The Business of Jiu Jitsu

JP Levesque

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The business behind the gentle art - Conversations with gym/academy owners and industry leaders who are doing something unique and special to stand out.

4D AGO

Ep. 102 - Best Practices for BJJ Gyms

In this episode of the Business of Jujitsu podcast, JP Levesque discusses essential best practices for jujitsu academies, focusing on retention, onboarding, sales, lead generation, and business metrics. He emphasizes the importance of tracking student attendance, creating effective onboarding processes, simplifying sales techniques, nurturing leads, and understanding business metrics to foster growth. The conversation provides actionable insights for academy owners to enhance their operations and student engagement. Takeaways Retention is crucial for student engagement. Regularly check student attendance to prevent dropouts. Implement a structured onboarding process for new students. Sales should be straightforward with clear options. Lead nurturing is essential for building trust. Understand the importance of Google reviews for credibility. Track business metrics to make informed decisions. Time block tasks to focus on CEO responsibilities. Utilize paid ads for lead generation effectively. Now is the optimal time for growth in jujitsu academies. Interested in working with GrowJistu? Book a free demo call on this link: https://growjitsu.com/request-a-demo Get your free ads training I mentioned in the video here: Click here to get the doc - FILE > MAKE A COPY

23 min
FEB 12

Ep. 101 - Marketing 101 for Jiu Jitsu Academy Owners

Summary: How to Grow Your Gym with Simple StrategiesIn this episode, JP Levesque breaks down straightforward marketing tactics that any gym owner can implement to boost growth. From Google reviews to internal engagement and paid advertising, learn how to create a sustainable and effective marketing system without relying on agencies.Key Topics:The importance of Google reviews and how to automate collecting themInternal marketing strategies: telling your students about upcoming events and programsBuilding a calendar of mini-events to increase engagement and retentionCreating cost-effective campaigns like Valentine's Day promotions and partner classesThe essentials of setting up a strong foundation before investing in paid adsHow to run and scale Facebook and Meta ads for consistent lead flowThe mindset: inputs (effort) drive outputs (results), not magic tricksTools and resources: automation tips, ChatGPT for content ideas, and a free marketing document Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome and episode overview: marketing tips for gym owners0:29 - Marketing simplified: do cool shit and tell people about it0:54 - The ideal seasonal window for growth: early February to June1:24 - The crucial first step: boosting your Google reviews1:52 - Why reviews matter: social proof and search rankings2:21 - How to integrate review requests into onboarding and bulk emails3:19 - Using automation and incentivizing reviews with cookies or stickers4:17 - Ensuring your Google My Business profile is accurate and up-to-date5:15 - Tips to improve search visibility: open when you're open6:45 - Internal marketing: sharing what your gym is doing, upcoming programs, and mini-events7:15 - Creative internal campaign ideas: themed rash guards, partner classes, self-defense series8:37 - Planning and promoting your calendar of events and activities9:06 - The "roll with your Valentine" idea and other themed classes10:04 - Keeping your members engaged with consistent messaging and event promotion10:59 - Easy-to-implement automation strategies for marketing campaigns11:56 - The value of dedicated time monthly: content planning with ChatGPT and templates12:55 - The benefits of internal marketing: engagement, retention, lifetime value13:23 - The role of paid marketing: when and how to run effective ad campaigns14:17 - Making a simple, functional course for ad management using Google Docs15:15 - The importance of a consistent ad spend: minimum three months, $30/day16:12 - Foundation matters: lead nurture and onboarding first, then paid ads17:40 - How consistent ad campaigns can stabilize your student base and reduce stress18:10 - Avoiding financial stress by taking control of your marketing19:09 - Long-term approach: seasonal adjustments and persistent effort20:09 - The mindset: keep feeding the ad machine, reviews, and internal promos21:35 - Segmenting your messaging for different audience buckets at your gym22:35 - The power of paid ads for rapid growth and why to start now23:02 - Inputs drive outputs: focus on what actions create results24:02 - Free resources and how to get JP’s marketing document" If you want to download the free Meta ads training guide metnioned in the video: CLICK HERE AND FILE > MAKE A COPY

