438 | The 3 Touchpoints That Create Connection (Staff, Students, Parents)

Podcast Description

Running a martial arts school isn’t just about having a solid curriculum. If people are still drifting away, it’s usually not because they suddenly hate kicks—it’s because they don’t feel attached.

In Episode 438 of School Owner Talk, Duane Brumitt and Allie Alberigo break down a simple, practical framework to create real connection (and better retention) through three touchpoints: staff, students, and parents.

You’ll hear why weekly staff meetings should be the “anchor,” how to keep students from quitting the feelings they used to have, and why parent communication can’t be all automation and white noise. Along the way, they share real stories—from Allie getting back on the floor six days a week to Duane’s reminder that even a five-year-old using your name can change how you feel.

Key Takeaways

Connection is measurable. It shows up in retention, culture, fewer fires, and more buy-in.
Your staff sets the emotional temperature of the school. If they feel unseen or unclear, it leaks into everything.
Students don’t quit programs—they quit feelings. The “fun” changes as they progress, so you have to reframe expectations.
Routine builds skill, but routine can also create boredom. Your job is to keep repetition without letting it feel stale.
Parents tune out when communication becomes constant noise. Automations can support the process, but they can’t replace real conversations.
Progress has two layers. Parents need to understand both the curriculum/belt cycle and what progress looks like for their child.

Action Steps for School Owners

1) Staff Touchpoint: Keep the weekly meeting as the anchor

If you already have a weekly staff meeting (60–90 minutes), keep it. Use it to align everyone on:

The mission (big picture)
The quarterly/monthly focus
The weekly focus

Then support it with “in-the-moment” touchpoints during the week so the meeting isn’t the only time leadership shows up.

Use The One Minute Manager framework

One Minute Goals: Pick 1–3 clear, observable standards for the week (ex: greet every student by name within the first 10 steps).
One Minute Praisings: Catch good behavior fast and name it specifically (“Thanks for picking up the garbage outside—great ownership mindset.”).
One Minute Reprimands: Correct quickly, clearly, respectfully, and reset the relationship. Ask what they were thinking, then give the bigger perspective.

2) Student Touchpoint: Make sure they leave feeling seen, successful, and excited

A) Use the Three-Time Rule

Say their name three times
Approach them three times
Make eye contact three times

Duane’s story about “Connor” (a five-year-old who kept using his name) is the reminder: a personal experience matters at every age.

B) Teach with a simple structure (and protect confidence)

Use the Four Rules of Teaching:

Explanation (brief + exciting + includes the goal)
Demonstration (ideally by a student close in age/level)
Correction (use PCP: Praise–Correct–Praise)
Repetition (enough practice while keeping energy high)

Also: leave space for students to make mistakes. If you micromanage every rep, they only learn to perform when you’re right next to them.

C) Disguise repetition so it doesn’t feel boring

Change the format without changing the goal:

Individual, partners, line drills, group work
Slow reps, fast reps, ladders, add-on routines

A simple win: reduce anxiety by “requiring less” on paper while still teaching more inside the drill. When it’s not framed as a huge requirement, students often learn it faster.

3) Parent Touchpoint: Reduce white noise and increase real trust

Parents pay, decide, and influence the story at home. If you want fewer complaints and better retention, you need consistent connection—especially early.

Bring back real check-ins (especially in the first 12 weeks)

Automations can remind you what to do, but they can’t replace:

Phone calls
Face-to-face progress checks
Real conversations that include curriculum progress and personal progress

A practical approach: schedule progress check-ins every couple of weeks through the first belt cycle, then set expectations that communication changes (but doesn’t disappear) after that.

Make communication easy to consume

Keep messages short and scannable
Break up text visually (2–3 sentences per paragraph)
Consider one “home base” where parents can always find info (like your app)

And when you’re frustrated? Do what Allie does: write the email, then run it through AI to make it calm, positive, and motivational before you hit send.

Additional Resources Mentioned

The One Minute Manager (book)
Anthony Rangel (Martial Art Institute) quote: “You’re not good enough to be bored.”
Kenny Bigby / Jesse Enkamp (The Karate Nerd) and the concept of “until”
Dave Kovar’s “Sweat, Smile, Learn” framework
Zig Ziglar quote: “Repetition is the mother of learning.”