AmeriKick Martial Arts Offers Lifelong Journey

Lansdale Patch: When did you open your business?

AmeriKick: Sensei Douglas Shaffer assumed ownership of AmeriKick in July 2008. The studio had been open for two years prior to the change in ownership.

LP: Who is your ideal client or customer?

AK: We encounter a lot of people who view martial arts as just another activity to occupy their children for a few months here and there. Our ideal customer recognizes that martial arts training is a lifelong journey and a lifestyle. They understand that the journey doesn't just end with a belt and that what they learn during their training will become a part of them as a person and therefore affect everything that they do for the rest of their lives.

LP: What makes your business unique from others in your field?

AK: First, our memberships operate on a month-to-month basis, so we don't require contracts or long-term obligations like most other martial arts studios or fitness clubs. Second, we are able to effectively accommodate a wider age range than other martial arts studios because we have an age-specific curriculum geared toward the different stages of children's cognitive and physical development. Finally, we offer very affordable semiprivate training in 20-minute increments with one of our fitness instructors so parents can squeeze in a workout while their children are taking class.

LP: What made you decide to open a business?

AK: After managing another karate studio for years, Doug began to take notes on what could be improved about the standards and practice of martial arts businesses in general and decided to put them into practice for himself.

LP: What’s your most popular item?

AK: Our most popular membership is the martial arts program for ages 7 to 15 because parents are looking for a year-round activity that provides structure, balance, guidance, and a physical outlet for their children.

LP: What makes your community special?

AK: We have a very tight-knit community at our studio because our students spend so much time here and develop strong relationships with other students and the instructors. The culture is more like a family than a business. In addition, students are so happy at our studio that they are eager to tell others about us. As a matter of fact, we just recently started a referral program as a way to give back to our students because they were bringing in so many new students without us even having to ask them to do so.

LP: Where can customers find your specials?

AK: Unlike many other martial arts studios that try to lure in customers with a very low introductory rate and then try to pressure prospective students into a contract with a high price point, we post all of our specials and program prices on our website. You won't find any shady sales tactics here. New students can view and purchase a membership online without ever having to talk to a salesperson.

AmeriKick has classes Mondays and Wednesdays, 2 p.m. until 9 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. until 9 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Learn more on AmeriKick's website and on their Facebook page.