25 min
FEB 6

Ep. 100 - 10 hot button issues for BJJ academies that just keep coming up

SummaryIn this special 100th episode of the Business of Jiu Jitsu Podcast, JP Levesque reflects on the lessons learned from building GrowJitsu, coaching hundreds of academy owners, and recording 100 episodes of the show. He shares 10 key insights that every gym owner should hear — whether you're brand new or trying to get to the next level. This episode is both a thank-you and a roadmap, packed with mindset shifts, tactical takeaways, and hard-earned advice from the past few years of growing Jiu Jitsu academies on purpose. Key Topics The original goal of the podcast and how it’s evolved Why community engagement drives long-term success The power of systems and SOPs in avoiding burnout What it really takes to create a welcoming, student-first culture The myth of “just be a good coach” and what to do instead Why embracing business skills doesn’t mean selling out Using feedback loops to improve both your gym and your leadership How to leverage events, camps, and parties for retention and growth The role of passion and purpose in running a long-term academy What’s next for the podcast and future projects If you are looking for help to grow your Jiu Jitsu academy head over to www.GrowJitsu.com and book a demo.

32 min
JAN 30

Ep. 99 - The best season to add students to your BJJ gym is here.

Summary In this episode, JP Levesque shares a strategic month-by-month blueprint for gym owners to boost enrollment, retention, and operational systems during the peak growth season. Whether you're a seasoned owner or just starting out, discover actionable steps to crush it in the first half of the year. Key Topics Importance of tracking business metrics monthly and how to interpret themTiming and execution for price increases to ensure profitabilityCreating a robust onboarding process for new students to improve retentionEffective marketing strategies for January and February, including self-run Facebook ads trainingPlanning summer programs, kids camps, and internal events to keep engagement highDeveloping SOPs, staff training, and system documentation for scalabilityThe significance of reports and progress check-ins every 90 daysHow to plan for slower months (July and August) with system reviews and vacationsIf you are serious about growing your BJJ academy and you want a road map on how to do it, click the link below to schedule a BJJ Growth map call - CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULEPS. Here is a link to the free FB/IG/Meta ads training I mentioned in the pod -CLICK HERE FOR ACCESS (FILE> MAKE A COPY)

27 min
JAN 23

Ep. 98 - The Top 10 Mistakes BJJ Academy Owners Make

In this episode, JP talks about the ten most common mistakes made by Jiu Jitsu academy owners, drawing from his personal experiences. He emphasizes the importance of tracking metrics, creating standard operating procedures, maintaining student engagement, and managing finances effectively. The conversation also covers the significance of hiring practices, communication strategies, and the necessity of developing business skills to ensure growth and success in running a Jiu Jitsu academy. Takeaways Waiting until you are big enough to start taking your metrics is a mistake. Tracking financials is crucial for understanding your business. Creating standard operating procedures can streamline operations. Engaging with students regularly helps maintain their interest. The value of membership should always exceed its cost. Outworking business problems by spending more time on the mat is ineffective. Centralizing communication can reduce chaos and improve efficiency. Being comfortable discussing money is essential for business success. Negative influences in the academy can harm the culture and should be managed. Hiring decisions should be made carefully to ensure business growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Common Mistakes in Jiu Jitsu Academies 01:00 The Importance of Tracking Metrics 02:51 Creating Standard Operating Procedures 04:44 Reselling Students and Maintaining Engagement 06:38 The Fallacy of Outworking Business Problems 08:17 Centralizing Communication for Efficiency 10:11 Getting Comfortable with Money Conversations 12:35 Managing Negative Influences in the Academy 15:31 Hiring Mistakes and Timing 17:56 Prioritizing Business Skills for Growth If you want to avoid these mistakes and grow your academy faster I'm doing a limited number of BJJ Business audit calls. It's a by the numbers look at your business to figure out where you're stuck and what you need to grow. Click the link below to book a call: https://link.growjitsu.com/widget/booking/cugd9bndUjStB6e1B15w

