I read a fascinating article recently on the cover of the “Weekend Journal” section of the Wall Street Journal about the band The Black Eyed Peas. The article was so “spot-on” for our industry that I read it a couple of times and thought about the implications. Before I explain let me step back a ...

In the July and August NAPMA Resources Kits, all NAPMA members received parts 1 and 2 of an interview by Rob Colasanti with my instructor Jhoon Rhee. Jeff Smith and I have been associated with Jhoon Rhee for 45 and almost 40 years, respectively. If you are a NAPMA member, then pay close attention to ...

My Ultimate Martial Art Marketing Bootcamp is an intense 30-hour weekend for school owners looking for ways to move their schools to higher levels of growth and profitability. What began as nothing more than a footnote, during my agenda preparation, became of the greatest value to all the participants. In fact, they told me unanimously ...

Everyone knows the rule that you should “grow your own” staff, but don’t forget the lessons that are plainly obvious. This is certainly a rule that can be broken from time to time, but let me remind you what you already know about martial artists. As employees, they tend to be very self-righteous; they shouldn’t ...

In my December 2008 column, I stated that the first way to thrive in a scary economy is to protect yourself and your staff from the influence of media and of the “Mediocre Majority.” This month, I recommend four additional methods. The first is “Raging Thunder lizard Evangelists.” What is that you may ask? Well, ...

“Stephen Oliver is one of those highly competent, hard working, visionary people who can literally make things happen by bringing all the resources he has to a project and by inspiring those around him to work synergistically in the effort. He consistently sees what is possible and works tirelessly for powerful results.” Joe Corley, Pres, ...

First, protect yourself and your staff from the influence of media and of the “Mediocre Majority.” Either filter this crap well or turn off the TV until it’s over. You’ll be told we’re coming into the next great Depression. In reality, it seems like the economy bottomed out almost a year ago, and has been ...

Stephen Oliver began martial arts training in 1969 in Tulsa, Oklahoma with Bob Olinghouse and Gran Moulder - Black Belts teaching for the Jhoon Rhee Institute based In Washington, DC. He began actively teaching 1974 and founded his first school in 1975.