1996
40
$52,930
$10,000
$115,550
No
Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi, founded in 1996 by Ilchi Lee, is a wellness franchise that integrates ancient Korean energy healing practices with modern mind-body techniques. Since its inception in the United States, the franchise has expanded to over 100 locations worldwide, including more than 40 centers across the U.S. The brand offers classes in yoga, tai chi, qigong, and meditation, aiming to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Growing Wellness Market: The demand for holistic health services is on the rise, with more individuals seeking alternatives to traditional medicine.
Proven Business Model: With over 40 centers in the U.S., Body & Brain has demonstrated a successful franchise model.
Comprehensive Training and Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support to ensure operational success.
Positive Community Impact: The franchise emphasizes personal growth and community service, aligning with socially conscious investors.
Established Year:
Body & Brain Center (originally known as Dahn Yoga in the U.S.) was founded in 1996 by Ilchi Lee, a Korean author, educator, and mind-body expert. The franchise evolved from traditional Korean meditation, yoga, and energy-based practices.
Founders:
Ilchi Lee is the visionary behind Body & Brain. He has written extensively on mind-body wellness and developed methods combining yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, and meditation to improve physical, mental, and emotional health.
Franchise Units:
The brand has expanded to over 100 locations globally, with more than 40 centers in the USA. Each center operates as a licensed franchise, following the standardized curriculum and business model.
Brand Journey & Company History:
1985: Dahn Yoga was founded in Korea as a wellness practice combining yoga and energy healing.
1996: Expansion to the United States with the first Body & Brain center.
2015: Rebranding from Dahn Yoga to Body & Brain, emphasizing holistic wellness, energy training, and mental clarity.
The company has continued to innovate, offering online classes, workshops, and certification programs for instructors.
Ownership:
Body & Brain Center is privately held and continues to operate under the guidance of its founder, Ilchi Lee, maintaining a global network of franchises.
Market Presence in USA:
The franchise has centers in multiple states, including major metropolitan areas, suburbs, and regions with high demand for wellness services. It targets both individual customers and community programs, offering classes for yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, meditation, and holistic wellness.
Industry Category:
Body & Brain falls under the Health & Wellness industry, specifically focusing on holistic mind-body practices that combine exercise, energy healing, and meditation.
Other Key Facts:
The franchise emphasizes community building and personal growth, often organizing workshops, wellness events, and retreats.
Franchisees benefit from a proven business model, structured training, and global brand recognition.
The brand has a strong reputation for promoting mental, emotional, and physical well-being, differentiating it from traditional fitness or yoga studios.
Body & Brain Center offers comprehensive support and training to ensure franchisees succeed in both operational management and educational excellence. Their approach combines pre-launch preparation, ongoing operational guidance, academic support, and marketing assistance.
Before opening a center, franchisees undergo extensive training covering every aspect of running a Body & Brain franchise:
Business Operations Training:
Covers daily management, staffing, financial planning, scheduling, and operational best practices.
Instructor Certification:
Franchisees learn how to teach yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, and meditation according to the standardized Body & Brain curriculum.
Classroom & Hands-on Training:
Typically 88 hours of in-person classroom training are provided at regional training centers. Franchisees gain practical experience by assisting in live classes and learning client interaction skills.
Technology & Software Training:
Franchisees are trained to use management software, scheduling systems, and online class platforms to streamline operations.
Once the franchise is operational, Body & Brain provides ongoing guidance to ensure smooth daily functioning:
Staff Recruitment & Training:
Assistance in hiring qualified instructors and front-desk staff, including access to Body & Brain’s curriculum training.
Day-to-Day Operations:
Advice on scheduling classes, managing memberships, and handling customer service efficiently.
Quality Control:
Regular check-ins and performance evaluations to maintain consistent service quality across all centers.
Franchisees receive support to attract and retain clients:
National Marketing:
Brand-wide campaigns to promote awareness of Body & Brain services in the U.S.
Local Marketing Assistance:
Guidance on social media campaigns, events, email marketing, and community outreach programs.
Promotional Materials:
Access to professionally designed brochures, flyers, posters, and digital content to enhance local marketing efforts.
