Summary
In this episode of the Business of Jujitsu Podcast, host JP Levesque talks with Andrew Green from Innovative Martial Arts in Winnipeg about the basics of running a successful kids' jiu jitsu program. They discuss the importance of marketing, community events, the impact of martial arts on children, and strategies for growing a kids' program.
Andrew shares insights on staff training, age group separation, and the role of the head instructor. They also explore the benefits of birthday parties as a marketing tool and the significance of summer camps and events in maintaining engagement.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00:01 Introduction and Background
00:00:46 Growth and Community Engagement
00:01:53 Staff Training and Program Structure
00:04:33 Age Group Separation and Class Management
00:08:05 Marketing Strategies and Events
00:17:08 Summer Camps and Seasonal Engagement
00:25:36 Birthday Parties as a Marketing Tool
00:38:27 Community Events and Visibility
About my guest:
The Kids Jiu-Jitsu Playbook is a community for Jiu-Jitsu school owners, managers, and coaches who want their kids programs to run smoother, retain better, and be easier to manage.
This group is focused specifically on kids classes. How to keep them engaged, how to structure classes that work, how to train coaches, and how to grow kids programs without adding chaos or burnout.
Inside the group you will find hands-on coaching tips and training, internal and external marketing ideas, class games and drills, and proven systems that help improve retention, class flow, and parent satisfaction.
Here's some of what's inside:
Discussion forum with other experienced kids coaches
Class Games Library with games that use and develop jiu-jitsu skills
Coach development manuals
White label Newsletters you can fully customize to your school in minutes
Internal marketing and retention events to get more kids and have them stay longer
How to run the best Birthday party in your city
If you're interested in joining Andrew's community here is a link to check it out.
In this episode of the Business of Jiu Jitsu podcast, JP Levesque discusses strategies for opening a new jiu jitsu academy with a focus on becoming cashflow positive from day one. He emphasizes the importance of pre-selling memberships, having a solid business plan, and differentiating your academy in a competitive market. JP shares insights on pricing, marketing, and creating a strong student journey to ensure growth and sustainability.
Takeaways
Chapters:
If you enjoyed the episode and want to see what getting help to grow your academy looks like head on over to https://growjitsu.com/request-a-demo
It's a free call that will help you figure out the next steps in growing your academy, there's no pressure, only clarity and direction for your academy's future growth.
Summary
In this episode, JP Levesque discusses the four buckets of growth essential for jujitsu academies, emphasizing the importance of generating leads, effective onboarding, long-term student retention, and the role of staff in business success. He provides actionable insights and strategies for academy owners to implement systems that ensure growth and sustainability in their businesses.
Takeaways
The four buckets of growth are essential for business success.
New leads must be funneled into onboarding and retention.
Effective onboarding is crucial for new students' success.
Long-term engagement strategies are necessary for student retention.
Staff motivation and alignment with business goals are vital.
Creating systems for lead generation can control business growth.
Regular check-ins with students can enhance retention.
Engagement activities can keep students motivated beyond belt promotions.
Understanding staff roles can prevent operational issues.
Continuous improvement and adaptation are key to business growth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Four Buckets of Growth
02:53 Understanding the First Bucket: New Leads and Students
05:52 Onboarding New Students Effectively
09:05 Long-Term Student Retention Strategies
11:55 The Importance of Staff in Business Growth
15:11 Conclusion and Future Directions
In this episode of the Business of Jiu Jitsu podcast, I break down a full month-by-month marketing and operations plan for your academy in 2026.
If you ever feel like you’re just reacting to whatever’s in front of you, this gives you a clear structure to follow. I walk through what to focus on in each month, from pricing reviews and onboarding in January, to marketing kickoffs in February, to retention plays and system building over the summer, and all the way to end-of-year promotions in December.
You’ll also hear ideas for running kids camps, holiday offers, belt promotion timing, and how to keep students engaged year-round. Whether you're brand new or trying to clean up what you’ve already built, this gives you a clear and repeatable plan to grow your gym without burning out.
