How to Build a Loyal Team For Martial Art School Owners

How to Build a Loyal Team Like Chipotle: Lessons for Martial Arts School Owners

Employee retention is a challenge in any industry, but as martial arts school owners, we often overlook a powerful lesson from an unexpected source: Chipotle. Yes, the fast-casual Mexican chain may not have much in common with martial arts on the surface, but Chipotle’s approach to employee retention can teach us valuable insights on building a dedicated, long-term team.

So, how does Chipotle do it, and how can we apply these principles to our martial arts schools?

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1. Provide a Clear Career Path

One of the ways Chipotle keeps its employees engaged is by offering a clear career ladder. Starting from entry-level crew positions, employees have a roadmap that leads to positions like Kitchen Leader, Service Leader, and even General Manager. For martial arts schools, we can create a similar growth path:

• Student to Volunteer: Engage your dedicated students by offering them volunteer positions. Show them there’s more to martial arts than just training and help them see a bigger picture.
• Volunteer to Paid Instructor: Once a volunteer has proven themselves, transition them to a paid position. Set clear expectations for what it takes to move up and make this an attainable and respected role.
• Paid Instructor to Head Instructor: As they grow, help them aspire to lead classes and eventually manage the school.
• Head Instructor to School Owner: For those with big ambitions, provide a roadmap to one day owning their own school. Show them that this is not just a possibility but a goal they can work toward.

2. Show Real Compensation and Benefits

Chipotle is transparent about what their team members can earn at different levels, as well as the benefits they’ll receive. This isn’t just a “nice-to-have” but a way to show employees they’re valued. Your martial arts school may not be a corporation, but you can still offer transparency and rewards that show commitment to your team’s growth.

Consider discussing growth opportunities with your team and what they could earn if they climb up the ladder. Show real numbers, like Chipotle does, so they understand that a career in martial arts is viable, not just a side hustle or part-time gig.

3. Think Beyond the Job—Build Belonging

Dan Ariely, a behavioral economist, has written extensively on how gifts and non-monetary rewards foster stronger social bonds than money alone. When it comes to retention, creating a sense of belonging can sometimes be more valuable than just offering a paycheck. Chipotle’s career roadmap is more than a job description; it’s a pathway to belonging within a company that values growth and stability.

For your martial arts school:

• Give Team Gear: Provide exclusive, high-quality branded items like jackets, bags, or jerseys that can’t be bought anywhere else. This gift serves as a badge of pride and reinforces the sense of belonging.
• Celebrate Milestones: When an instructor reaches a new level in your internal career path, celebrate it! Acknowledge them publicly at school events or meetings, and show your appreciation for their commitment.

4. Make the Role Bigger Than Just a Job

One powerful element of Chipotle’s structure is the clear path from entry-level positions to high-level management. For your martial arts school, the same principle applies. Your staff should know that what they’re doing is more than just teaching a class—it’s impacting students’ lives, contributing to a community, and growing a career in martial arts.

Have conversations with your staff about their goals, aspirations, and career path. Remind them that as a martial artist, they are part of a tradition of discipline, focus, and self-improvement. This purpose-driven approach can be a major motivator to stay and grow within your school.

Start Building Your Team’s Career Path Today

Building a loyal, long-term team isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about creating a clear vision for growth, providing tangible benefits, and fostering a sense of belonging. Take a page from Chipotle’s playbook and apply it to your martial arts school. With a defined career path, transparent rewards, and a strong community, you’ll be well on your way to building a team that’s committed for the long haul.

Using a career roadmap like this can transform your school’s culture and help you scale your business without having to constantly recruit new instructors. So, start thinking about your team’s journey—one that could lead them from a volunteer to a school owner one day. And remember, building a loyal team begins with showing your instructors that there’s a future for them in martial arts beyond just teaching a few classes each week.

Want to see clips of episodes and behind the scenes footage of what it is like running martial arts schools? Follow Matthew on Instagram here:  ⁠@blackbeltbrenner1⁠

If you want to grow your martial arts school organically- WITHOUT relying on paid ads, and bring in 60 new students in 16 weeks, ⁠schedule a call with Matthew HERE to see if we’re a good fit for your goals.

Want to see an 8 minute explainer video on how it all works? ⁠https://www.doubleyourdojo.com/⁠⁠