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Embracing Authenticity: A Journey with the Kid Warrior Back-to-School Movement
Eric Harris • July 10, 2024
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TL;DR: Discover how the Kid Warrior back-to-school movement focuses on authenticity, resilience, and building a strong community.


A Journey of Transformation and Community

Today, I'm really excited to see so many familiar faces and some new ones too. Our brotherhood is growing, and it's amazing to see leaders like Jason Griffin here, who truly lead from the front. We're talking about something crucial today: the Kid Warrior back-to-school movement. This isn't just a 30-day journey; it's a movement that embodies authenticity, resilience, and community.


The Birth of the Brotherhood

Let me share a bit about where this all started. I had a tough time growing up, especially with my faith. I went to a small Catholic school and had some pretty rough experiences. I questioned my beliefs, and when I asked for a sign, a bird hit the window. Instead of support, I was ridiculed by a priest. This pushed me away from religion for a long time.


Fast forward to years later, I met Randy Garn, a man who never gave up on me. He kept sending me messages about faith and never asked for anything in return. His dedication inspired me. Randy taught me to do as much as you can for as many people as you can without expecting anything in return.


Leading from the Front

Randy's persistence led me back to faith. About three months ago, I was baptized, and it was a transformative experience. I realized the importance of leading from the front, not just in faith, but in all aspects of life. This is what the Kid Warrior back-to-school movement is all about.


We're here to build a community, a brotherhood, where we support each other and lead by example. This movement is about more than just marketing; it's about creating a sense of unity and purpose.


Creating a Movement

Movements beat marketing every day. When you meet someone who truly believes in their mission, it resonates more than any discount or special offer ever could. Our movement is built on four core values: leading from the front, being the example, staying ahead, and fostering a sense of brotherhood.


1. Leading from the Front: Are you leading by example? When people look at you, do they see someone who practices what they preach? This is crucial in building trust and authenticity.


2. Being the Example: Your actions speak louder than words. Whether it's demonstrating a technique in class or living a healthy lifestyle, you need to be the example for others to follow.


3. Staying Ahead: Life is full of challenges, but it's about how you handle them. Embrace adversity and come out stronger on the other side.


4. Brotherhood: We support each other. This isn't just about individual success; it's about lifting each other up and creating a community that thrives together.


Overcoming Challenges

Today's world presents many challenges, from mental health issues to the victim mindset. Kids are glued to their phones, facing depression, and struggling with self-discipline. Our movement addresses these issues head-on, offering a positive and proactive approach to personal growth and resilience.


1. Mental Health: Kids need guidance to navigate the digital world and find balance in their lives.


2. Nutrition and Health: Fast food is rampant, leading to obesity and other health issues. We promote healthy lifestyles and physical fitness.


3. Role Models: Kids need positive role models. They look up to influencers on social media, but we need to show them real-life examples of leadership and integrity.


4. Education and Accountability: Schools are failing to hold students accountable. We need to step in and provide the support and structure that kids need to succeed.


The Power of Storytelling

Storytelling is a powerful tool. It connects us on a deeper level and inspires action. Share your personal stories and experiences. Show your community that you're in this with them, leading by example and overcoming challenges together.


Building the Kid Warrior Community

This movement isn't just about attracting new members; it's about engaging and empowering the ones we already have. Start by involving your current students and parents. Gather feedback, understand their needs, and build your message around that.


1. Document of Truth: This is your blueprint. It involves deep reflection and candid feedback from your team and community. It's an ongoing process that evolves over time.


2. Movement Emails and Conversations: Communicate with your community. Share your core values, ask for their input, and involve them in the process.


3. Accountability Reports: Encourage students and parents to track their progress. Celebrate their wins and milestones to keep the momentum going.


Marketing with Authenticity

Traditional marketing focuses on offers, deals, and discounts. But our approach is different. We lead with authenticity and a genuine desire to help. This resonates more with people and builds lasting relationships.


1. Priming and Warm-Up Content: Before you sell, start conversations. Share statistics and insights that highlight the issues your movement addresses.


2. Engaging Content: Use images, stories, and real-life examples to connect with your audience. Show them the impact of your movement and how they can be a part of it.


3. Community Engagement: Get involved in local events, schools, and organizations. Show your community that you're committed to making a positive impact.


Launching the Kid Warrior Program

The Kid Warrior back-to-school program is a comprehensive approach to building confident, resilient leaders. It includes daily challenges, workshops with successful entrepreneurs, and community engagement activities.


1. Daily Empowerment Challenges: Activities that kids can do at home and school to build their mind, body, and spirit.


2. Interactive Workshops: Give your students access to successful entrepreneurs and coaches who can inspire and guide them.


