19 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. Create an online course ($91.9K/month)
As a martial artist, creating and selling online courses allows you to share your expertise with a global audience while generating passive income. By identifying educational gaps in martial arts training and developing engaging video lessons, you could serve lifelong learners seeking convenient access to specialized skills. This entrepreneurial endeavor requires minimal startup costs and offers flexibility in how you structure your courses, whether self-paced or cohort-based.
You could learn more about creating online courses by visiting this link on how to start an online courses business.
Why create an online course?
- It turns your passion into a passive income stream. Once your course is created, it continues to attract and generate revenue from new students.
- You already possess valuable knowledge that others seek. Focus on teaching what you know best and let your expertise shine.
- Teaching martial arts online allows you to reach students worldwide. This could expand your influence and help more people experience the benefits of martial arts.
How much you can make: $350 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)
Learn how one couple created a successful personal finance blog, The Savvy Couple, that now makes over $20,000 per month and has sold thousands of digital workbooks and courses, by focusing on purposeful content and optimizing their ROI with efficient time management.
2. Start an online fitness business ($78K/month)
As a martial artist, starting an online fitness business could blend your passion with a lucrative and flexible profession. Online fitness is growing rapidly in popularity because it’s convenient, affordable, and accessible to everyone. You could leverage your unique skills and expertise in martial arts to create specialized fitness programs, and you don’t need to worry about the overhead costs associated with physical locations.
Why should you start an online fitness business?
- You could reach a global audience. Unlike a physical gym, an online platform allows you to share your expertise with students from anywhere in the world.
- As a martial artist, you have unique skills that differentiate you from traditional fitness trainers. You could offer niche programs that integrate martial arts techniques to attract a wider range of clients.
- Online fitness training offers flexibility. You have the ability to set your own schedule and work from anywhere, providing you with the freedom to balance your passion and business.
For more information on how to get started, check out this guide.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study is about a former personal trainer who launched his online personal training platform, TeamFFLEX, starting with no money and a lot of drive, and grew it into a 6-figure business in less than a year, now doing $48,000 a month with potential for continued growth.
3. Become an online fitness coach ($21K/month)
Starting an online fitness coach business as a martial artist allows you to leverage your deep understanding of physical fitness and discipline to help others achieve their fitness goals. With the global increase in internet users and more hours spent online, now is a great time to offer live or recorded video classes to a broader audience while supplementing your income or even building a full-time business.
Becoming an online fitness coach allows you to tailor your sessions to focus on your unique blend of martial arts and fitness, offering clients specialized training that they might not find elsewhere. Visit Starter Story for more ideas and insights on venture opportunities here.
Why start an online fitness coaching business?
- Utilize your martial arts expertise to offer unique and specialized fitness programs.
- Adapt to the increasing demand for online fitness services, reaching clients worldwide.
- Create a flexible income stream that fits around your martial arts training and teaching schedules.
How much you can make: $250 — $82,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study is about a former personal trainer who launched his online personal training platform, TeamFFLEX, starting with no money and a lot of drive, and grew it into a 6-figure business in less than a year, now doing $48,000 a month with potential for continued growth.
4. Start a fitness equipment company ($327K/month)
For martial artists, starting a fitness equipment company could be a lucrative venture. This allows you to leverage your expertise in physical fitness and market products that you understand intimately. By combining your passion for martial arts with entrepreneurial skills, you could create equipment that meets the specific needs of other martial artists, trainers, and fitness enthusiasts.
Why consider starting a fitness equipment company?
- You could design and sell specialized equipment tailored to martial arts, meeting the unique demands of your peers.
- As a martial artist, you have credibility and insight into what makes quality fitness gear, giving you an edge in the marketplace.
- There is constant demand for fitness equipment in gyms, schools, and personal settings, providing a stable customer base.
Looking for inspiration? Check out our guide on how to start a fitness equipment company for more detailed steps.
