I was 27 when I partnered in Metro Jiu-Jitsu…..I was 36 when I bought it fully. Here’s my hopes for the future.

In 2018 we opened Metro Jiu-Jitsu. 🥋

One week ago I became the sole owner.

Every keeps saying “Congratulations”

And I’m afraid it’s not that easy. 🫤

You see, over the past 4 months of this process, I’ve felt pretty much every emotion.

Doubt.

Fear.

Anger.

Betrayal.

Excitement.

Hope.

Confidence.

Back to doubt.

I was 26 when I started making plans to open the gym.

Hanging commercial doors during the day. 🚪

Training and business planning at night. 🥋

Looking back at things now, I realize I was a child at the time.

I had lots to learn.

And I would be propelled into maturity during COVID.

I wish things would’ve unfolded differently than they did……but there’s only so much in my control.

As I look towards the future of Metro Jiu-Jitsu, and the industry in general….here are some trends that I’m seeing.

1️⃣ The sport is on a dangerously slick slope getting further away from its combat roots.

2️⃣ It doesn’t matter if you’re a terrible human, if you’re an accomplished competitor, the community will overlook a lot. Disrespect is encouraged, drug abuse is tolerated, provided the matches are entertaining……i fundamentally disagree with this.

3️⃣ People are beginning to realize just how violent the world CAN be, and that’s concerning….driving them to get trained.

4️⃣ Not necessarily new, but the community of the Jiu-Jitsu gym will always be THE thing by which you live or die.

People don’t train with “World Champions” explicitly because of their accolades….they will however ride or die with a coach they know, like, and trust. 🤜

This is a timeless business truth.

5️⃣ Wrestlers are learning how to not get guillotined every 12 seconds…..and they are rapidly growing in Jiu-Jitsu.

This is where I personally believe the conversation shouldn’t be “Wrestling v Jiu-Jitsu.”

It should be “How to become an elite grappler.”

If that means gleaning principles from Judo, Wrestling, Sambo or even Capoeira 😆 if it fits…..it ships. (Okay maybe not Capoeira)

Meaning if it’s effective on a resisting opponent, then use it. 🤜

If it doesn’t…..toss it. 🗑️

I’m excited for the future of Metro.

We’ve got plans for an adult comp team, LEO sponsorships department wide, and more team buildings events!

I’m excited to see where this can go.

And I’m humbled by the support I’ve received so far.

See you on the mats,

Written by Coach David 🦊

PS

If you’d like to see your entire Police Department train Jiu-Jitsu (in or around Westland/Southgate) and you have an in with the chief…..DM me. 👮‍♀️