3. Community Activities: Encourage kids to get involved in their communities, helping others and building a sense of purpose.


4. Accountability System: Track progress and celebrate achievements to keep kids motivated and engaged.


Building a Brighter Future: Leading with Community, Excellence, and Support

The Kid Warrior back-to-school movement is about more than just education. It's about creating a community where everyone supports each other, leads by example, and strives for excellence. Together, we can build a brighter future for our kids and our communities.


Join us in this journey. Let's lead from the front, inspire change, and make a lasting impact. Together, we are unstoppable.

By Nick Dougherty February 12, 2025
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance—it’s about connection, confidence, and commitment. Use this holiday as an opportunity to bring new students in with these low-cost, high-impact ideas that align with your martial arts studio’s mission. 1. “Heart of a Warrior” Parent & Child Free Class 💡 Concept: Promote bonding and discipline by inviting parents to train with their kids for free on Valentine’s Day. 🎯 Why It Works: Many parents want meaningful quality time with their kids. This class builds connection while showcasing your program. ✅ How to Execute: • Offer a one-day “Heart of a Warrior” family training session where parents and kids train together. • Make it interactive with fun drills, teamwork exercises, and life lessons on love through leadership and protection. • Give attending families a special offer if they enroll together. 2. “Bring Your Bestie” Buddy Pass 💡 Concept: Offer existing students a free pass for their friend to train with them for one week. 🎯 Why It Works: Friends training together increases commitment and fun, leading to a higher retention rate. ✅ How to Execute: • Give out limited-time “Bestie Buddy Passes” leading up to Valentine’s Day. • Create a friendly competition where the pair with the most classes attended wins a small prize (sticker, wristband, etc.). • End the week with a Bestie Belt Challenge—a fun drill where they help each other succeed. 3. “Protect Your Loved Ones” Self-Defense Seminar 💡 Concept: Host a free community self-defense workshop themed around protecting the people you love. 🎯 Why It Works: This empowers parents, kids, and couples, showing that martial arts isn’t just about fighting—it’s about keeping loved ones safe. ✅ How to Execute: • Keep it basic and engaging (situational awareness, escape drills, etc.). • Promote with “Who Would You Protect?” messaging—have people tag loved ones to attend together. • Offer attendees a discounted membership if they enroll as a duo (parent/child, siblings, friends). 4. “Love Yourself, Train for Free” Challenge 💡 Concept: Focus on self-love and self-improvement with a 7-day free challenge for new students. 🎯 Why It Works: February is prime time for goal-setting and personal development, especially after failed New Year’s resolutions. ✅ How to Execute: • Challenge runs for one week, including one free class and a simple at-home challenge (push-ups, mindfulness, journaling). • Use a special challenge tracker—those who complete all tasks get a free trial extension or discounted enrollment. • Promote the idea that “the best Valentine is YOU”—train for self-confidence and discipline. 5. “Power Couples” Valentine’s Day Sparring Event 💡 Concept: Create a fun couples event where partners train together in a lighthearted martial arts class. 🎯 Why It Works: Couples who train together stay together! This is a fun, unique date idea that gets them hooked on training. ✅ How to Execute: • Offer a free couple’s class with basic partner drills, pad work, and a mini-competition. • Keep it light and fun, adding partner teamwork exercises like helping each other perfect a kick. • Offer a discounted rate for couples who sign up together (or let one enroll and their partner train for free for a month). 6. “Warrior’s Heart” Valentine’s Day Card Giveaway 💡 Concept: Create custom martial arts-themed Valentine’s cards for students to hand out to their friends. 🎯 Why It Works: It’s an organic referral strategy—students naturally invite friends while sharing something fun. ✅ How to Execute: • Print simple custom cards that say “Train with me for FREE!” and include a guest pass. • Have kids hand them out at school, to teammates, or at other activities. • Offer a raffle entry for every friend that redeems a pass. 7. “Love the Journey” Social Media Giveaway 💡 Concept: Run a social media giveaway where people share what they love about martial arts for a chance to win a free month of training. 🎯 Why It Works: Encourages engagement and word-of-mouth marketing while getting new prospects interested. ✅ How to Execute: • Post: “Tell us what you LOVE about martial arts in the comments for a chance to win a free month!” • Require them to tag 2 friends (expands your reach). • Pick one winner at random, but offer all participants a limited-time discount to join. Final Thought: The Key is Engagement, Not Cost GRAB YOUR GRAPHICS HERE
By Nick Dougherty February 11, 2025
