Blackbelt Business Podcast

A to Z on How to Run a Kids BJJ Program - Michael Phipps & Jordan Shipman (E40)

Easton Training Center's Director of Kids Martial Arts, Jordan Shipman, and Director of Marketing, Michael Phipps, join Eliot to discuss how Easton run's our Kids Martial Arts programs and give some tips on what you could do to improve your kids Jiu Jitsu program. 

Developing Skillful Martial Artists from the Ground + Up - Michael Phipps & Jordan Shipman (E39)

Easton Training Center's Director of Kids Martial Arts, Jordan Shipman, and Director of Marketing, Michael Phipps, join Eliot to discuss how to build skillful students from day 1. As a martial arts academy owner or operator, the lifeblood of your academy will most likely be new students with little to no previous experience. If you want to keep them coming back, you have provide value, which means building students into skillful practitioners.   Watch or listen to the full podcast on our...

The Basics of Creating a Successful Martial Arts School - Michael Phipps & Jordan Shipman (E38)

Easton Training Center's Director of Kids Martial Arts, Jordan Shipman, and Director of Marketing, Michael Phipps, join Eliot to discuss the basic necessities of building a successful martial arts school. From marketing, to running classes and crafting a systematic sales process.   Watch or listen to the full podcast on our blog: https://www.easton.online/blog/   Visit https://www.easton.online to sign up for our mailing list!

Creating Alignment on a Growing Coaching Staff - Michael Phipps & Jordan Shipman (E37)

Easton Training Center's Director of Kids Martial Arts, Jordan Shipman, and Director of Marketing, Michael Phipps, join Eliot to discuss creating alignment in Martial Arts Academies with growing coaching staffs and how to make sure everyone is delivering a great product every time.    Watch or listen to the full podcast on our blog: https://www.easton.online/blog/   Visit https://www.easton.online to sign up for our mailing list!

Growing with the times in Martial Arts and Business - Amal Easton, Mike Tousignant & Ian Lieberman (E36)

Amal Easton joins the podcast with Ian and Mike to discuss how academies, business owners, and martial artists must adapt and grow with the times or see themselves becoming irrelevant. Amal adds details about the way things used to be done and how Easton has changed and adapted over time, while Mike and Ian discuss the process of implementing and managing these changes in a large martial arts business with multiple schools.

New Roles, Facilitating Transitions, and Finding Purpose - Michael Phipps & Jordan Shipman (E35)

Easton Training Center's Director of Kids Martial Arts, Jordan Shipman, and Director of Marketing, Michael Phipps, join Eliot to what it's like to change roles in a Martial Arts Company, helping front line staff through leadership transitions, and finding purpose in your martial arts academy work.   Watch or listen to the full podcast on our blog: https://www.easton.online/blog/   Visit https://www.easton.online to sign up for our mailing list!

Structuring and Scaling a Martial Arts Academy - Michael Phipps & Jordan Shipman (E34)

Easton Training Center's Director of Kids Martial Arts, Jordan Shipman, and Director of Marketing, Michael Phipps, join Eliot to discuss the structure of an academy, the roles that need to be filled, and how those roles progress and change as the academy grows.   Watch or listen to the full podcast on our blog: https://www.easton.online/blog/ Visit https://www.easton.online to sign up for our mailing list! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open...

Delegating Roles and Building Your Academy on Core Values - Mike Tousignant & Ian Lieberman (E33)

Easton Training Center's CEO, Mike Tousignant, and Vice President, Ian Lieberman, join the Black Belt Business Podcast to discuss the thinking and processes behind delegating responsibilities and roles to people in your martial arts academy as well as how to build your academy on core values that you and your staff can stand behind. Check out the people analyzer here: https://www.eosworldwide.com/people Watch or listen to the full podcast on our blog: https://www.easton.online/blog/ Vi...

Live (or Die) by Your Metrics - Jordan Shipman & Michael Phipps (E32)

Easton Training Center's Director of Kids Martial Arts, Jordan Shipman, and Director of Marketing, Michael Phipps, join Eliot to discuss the importance of departmental meetings for martial arts academies, as well as living and dying by your academy's metrics.  Watch or listen to the full podcast on our blog: https://www.easton.online/blog/ Visit https://www.easton.online to sign up for our mailing list!