How much you can make: $9,300 — $1,200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Serena Jenkins-Hannah created a fitness brand, Serena Hannah Athletics, that has generated over $100,000 in sales over a year and a half, with $70,000 of those sales coming during COVID-19, through selling their #1 item, the Hannah Booty Band System, on Amazon, and has now expanded to Shopify to add cash flow.
5. Start a hygiene product company ($1.18M/month)
Starting a hygiene product company could be a natural fit for martial artists, given the high demand for cleanliness and personal hygiene within the martial arts community. The products could range from hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes to soaps specially formulated to combat bacteria and fungus that martial artists often encounter. As a martial artist, you would have firsthand knowledge of the specific hygiene needs in dojos and gyms, enabling you to create products that truly meet the demands of your peers.
Why starting a hygiene product company?
- You could leverage your personal experience to design products tailored to martial artists.
- Hygiene products are always in demand, making it a potentially lucrative business year-round.
- Your established network within the martial arts community could provide an immediate customer base.
How much you can make: $30,000 — $5,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 332 days (?)
A hygiene solutions company founded by Jonathan Bradford now earns £500k/month, after years of developing a wall-mounted antibacterial wipe dispenser that is used in health clubs, workplaces, and in over 100 locations worldwide, and also developing an electronic washroom hygiene monitor.
6. Start a marketing agency ($250K/month)
Starting a marketing agency makes sense for martial artists because it allows you to leverage your unique skills and discipline to create a profitable business. Utilizing your network within the martial arts community, you could specialize in marketing for fitness centers, dojos, and sporting events, providing a niche service that benefits from your insider knowledge. Marketing agencies can be lucrative, and this venture could supplement your income while allowing you to remain engaged in the world of martial arts.
Why start a marketing agency?
- You already possess strong discipline and focus, key traits needed to successfully run a marketing agency.
- Your connections within the martial arts community could become a valuable client base, ensuring steady business opportunities.
- The flexibility of a marketing agency allows you to balance training and competition with entrepreneurial endeavors.
For more detailed information on starting a successful marketing agency, check out how to start a marketing agency.
How much you can make: $1,300 — $8,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
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.
7. Start an art business ($61.4K/month)
Starting an art business can be a unique way for martial artists to diversify their income while expressing their creative side. You could leverage your artistic talents to create works inspired by martial arts, such as paintings, sculptures, or digital art. This combination of passion and creativity can lead to a fulfilling enterprise where you work on your schedule, set your prices, and do what you love—ultimately supporting yourself financially.
Why start an art business?
- You can integrate your martial arts passion into your artwork, creating a unique niche market.
- Your art could serve as a powerful way to inspire and connect with the martial arts community.
- Selling through various platforms, like online stores or craft fairs, offers flexibility and ample opportunities to reach diverse audiences.
Learn more about starting an art business here.
How much you can make: $876 — $415,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Innerglow Art is a successful custom abstract painting business that incorporates scripture and personable connection with buyers to produce beautiful and unique artwork.
8. Start a freelance writing business ($65.5K/month)
Starting a freelance writing business makes perfect sense for martial artists looking to supplement their income or start a side business. The flexibility of freelance writing allows you to design your work schedule around your training and teaching commitments. Additionally, being a martial artist gives you a unique perspective that can be valuable in writing niche content related to fitness, discipline, and self-defense.
Why consider becoming a freelance writer?
- Leverage your unique experiences to write engaging content that resonates with fitness and martial arts enthusiasts.
- Enjoy the flexibility to adapt your work hours around your training schedule, allowing you to maintain peak performance.
- Tap into a growing market for health and wellness content, positioning yourself as an expert voice in the niche.
For more insights, explore freelance writing business success stories.
How much you can make: $700 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 56 days (?)
