14 Business Ideas For Martial Artists [2024]
As a martial artist, you have unique skills and knowledge that can open doors to various business opportunities. In 2024, there's a growing market for services and products tailored to the martial arts community, and you could be at the forefront of this trend.
Imagine offering specialized training programs or opening your own dojo, providing meaningful and personalized experiences for your students. Additionally, you could develop and sell martial arts equipment and gear, tapping into a niche market that appreciates quality and innovation.
You could also explore digital avenues, such as online coaching, instructional videos, or martial arts-related apps. These ventures could extend your reach, allowing you to share your expertise with a global audience and generate income beyond traditional teaching.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other martial artists businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast is a fantastic way for a martial artist to share knowledge, build a community, and supplement their income. Through engaging audio content, you could provide insights on techniques, discuss martial arts philosophy, share training tips, or interview other experts in the field. This not only helps establish you as a thought leader but also opens avenues for sponsorship, advertising, and even product promotion.
Why start a podcast?
- You could reach a global audience and connect with martial arts enthusiasts from all over the world.
- Sharing your expertise via a podcast helps build your personal brand, which could attract sponsors and new students for your dojo.
- A podcast is a relatively low-cost venture that can be started with basic equipment, and it has the potential to generate significant income as your listener base grows.
For more inspiration and to understand the potential profitability of starting a podcast, you can check out podcast success stories.
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.
2. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
As a martial artist, starting an online course sales business allows you to share your passion and expertise with a wider audience while generating income. By creating and selling courses that teach various martial arts techniques, you can leverage your skills to create a passive income stream. With the e-learning market expected to be worth over $645 billion in the next few years, this is a fantastic opportunity to capitalize on a growing industry. For inspiration, check out these success stories on how others have started their online course sales businesses.
Why start an online course sales business?
- You can turn a one-time effort into continuous revenue. Once your course is created, it can generate passive income for years.
- Teaching martial arts online opens up your audience from local to global, allowing you to reach students everywhere.
- You’ll be able to help others achieve their goals in mastering martial arts, which is incredibly rewarding and satisfying.
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 YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel would make sense as a martial artist because it allows you to share your expertise, build an audience, and potentially generate revenue. You could create content like instructional videos, training tips, or personal vlogs showcasing your journey, thereby providing value and inspiration to other martial artists. This platform not only elevates your personal brand but also offers monetization opportunities through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.
Why consider starting a YouTube channel?
- You could transform your passion for martial arts into engaging content that helps others improve their skills.
- Building a YouTube channel allows you to reach a global audience, increasing your visibility and influence in the martial arts community.
- There are financial opportunities through ad revenue, sponsorships, and selling your own branded merchandise.
For more insights, check out this page on Starter Story: YouTube Channel Business Ideas.
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.
4. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog as a martial artist can be an exciting way to share your unique expertise and connect with others who share your passion. By identifying a specific, underserved niche within the martial arts community, you can provide valuable insights, commentary, and how-to guides tailored to your audience's interests. With dedication, your blog could grow into a profitable venture through various monetization strategies, such as affiliate marketing, collaborating with relevant brands, or even launching a YouTube channel.
For inspiration, you might want to check out some tips on successful niche blogs here.
Why start a niche blog? - You'll be able to share your unique martial arts knowledge and reach a targeted audience interested in your expertise. - Monetize your blog through affiliate links, brand collaborations, and content partnerships, turning your passion into a profitable venture. - Create a platform to engage with a community of like-minded individuals, gaining recognition and potentially opening up new opportunities such as speaking engagements or product endorsements.
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.
5. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business offers martial artists a novel way to supplement their income and engage with their community. By curating monthly boxes filled with niche products such as training gear, supplements, and instructional materials, you could provide valuable resources that keep your customers motivated and excited. This type of business leverages your expertise in martial arts and can be highly profitable, given the growing demand for curated, exclusive products. Check out some success stories to get inspired.
Why start a subscription box business?
- You could build a loyal customer base with recurring revenue from monthly subscriptions.
- A subscription box offers a unique opportunity to share your martial arts passions and expertise with others.
- This business model allows you to creatively market and promote exclusive, high-quality products that your audience will love.
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.
6. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
As a martial artist, you could leverage your expertise by developing a mobile app dedicated to fitness, self-defense, or martial arts training. This venture allows you to share training routines, techniques, and motivational resources with a wide audience. Creating a mobile app provides an opportunity to impact people's fitness journeys, offering both convenience and flexibility for your users.
Why develop a mobile app? - You could reach a global audience, sharing your martial arts expertise beyond geographical boundaries. - Mobile apps provide a scalable platform, allowing you to generate recurring revenue through subscriptions or in-app purchases. - You'll stay connected with your community, offering constant value through updates, tips, and interactive features.
To learn more about starting a mobile app business, visit Starter Story here.
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.
7. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Creating a health and wellness app can be an exciting opportunity for martial artists looking to supplement their income or start a side business. By leveraging your knowledge of fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, you could design an application that offers personalized routines, meal plans, and mindfulness exercises tailored to individual users. This venture not only broadens your reach but also taps into a growing market eager for holistic health solutions.
Why start a health and wellness app?
- Continuous Demand: Health and wellness is a booming industry, with increasing interest and investment in digital solutions.
- Expert Credibility: Your martial arts background provides a strong foundation and unique insights into fitness and mental discipline, making your app more authentic and valuable.
- Passive Income: Once developed, the app can generate recurring revenue through subscriptions, in-app purchases, and premium features.
For more detailed guidance and real-life success stories, visit Starter Story's health-and-wellness-app success stories.
