How This Jiu Jitsu Coach Turned $0 Into a Thriving Gym (Triple Seven Story)
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In this episode of Gymdesk Originals, we sit down with Matthew Pollino, founder of Triple Seven Jiu Jitsu, to hear how he went from teaching at 10+ academies and chasing an acting career in LA to building a thriving jiu jitsu community of his own in Ventura, California.
Starring
Matthew Pollino is the owner and head instructor at Triple Seven Jiu Jitsu in Ventura, California. A 3rd Degree BJJ Black Belt under Professor Alberto Crane (from Legacy Jiu Jitsu in Burbank, CA. where Matthew trained and taught for over six years).
Coach Mike Sandoval has been on the Triple Seven Jiu Jitsu Mixed Martial Arts and Fitness Academy Team since 2022. With over ten years of experience, Mike is not only a BJJ Purple Belt and Kickboxing Instructor but also a Certified Personal Trainer.
About Fit & Fight Gym
Triple Seven Jiu Jitsu in Ventura County is a welcoming, community-focused martial arts academy founded by Matthew Pollino. The gym emphasizes high-quality Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing instruction for all ages, with classes for kids as young as six and teenagers and adults. Their teaching methods blend strong technical fundamentals with values like discipline, respect, and teamwork in a fun, supportive environment.
📍7880 Telegraph Rd ste b, Ventura, CA 93004
📞 805-572-7387
Summary
In this episode, Gymdesk CEO Alex Cuevas visits Triple Seven Jiu Jitsu in Ventura County to dive into the inspiring story of owner Matthew Pollino. Matthew shares how a lifelong passion for martial arts, resilience, and a community belief led him from teaching at other academies to starting his thriving gym from scratch, which involved leveraging an EIDL loan and lots of perseverance.
In this interview, you'll learn the importance of leadership, cultivating a supportive culture, and prioritizing personal connection with students, both kids and adults. Matthew also emphasizes consistency, adaptability, and creating a welcoming environment.
The episode also highlights how Triple Seven uses Gymdesk for streamlined operations, enabling better student tracking, personal follow-up, and continued growth while maintaining a boutique, hands-on approach. Martial arts instructors and gym owners will find practical insights into fostering community, overcoming business challenges, and sustaining lasting impact.
