Long-term contracts are still the norm in the martial arts industry—but are they helping your business or holding it back?

In this episode, we’re calling out the real reason contracts exist, how they devalue your program, and why they’re often a crutch for poor retention systems. From the origins of contract culture in the fitness world to the ethical dilemma of locking in 5-year-olds, we break down the outdated logic that’s hurting your reputation more than it’s helping your revenue.

You’ll learn:

• Why contracts became popular—and why they need to go

• The hidden downsides of discounting tuition for long-term deals

• The moral problem with locking in families who haven’t been fully served

• What to build instead: systems, service, and student experience that keep people by choice

If you want a business that grows through trust, leadership, and results—not legal pressure—this one’s for you.