Helping People Thrive is the Model for Growth - Casey Halstead (E31)

Casey Halstead is a 10th Planet Black Belt and owner of 10th Planet Las Vegas. He's opened multiple successful 10th planet schools in the last 10 years and coaches several high-level BJJ athletes. Casey joins the Black Belt Business Podcast to discuss his unique strategy when it comes to opening and growing schools, how he discovers and develops talent from within the his schools, and the importance of culture to ensuring a martial arts academy continues to thrive.   Watch or listen to t...

Lessons Learned Surviving The Pandemic As A Martial Arts Company - Mike Tousignant & Ian Lieberman (E30)

Easton CEO, Mike Tousignant, and Vice President, Ian Lieberman, join the Black Belt Business Podcast to discuss the systems, methods, and beliefs that helped Easton's schools to not only survive, but thrive throughout the pandemic.

Being Successful Means Never Stop Learning - Phillipe Gentry & Jim Sheppard of SBG Atlanta (E29)

Phil and Jim are co-owners of two successful Martial Arts Academies in Georgia, SBG Atlanta and SBG Buford. Both recently joined and completed Easton Online's first mastermind for academy owners. Phil and Jim join the Black Belt Business Podcast to discuss their beginnings in martial arts, why they chose to join the mastermind even though by almost any standard they are running very successful schools, what they gained from working with Easton, and where they plan on going from here.

Going Big Doesn't Mean Selling Out - Alberto Crane (E28)

Alberto Crane is a Jiu Jitsu O.O.G., and his connections with Easton go way back. He received his black belt under Vinicius “Draculino,” becoming the first American to become a black belt under the Gracie Barra Academy banner. He has also been a successful competitor in both BJJ and MMA. Now, Alberto runs martial arts schools in New Mexico. He joins the Black Belt Business Podcast to discuss everything he's learned over the years operating his schools and to offer advice to new school owners...

Narrowing The Focus With Your Martial Arts School - Paul Halme (E27)

Paul Halme is Travis Lutter's first Black Belt, a Master No GI Black Belt World Champion, and author of the book "How To Make Money With Your Martial Arts Gym: Even If You Haven’t Won Anything Yet". Paul also owns and operates his own school, Peak MMA, in Keller, TX. In this episode of Black Belt Business podcast Paul joins Eliot to discuss narrowing your focus as a school owner and how doing so can make your school successful.   Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/kawEl-XJ9kc

From Karate to Jiu Jitsu; A Lifelong Passion For Martial Arts - John Hassett (E26)

Eliott credits John Hassett for being the person that introduced him to Jiu Jitsu. Hassett began his martial arts training with Soo Bahk Do, a Korean style of karate, in which he achieved the rank of 5th degree Master. In the late 90's Hassett transitioned to Jiu Jitsu, first as a student of Steve Maxwell, and now trains under Phil and Rick Migliarese of Team Balance/Balance Studios in Philadelphia. John details his journey from Karate to Jiu Jitsu and discusses what running two of his own s...

Learning How To Operate A Martial Arts School - Ricardo Almeida (E25)

Ricardo Almeida is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Renzo Gracie. Ricardo previously fought for the UFC and Pride FC as well as other well-known promotions. He is an accomplished grappler and multi-time silver medalist at ADCC. Ricardo operates and teaches at multiple, successful Jiu Jitsu schools along with coaching high level fighters like Frankie Edgar. He joins the Black Belt Business Podcast to discuss how he learned to operate his Jiu Jitsu academies like a business without sacri...

Creating Inclusive Martial Arts Communities - Elliott Bayev (E24)

Elliott Bayev is a BJJ Black Belt, academy owner, and author of "Sales Jiu Jitsu," all about how sales and Jiu Jitsu are similar. Elliott is also the first person to have a women-only school and women-only competition team in Canada. Elliott joins the Black Belt Business Podcast to discuss building inclusive martial arts schools, best business practices for school owners, and the responsibility we have as martial artists to grow the reach of our respective arts and push them forward.  Watc...

The Business of Jiu Jitsu - Karel Pravec (E23)

Karel Pravec, AKA the “Silver Fox,” is a 4th degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, and one of Renzo Gracie’s very first students in the United States. Pravec’s BJJ expertise has him regularly sought out for seminars and classes across the world, and his Silver Fox BJJ Academy in Northern New Jersey has been grooming grappling and MMA champions since 2006. Karel joins Eliot on the Easton Online Podcast to discuss the business of Jiu Jitsu, including how academies must adapt as they grow and ...

