The Legacy Martial Arts Business Podcast

What does it take to turn a passion for martial arts into a thriving academy—and keep moving forward when everything gets turned upside down?

In this episode, Nick sits down with Rommel and Samantha of M-Town Academy to talk about their journey from humble beginnings to building one of Canada’s standout Muay Thai academies.

They share the risks, challenges and unexpected pivots along the way—including turning to homemade pies to help keep the business afloat during the pandemic, learning when to ask for help, and going from a one-man operation to building a strong team.

Most importantly, this conversation is about believing in your vision, being willing to adapt, and building a business that supports the life and career you actually want. Today, with more than 300 students and athletes competing internationally, M-Town is proof of what can happen when you keep moving forward through the hard seasons.

If you're a martial arts school owner navigating growth, change or uncertainty, this episode is a reminder that the path won't always look the way you expected—and sometimes the biggest challenges become part of the story that gets you where you want to go.

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 

What actually separates a profitable martial arts school from one that's struggling? The numbers might surprise you.

In this episode, Nick sits down with Ben Timm of Wodify to break down the Jiu-Jitsu School Owners Benchmark Report and dig into real industry data on what successful academies are doing differently.

They dig into the numbers every school owner should be watching — including payroll, rent, retention, conversion rates, recurring revenue and revenue per student. 

Most importantly, this conversation isn't about building the biggest academy possible. It's about creating the right amount of scale, supported by strong systems, so your school can become more profitable without requiring you to work more and more hours. 

If you're a martial arts school owner wondering “How am I actually doing?”, this episode gives you some numbers to measure yourself against.

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! 

Leadership isn't measured when times are easy—it's defined by how you serve your community when it matters most.

In this episode of the Legacy Martial Arts Business Podcast, Nick sits down with Muzammal Nawaz, President of WAKO Kickboxing and owner of Bay Area Athletic Club, to discuss the evolution of kickboxing in Canada and what it takes to build a strong, sustainable martial arts organization. From WAKO's leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic to the importance of collaboration, transparency, and long-term vision, Muzammal shares valuable insights for school owners and coaches alike.

The conversation also explores the future of amateur combat sports, including athlete development, government funding, and the systems needed to elevate martial arts to the level of other nationally recognized sports. Muzammal emphasizes the growing importance of Safe Sport, professional standards, and legal responsibility, offering practical advice for academy owners who want to create safer, stronger, and more successful schools.

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! 

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! 

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, owner 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, 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 

Brent Fryia shares his origin story of becoming a gym owner and MMA fighter. He started as a wrestler and had a successful career in university wrestling. After teaching for a while, he saw an ad for an MMA class and joined, eventually turning pro and moving to Asia to compete. When he returned, he found out that the gym he trained at had a falling out, so he decided to open his own gym. Initially, the gym was small and focused on MMA fighters, but it has since evolved to include recreational classes for boxing, kickboxing, and Jiu-Jitsu. Brent emphasizes the importance of the wrestling community and the tight-knit culture it fosters. He also discusses the challenges of running a gym and the need to delegate and invest in software to manage the business. Brent shares his experience of growing his gym and transitioning from being a one-man show to hiring staff. He emphasizes the importance of investing in coaches, creating a place for everyone, and fostering a strong gym culture. He also discusses his groundbreaking partnership with the school board to offer an in-school mixed martial arts program. Brent advises gym owners to respect the art of coaching, avoid making the gym too competition-focused, and prioritize professionalism.

Takeaways:

• Brent Fryia's journey from wrestler to gym owner and MMA fighter
• The evolution of his gym from focusing on MMA fighters to including recreational classes
• The tight-knit culture and community of the wrestling world
• The challenges of running a gym and the need to delegate and invest in software for management 
• Investing in your coaches and groom potential coaches from within the gym
• Create a welcoming environment for all types of members, from recreational to competitive
• Foster a strong gym culture and prioritize community
• Respect the art of coaching and prioritize professional development
• Avoid making the gym too competition-focused and prioritize inclusivity
• Treat your gym as a professional business and seek help and guidance when needed

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 

Summary 

Milena Hrebacka, founder of New Breed Design, discusses the importance of branding and marketing for martial arts schools. She emphasizes the need for a strong brand that reflects the gym's values and resonates with its target demographic. Milena highlights the impact of a well-designed logo and consistent branding across all touchpoints, including social media, signage, merchandise, and the physical gym space. She also stresses the importance of providing a high-quality experience for clients, from the cleanliness of the facility to the professionalism of the staff. Overall, Milena emphasizes the value of investing in professional graphic design and marketing to elevate a martial arts school's brand and attract and retain clients. In this conversation, Milena Hrebacka discusses the importance of branding and design for martial arts gyms. She emphasizes the need for a solid brand identity, a well-designed physical space, and a positive human experience. Milena also advises against using platforms like Fiverr for logo design and highlights the value of investing in professional design services. She shares the top three mistakes to avoid in branding: trying to design your own logo, balking at price points, and breaking what's working for your brand. Milena was a featured speaker at the Legacy School Owners Summit in July.

Takeaways

• A strong brand that reflects the gym's values and resonates with the target demographic is crucial for martial arts schools.
• Investing in professional graphic design and marketing pays off in the long run and helps attract and retain clients.
• Consistent branding across all touchpoints, including social media, signage, merchandise, and the physical gym space, is essential.
• Providing a high-quality experience for clients, from the cleanliness of the facility to the professionalism of the staff, is key to building trust and loyalty. A solid brand identity, a well-designed physical space, and a positive human experience are crucial for martial arts gyms.
• Using platforms like Fiverr for logo design can result in generic and unoriginal designs.
• Investing in professional design services is essential for creating a unique and effective brand.
• The top three mistakes to avoid in branding are trying to design your own logo, balking at price points, and breaking what's working for your brand.
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Check out more of Milena Hrebacka and New Breed Design here: https://newbreed.design/

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