This Martial Arts School Signed 300+ Members Before Opening… Here’s How

Renzo Gracie Upper East Side, founded in July 2024, is a premier martial arts facility in Manhattan. The gym offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training for all experience levels, including introductory programs, advanced classes, and specialized instruction in both gi and no-gi formats. With a focus on strong community values, the academy features a modern facility, dedicated locker rooms, and a welcoming environment for new and experienced practitioners. Programs are structured to support technical development, movement, and practical application within a clean, efficiently managed space.

📍1264 Lexington Ave, E 85th St 2nd floor, New York, NY 10028
📞 917-336-0339

In this episode, Alex Cuevas visits Henzo Gracie Eastside Martial Arts in New York City to explore the story behind their rapid growth—signing over 300 members before opening their doors. Co-owners Mike and Athan share their backgrounds in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the inspiration for starting the school, and their commitment to building a supportive, community-focused environment.

They also discuss the challenges of attracting new members, the importance of positive gym culture, and the growht tactics they used, like grassroots marketing and hands-on member recruitment. The episode also highlights their passion for making martial arts accessible to all, including efforts like supporting veterans through nonprofit initiatives.

The team integrates Gymdesk into their operations, citing its ease of use, intuitive member check-in features, scalable pricing, and marketing automation as key advantages that streamline admin work and support their growth. For anyone interested in martial arts or running a successful gym, this conversation provides valuable insights into both community and business strategy.