PS. If you're looking for help growing your academy head on over to www.Growjitsu.com - I've got free resources as well as paid help, thanks for listneing.
In this episode, I walk through what it really takes to grow a Jiu Jitsu academy — and why lead generation should never be the first step.
We cover how to tighten up your retention, onboarding, and sales process before you worry about running ads or chasing new leads. I also talk through simple but effective ways to build trust during trials, communicate better with your students, and use basic tools (like Google Sheets) to track what matters.
If you’ve been stuck in overthinking or spinning your wheels trying to grow, this one lays out a clear, practical path forward.
If you're a Jiu Jitsu Gym owner looking for a little help to grow their business grab a copy of my free book 'The Unstuck Academy' here: https://growjitsu.com/book
In this episode of the Business of Jiu Jitsu podcast, I break down a layered approach to building and growing your Jiu Jitsu academy, from setting your big picture goals all the way down to the small plays that actually move the needle. Whether you're just getting started or trying to fix a gym that's already running, this episode walks you through the exact framework I use when helping academy owners clean up their systems and grow.
We go over how to do a simple “traffic light” assessment of your gym, how to build structure around retention, onboarding, and lead flow, and how to engage your current students without needing a huge marketing budget. I also share some easy-to-execute ideas like monthly attendance shoutouts, Google review habits, rewards systems, and how to know when you're ready to scale. If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this episode will give you a real game plan to work from.Head on over to https://growjitsu.com/book to download a free copy of my book 'The Unstuck Academy'.
Spoilers, yes you should run a Black Friday special at your Jiu Jitsu Academy...
But there is both a right way and a wrong way to do this.
This episode breaks down what actually makes a good offer, not just for Black Friday, but year-round.
I talk about:
– Why you should always have some kind of offer running
– What makes a promo actually valuable (without giving discounts)
– What to do for current members during the holidays
– When to turn paid ads back on in the new year
– And yeah… the uncomfortable truth about price increases and cutting discounts
Short episode, straight to the point.
PS. If you want some help growing your Jiu Jitsu Gym or Academy I've got jus the thing for you.
Head on over to https://growjitsu.com/book to download a free copy of my book 'The Unstuck Academy'.
In this episode, JP Levesque discusses the critical role of pricing strategy in maintaining a sustainable business. He emphasizes the need for business owners to evaluate their pricing in relation to their operational costs and the potential impact on student retention. The discussion highlights the balance between affordability for customers and the necessity for businesses to ensure their long-term viability through appropriate pricing adjustments.
Takeaways
If your prices are too low, you're breakeven.
Raising prices can significantly increase revenue.
Consider the impact of price changes on student retention.
It's important to balance affordability with business needs.
Long-term sustainability requires regular price evaluations.
Evaluate your roster to predict who might leave after a price increase.
Shit is expensive; businesses need to adapt pricing accordingly.
Pricing strategies should reflect the realities of operational costs.
Don't price people out of your service; find a balance.
Regularly assess your pricing to ensure business longevity.
If you want to learn more about how I help academy owners grow their business without becoming Mc Dojos head on over to www.GrowJitsu.com and book a demo.
PS. There's also a free Ebook I wrote to help academy owners grow their business - https://growjitsu.com/book
In this conversation, Zach Forrest emphasizes the critical role of regular check-ins with clients in a gym setting. He discusses the importance of understanding clients' frustrations and excitements, particularly for new members. By fostering open communication and feedback, trainers can adapt their approach to better meet clients' needs and enhance their overall experience. This ongoing dialogue is essential for building strong client relationships and ensuring satisfaction in their training journey.
If you don't have a good member management software to ruin your gym on check out - https://www.pushpress.com/
They have a free tier, they aren't paying me to pitch this, I just believe in the team and the product to the point it's a no brainer to recommend having personally used it in my gym too.
