts.
- It offers passive income opportunities. Once your photos are uploaded, they can generate continuous revenue with minimal ongoing effort.
- You could diversify your income streams. Stock photography allows you to monetize your passion for martial arts without having to commit to a full-time job or disrupt your training regimen.
Explore more about the profitability and marketing strategies for a stock photography business here.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
19. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
As a martial artist, starting a dropshipping business is a practical way to supplement your income by leveraging your passion for martial arts gear, apparel, and equipment. This business model allows you to sell products online without the need to hold inventory, which means lower upfront costs. By establishing an online store on platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, and connecting with reliable suppliers, you could create a seamless shopping experience for your customers while focusing on marketing and customer service to expand your business.
Check out our page on how to start a successful dropshipping business for more details and inspiration.
Why start a dropshipping business?
- You could turn your knowledge of martial arts gear into a profitable niche market.
- There are lower upfront costs involved since you do not need to maintain inventory.
- Manage your business from anywhere, giving you the flexibility to keep training and competing.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
20. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)
Starting a real estate investment firm offers martial artists a strategic way to build wealth and diversify their income streams. With the property market's potential for substantial profits and steady cash flow from rentals, it could be an excellent side business or even a main venture. The skills you’ve honed in martial arts—discipline, strategic thinking, and risk management—translate well into property investment.
Why consider a real estate investment firm?
- Leverage your strategic mindset: Martial arts require careful planning and strategy, which are essential for successful property scouting and deal negotiations.
- Build a steady income stream: Rental properties offer consistent cash flow, providing financial stability while you focus on your martial arts practice.
- Long-term wealth growth: Real estate can significantly appreciate over time, turning your initial investments into substantial long-term gains.
If you're keen to explore more about this, check out some success stories of real estate investment firms.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
