Tom DeBlass recently shared what he considers the most important advice for anyone opening or running a BJJ academy.
According to DeBlass, too many gym owners focus their attention on attracting new students while overlooking the people who have already committed to training with them:
Focus on the people who are already in your academy, not the ones who aren’t.
Too many academy owners spend their time worrying about getting new students through the door while neglecting the students who have already trusted them enough to walk through it.
Rather than constantly chasing new members, DeBlass argues that the best path to long-term growth is providing an exceptional experience for existing students:
If you want more students, take exceptional care of the ones you already have.
He emphasized the importance of building genuine relationships inside the academy, taking time to understand each student and helping them achieve their individual goals:
Build relationships. Learn their names. Help them reach their goals.
Create an environment they love being a part of.
According to DeBlass, satisfied students naturally become the most effective form of marketing a school can have:
When your current students genuinely enjoy training with you, they become your greatest advertisement.
View this post on Instagram
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents
đź’Ą What if slowing down was the fastest way to win?
đź’ Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers?
It’s not your age. It’s your strategy.
If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you.
🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:
Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu
Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.
Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