Building Successful Martial Arts Academies with Integrity - Mike Garaguso (E22)

Michael Garaguso has been running his school, Garaguso Karate, since the early 1980’s. He is professor Eliot Marshall's first martial arts instructor. Garaguso is also a master at adapting to the times, including adding BJJ into his curriculum. In this podcast he discusses how he has adapted his business practices to remain successful as times continue to change.

Passionate Teams Win - Chris Mierzwiak (E21)

Chris Mierzwiak is the General Manager at Easton Arvada. In this episode, Eliot speaks with Chris about his start in martial arts, transitioning to Easton, and what Martial Arts schools need to focus on to be successful.

Sean Madden - Building Muay Thai Programs, Structure, & Culture (E20)

Sean Madden is the Muay Thai Program Director for all Easton Training Center academies. In this episode, Eliot speaks with Sean about building a muay thai program at what was founded as a brazillian jiujitsu school. 

Jordan Shipman (E19)

Growth in Crisis - Jordan Shipman (E19)

Jordan Shipman the general manager of Easton's newest location in Longmont, which opened on January 13 of this year. Exactly 2 months after opening, Easton closed its doors due to the coronavirus crisis. We discuss Jordan's experience as a new martial arts school manager, what owners and managers can do to prevent their business from going under, how to grow during a crisis, and more. Visit https://www.easton.online to sign up for our mailing list! 

Responding to a Global Pandemic - Mike Tousignant (E18)

This podcast welcomes back BJJ Black Belt and CEO of Easton, Mike Tousignant. In this episode Eliot Zoom calls Mike to discuss the last 2 weeks and share how Easton has responded to the global COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Obligation To Disagree - Rebecca Baack (E17)

Rebecca Baack has been working as a leader in the fitness industry for over 13 years. She founded and opened CorePower Yoga's first franchise and expanded to two successful yoga studios before merging with another franchise, Level 4 Yoga, which now owns 34 CorePower Yoga locations across the country. We discuss balancing parenting and running a business, working hard to earn flexibility, building employees that can honestly disagree with you, and more. Full Episode & Transcript: https://ww...

Adapt & Evolve - Matt Bloss (E16)

Matt Bloss is a Muay Thai coach, a martial arts enthusiast, and the general manager of Easton's largest location. Matt began training martial arts at an early age and eventually found Muay Thai and Easton. We discuss him leaving his old job to fulfill his passion, his belief in Easton's community, and more. Full Episode & Transcript: https://www.easton.online/blog/matt-bloss

From Broke to Boss - Jeff Suskin (E15)

Jeff Suskin is an Easton BJJ black belt and publisher of DiningOut Magazine, a successful publication that showcases the restaurant culture in Denver and Boulder since 1998. Jeff came from a humble background and worked his way up through the magazine and event management industry. We discuss his coming up in business, measures of success, and more. Full Episode & Transcript: https://www.easton.online/blog/jeff-suskin

Beyond An Entry Level-Job - Ayesha Hussain (E14)

First impressions specialist Ayesha Hussain is a nursing student, a regular BJJ and Muay Thai practitioner, and a committed employee at Easton Training Center Denver. Ayesha joins the podcast to discuss her position, how she came across Easton, and how she has found her place through the work culture and environment at the front desk over the past 3 years. Full Episode & Transcript: https://www.easton.online/blog/ayesha-hussain

Finding Calm in Chaos - Josh Dinar (E13)

Josh Dinar is the co-founder and publisher of DiningOut Magazine, a successful publication that showcases the restaurant culture in Denver and Boulder since 1998. Josh has consulted on and has ownership stakes in several of the most popular and successful eateries in the area. Josh is also heavily involved as a volunteer in his community, sitting on several non-profit boards.   Full Video & Transcript: https://www.easton.online/blog/josh-dinar

Honest, Human Business Models - Jake Bell (E12)

Jake Bell is a BJJ brown belt and an expert in sales and leadership. Jake has been an essential component in the development of Easton's SOPs, business operating systems, and overall business model.   Full Video & Transcript: https://www.easton.online/blog/jake-bell

Building Employees Up— Van Tran (E11)

Van Tran is the Creative Director of Easton Training Center and Easton Denver's Academy Operations Director. She began working for Easton in 2012 and has experienced the company's transformation first hand.   Full Video & Transcript: https://www.easton.online/blog/van-tran