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
9. Start a hot sauce business ($85.1K/month)
Starting a hot sauce business could be a fiery and flavorful way to supplement your income as a martial artist. It's a versatile product that appeals to a wide audience, which means a great market potential. Given the discipline and focus you already exhibit in martial arts, you could seamlessly translate these skills into running a successful hot sauce business.
Why start a hot sauce business?
- You could leverage the existing popularity of hot sauce, tapping into a market that consumes multiple varieties weekly.
- Your martial arts discipline and precision could help you create unique and compelling hot sauce recipes.
- You could start small with minimal initial investment and grow your hot sauce business over time.
To learn more about how to kickstart your hot sauce venture, you can visit some success stories from other entrepreneurs in the field here.
How much you can make: $2,250 — $200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 190 days (?)
Trini Pepper Sauce co-founder and co-owner, Mustafa Mannan, shares how he successfully imported and manufactured his family's unique pepper sauce recipe and launched it through a Kickstarter campaign, now selling an average of $3,000/month in revenue.
10. Start a specialty food business ($49.8K/month)
For martial artists looking to diversify their income streams, starting a specialty food business could be a lucrative opportunity. Specialty foods, which are crafted with high-quality and unique ingredients, appeal to a health-conscious audience. Their premium nature aligns well with the discipline and focus on well-being inherent in martial arts training. By leveraging your understanding of nutrition and physical performance, you could create products that resonate deeply with your market.
You can explore how to kickstart your specialty food business by visiting this comprehensive starter guide.
Why starting a specialty food business?
- You could leverage your knowledge of nutrition to offer premium, health-focused products that appeal to fitness enthusiasts.
- Growing at an annual rate of 6.4%, the global specialty food ingredients market presents a compelling opportunity for profit.
- Your martial arts discipline can translate into the meticulous creation of high-quality, niche food products that set your business apart.
By combining your passion for martial arts with entrepreneurial drive, a specialty food business could be your next big venture.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $124,998/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
ChipMonk co-founders built a mail-order bakery selling low carb, gluten-free desserts, making around $25,000 a month with growth through e-commerce, and plans to tighten budgets and conserve cash in challenging times.
11. Start a corporate uniforms
Starting a corporate uniforms business could be an excellent sideline for martial artists who appreciate discipline, presentation, and quality apparel. Transitioning from the martial arts world, where uniformity and professionalism are pivotal, to providing corporate uniforms could be seamless. This venture allows you to extend the principles of martial arts—respect, discipline, and pride in appearance—to corporate environments that value a consistent and professional look. To get an idea of the logistics involved, check out this guide on startup costs.
Why starting a corporate uniforms?
- Martial artists understand the importance of quality and durability in uniforms, ensuring satisfied customers.
- You could leverage your existing network within the martial arts community to find clients interested in uniform solutions.
- Being familiar with discipline and standardization provides a unique edge in ensuring corporate clients get exactly what they need.
How much you can make: $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Case study on the transformation of a D2C menswear brand into a successful B2B uniform provider for hospitality industry giants, achieving revenue growth from $700k in 2019 to $3.4M in 2023, through strategic collaborations, product expansion, and community-driven initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
12. Start a green app developer business
Starting a green app developer business could be an ideal venture for martial artists seeking to supplement their income or launch a side business. By creating mobile applications focused on sustainability and eco-friendliness, you can make a positive impact while tapping into a growing market of eco-conscious consumers. This not only allows you to leverage your discipline and focus but also aligns with the principles of respect and responsibility inherent in martial arts.
Why start a green app developer business?
- You can make a difference. Designing eco-friendly apps promotes environmental stewardship, aligning with the martial artist’s ethos of responsibility and respect.
- It's a growing market. The demand for green technology is increasing, providing you with ample opportunities to innovate and succeed.
- Skill sets are transferable. The discipline and focus you’ve cultivated in martial arts can be applied to mastering app development quickly and efficiently.
