The Business Model Behind a Thriving MMA Gym

Описание: What does it really take to build a successful martial arts gym, and survive a global shutdown just months after opening?

In this powerful episode of Gymdesk Originals, we sit down with Mario, co-founder and head coach at Cornerstone Mixed Martial Arts in Deerfield, Illinois. From competing in amateur MMA to running a multi-disciplinary studio, Mario opens up about the real challenges of gym ownership and the mindset shifts that helped him and his team grow a loyal community, not just a customer base.

🎯 Whether you’re planning to open a martial arts school or already running one, this episode breaks down:
🥋 What to prioritize when launching your gym (it’s not what you think)
🚫 Why chasing MMA competitors is a losing business model
💬 The secret to keeping members engaged and coming back
🦠 How COVID nearly shut them down (and how they pushed through)
🛠️ Why software like Gymdesk became essential to their survival and scale
🧠 The business philosophy behind building a mission-led gym, not just a matted warehouse

💡 This is a must-watch for any BJJ coach, MMA trainer, kickboxing instructor, or aspiring gym owner who wants to build something sustainable, community-driven, and profitable.

👇 Thinking of starting your own gym?
Check out gymdesk.com – the award winning gym management software. From memberships to waivers, to emails and marketing, Gymdesk helps you manage everything in one place.

👉 Visit Cornerstone Mixed Martial Arts cornerstonemma.com
Or find them on Instagram 👉 @cornerstonemmagym

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