Starting a Gym in a Foreign Country? Watch This First
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Starring
Grant grew up in the U.S. with Japanese heritage, practicing judo from a young age before transitioning to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in college. After moving to Tokyo, intending to stay only a year or two, he fell in love with life in Japan and eventually opened his own Jiu-Jitsu gym
About Fit & Fight Gym
Alma Fight Gym is a Jiu-Jitsu gym located in Tokyo, founded and run by Grant Bogdanove, an experienced coach with roots in both the U.S. and Japan. Catering to a diverse community—including locals, foreigners, kids, and adults—the gym offers classes in both English and Japanese, with passionate members who help each other learn and grow. Alma Fight Gym offers top-notch Jiu Jitsu training and a sense of camaraderie and belonging for everyone—from seasoned athletes to beginners. Amenities like rental gis and showers make visiting easy. Whether you’re in Tokyo short-term or a local looking for a new gym family, Alma Fight Gym has something for everyone.
📍 川又ビル B1F, 2 Chome-26-22 Nozawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0003, Japan
📞+81 3 6206 0898
Summary
In this episode, Gymdesk CEO Alex Cuevas visits Alma Fight Gym in Tokyo to meet with Grant Bogdanove, the owner and instructor, who shares his journey from growing up in the U.S. with a Japanese heritage to opening his own Jiu-Jitsu gym in Japan. Grant discusses the inspiration behind his gym, the cultural differences he encountered, and the challenges of starting a business as a foreigner.
In this interview, you'll learn about Grant's background in martial arts, his transition from teaching English and competing in MMA to running a gym full-time, and what it takes to build a welcoming community in a diverse city. He offers practical advice for anyone considering opening a gym abroad, emphasizing the importance of charisma, adaptability, and genuine passion.
The episode also highlights how Alma Fight Gym uses Gymdesk to manage memberships, automate payments, streamline communication, and create a seamless experience for members—demonstrating how technology supports growth and operational efficiency for gym owners in Japan.
