The First 100 Days of Customer Shock: The Ultimate Retention Guide for Martial Arts Studios
Nick Dougherty • February 11, 2025

Why the First 100 Days Matter


The first 100 days of a new student’s journey will determine whether they become
a lifelong member or just another drop-off. The goal is to blow their minds at every step—showing them they made the right decision, reinforcing their commitment, and ensuring they experience everything they were promised as a lead.


This isn’t just onboarding. This is a full-blown experience designed to create unstoppable loyalty.


PHASE 1: THE IMMEDIATE IMPACT (Days 1-7)


Objective: Make them feel like they joined something special.


Day 1: The Red Carpet Welcome

  • Personalized welcome video from the head instructor.
  • Studio tour if not already given.
  • Exclusive "Welcome to the Family" package (shirt, wristband, or special badge).
  • Immediate invite to the Private Member Community (Facebook group, WhatsApp, etc.).
  • First class follow-up: "How was your first session? Anything we can help with?"


Day 2-3: The Commitment Reminder

  • Send an email/SMS reminding them WHY they joined and the transformation ahead.
  • Video of success stories from students just like them.
  • Assign an accountability partner (a senior student or coach check-in system).


Day 4-7: Reinforce Their Decision

  • "Your first week down! Here’s what’s next!" email with milestones ahead.
  • Share a "What to Expect in Month 1" roadmap.
  • Offer a personalized challenge (ex: "Earn your first stripe by Day 30").
  • Midweek check-in from an instructor: "How are you feeling so far?"


PHASE 2: CREATING MASSIVE VALUE (Days 8-30)


Objective: Show them they’re getting MORE than they expected.


Day 8-10: The First WIN Challenge

  • Encourage them to share their experience in the private group.
  • Offer their first milestone challenge (ex: "Show up 3 times this week = reward!").


Day 14: Shock & Awe Gift

  • Surprise them with a free training resource, exclusive content, or VIP access to a special class.
  • "We appreciate you! Here’s something extra for your commitment."


Day 21: Unlock the Next Level

  • First milestone review (personal feedback on progress).
  • Reminder of why they started.
  • Personal invite to something exclusive (a seminar, VIP event, or extra class).


Day 30: "Your First 30 Days – Look at You Now!"

  • A personal message celebrating their 30-day achievement.
  • Highlight growth, progress, and improvements.
  • "What’s Next?" preview of their next 30 days.
  • A customized training plan for their next month.


PHASE 3: BUILDING STRONG CONNECTIONS (Days 31-60)


Objective: Deepen their ties to the community and future vision.


Day 35-40: Invite-Only Challenge

  • Special event or seminar for new students only.
  • A buddy pass to bring a friend/family member.
  • "Training isn’t just about the body—it’s about the tribe!"


Day 45: Personal Progress Call

  • 1-on-1 progress check-in.
  • Adjust training goals based on feedback.
  • "Here’s where you’re crushing it! Here’s where we’ll level up!"


Day 50-55: Leadership Exposure

  • Introduce them to a senior member or coach for a mentorship-style talk.
  • "You’re past the beginner phase—time to start thinking bigger!"


Day 60: The Family Bonding Experience

  • Host a "Bring Your Family to Class" session.
  • Strengthen outside support from their personal circles.
  • Cement their feeling that they’re part of something bigger.


PHASE 4: CEMENTING THEIR FUTURE (Days 61-100)


Objective: Transform them from a student into a lifelong warrior.


Day 65-70: "Why I Train" Reflection

  • Have them write or record a video on what martial arts has done for them so far.
  • Post in the community group to inspire others.


Day 75: Special Advancement Opportunity

  • A unique training opportunity (early testing invite, exclusive sparring session, etc.).
  • "Not everyone gets this. You’ve EARNED it."


Day 85-90: The Next-Level Commitment

  • Offer an upgraded membership, private coaching, or leadership path.
  • "You’re no longer just starting out. It’s time to level up!"


Day 100: "You Made It – What’s Next?"

  • Celebrate their journey and cement long-term retention.
  • Special gift, recognition, or badge of honor for completing 100 days.
  • Personal invite to become a mentor for new students.
  • "You’re no longer a new student. You’re a part of this for LIFE."


Why This Works


🔥 Most gyms & studios focus only on getting members, NOT keeping them. This system ensures they feel valued, engaged, and constantly progressing.
🔥
People don’t quit when they’re deeply connected to the community. These first 100 days create that connection.
🔥
By constantly reinforcing the value, members won’t second-guess their decision. Instead, they’ll be telling their friends and family to join!


This isn’t just an onboarding process—it’s customer shock & awe. The result? More loyalty, fewer cancellations, and a thriving studio. 



YOUR NEXT MOVE: Implement this 100-day shock system in your studio and start turning new leads into lifelong warriors. 👊🔥

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