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.
8. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
As a martial artist, starting a print-on-demand business can be a financially rewarding way to share your passion with the world. This business model allows you to design and sell custom apparel, accessories, and home goods featuring martial arts themes, quotes, and artwork, without needing to invest in inventory. With the potential to market to a global audience on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, you could leverage your unique perspective and creativity to build a successful and scalable business right from your home.
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- You could create and sell martial arts-themed products that resonate with fellow enthusiasts.
- You could generate extra income with minimal startup costs and no need for inventory management.
- You could run your business flexibly, allowing you to balance martial arts training and entrepreneurship.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
9. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
For martial artists looking to supplement their income, starting a stock investing business could be a viable option. This venture involves buying and selling stocks to generate profit by analyzing market trends, making informed decisions, and executing trades with precision. Just like in martial arts, success in stock investing requires discipline, continuous learning, and strategic planning.
Check out some stock investing tips!
Why start a stock investing business?
- Flexibility to trade at your own pace, making it a great side business or primary venture.
- Potential for high returns with disciplined strategy and informed decision-making.
- Utilizes your analytical mindset and focus, akin to mastering martial arts techniques.
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.
10. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Starting a stock photography business could be an excellent way for martial artists to supplement their income and leverage their unique expertise. As a martial artist, you already understand discipline, technique, and the aesthetic appeal of dynamic movements, which translate well into compelling and marketable photography. By capturing high-quality, action-packed shots that showcase various martial arts techniques, you could build an impressive portfolio that attracts buyers in the marketing and advertising sectors.
Investing in good photography gear and learning the art of stock photography could help you generate a passive income stream. Additionally, an excellent online presence will enable you to sell your stock photos faster and more profitably. Explore different sizes, resolutions, and file formats to meet diverse business needs.
Why start a stock photography business?
- You could transform your martial arts skills into compelling visual art, appealing to a broad range of buyers.
- High-quality, action-packed shots are in demand for marketing and advertising, offering steady income potential.
- A well-curated online portfolio could generate passive income, allowing you to focus more on your martial arts practice.
Learn more about the profitability of a stock photography business.
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.
11. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
The flexibility and wide reach of an ecommerce reselling business make it an attractive option for martial artists looking to supplement their income or even pivot to a new entrepreneurial venture. As a martial artist, you likely have specialized knowledge about quality gear, apparel, and training equipment, which makes you perfectly suited to evaluate and curate valuable products for your audience. By leveraging your community connections and expertise, you could successfully market and sell these products online, all while maintaining the focus on your martial arts practice.
Starting an ecommerce reselling business doesn’t require a massive upfront investment, and you can initially leverage platforms like social media to gain traction before establishing a dedicated website. To explore the potential of this business more, check out detailed insights on the pros and cons and start-up costs involved in ecommerce reselling.
Why consider starting an ecommerce reselling business?
- Low startup costs make it accessible for those on a budget, allowing you to invest gradually as your business scales.
- You can leverage your martial arts expertise to select and promote high-quality products that resonate with your audience.
- This business model allows for flexibility, enabling you to manage it alongside your martial arts training or teaching commitments.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
12. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)
Venturing into real estate investment could be a brilliant side business for martial artists looking to diversify their income streams. As a martial artist, you're already skilled in discipline, focus, and strategic thinking—traits that bode well for success in real estate. This business involves purchasing, managing, and selling properties for profit, offering both immediate cash flow from rental properties and long-term gains from asset appreciation.
Given the potential for substantial financial returns, becoming involved in real estate could prove to be a lucrative and rewarding endeavor. Moreover, it provides the flexibility to manage your real estate activities alongside your martial arts schedule.
Why start a real estate investment firm?
- Real estate offers substantial profit potential through rental income and property appreciation.
- You can leverage your discipline and strategic thinking skills to excel in a competitive market.
- Flexibility in managing investments allows you to balance your martial arts career and real estate ventures.
For more insights, check out real estate investment firm success stories to see how others have thrived.
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.
13. Start a web scraping API ($34.2K/month)
If you are a martial artist looking to supplement your income, starting a web scraping API could be an intriguing venture. This business opportunity allows you to harness your discipline and technical skills to provide automated data collection services for other businesses. Martial artists are known for their focus and perseverance, qualities that can be invaluable when navigating the technical challenges of developing and maintaining a reliable web scraping API.
As businesses continue to rely heavily on data analytics for market research, competitor analysis, and content aggregation, your web scraping API could become an essential tool. For more insights, you can explore this page on Starter Story.
Why consider a web scraping API?
- You’ll create a versatile service that can cater to multiple industries, increasing business opportunities.
- The business model allows for scalability, letting you start small and expand as demand grows.
- Your focus and perseverance as a martial artist will help you overcome the technical challenges of this venture.
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.
14. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
Harnessing the power of a lead generation tool could be a lucrative venture for martial artists looking to diversify their income. By creating software that identifies and captures potential leads, you could streamline the often time-consuming task of finding new clients for various businesses. This tool can integrate with websites, social media channels, and other digital touchpoints to collect valuable data, making it a necessity for businesses aiming to grow their customer base and enhance marketing efficiency. If you're tech-savvy with a knack for marketing, this could be your next profitable side hustle or primary business. For more detailed insights, check out this page on Starter Story.
Why developing a lead generation tool? - You can create a valuable asset that attracts clients by automating the lead capture process, saving businesses time and resources. - The demand for efficient lead generation is high, ensuring a steady market for your tool among various industries. - Leveraging your analytical skills and strategic thinking learned from martial arts can give you a unique edge in understanding what businesses need.
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.
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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.
