Legends and Dragons 46- Nate Hallford

Show Notes

Nate Hallford, owner of Sloth BJJ in Euless, Texas, joins the podcast.

Sloth BJJ Origin: Nate explains that his gym’s name came from his slow, methodical style of Jiu-Jitsu, earning him the nickname “Sloth” during a training session.

Gym Opening: Nate shares how he jokingly announced the opening of Sloth BJJ on April Fool’s Day, which eventually led to a real opportunity to start his gym in a shared space.

Borrowed Space Concept: The hosts discuss the “borrowed space concept,” where martial arts schools operate within other facilities like rec centers or churches.

Gym Growth: Nate recounts the challenges of running his gym, especially during COVID-19 and a divorce, and how he’s now focusing on growth and marketing.

Affiliation: Nate discusses his decision to become unaffiliated to focus on his brand and allocate funds towards marketing.

Marketing Challenges: The hosts talk about the difficulties of marketing martial arts schools, noting that what appeals to practitioners may not attract new students.

Nate’s Background: Nate shares his background, including growing up in Irving, TX, and his finance career.

Camaraderie in Jiu-Jitsu: The podcast explores the unique camaraderie found in Jiu-Jitsu, comparing it to other forms of intimacy and brotherhood.

Nate’s Jiu-Jitsu Journey: Nate recounts how he started Jiu-Jitsu after being inspired at a UFC fight and his experiences with training and competition.

Competitive Jiu-Jitsu: The hosts discuss the different levels of competitive Jiu-Jitsu, from local to world-class, and the dedication required to compete at a high level.

Ego in Martial Arts: The conversation touches on ego in martial arts, how it can hinder progress, and how Nate identifies potential students based on their demeanor.

Boutique vs. Repeatability: Nate describes his gym as a “boutique” school, focusing on personalized experiences rather than mass-market appeal.

Student Relationships: Nate emphasizes the importance of knowing his students and fostering a supportive community within his gym.

Future of Sloth BJJ: Nate outlines his vision for the future of Sloth BJJ, including expanding to a larger space and offering more classes.

Business Philosophy: The hosts discuss the importance of prioritizing martial arts and teaching over business in running a successful school.

Community over Competition: Nate shares his philosophy of prioritizing the well-being and growth of his students, even if it means they train elsewhere.

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