For more details, check out success stories of green app developers on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $150,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Studio Ninja is a photography business management app that has achieved 6 years of success, with 7,000 active paying subscribers and monthly recurring revenue of $150,000, thanks to co-founder Chris Garbacz's experiences and failures as a wedding photographer and serial entrepreneur.
13. Start an environmental blogging business
Starting an environmental blogging business could make a lot of sense for martial artists who are passionate about the environment. Teaching martial arts often comes with a philosophy rooted in balance, respect, and care for the world around you, values that align perfectly with environmental advocacy. By running a blog, you could educate others on the importance of sustainability while promoting eco-friendly products through affiliate links, creating a steady stream of income. Plus, it's a flexible endeavor that can complement your martial arts practice schedule.
Why start an environmental blogging business?
- You could align your martial arts philosophy with environmental advocacy, deepening your impact.
- You already have discipline and dedication—skills that are crucial for consistent blogging.
- Monetizing through affiliate links or ads allows you to generate passive income in alignment with your values.
How much you can make: $200/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Blue Oceans Green Earth, an eco-friendly affiliate marketing site promoting alternatives to plastic, shares the challenges they faced in building brand awareness and how rebranding and a team of VAs saved the business, with plans to balance revenue channels soon.
14. Start a vacation rental amenity kits business
Starting a vacation rental amenity kits business could be a lucrative side hustle for martial artists looking to supplement their income. With your discipline and attention to detail, you could curate high-quality, personalized amenity kits that enhance the guest experience at vacation rentals. This business allows you to leverage your organizational skills while creating a steady revenue stream, which can support your martial arts passion.
Why start a vacation rental amenity kits business?
- You could tap into a growing market for unique and personalized vacation rental experiences.
- Your discipline and focus can ensure top-notch quality and consistent customer satisfaction.
- The business offers flexibility, allowing you to manage it alongside your martial arts training and other commitments.
For more details, you can explore specific startup costs and marketing ideas here.
15. Start an agricultural consulting business
Starting an agricultural consulting business could be an excellent fit for a martial artist looking to supplement their income or start a side business. With the strategic thinking, discipline, and goal-setting skills honed in martial arts, you could bring a unique perspective to advising farmers on technical, financial, and commercial decisions. By leveraging your martial arts mindset, you can help farmers optimize their operations for peak efficiency and productivity, ensuring businesses run smoothly and effectively.
To become an agricultural consultant, consider taking courses in agriculture, horticulture, crop/plant science, or animal science. Armed with the proper qualifications and a disciplined approach, you could make a significant impact on the agricultural industry, helping farmers make better decisions for their business success. For further information, you can check out this guide to starting an agricultural consulting business.
Why starting an agricultural consulting business?
- You could apply your martial arts discipline to ensure efficient and effective client operations.
- The strategic thinking skills gained from martial arts can enhance your ability to give actionable and valuable advice.
- This venture allows you to diversify your income by tapping into a growing industry while leveraging your unique skills.
How much you can make: $1,000,000/month
Shark Wheel reinvented the wheel, starting in the skateboard industry with a highly successful Kickstarter campaign and going on to secure issued patents in over 33 countries, with plans to expand into the industrial market.
16. Start a writing & editing business ($213K/month)
Starting a writing and editing business can be an excellent venture for martial artists looking to supplement their income or embark on a side business. With the skills and discipline inherent to martial arts, you have the ability to focus, set goals, and consistently produce high-quality work. Such a business offers flexibility, allowing you to work around your training schedule and even from any location.
In addition, the earning potential of freelancing in writing and editing is significant, with opportunities to grow your network and establish yourself as an expert in the field. Whether you're writing articles, editing manuscripts, or proofreading business documents, you can tap into a vast market that constantly demands these services.
Why starting a writing & editing business?
- Martial artists possess discipline and focus, essential for meeting deadlines and maintaining high standards.
- Writing and editing offer flexible hours, allowing you to work around training sessions.
- You can build a diverse network by connecting with clients from various industries.