If you are looking to get a little more direction on growing your Jiu Jitsu Gym/Academy head on over to www.growjitsu.com/book and download my free book called 'The unstuck academy' to start seeing growth again in your gym.
In this episode of The Business of Jiu Jitsu Podcast, JP Levesque breaks down the realities of opening a Jiu Jitsu academy in today’s saturated market.
He shares why “just being a good coach” isn’t enough anymore, and why having a marketing budget is no longer optional if you want to grow.
From Meta ads to Google search, JP explains how to think about paid marketing, how to budget for it, and why your dream gym won’t survive if no one knows it exists.
While I did talk about ads the majority of the episode is about the underlying systems you need to have in place BEFORE you consider running paid ads.
This one’s a must-listen if you’re launching an academy or struggling to get new students through the door.
If you own a Jiu Jitsu academy and you want help adding new students, keeping them longer, and building a lasting legacy working with GrowJitsu might be right for you so check out the link below to book a live demo with me.
https://growjitsu.com/request-a-demoAs always, no pressure, no stress, just answers and direction, heres the link to book:
Summary
In this episode of the Business of Jiu-Jitsu podcast, JP Levesque discusses how Jiu-Jitsu academy owners can achieve consistent growth and turn their academies into successful businesses. He emphasizes the importance of understanding key metrics such as student retention, revenue, and profit margins. JP also highlights the need for dedicated CEO time to strategize and plan for the future, encouraging owners to set clear goals and understand their business's potential. The conversation wraps up with actionable steps for academy owners to start seeing growth and improvement in their operations.akeawaysYou need to measure what matters in your business.Understanding churn is crucial for growth.Average client value can be increased through additional offerings.Setting aside CEO time is essential for business improvement.Identify your biggest constraints to growth.Evaluate what has worked and what hasn't in the past.Look at successful academies for inspiration.Define what you want your business to achieve.Your business can be a lifestyle choice or a legacy.Knowing your numbers helps you make informed decisions.
As always if you want some help growing your academy head on over to www.GrowJitsu.com/book to download a free copy of my book 'The Unstuck Academy' so you can start seeing growth in your business today.
In this episode of the Business of Jiu Jitsu, JP Levesque interviews Glenn Powditch, a seasoned jiu jitsu practitioner and gym owner. They discuss the duality of running a gym as a hobby versus a business, the importance of professionalism, and the challenges gym owners face. Glenn shares insights on how to navigate the commercialization of jiu jitsu while maintaining integrity, the significance of tracking leads and marketing effectively, and the role of breath work in enhancing jiu jitsu performance. The conversation emphasizes the need for gym owners to adopt a business mindset to ensure sustainability and success in the competitive landscape of jiu jitsu.
Takeaways
Running a gym can be both a hobby and a business.
Professionalism is key to successful gym management.
Breath work significantly improves jiu jitsu performance.
Tracking leads is essential for gym marketing success.
Maintaining integrity is crucial in the commercialization of jiu jitsu.
Gym owners should not lower their standards for gradings.
Creating a safe training environment reduces injury rates.
Understanding your target market helps in pricing and services.
Building a strong online presence is vital for attracting members.
The jiu jitsu business landscape is evolving, and owners must adapt.
Here is a link to the article on BJJ Fanatic that Glyn mentioned in this episode:
https://bjjfanatics.com/blogs/news/guide-to-opening-a-bjj-gym-hobby-vs-commercial-gym?srsltid=AfmBOor06MU-hykU-pEvxhF3HNWDAigotCsK1XAjsXCRTFez-yLzd3Wd
You can also find Glyn on IG/FB/WEB/BJJ Fanatics, here are some links incase you want to learn more:
SBG Rossendale: https://sbgrossendale.com/
Marketing Agency: https://dreamagility.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/glynpowditch/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/glyn.powditch
BJJ Fanatics: https://bjjfanatics.com/products/breathe-to-win-by-glyn-powditch
If you want some help getting your own BJJ academy getting new students, keeping them long term, and running a profitable business grab my free book here: https://growjitsu.com/book
Are you a black belt on the mats but a white belt in business?
