Do you already run or want to open a martial arts school (kung fu, brazilian jiu jitsu, mixed martial arts or anything else)? If so, you need to know trends and combat gym statistics that may be important for martial arts gym owners. Thanks to this knowledge you can make data-driven decisions that are the best and most sensible from a business perspective.
Key Takeaways
- Whether you run or open a martial arts school, discover trends and statistics that will help you make the best business decisions.
- No matter which martial arts styles you teach: kung fu, brazilian jiu jitsu, taekwondo or any other kind of combat sports, meet martial arts industry trends that are important for your future.
- Some of the martial arts studios industry trends are: 1. popular martial arts growing even stronger, 2. making it easier to practice martial arts thanks to gym management software 3. martial arts students of both sexes equally, leading to potential differentiation of the offer.
Martial Arts Industry Statistics to Grow Your Gym
- Industry Growth: The global martial arts market is projected to grow at 7.9% CAGR, reaching $171.14B by 2028. (wellnessliving.com)
- Number of Studios: U.S. martial arts businesses grew 18.7% annually from 2020 to 2022. (gymdesk.com)
- Revenue: U.S. martial arts studio revenue was $8.16B in 2020, projected to reach $9.05B by 2022. (gymdesk.com)
- Participants: 18 million Americans engage in martial arts annually. (glofox.com)
- Instructor Earnings: Martial arts instructors in the U.S. earn an average of $40,249 annually. (glofox.com)
Martial Arts Industry Statistics & Trends in 2025
The martial arts training industry in the U.S. is experiencing substantial growth and offers numerous opportunities for gym owners in 2025. By staying attuned to demographic shifts, expanding martial arts school service offerings, and embracing new combat fitness trends, gym owners can position themselves for success in this evolving market.
10 Martial Arts Statistics - Insights for Gym Owners in 2025
Below we present 10 trends and statistics in the martial arts industry together with observations of what it means for gym owners. Let them inspire you!
1. Industry Growth and Market Size
The U.S. martial arts industry was valued at $8.16B in 2020 and is projected to grow to $9.05B by 2022.
👉 With the market expanding, gym owners can expect increased demand. Expanding class offerings or targeting new demographics (e.g., kids, women) could boost revenue.
2. Gym Management Software Trend
With the rise of dedicated martial arts management software, it’s easier than ever to handle scheduling, memberships, payments, and communication with members specifically on the martial arts market.
👉 Using software can streamline operations, saving time and reducing administrative workload. It also improves customer experience by offering seamless booking and payment systems.
Manage your gym
like a pro
Get more online bookings and increase your gym profit
3. Rise in Martial Arts Participation
18 million Americans participate in martial arts annually, including Mixed Martial Arts, Taekwondo, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
👉 The large, growing audience presents opportunities for diverse classes. Offering specialized programs or self-defense classes can attract more members.
Number of martial arts participants in the United States from 2010 to 2023 is still rising:
4. Number of Martial Arts Businesses
The number of U.S. martial arts businesses grew from 39,310 in 2020 to an estimated 50,490 by 2022.
👉 Increasing competition requires differentiation. Gym owners should focus on unique offerings, strong gym branding, and community building to stand out.
Fitness apps are on the rise, allowing martial artists to track progress, access training plans, and even train virtually.
👉 Integrating fitness apps into your gym’s offering or even more: developing your own custom branded fitness app could provide added value to members, enhance customer experience, and attract tech-savvy clients.
6. Instructor Salary and Demand
The average salary for a martial arts instructor is $40,249 annually.
👉 Offering competitive pay and professional development helps retain skilled instructors. Quality instructors will enhance your gym’s reputation and attract more students. Make it easier for you and your instructors to set schedules, substitutes and settle salaries with gym staff management software.
7. Popularity of MMA
Mixed Martial Arts and kickboxing are becoming more and more popular sports, with many gyms adding MMA classes to their programs.
👉 Adding Mixed Martial Arts MMA classes or hosting events can capitalize on this trend and draw in new members, especially with young people.
8. Martial Arts Participants’ Sex
About 30% of martial arts participants are now women, up from 20% a decade ago.
👉 Catering to female participants with combat fitness for women only, krav maga or self-defense programs can attract a growing demographic and diversify your membership base.
9. Youth and Family Classes
40% of martial arts participants are under 18, with many families enrolling in classes together.
👉 Offering family-friendly programs and youth classes can help build a loyal customer base and increase membership, especially during the summer gym period or school breaks.
10. Digital and Online Martial Arts Training
Hybrid training models combining in-person and virtual classes are becoming popular.
👉 Expanding to online platforms can attract remote members and provide flexibility for your current clients, increasing your gym’s reach and revenue.
FAQ
Yes, martial arts is growing. The U.S. martial arts industry was valued at $8.16 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $9.05 billion by 2022. Participation is also rising, with 18 million Americans engaging in martial arts annually. The growth is driven by increasing interest in fitness, self-defense, and disciplines like MMA and B Jiu Jitsu.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is considered one of the fastest-growing martial arts globally.
MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) is often regarded as the most popular martial art worldwide due to its widespread appeal and major organizations like the UFC.
Yes, MMA is still growing, with increasing participation, viewership, and global expansion, especially in organizations like the UFC.