Business Growth, Self-Reliance, & Having a Vision— Park Roberts (E10)

Boulder Athletics owner and coach Park Roberts joins the podcast to discuss startup business tactics, establishing a vision, and why it is important to do hard things. Park directed Easton Training Center's Crossfit program for years and went on to open his own fitness gym, Boulder Athletics, in 2016.   Full Video & Transcript: https://www.easton.online/blog/park-roberts

First Impressions, Trust Employees & Build People Up— Sarah Rochniak (E9)

Sarah Rochniak joins the podcast to discuss her role as Easton Training Center Boulder's Director of First Impressions, how to navigate employee relationships, and her experience as an extrovert in position of power. Sarah emphasizes the importance of not taking things personally, working for "the team," and taking the time to train people (even when this does not appear on your job description).   Full Video & Transcript: https://www.easton.online/blog/sarah-rochniak

E8: Larry Dressler -- Authentic Engagement & Collaboration

This episode features Larry Dressler. Larry has designed and facilitated high-stakes conversations and advised leaders for over 25 years. He has mediated such meetings for Easton (to help align their purpose, core values and vision) as well as in settings ranging from the offices of Fortune 100 companies to a solar-powered chocolate factory in the Amazon. Larry has served as a trusted consultant to leaders at New Belgium Brewing, First Bank of Colorado, Facebook, Nike, and The Denver Foundat...

E7: Sachi Ainge--Marketing and Healthy Business

Sachi Ainge is the Director of Marketing & Administration, part of the Easton Support Team. In this episode, Eliot talks to Sachi about her background, how she got involved with Easton and why her role evolved into the current position.

E6: Peter Straub -- Candor, Authenticity, & Real Talks

Peter Straub is a BJJ black belt, and the general manager of Easton Training Center Littleton. In this episode, Peter sits down with Eliot to have a vulnerable conversation about their past together, personal growth along the way, and share stories about an Easton martial arts school in Littleton, CO that started with zero members and grew into a thriving, vibrant community all in about a year. Full Video & Transcript: https://www.easton.online/blog/e6-peter-straub-candor-authenticity-real...

E5: Jeff Ake -- Human Connections

This episode features Easton Black Belt, Jeff Ake. Professor Jeff shares the story of his beginnings as a martial artists to his challenging path to become General Manager of the Easton Arvada academy. Eliot and Jeff discuss the keys to overcoming his many both personal and professional obstacles. Full Video & Transcript: https://www.easton.online/blog/e5-jeff-ake-human-connections

E4: Vellore Caballero -- Achieving Success With Unity

Episode four features Vellore Caballero--BJJ Black Belt and General Manager of Easton Centennial. This episode further chronicles the company's efforts to build unity and cohesion--taking the entire organization to the next level. Vellore also shares the tactics he uses to build and run one of the most successful kid's martial arts programs in the world. Full Transcript: https://www.easton.online/blog/e4-vellore-caballero-achieving-success-with-unity Visit https://www.easton.online to si...

E3: Ian Lieberman -- Culture of Investment

This episode’s featured guest is Ian Lieberman--General Manager of Easton Training Center Denver and BJJ Black Belt. Ian is a self-proclaimed introvert who connects with hundreds of students and has been able to lead a thriving community of people invested in each other. Through the stories of his tenure with Easton, this discussion is all about how anyone can employ simple strategies and tactics to build rapport and pack the mats in their school. Full Transcript & Video: https://www.easto...

E2: Mike Tousignant--Management Is Caring About People

This episode features BJJ Black Belt and CEO of Easton, Mike Tousignant. Mike started out as the manager of the Boulder academy in Colorado when he was a purple belt. In his conversation with Eliot, he talks about his trials and tribulations, insigths and lessons learned on the road to get Easton where it is today. Full Transcript and Video: https://www.easton.online/blog/e2-mike-tousignant-management-is-caring-about-people

E1: Amal Easton--A Holistic Approach to The Business of Martial Arts

The 1st episode of the Easton.Online podcast features the man who started it all, Amal Easton. Host Eliot Marshall sits down with his teacher and business partner to discuss Amal’s story, his growing pains starting from a single academy in Boulder, Colorado to a more holistic approach which has created now 7 thriving BJJ & Muay Thai schools across the Denver metro area.