For more insights on starting a writing and editing business, click here.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $2,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. -1 hours/week
A founder shares how he built AudioPen.ai, a tool that transcribes voice notes, generating $15,000 monthly with minimal costs and no paid marketing, highlighting the importance of focusing on the product, word of mouth, and personal communication with users for sustainable growth.
17. Start a gaming, sports and entertainment center ($213K/month)
For martial artists with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a gaming, sports, and entertainment center can be a fantastic way to supplement your income. Such a facility can offer a wide range of interactive activities including video game consoles, virtual reality games, laser tag, and sports courts, creating an exciting environment that appeals to diverse groups. As a martial artist, you already understand the importance of physical activity and discipline, both of which can be translated into managing a center that focuses on fun, fitness, and entertainment.
Running a successful gaming, sports, and entertainment center will require dedication to customer satisfaction, regular maintenance of equipment, and a variety of activities that can attract a wide customer base. Marketing efforts, such as advertising through social media and local community partnerships, will also be critical in drawing attention and ensuring a steady flow of customers. For more information on starting a business like this, you can explore success stories and startup costs on Starter Story.
Why start a gaming, sports, and entertainment center?
- You can leverage your understanding of discipline and physical activity to create a fun and engaging environment.
- You'll have the opportunity to reach a diverse customer base by offering a variety of activities.
- By focusing on customer satisfaction, you can build a loyal and returning clientele, enhancing profitability and business growth.
How much you can make: $1,250 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
This case study article follows the journey of a designer-turned-programmer who acquired a multiplayer card game website, World of Card Games, and managed to increase its revenue to $4,000 per month within a year, sharing insights on building the product, launching the business, and attracting and retaining customers.
18. Start a pizza delivery business
Starting a pizza delivery business could be an excellent side hustle for martial artists looking to supplement their income. The global pizza market is booming, set to reach over $233.26 billion in the coming years due to growing urbanization and increasing disposable incomes. Martial artists can leverage their discipline, dedication, and strategic planning skills to create a successful business in this thriving market. Identifying a niche and developing unique recipes could set you apart and cater to the specific tastes of your target audience.
Why start a pizza delivery business?
- Increasing Market Potential: The pizza market is expected to grow significantly, offering promising business prospects.
- Flexible Hours: Running a pizza delivery service allows you to schedule around training and teaching commitments.
- Community Engagement: Delivering pizzas offers a unique way to engage with your local community, building a loyal customer base.
For more insights on starting your own pizza delivery business, check out these success stories.
How much you can make: $385,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 10 days (?)
Learn how Send Eats grew from packing dozens of orders per month to tens of thousands, with a monthly revenue of $385k, by providing lightning-fast order fulfillment for eCommerce brands primarily within Shopify, and how they utilized their personal network and went from shipping out of a bread factory to their own 30,000 sq ft warehouse.
19. Build an analytics tool ($170K/month)
If you have strong technical skills and a passion for martial arts, developing an analytics tool could be a profitable avenue. This kind of software helps users make data-driven decisions by providing access to data visualization and analysis capabilities. By leveraging your understanding of martial arts, you can create a tailor-made analytics tool for gyms, dojos, and fitness centers to track student progress, attendance, and performance metrics.
Why build an analytics tool?
- It allows gyms and dojos to make informed decisions by analyzing student data and progress.
- The rise of big data means an increasing demand for specialized analytics tools, presenting a lucrative market opportunity.
- You can utilize your martial arts expertise to create a unique product that caters specifically to the needs of the martial arts community.
For more insights and successful case studies, you can check out some tips and startup stories on developing analytics tools.
How much you can make: $20 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
Plausible Analytics, a privacy-friendly web analytics tool, reached $4,557 MRR and 743 paying subscribers by focusing on content marketing and engaging relevant communities, rather than paid advertising, while positioning itself as a lightweight, cookie-free and affordable alternative to Google Analytics.
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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.