Why the First 100 Days Matter The first 100 days of a new student’s journey will determine whether they become a lifelong member or just another drop-off. The goal is to blow their minds at every step—showing them they made the right decision, reinforcing their commitment, and ensuring they experience everything they were promised as a lead. This isn’t just onboarding. This is a full-blown experience designed to create unstoppable loyalty. PHASE 1: THE IMMEDIATE IMPACT (Days 1-7) Objective: Make them feel like they joined something special. ✅ Day 1: The Red Carpet Welcome Personalized welcome video from the head instructor. Studio tour if not already given. Exclusive "Welcome to the Family" package (shirt, wristband, or special badge). Immediate invite to the Private Member Community (Facebook group, WhatsApp, etc.). First class follow-up: "How was your first session? Anything we can help with?" ✅ Day 2-3: The Commitment Reminder Send an email/SMS reminding them WHY they joined and the transformation ahead. Video of success stories from students just like them. Assign an accountability partner (a senior student or coach check-in system). ✅ Day 4-7: Reinforce Their Decision "Your first week down! Here’s what’s next!" email with milestones ahead. Share a "What to Expect in Month 1" roadmap. Offer a personalized challenge (ex: "Earn your first stripe by Day 30"). Midweek check-in from an instructor: "How are you feeling so far?" PHASE 2: CREATING MASSIVE VALUE (Days 8-30) Objective: Show them they’re getting MORE than they expected. ✅ Day 8-10: The First WIN Challenge Encourage them to share their experience in the private group. Offer their first milestone challenge (ex: "Show up 3 times this week = reward!"). ✅ Day 14: Shock & Awe Gift Surprise them with a free training resource, exclusive content, or VIP access to a special class. "We appreciate you! Here’s something extra for your commitment." ✅ Day 21: Unlock the Next Level First milestone review (personal feedback on progress). Reminder of why they started. Personal invite to something exclusive (a seminar, VIP event, or extra class). ✅ Day 30: "Your First 30 Days – Look at You Now!" A personal message celebrating their 30-day achievement. Highlight growth, progress, and improvements. "What’s Next?" preview of their next 30 days. A customized training plan for their next month. PHASE 3: BUILDING STRONG CONNECTIONS (Days 31-60) Objective: Deepen their ties to the community and future vision. ✅ Day 35-40: Invite-Only Challenge Special event or seminar for new students only. A buddy pass to bring a friend/family member. "Training isn’t just about the body—it’s about the tribe!" ✅ Day 45: Personal Progress Call 1-on-1 progress check-in. Adjust training goals based on feedback. "Here’s where you’re crushing it! Here’s where we’ll level up!" ✅ Day 50-55: Leadership Exposure Introduce them to a senior member or coach for a mentorship-style talk. "You’re past the beginner phase—time to start thinking bigger!" ✅ Day 60: The Family Bonding Experience Host a "Bring Your Family to Class" session. Strengthen outside support from their personal circles. Cement their feeling that they’re part of something bigger. PHASE 4: CEMENTING THEIR FUTURE (Days 61-100) Objective: Transform them from a student into a lifelong warrior. ✅ Day 65-70: "Why I Train" Reflection Have them write or record a video on what martial arts has done for them so far. Post in the community group to inspire others. ✅ Day 75: Special Advancement Opportunity A unique training opportunity (early testing invite, exclusive sparring session, etc.). "Not everyone gets this. You’ve EARNED it." ✅ Day 85-90: The Next-Level Commitment Offer an upgraded membership, private coaching, or leadership path. "You’re no longer just starting out. It’s time to level up!" ✅ Day 100: "You Made It – What’s Next?" Celebrate their journey and cement long-term retention. Special gift, recognition, or badge of honor for completing 100 days. Personal invite to become a mentor for new students . "You’re no longer a new student. You’re a part of this for LIFE." Why This Works 🔥 Most gyms & studios focus only on getting members, NOT keeping them. This system ensures they feel valued, engaged, and constantly progressing. 🔥 People don’t quit when they’re deeply connected to the community. These first 100 days create that connection. 🔥 By constantly reinforcing the value, members won’t second-guess their decision. Instead, they’ll be telling their friends and family to join! This isn’t just an onboarding process—it’s customer shock & awe. The result? More loyalty, fewer cancellations, and a thriving studio.  YOUR NEXT MOVE: Implement this 100-day shock system in your studio and start turning new leads into lifelong warriors. 👊🔥
By Nick Dougherty February 11, 2025