In this episode of the Business of Jiu Jitsu podcast, JP Levesque explores the concept of belt levels in business, drawing parallels to the martial art of jiu jitsu. He discusses the challenges faced by business owners at different stages, from the 'white belt' stage of struggling to establish systems, to the 'black belt' stage of mastery and personal definition of success. The conversation emphasizes the importance of awareness, systemization, and growth in achieving business success.
Takeaways
The hardest stage for business owners is the white belt stage.
Awareness is key to moving from a white belt to a blue belt in business.
Systems are crucial for business success and growth.
Purple belt signifies a solid foundation of systems in business.
Brown belt represents refinement and optimization of business operations.
Black belt in business is a personal journey and definition of success.
Transitioning through belt levels can happen quickly with effort.
Financial stability is essential for business owners to thrive.
Building a business you love requires systemization and awareness.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Business Belt Levels
02:36 Understanding the Business White Belt
04:54 Transitioning to Business Blue Belt
08:11 Achieving the Business Purple Belt
12:26 Reaching the Business Brown Belt
15:48 Defining the Business Black Belt
20:31 Recap and Final Thoughts
If you want to learn more about how I help academy owners grow their business without becoming Mc Dojos head on over to www.GrowJitsu.com and book a demo.
PS. There's also a free Ebook I wrote to help academy owners grow their business - https://growjitsu.com/book
In this episode of the Business of Jiu Jitsu podcast, JP Levesque dives into various hot takes regarding the operation of BJJ academies. He discusses the value of kids programs, the importance of quality control in scalable businesses, and the necessity of balancing business acumen with jiu jitsu skills. JP also addresses common pitfalls faced by academy owners, the ethics of recruitment during open mats, and the significance of maintaining hygiene standards. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the need for a strong business foundation to ensure the success of a jiu jitsu academy.
Takeaways
Kids programs can be valuable for personal development and fun.
Being good at business is infinitely better than being good at jiu jitsu.
Most gym owners are awful at practically every aspect of running the business.
Teaching good jiu jitsu is not even a top five priority when it comes to running a good business.
Recruitment at Open Mats is slimy and lacks integrity.
Contracts that run your social security number are a massive red flag.
Constant jibber jabbering speeches after class need to stop.
Charging for promotions feels icky and should be avoided.
Hygiene standards in gyms are crucial for student safety.
Quality over quantity is often forgotten in most academies.
Keywords
BJJ, Jiu Jitsu, Academy Owners, Business, Kids Programs, Quality Control, Membership Contracts, Teaching, Ethics, Personal Development
Summary
In this episode of the Business of Jiu Jitsu podcast, JP Levesque dives into various hot takes regarding the operation of BJJ academies. He discusses the value of kids programs, the importance of quality control in scalable businesses, and the necessity of balancing business acumen with jiu jitsu skills. JP also addresses common pitfalls faced by academy owners, the ethics of recruitment during open mats, and the significance of maintaining hygiene standards. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the need for a strong business foundation to ensure the success of a jiu jitsu academy.
Takeaways
Kids programs can be valuable for personal development and fun.
Being good at business is infinitely better than being good at jiu jitsu.
Most gym owners are awful at practically every aspect of running the business.
Teaching good jiu jitsu is not even a top five priority when it comes to running a good business.
Recruitment at Open Mats is slimy and lacks integrity.
Contracts that run your social security number are a massive red flag.
Constant jibber jabbering speeches after class need to stop.
Charging for promotions feels icky and should be avoided.
Hygiene standards in gyms are crucial for student safety.
Quality over quantity is often forgotten in most academies.
Titles
The Business of Jiu Jitsu: Hot Takes Unveiled
Navigating Kids Programs in BJJ Academies
Sound bites
"Recruitment at Open Mats is slimy."
"Charging for promotions feels icky."
