In this conversation, Nick Castiglia interviews Dan Moroney, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and owner of Bravado BJJ. They discuss Dan's journey in Jiu-Jitsu, including his early days in Montreal, the founding of Grappling Arts Academy, and the eventual opening of Bravado BJJ. They also touch on Dan's affiliation with Royler Gracie and the importance of mentorship in Jiu-Jitsu. Dan Moroney shares his journey of transitioning from a full-time job to running his own jiu-jitsu academy. He discusses the challenges he faced, including financial struggles and the closure of his brother's academy. Dan emphasizes the importance of staying true to your vision, setting goals, and not taking things personally. He also highlights the significance of maintaining a work-life balance and setting boundaries with students. Dan's words of encouragement for struggling gym owners are to never give up on their dreams and to do whatever it takes to make them a reality.

Takeaways:

• Dan Moroney started his Jiu-Jitsu journey in Montreal and eventually opened Bravado BJJ in Toronto.
• Dan's brother played a significant role in his Jiu-Jitsu development and was a mentor to him.
• Dan became the first Canadian black belt under Royler Gracie and has been affiliated with Royler's team for over 20 years.
• Mentorship and the importance of being a teacher first are key values in Dan's approach to Jiu-Jitsu. Stay true to your vision and don't worry about what others expect of you.
• Set goals and visualize them to stay focused and motivated.
• Maintain a work-life balance and prioritize time with your family.
• Set boundaries with your customers to avoid personal and professional conflicts.
• Don't sacrifice your integrity and always act with honesty and professionalism.
• Remember that every student has an expiration date, and it's important to respect that.
• Don't take things personally and control your ego to avoid hindering your progress.
• Never give up on your dreams and do whatever it takes to make them a reality.

This episode is dedicated in memory of our friend, Sylvain Moroney.

The Legacy Martial Arts Business Podcast is hosted by Nick Castiglia and Sam Hattlestad, Entrepreneurs and co-owners of Legacy Martial Arts Consulting.

Want to get in touch with us? Just visit www.martialartsgymownersunited.com to chat with Nick and Sam. Follow us on our socials and YouTube:

• Instagram: @legacymaconsulting
• YouTube: Legacy Martial Arts Consulting
• Linktree: Legacy Consulting

Don't forget to subscribe and stay connected for more valuable insights and inspiring stories!

In this conversation, Nick Castiglia and Jesse Topp discuss Jesse's journey in martial arts and how it saved his life. They also delve into the importance of running a martial arts school as a business and the steps to securing financing and investing in real estate. Jesse shares valuable insights on building a team, establishing a network, and finding the right professionals to work with. Jesse Topp shares valuable insights and advice for gym owners looking to build a successful business. He emphasizes the importance of hiring a mentor and surrounding yourself with people who are already achieving what you want to achieve. Jesse also discusses the benefits of leveraging your home to finance your business and the importance of having a solid financial structure. He shares his experience with commercial real estate and the BRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance), as well as the importance of taking care of your personal health and well-being. Jesse's key message is to not let the fear of failure hold you back from pursuing your dreams.

Takeaways:

• Martial arts can have a profound impact on people's lives and can even save them in difficult situations.
• Running a martial arts school as a business is essential for financial stability and growth.
• Securing financing and investing in real estate can provide long-term financial security for martial arts school owners.
• Building a team and establishing a network of professionals is crucial for success in real estate ventures.
• Finding the right professionals, such as commercial real estate agents and mortgage brokers, is key to navigating the real estate market. Hire a mentor who is already achieving what you want to achieve
• Consider leveraging your home to finance your business
• Have a solid financial structure and consider commercial real estate
• Take care of your personal health and well-being
• Don't let the fear of failure hold you back from pursuing your dreams

The Legacy Martial Arts Business Podcast is hosted by Nick Castiglia and Sam Hattlestad, Entrepreneurs and co-owners of Legacy Martial Arts Consulting.

Want to get in touch with us? Just visit www.martialartsgymownersunited.com to chat with Nick and me. Follow us on our socials and YouTube:

• Instagram: @legacymaconsulting
• YouTube: Legacy Martial Arts Consulting
• Linktree: Legacy Consulting

Don't forget to subscribe and stay connected for more valuable insights and inspiring stories!

Dana Dickeson shares his journey in martial arts, from his childhood fascination with action movies to his introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) as a police officer. He recounts his experiences in MMA and the challenges of running a BJJ school in a small area. Dana eventually opens his own gym, Absolute BJJ, and discusses the growth of BJJ in his region. He also mentions his affiliation with Fabio Holanda and the decision to start his own team. Dana Dickeson shares his experience as a martial arts school owner and the lessons he has learned along the way. He emphasizes the importance of finding help and building a team, as well as executing ideas without overthinking. He also discusses the success of his gym and the growth of his tournament, East Coast Grappling. Dana advises gym owners to be mindful of their finances, not to overspend on unnecessary gear, and to seek help and guidance from experts in the industry. He encourages gym owners to be brave and take risks, even when they are scared.

Takeaways:

• Dana's interest in martial arts was sparked by action movies of the 80s and 90s.
• He initially struggled to find a martial art that resonated with him until he discovered Judo and later Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
• Dana's journey in martial arts led him to compete in MMA and eventually open his own BJJ gym.
• Running a BJJ school in a small area presented unique challenges, but Dana persevered and saw the growth of BJJ in his region. Find help and build a team to support your gym
• Execute ideas without overthinking
• Be mindful of your finances and plan for a rainy day
• Don't overspend on unnecessary gear
• Seek help and guidance from experts in the industry
• Be brave and take risks, even when you are scared

The Legacy Martial Arts Business Podcast is hosted by Nick Castiglia and Sam Hattlestad, Entrepreneurs and co-owners of Legacy Martial Arts Consulting.

Want to get in touch with us? Just visit www.martialartsgymownersunited.com to chat with Nick and me. Follow us on our socials and YouTube:

• Instagram: @legacymaconsulting
• YouTube: Legacy Martial Arts Consulting
• Linktree: Legacy Consulting

Don't forget to subscribe and stay connected for more valuable insights and inspiring stories!