Posted by Mike Massie on January 29, 2010
Matt Stover preparing to place another one through the uprights. Photo courtesy Colts.com
So my old buddy Matt Stover is going to the Super Bowl again.
And, he’ll have the distinction of being the oldest NFL player ever to play in a Super Bowl game.
To be truthful, Matt and I haven’t spoken in years.
But, in the off-seasons prior to his 1999 and 2000 seasons with the Ravens, I had the privilege of helping Matt train his off leg for greater balance and increased kicking precision.
Those two seasons were break out seasons for Matt and the Ravens.
I’d like to believe I had a small role in that. Matt thought I did, and said so. I don’t take much credit though – there are a whole slew of professionals who work with pro athletes, and each one does their share to help out.
And, Matt’s the guy who did all the hard work, and the one with the golden leg. 
But the crazy thing is, I’d have never thought in a million years that I’d have *anything* to do with an NFL player going to the Super Bowl.
And it would have never happened if I’d listened to all the people who told me I was wasting my time with my dream of being a full-time martial arts instructor and school owner.
I thank God that He made me resilient (thank you, God).
And, when I’m watching the Colts play in the Super Bowl this year, I’ll be thinking to myself that I at least had a tiny little part in making that happen.
Have a great weekend, and go live your dreams.
Until next time,
Michael D. Massie
P.S.: Small Dojo Big Profits explains how I did it… in spite of all the people who said I couldn’t. Check it out if you need some guidance or inspiration.
Posted by Mike Massie on January 7, 2010
If they're good enough for Babalu...
Just to let you guys know…
There’s a sale right now on Kaizen Kettlebells:
Click Here
Use discount code “kaizen2010″ at checkout to get an additional 15% off! It expires on January 31st, so use it while the sale is still going.
(Hint: The deal with the two 16kg Kaizen Kettlebells, free basics DVD, and a t-shirt is a good buy.)
Now, if you need some guidance on how to use the darned things…
Check out Jason Brown’s Kettlebells for Combat DVD series.
Until next time,
Michael D. Massie
Site: http://martialartschoolalliance.com/
Product Reviews: http://martialartsbooksreviews.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MartialArtsBusinessDaily
Twitter: http://twitter.com/mabizdaily
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Posted by Mike Massie on November 25, 2009
Have a Happy Thanksgiving Day!
I just wanted to write a quick post to wish all of my readers a very Happy Thanksgiving Day. Hopefully you’ll be spending it with your friends and family, relaxing and recharging your batteries over the long weekend.
However, I know that some of you will work over the weekend, because that’s how I was when I first started out.
Maybe it’ll be to sneak to the school to do some last minute admin work, or you’ll be on your computer answering emails, or following up on leads, or working on a new marketing piece…
Here’s a bit of advice I’d like to share based on almost two decades of teaching for a living (most of it as a full-time school owner):
Enjoy your holidays and use them to relax while you leave your work at work. Trust me, the work will still be there when you get back on Monday.
Now, for those of you who aren’t yet teaching full-time, this weekend may be the only time you have to work on and plan your business. I understand that, just make sure you take a break to spend time with your loved ones and enjoy the holiday.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Sincerely,
Mike Massie
Posted by Mike Massie on November 19, 2009
My Pet Peeve – When Platitudes Are Passed Off As Solid Martial Arts Business Advice
I see it all the time in our industry. Some “guru” writes an article that at first gives the impression of providing solid business advice…
But as soon as you read past the opening paragraph, you know you’ve been had, because the article is nothing more than a bunch of platitudes masquerading as real-life business know-how.
- “Keep your eyes on the goal…”
- “Keep going…”
- “Stay focused…”
- “Believe it and it will happen…”
The list goes on and on.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with providing a pep talk every once in a while for other business owners, and Lord knows we need it on occasion. And certainly, cultivating a resilient spirit is a necessity for long-term business success.
Here’s What Gets My Goat About Martial Arts Consulting…
However, what gets my goat is when we see “experts” passing this stuff off – over and over again – under the guise of providing us with valuable and useful business advice.
A book I recently read on running a martial arts school is a perfect example of the vacuousness of some martial arts consulting gurus. The front cover claimed this book would show you how to build your fantasy school, or some such nonsense.
I ordered the book. I read it. It wasn’t nonsense, but the entire book was filled with chapter after chapter of platitudes and vague advice…
And the sad thing is I found it to contain little, if any, solid and actionable advice on the real nuts and bolts of starting and running a martial arts school. It’s no wonder so many martial arts instructors are so confused when it comes to knowing exactly what it takes to start and run a successful martial arts school.
