Starting Out With Equipment

Starting Strong as a New Dojo: Insights, Tips, and Encouragement for Young Teachers

Introduction: Your Dojo, Your Vision, Your Journey
Starting your dojo for the first time is an exciting and transformative experience. It’s easy to feel like you need to have everything figured out from the start — a fully stocked dojo, a clear vision, and a perfect plan. But the truth is, you don’t need all the gear or a “perfect start” to make an impact.

This article isn’t a list of “must-dos” or “should's.” Instead, think of it as perspective and encouragement to help you make decisions that feel right for your dojo, your vision, and your personal journey as a leader. No two paths are the same, and that’s okay. The goal is to stay true to yourself, trust the process, and remember that the most important “equipment” you’ll ever have is your energy, passion, and creativity as a teacher.

Starting Out with Equipment: The Reality of Day One
When we first started our dojo, we only had five strike shields (which I had purchased while teaching in Newcastle). Beyond that, we got creative. We used whatever we had available — shoes, water bottles, belts, and hand towels — as training aids. It wasn’t fancy, but it worked.

Looking back, I realise that this approach taught us something important: Resourcefulness beats “readiness” every time. Being creative with limited resources gave us the ability to adapt, think outside the box, and find joy in simplicity. It also proved that you don’t need a warehouse full of training gear to create a memorable, effective learning experience for your students.

If you’re starting out and wondering, “What equipment do I need?” — the answer is simpler than you might think. You don’t need a lot of “stuff.” What you need most is confidence, creativity, and a clear vision of the experience you want to create for your students.

Knowing What I Know Now: Practical Tips for Getting Started
Looking back, there are a few things I’ve learned that I would share with any new teacher just starting. These tips aren’t rules — they’re perspectives that might help you make more intentional decisions for your unique dojo journey.

1.  Prioritise Your Budget
When you’re starting out, it’s tempting to buy as much equipment as possible. But in reality, your budget is often limited, and every dollar counts. Instead of over-investing in equipment right away, consider focusing on the essentials that will set you up for long-term success:

•Marketing & Recruitment – Getting students through the door is priority #1. Your marketing efforts (flyers, social media ads, local promotions) are more valuable than having 20 strike shields collecting dust in the corner.

•Operational Essentials – Cover your rent, insurance, and instructor qualifications/certifications. Without these, you can’t operate.

•Student Experience – Ask yourself, “What will make my students feel like they’re part of something special?” Sometimes this has less to do with equipment and more to do with your energy, your lessons, and the little things (like a welcoming smile, thoughtfulness and a positive learning environment).

If you focus your early dollars on growing your student base, the cash flow from new students will eventually allow you to reinvest in the gear you need.

2. Borrow Equipment Where Possible
If you have access to a more established dojo or a trusted mentor, ask if you can borrow essential equipment for a short period. It’s not forever — just long enough to get you started.

This approach works because it allows you to keep initial costs low while still giving your students a quality experience. If you’re lucky enough to have mentors, senior instructors, or fellow dojo leaders in your community, reach out. Most people are happy to support the next generation of leaders.

3. Leverage Your Local Association (if applicable)

If you’re part of a local association (eg. a branch dojo under a larger organisation), you may have access to funding, support, or shared resources.

For example, if you’re a branch dojo of the I.C.K.F (Sunshine Coast Branch), you’re likely paying membership fees. Sometimes, these fees come with perks — like funding or access to shared equipment. Ask if they have a budget allocation for branch dojos or if there are any programs available to support new dojos.

The lesson here is simple: It never hurts to ask. If you’re unsure where to begin, start with your local association, network of instructors, or local dojo network. You might be surprised by the support that’s available to you.

Don’t let a lack of “stuff” hold you back from being a great teacher.

It’s easy to believe you need a fully stocked dojo from day one, but in truth, you can achieve powerful results with just a few essential items:

•Multi-purpose items – Strike shields, mitts, and cones are incredibly versatile and can be used in dozens of drills for students of all ages.

•Student-centered thinking – Ask yourself, “What do I want on hand to create the best possible student experience?”

•Your personal teaching style – Every teacher is different. Some love sparring (kumite), so body gear is essential. Others focus on kata, so mirrors or visual aids might be more valuable. Think about what equipment will support the kind of classes you want to teach.

Rather than focusing on what you “should” have, focus on what you need right now to support your students’ learning and development. Over time, you can reinvest in more specialised equipment. But in the beginning, you can be creative. Use shoes, water bottles, or hand towels if you have to.

Great teaching doesn’t come from fancy equipment — it comes from YOU.

At the end of the day, the success of your dojo doesn’t come down to how many mitts or strike shields you own. It comes down to YOU. Your heart. Your passion. Your creativity.

The energy you bring to each class, the patience you show your students, and the example you set as a leader will always have a bigger impact than any amount of equipment. Your students won’t remember the colour of the strike shield — but they will remember how you made them feel inspired, supported, and capable.

So focus on building your community first, and the rest will follow.

If I could leave you with one message, it would be this:

Be great, but most importantly, be YOU.

This is your dojo. Your vision. Your journey. Trust yourself, and never be afraid to ask for help along the way. Every great teacher was once a beginner. The journey to greatness is always under construction.

If you’re a young teacher and would like more guidance, reach out to the mentors, leaders, and instructors who have walked the path before you. You are never alone in this journey.

Be great, be YOU!

— Sandra