Why Most People Fail at Reels Creating Reels isn’t hard. Staying organized, consistent, and strategic is where most fail. This framework will help you build an effective Reels system that keeps your content sharp, engaging, and results-driven. 1. The Doc of Truth – Your Reels Blueprint Before making content, define your core message so every Reel aligns with your brand. Answer these questions: What is the purpose of your videos? What do you stand for? What do you stand against? Where are you taking people? What makes you unique? Who can back up what you say? What are people getting from you? Would anyone share your video? When they go to your IG page, can you turn a glance into a stare? Is there an easy way for new followers to get started? 2. Who Is Making the Reels? This is your TV show. Think about: Who is behind the production? It’s not about volume—it’s about context and clarity. Thumbnails should stand out and look unique. 3. Make 7-10 Reels at a Time Batch content creation to stay ahead. Then distribute across platforms. 4. One-Take vs. Multiple Takes One-take videos = Fast, raw, real. Multiple takes = More polished, but more time-consuming and expensive. 5. You Can’t Afford to Make Them Yourself It takes too long to shoot, edit, and post everything solo. Hire a content team or use a streamlined system. 6. Look Like a Pro High-quality visuals and sound matter. Keep branding consistent across Reels. 7. Every Video Should Follow a Framework Use proven formulas to make Reels engaging and effective. 7 Reasons Your Business Needs Reels More Reach: Instagram favors Reels, pushing them to new audiences. Higher Engagement: Short-form video captures attention faster. Better Brand Trust: Video builds deeper connections than images. Lead Generation: Reels turn viewers into followers, then customers. Algorithm Boost: IG rewards accounts that consistently post Reels. Shareable Content: Easy for followers to spread your message. SEO & Discoverability: Reels show up in search results, getting you found faster. 5 Other Ways to Use Reels & Where to Distribute Post to Facebook Reels – Expands reach to another massive audience. Upload as YouTube Shorts – Capitalize on YouTube’s push for short-form content. TikTok Reposts – Repurpose Reels onto TikTok for more engagement. Website Integration – Add Reels to your website to boost credibility. Email Marketing – Embed Reels in emails to keep subscribers engaged.  🔥 10 Instagram Reels Frameworks (Used by Top Creators) These frameworks are designed to grab attention, drive engagement, and increase reach . Hook → Teach → CTA (Call to Action) Start with an attention-grabbing question or statement. Teach a valuable tip in a concise way. End with a CTA (e.g., “Follow for more!” or “Comment below!”). Before & After Transformation Show a "before" state (struggling with a technique, fitness level, or skill). Transition to the "after" (mastering the technique, improvement, or success story). Challenge-Based Reels Introduce a martial arts challenge (e.g., “Try this kick combo!”). Show how to do it. Invite viewers to try and tag your studio. Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) Content Give a sneak peek into classes, instructor prep, or student training. Keep it raw and engaging (students sweating, sparring, celebrating wins). Reaction or Duet-Style Reels React to trending martial arts clips, fails, or highlights. Add your expert commentary or humor. Fast-Paced Montage with Music A mix of training shots, sparring, and students in action. Use high-energy music and quick transitions. “Mistakes to Avoid” Format Show a common mistake in martial arts. Explain why it's wrong. Demonstrate the correct way. “POV” (Point of View) Style Example: “POV: You just signed up for your first martial arts class.” Show the experience from a new student’s eyes. Storytelling (Personal Journey or Student Testimonial) Share a powerful transformation story (yours or a student’s). Use captions or voiceover to tell the story. “Listicle” (X Tips in X Seconds) Example: “3 Mistakes That Are Holding Back Your Kicks” Quick, informative, and engaging. 🥋 10 Instagram Reels Topics for Martial Arts Studio Owners These topics are designed to attract new students, engage the community, and build authority . “Why Every Kid Should Learn Martial Arts” Benefits like discipline, confidence, and self-defense. “3 Self-Defense Moves Everyone Should Know” Demonstrate easy-to-learn techniques. “How to Throw a Perfect Kick (Common Mistakes)” Teach proper form in an engaging way. “What to Expect in Your First Martial Arts Class” Ease the nerves of potential students. “My Biggest Martial Arts Fail (And What I Learned)” Share a personal or funny moment to build relatability. “Best Warm-Up for Fighters & Martial Artists” A quick and effective warm-up routine. “Student of the Month Highlight” Celebrate a student’s progress and dedication. “The #1 Myth About Martial Arts (Debunked)” Address common misconceptions like “Martial arts is just for fighters.” “How Martial Arts Can Help You in Real Life” Talk about confidence, focus, and discipline. “Funniest Things We Hear as Martial Arts Instructors” Share hilarious questions or comments from students. Final Thought Reels are non-negotiable for business growth. Stay consistent, follow the framework, and use Reels strategically to attract, engage, and convert your audience across multiple platforms. Get filming and start winning! 🎥🔥
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