Is the martial arts industry heading into its next major evolution?

In this episode of the Legacy Martial Arts Business Podcast, Nick Castiglia sits down with Dan Uyemura, CEO of PushPress, to discuss what academy owners can learn from the explosive growth of the CrossFit industry—and why many of the same opportunities and challenges are now emerging in martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

From student onboarding and retention to culture, operations, and leadership, Dan shares insights gained from working with hundreds of gyms and academy owners across North America. Together, Nick and Dan explore what separates thriving schools from struggling ones, why many academy owners are overlooking critical business systems, and how creating a better student experience can lead to long-term growth.

The overarching message is clear: the martial arts industry is maturing, and the schools that combine great instruction with great business systems will be the ones that win. Whether you're a new school owner or an industry veteran, this conversation is packed with practical lessons that can help you build a stronger, more sustainable academy.

The Legacy Martial Arts Business Podcast is hosted by Nick Castiglia, owner of Legacy Martial Arts Consulting.

Want to get in touch with us? Just visit www.martialartsgymownersunited.com to chat with Nick and the Team. 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!

What separates thriving martial arts schools from those that constantly struggle to grow?

In this episode of the Legacy Martial Arts Business Podcast, we sit down with Chris Mierzwiak—Bellator and Strikeforce veteran, martial arts academy owner, Wodify Partnerships Specialist, and father of two—to discuss how school owners can use data to make smarter business decisions, improve retention, and create a better experience for their students.

From identifying the metrics that truly matter to understanding why more leads aren't always the answer, Chris shares practical insights that every martial arts school owner can implement immediately.

Whether you own a BJJ academy, Muay Thai gym, MMA school, or traditional martial arts program, this conversation will challenge the way you think about growth and help you build a stronger, more sustainable business.

The Legacy Martial Arts Business Podcast is hosted by Nick Castiglia, owner of Legacy Martial Arts Consulting.

Want to get in touch with us? Just visit www.martialartsgymownersunited.com to chat with Nick and the Team. 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 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!