Body & Brain emphasizes continuous improvement for instructors and franchisees:
Workshops & Seminars:
Regular workshops and seminars for franchise owners and staff to deepen knowledge of wellness practices.
Certification Programs:
Access to advanced certification programs for instructors, ensuring the highest standard of teaching quality.
Online Learning:
Franchisees and instructors can participate in online courses and webinars to enhance skills and stay updated with the latest wellness trends.
Client Retention & Community Building:
Training on creating a welcoming, supportive environment that encourages long-term client engagement.
Event Planning:
Assistance with organizing wellness retreats, workshops, and local community events.
Regular Check-ins:
Franchise owners have periodic consultations with corporate support teams to monitor performance and provide guidance.
Problem-Solving & Consultation:
Immediate support for operational challenges, staffing issues, or marketing difficulties.
Network Access:
Franchisees gain access to a global network of other Body & Brain owners, providing peer support and shared strategies.
Summary:
Body & Brain Center’s training and support model ensures that franchisees are not only prepared to manage their business effectively but also deliver high-quality wellness programs that attract and retain clients. From pre-launch guidance to continuous academic and operational support, the franchise offers a structured and sustainable path to success.
Body & Brain Center is designed for franchisees who are passionate about holistic wellness, dedicated to community building, and capable of managing a service-oriented business. The ideal investor combines business acumen with a genuine interest in mind-body practices.
Franchisees with experience in management, sales, customer service, or small business operations are highly suited.
Knowledge of retail, fitness, or wellness industries can be advantageous but is not mandatory due to the extensive training provided by Body & Brain.
A background in financial planning or operations management helps in effectively running the center and achieving profitability.
A genuine interest in wellness, personal development, and community service is essential.
Franchisees should value mind-body health, including yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, and Qigong, as this aligns with the services offered.
Enthusiasm for helping clients achieve personal growth is critical, as Body & Brain centers thrive on strong client relationships.
Ability to invest between $52,930 and $115,550 in total startup costs, which covers franchise fees, infrastructure, marketing, and working capital.
Willingness to allocate time and resources for initial training, pre-launch preparation, and ongoing operational management.
Interest in opening centers in areas with growing demand for wellness services, such as suburban communities, urban wellness districts, or regions with active lifestyle populations.
Understanding of the local community and target demographics helps in marketing and building a loyal client base.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to foster client relationships and build a welcoming community.
Leadership and management ability to oversee staff, coordinate schedules, and maintain operational efficiency.
Commitment and dedication to the franchise mission, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality wellness services.
Adaptability and learning mindset to benefit from ongoing training, workshops, and business guidance.
Commitment to promoting holistic wellness and the Body & Brain philosophy.
Interest in community engagement, organizing workshops, events, and programs that create value beyond the studio.
Willingness to adhere to brand standards, including quality of instruction, customer service, and operational practices.
Summary:
The ideal Body & Brain franchisee is an investor-entrepreneur who balances business sense with a passion for wellness and personal growth, has the financial resources to launch and sustain a center, and is committed to building a community-focused, client-centered business. This combination ensures both financial success and alignment with the franchise’s mission of holistic mind-body health.
| Financial Category | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $52,930 – $115,550 |
| Minimum Investment | $52,930 |
| Franchise Fee | $10,000 |
| Infrastructure / Build-out Cost | Varies by location; includes leasehold improvements, studio equipment, furniture. |
| Working Capital | Included in total investment for 3–6 months operational expenses. |
| Marketing Budget | Part of total investment; additional local marketing recommended. |
| Royalty Fees | 10% of gross revenue |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location; typical ROI achievable within 2–3 years |
| Break-even Time | 12–24 months depending on location and management |
| Potential Revenue Streams | - Class fees (yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, meditation) - Workshops & retreats - Certification courses for instructors - Retail sales (wellness products, books, accessories) |
| Franchise Units in USA | 40+ centers |
| Additional Notes | Figures are estimates; actual costs depend on location, market, and operational efficiency. Prospective franchisees should conduct due diligence and consult financial advisors. |