What It Typically Means When You’re Fed A Bunch Of Platitudes By “Experts”
Let me tell you something… and let this be your litmus test from here on out for what passes as useful business advice that you can bank your school’s financial future on:
Massie’s B.S. Advice Litmus Test
If it isn’t actionable, it’s probably B.S.
When I wrote Small Dojo Big Profits, I started with the goal that the book would provide actionable steps an instructor could follow to start and run a successful martial arts school. And that’s exactly what the book provides – an action plan.
The same goes for my monthly membership site at Starting-A-Martial-Arts-School.com… each month I provide actionable, easy-to-follow advice on what you need to do that month to build your school.
Then again, I suppose I could start providing a bunch of meaningless platitudes in my materials and manuals…
But then I’d have to charge you extra for it. 
Until next time,
Michael D. Massie
Coaching Program: http://www.starting-a-martial-arts-school.com/
Adult Curriculum: http://selfdefenseblackbelt.com/
Social Network for Martial Arts Instructors: http://www.masainetwork.com/
Business Manual: http://www.small-dojo-big-profits.com/
Summer Camp Manual: http://startingasummerdaycamp.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MartialArtsBusinessDaily
Twitter: http://twitter.com/mabizdaily
Posted by Mike Massie on June 30, 2009
I am spitting mad about the “Cap and Trade” legislation that passed the House last week. This new hidden tax is going to hit the working class – our bread and butter clients – harder than anything the government has thrown at them in recent years.
Here’s what the Wall Street Journal had to say about it:
“Hit hardest would be the ‘95% of working families’ Mr. Obama keeps mentioning, usually omitting that his no-new-taxes pledge comes with the caveat ‘unless you use energy.’ Putting a price on carbon is regressive by definition because poor and middle-income households spend more of their paychecks on things like gas to drive to work, groceries or home heating.
The Congressional Budget Office – Mr. Orszag’s former roost – estimates that the price hikes from a 15% cut in emissions would cost the average household in the bottom-income quintile about 3.3% of its after-tax income every year. That’s about $680, not including the costs of reduced employment and output. The three middle quintiles would see their paychecks cut between $880 and $1,500, or 2.9% to 2.7% of income. The rich would pay 1.7%. Cap and trade is the ideal policy for every Beltway analyst who thinks the tax code is too progressive (all five of them).”
I know – it stinks, BIG TIME!
As soon as the economy starts to show signs of recovery… BAM!
They hit us with a piece of junk legislation like this.
And I’m spitting mad about it!
So, instead of throwing my mouse at my computer screen (they break very easily, something I’ve discovered since last November) I’m doing something to help you guys…
The backbone of our industry!
I’ve temporarily slashed prices on ALL my manuals and digital books, which are all listed on the following page at prices that are 40% to 60% off of retail:
SORRY… THE SALE HAS ENDED!
And, for ANYONE who orders this week from the site, I am going to give you a FREE teleseminar next Friday:
How to Market Your Martial Arts School Online Using FREE Web 2.0 Technologies!
This is my way of…
1. Saying THANKS for continuing to support my work and message during the toughest economic times in recent history -
and…
2. Helping our industry stay STRONG, even at a time when the nation’s leadership seems dead-set on ripping the guts out of the middle-class!
And, please note that, while it’s likely I’ll continue to be hacked for an indeterminate period of time, the sale ends at 8:00 AM CST on July 2nd…
So please head over there and take advantage of it while the sale is running.
SORRY… THE SALE HAS ENDED!
God bless America… and all of you,
Michael D. Massie
Blog: http://martialartsbusinessdaily.com/
Social Network: http://www.masainetwork.com/
Business Manual: http://www.small-dojo-big-profits.com/
Resources: http://www.starting-a-martial-arts-school.com/
Summer Camp Manual: http://startingasummerdaycamp.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/michael.massie1
Twitter: http://twitter.com/mabizdaily
Performance Nutrition: http://truth.mymaxsystem.com/athletes.php
P.S.: Here’s some recent feedback on our business materials…
“I think your stuff is great, it is almost to good to share
but I am going to anyway. Thanks.”
Sensei Robert Taylor
Sidekick Karate
China Grove, NC
P.S.S: Take advantage of my furious wrath today!
SORRY… THE SALE HAS ENDED!
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Filed Under: News