"Hygiene standards in gyms are crucial."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to BJJ Academy Owner Hot Takes
01:00 The Value of Kids Programs
02:57 Quality Control in Scalable Jiu Jitsu Businesses
07:20 Business Acumen vs. Jiu Jitsu Skill
08:47 Common Pitfalls of Academy Owners
12:32 Prioritizing Teaching Quality in Business
13:56 Recruitment Ethics in Open Mats
15:24 Consultations and Cultural Fit
16:48 Membership Contracts and Consumer Rights
18:37 Classroom Management and Communication
19:06 Ethics in Pricing and Promotions
21:00 Hygiene Standards in Jiu Jitsu Academies
22:25 Personal Development through Kids Programs
23:22 Trial Class Experiences
24:46 Importance of Fundamentals Classes
27:37 Quality Over Quantity in Academies
If you want to learn more about what I do outside of highly caffinated ramblings head on over to www.GrowJitsu.com and check it out. There's also a free Ebook I wrote to help academy owners grow their business.
In this episode of the Business of Jiu Jitsu podcast, JP Levesque discusses strategies for Jiu Jitsu academy owners to regain momentum as summer ends. He emphasizes the importance of planning events for revenue generation, student retention, and recruitment. JP outlines effective marketing strategies, including reactivation campaigns and the use of Facebook ads, to attract new students and keep current ones engaged. He stresses the need for a solid lead nurturing process and a great trial experience to ensure success in the competitive landscape of martial arts academies.
Takeaways
Prioritize rebuilding momentum as summer ends.
Plan monthly events for revenue, retention, and recruitment.
Implement a reactivation campaign to bring back former students.
Engage current students with challenges and seminars.
Use marketing strategies that resonate with your audience.
Facebook ads can be effective if set up correctly.
Ensure a great free trial experience for new students.
Lead nurturing is essential for converting interest into sign-ups.
Onboarding processes can reduce quit rates in the first 90 days.
Consistency in marketing efforts leads to long-term success.
If you want to learn more about me or how I help BJJ academies grow, head on over to Growjistu.com for details or to reachout.
Summary
In this episode of the Business of Jujitsu podcast, Devin Needles shares his journey from a Jiu Jitsu practitioner to the owner of Ground Control Academy. He discusses the challenges and successes of running an academy, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, structured curriculums, and effective lead generation strategies.
Devin highlights the significance of creating a welcoming environment for new students and the role of enthusiasm in sales. He provides insights into the onboarding process and the necessity of having a well-thought-out class structure to enhance the student experience and drive growth.
Takeaways
Devin started his academy in a small town to avoid competition.
Low startup costs and minimal expectations were key to initial success.
Professionalism and structured processes are essential for running a successful academy.
Lead generation websites and automation can significantly improve student onboarding.
Enthusiasm for Jiu Jitsu helps in nurturing leads and converting them into students.
Trial classes should be well-structured to ensure a positive experience for newcomers.
A standardized curriculum helps students progress and understand Jiu Jitsu better.
Creating a welcoming culture is crucial for retaining new students.
Academy owners should focus on the student experience to drive growth.
Having a clear sales process and marketing strategy is vital for long-term success.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jiu-Jitsu Journey
05:52 Professionalizing the Academy
12:00 The Importance of Enthusiasm in Sales
17:51 Creating a Seamless Customer Experience
24:27 Overcoming Growth Challenges in Jiu-Jitsu Academies
33:54 Enhancing Student Experience Through Contextual Learning
42:52 Key Strategies for Academy Owners to Foster Growth
Summary
In this episode of the Business of Jujitsu podcast, JP Levesque discusses various hot takes related to gym ownership and the business side of jujitsu. He addresses common complaints from the jujitsu community, such as the importance of transparency in pricing and scheduling, the debate over gi requirements, and the challenges of managing students. Levesque emphasizes the need for gym owners to treat their academies as businesses rather than hobbies, while also exploring the value of kids programs and the role of testing in belt promotions. The conversation is lively and filled with insights for both gym owners and jujitsu practitioners.
