The Reality of Opening a Gym in NYC
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What started as casual outdoor training during the pandemic turned into one of NYC’s most authentic and community-driven Muay Thai gyms. In this episode of Gymdesk Originals, we go behind the scenes with Justin, James, and Dillan, the founders of Two Bridges Muay Thai in New York City.
Starring
Justin is a Brooklyn and Chinatown native, Muay Thai coach, and co-founder of Two Bridges Muay Thai, with over 24 years of martial arts experience, including more than 30 high-level amateur fights.
James is a Brooklyn-born coach at Two Bridges Muay Thai with a background in wrestling, jiu jitsu, and Muay Thai. He is known for his grappling and striking arts expertise and his dedication to building community.
Dillan is a Muay Thai coach at Two Bridges Muay Thai in NYC, with roots in Trinidad and Tobago and extensive experience in boxing, Taekwondo, and over 40 amateur Muay Thai fights.
About Fit & Fight Gym
Two Bridges Muay Thai offers authentic Thai boxing in a welcoming, community-focused environment. Whether you’re a beginner or aspiring fighter, their expert coaches provide structured, high-energy classes prioritizing effective technique and personal growth. Known for making new students feel comfortable, Two Bridges helps members achieve real fitness results and supports individuals as they build confidence and skills. Train here to experience genuine camaraderie, world-class instruction, and a supportive gym atmosphere that changes lives.
📍40 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002
Summary
In this episode, Gymdesk CEO Alex Cuevas visits Two Bridges Muay Thai in Manhattan to explore the true story behind opening and running a gym in New York City. Alex meets with founders and coaches Justin, Dillan, and James, who share the origins of Two Bridges, starting as an outdoor pandemic project among friends and growing into a thriving martial arts community.
In this interview, you’ll learn about the unique backgrounds of each coach, the transition from amateur fighters to full-time business owners, and the way they balance teaching beginners, hobbyists, and fighters under one roof. The coaches discuss their “three friend rule” for new members, which helps create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, and share inspiring stories of students whose lives have been transformed through Muay Thai.
The episode also highlights how Two Bridges Muay Thai uses Gymdesk for everything from class scheduling to marketing automation and membership management. The team discusses their challenges with other software before turning to Gymdesk for its user-friendly features and efficient support.
