My last blog on the McDojo subject was from the negative standpoint. And lets face it, the term 'McDojo' is always a pejorative that
nodody wants applied to their school. But as the article says, 'you deserve a break' (for those old enough to remember that add slogan from another famous Mc), so today I'll give one to McDojo.
So today, I am going to do something that I don't know has ever been done: I'm going to say something
positive about McDojo/McDojang.
Well, the concept at least.
What is it about McDonalds that makes it so successful? Putting aside what you think of their product, no matter where you go, a Big Mac tastes like a Big Mac and the fries are always
McDonalds fries. When a franchisee opens a Mickey D's, every major decision and a whole lotta the minor decisions are made for them. The shake machine and the deep frier are always in the same place. The menu is proscribed and to be undeviated from and its format is always the same. The food is required to be prepared the same way at each and every McDonalds restaurant.
Now, take a dojo that is
truly successful, and by successful, I mean more than just financially. I mean quality training that turns out students that can actually defend themselves, have crisp, well executed forms, blackbelts that can fight like what a blackbelt was back in the seventies, and tournement champions. In addition, the school is financially solvent.
Notice, I didn't say comercially successful. Financially solvent, meaning that it makes its rent, payroll, and equipment costs and the employees and owner are
reasonably compensated for their efforts.
Such a school would certainly be one that I'd like to be a part of. Solid training, sound business practices, and skilled students that showcase the schools instruction are all good things that
any school would want to be associated with.
Now, take that school, itemize every detail, set the standards high, and replicate it and you have a recipe for
true success. That is the potential of the McDojo. I have yet to see a school that has been labeled 'McDojo' reach that sort of potential, but the potential is there nonetheless. Most of these schools have tons of programs and clubs to hold the interest of students and to accomodate busy parents and overscheduled kids. If they can get the same level of instruction that a small, high quality school can give, then you'd have a fantastic idea. Unfortunately, on any sort of large scale, it is just that: an idea.
Would I want to have my school called 'McDojo'? I'm half tempted to open a place called 'McDojo' just for laughs. But then McDonalds would probably sue for trade infringment and my name doesn't begin with Mc anyway.
Daniel
Tags: McDojo McDojang Dojo Dojang School Studio Chains