Takeaways
Most gyms operate like hobbies rather than businesses.
Transparency in pricing and scheduling is crucial for attracting students.
Gi requirements can be flexible, but cleanliness is important.
Handling difficult students is a necessary skill for gym owners.
Cross-training should be encouraged to improve overall jujitsu skills.
Trial periods should allow enough classes for potential students to decide.
Kids programs can be valuable for personal development and fun.
Testing for belts can help identify skill gaps in students.
Motivational speeches after class can be beneficial if not overdone.
Drop-in policies should prioritize the safety and culture of the gym.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Business Owner Hot Takes
01:27 Running a Gym: Hobby vs. Business
03:54 Transparency in Pricing and Scheduling
06:17 The Importance of Uniforms in Jiu Jitsu
10:34 Managing Student Dynamics
11:32 Cross-Training and Student Retention
12:28 Trial Classes and Their Effectiveness
14:26 Beginner Classes: Expectations vs. Reality
15:41 The Value of Kids Programs
16:38 Belt Testing: Necessity or Nuisance?
18:00 Coaching Philosophy and Class Dynamics
19:46 Drop-In Policies and Gym Culture
In this episode, I sit down with Joshua Janis, owner of White Lotus Jiu Jitsu.
We talk about what it means to build a Jiu Jitsu academy around intention, clarity, and culture. Joshua shares how his background and philosophy have shaped the way he runs his gym and how important it is to create an environment where the right students thrive.
We also dive into the evolution of Jiu Jitsu, how to lead with purpose, and why a clear vision is key, not just for growth, but for staying aligned with why you opened your academy in the first place.
Want to connect with Joshua?
IG: https://www.instagram.com/joshuaj_bjj/
FB (academy): https://www.facebook.com/WhiteLotusJiuJitsu/
BJJ Globetrotters Instructor Profile: https://www.bjjglobetrotters.com/featured-camp-instructor-joshua-janis-bjj-globetrotters/
BJJ Globetrotters Academy Feature: https://www.bjjglobetrotters.com/featured-affiliated-academy-white-lotus-jiu-jitsu-usa/
Website: https://www.gentleartlifestyle.com/whitelotusbjj
Website: https://www.janisconsulting.com/
A quick episode for once, and clearly a click bait title, but worthwhile if you're still stuck trying to grow your BJJ academy and haven't quite cracked the code.
Summary
In this episode of the Business of Jujitsu podcast, JP Levesque discusses the importance of embracing discomfort and cringe in order to achieve personal and professional growth. He shares anecdotes about overcoming societal judgments and emphasizes the necessity of marketing and sales in business. The conversation encourages listeners to take action despite their fears and to focus on their goals, reminding them that success often lies just beyond their comfort zones.
Takeaways
Everything you want is on the other side of discomfort.
People's opinions shouldn't dictate your actions.
Success requires pushing through cringe-worthy moments.
Marketing and sales are essential for business growth.
You are already selling, even if you don't realize it.
Fear of rejection is a common barrier to success.
Integrity in business practices is crucial.
Taking action is more important than seeking approval.
Growth often requires doing things that feel uncomfortable.
Self-doubt is often the biggest obstacle to success.
If you want help growing your BJJ academy, I wrote a free book that walks you through the systems and strategies that actually work. Grab your copy at www.Growjitsu.com/book
In this episode I chatted with Bobby and Amanda McMasters of Open Source BJJ in Ashville NC. They have not only built a place with a good vibe, amazing coaches and team members but they are doing something very unconventional with their Jiu Jitsu academy. They are giving back to their community with a pricing model that allows anyone who wants to train to be able to afford it. Considering most of us agree that the world would be a better place if more people did Jiu Jitsu it's a very exciting idea and I'm stoked to spread the word with this week's episode.
If you're looking to reach out to Bobby & Amanda you can find them here:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/opensourcejiujitsuavl/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/opensourcebjj
WEB: https://www.opensourcebjj.net/