Hello to all the future ninja gym owners and enthusiasts out there! One of the most common questions I get is, "How much space do I need to start a ninja program?" It's a valid question, and the answer might surprise you. Let's dive right in.

The Real Space Question

When you're thinking about space, you're really asking about the kind of environment you need to kick off your program. And guess what? You don't need a massive arena to get started. The size of your space will indeed dictate the size of your program, but as we've discussed in our previous blog, starting small is the way to go. Even we, at Ninja Gym Academy, with all our experience, advocate for this approach.

The MVP Approach to Space

We're big fans of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) approach. Why? Because the sooner you can get your program up and running profitably, the better for everyone involved. So, what are the essentials when it comes to space?

Class Space: The Heart of Your Program

This is your non-negotiable. You need a dedicated area where classes can take place without interruption. At a minimum, aim for 800 sq ft. This gives you enough room to conduct a class effectively and ensures students have ample space to move around.

Backroom/Storage: The Behind-the-Scenes Hero

Every facility needs a space that's out of sight, where you can store essential items. Think cleaning supplies, tools, and extra equipment. It's the unsung hero of your gym, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Restroom: A Basic Necessity

It goes without saying, but you'll need a restroom. It's a basic requirement, not just for hygiene but also for the comfort of your students and their families.

Optimizing Space: Learning from Food Chains

Ever noticed how popular food chains like Starbucks or McDonald's design their spaces? A significant portion of their area is dedicated to the drive-thru and kitchen. Why? Because that's where the magic happens. That's where they produce what they sell. The dine-in area, while essential, takes up less space. They've optimized their space for their primary service. Similarly, in a ninja gym, the focus should be on optimizing the space for training, ensuring every square foot is used effectively.

Ceiling Height: Don't Forget to Look Up!

While we're talking about space, let's not forget about ceiling height. For a ninja gym, you'll want ceilings that are at least 14ft high. Some obstacles, like the warped wall, need that height to function correctly.

The Bottom Line

For those just starting out in the ninja business world, a space around 2k sq ft is ideal. If you're adding a ninja program to an existing setup, 800 sq ft dedicated to the class should suffice, especially if you already have other areas covering the needs mentioned above.

When it's time to upgrade, move cautiously. It's easy to get excited and want a massive space, but remember our mantra: start small and grow organically. Sign short-term leases (1-3 years) with the idea of upgrading later if you feel the space limits your potential.

Ready to kickstart your ninja program? Avoid the pitfalls by learning from those who've been there and made the mistakes. Apply now for our coaching program and set your ninja dreams in motion!