21 min
JAN 15

Ep. 97 - The 4 levels of mastery in Jiu Jitsu academy ownership

In this episode, JP Levesque discusses the four levels of Jujitsu Academy business, providing insights into the challenges and strategies at each stage. He emphasizes the importance of balancing artistic integrity with business acumen, and outlines practical steps for growth, retention, and systemization. The conversation is structured around the journey from the initial proving grounds to becoming an architect of a successful academy, highlighting key takeaways for academy owners. Takeaways The four levels of Jujitsu Academy business are crucial for growth. Artistic integrity can coexist with business strategies. Stabilizing cash flow is essential for long-term success. Engagement and retention strategies are vital at every level. Investing in systems and tools can alleviate bottlenecks. Hiring full-time staff can enhance operational efficiency. Understanding your stage helps in planning for the future. Clear offers and pricing structures are necessary for attracting members. Marketing calendars are important for both staff and students. Deciding on a long-term vision is key to sustainable growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jujitsu Academy Business Levels 03:23 Level One: The Proving Grounds 10:02 Level Two: The Marathon Stage 18:13 Level Three: The Bottleneck Stage 24:52 Level Four: The Architect Stage PS. If you're looking for help growing your Jiu Jitsu academy I'm the founder of a company called "GrowJitsu". It's part tech, part systems/best practices, and part coaching. It's basically an all in one solution for Jiu Jitsu academy owners looking for growth. If you want to see what it looks like to work together click the link below to book a free demo call: https://link.growjitsu.com/widget/booking/cugd9bndUjStB6e1B15w

34 min
JAN 9

Ep. 96 - Andrew Green - How to run a successful kids program in 2026.

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 Andrew Green emphasizes the importance of community events in promoting martial arts programs.The kids' program at Innovative Martial Arts has grown to nearly 300 members, primarily children.Andrew believes that martial arts can have a significant impact on children, more so than on adults.Staff training and having the right temperament are crucial for running a successful kids' program.Separating age groups is essential to cater to different developmental stages.The head instructor should be visible but not necessarily teach all kids' classes.Birthday parties are an effective marketing tool, bringing in new leads and creating memorable experiences.Summer camps offer unique opportunities to engage children during school breaks.Andrew shares that a pre-registration period is vital for launching new classes successfully.Events and community presence are key to maintaining visibility and attracting new members. 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. Link: https://www.skool.com/kids-jiu-jitsu-playbook

48 min
JAN 1

Ep. 95 - Build a new BJJ academy fast with pre-sale offers

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 Open cashflow positive by pre-selling memberships.Avoid relying solely on being a great coach; have a business plan.Differentiate your academy to stand out in a competitive market.Pricing should reflect value and support business sustainability.Pre-sell at least 25 memberships to start strong.Aim for 10 new students per month to grow steadily.Use marketing and offers to attract and retain students.Create a strong student journey to ensure retention.Invest in a good online presence and management software.Ads work if executed with a solid strategy. Chapters: 00:00:01 Introduction and Topic Overview00:00:29 The Importance of Pre-Selling Memberships00:00:58 Differentiating Your Academy00:01:56 Pricing and Financial Planning00:03:16 Creating a Strong Student Journey00:06:39 Marketing and Offers00:18:08 Ad Strategies and Offers00:27:31 Building a Sustainable BusinessIf 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.

34 min

TRAILER

Welcome to the Profitable Gyms Podcast!

Here is a quick run down on the show!

02/28/2024

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2 min

The business behind the gentle art - Conversations with gym/academy owners and industry leaders who are doing something unique and special to stand out.

Creator

JP Levesque
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

102
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© JP Levesque
Show Website

The Business of Jiu Jitsu