Blackbelt Business Podcast

Building a great kids martial arts program requires more than one talented instructor. It requires systems, structure, and a deep bench of coaches who are prepared to deliver a consistent experience every day. In this episode of the Black Belt Business Podcast, Eliot Marshall sits down with Easton Kids Program Director Jordan Shipman to break down why coach-to-student ratios matter, how a lack of...

In this episode of the Black Belt Business Podcast, Eliot Marshall sits down with Easton Kids Program Director Jordan Shipman to dive deep into the structure behind a successful kids martial arts program. In this episode, Eliot and Jordan cover everything from why class structure is everything, how Easton builds discipline and focus into every class, and why consistency and routine are critical fo...

In Part 3 of the onboarding series, Ian and Eliot break down what happens after the first day, covering the critical first 90 days of a new student's journey. From structured follow-up systems to creating a world-class fundamentals experience, this episode dives into how to turn new sign-ups into long-term members. They explore the importance of consistent communication, why onboarding must be eng...

In this episode of the Black Belt Business Podcast, Eliot Marshall and Ian Lieberman continue their series on student onboarding and break down what should happen on a new student's first day at your academy. They discuss how to eliminate friction, create a "red carpet" experience, run effective intro classes, and structure fundamentals classes so beginners feel successful from day one. If you wan...

Easton Training Center's Vice President and Director of Operations, Ian Lieberman, joins Eliot o kick off a three-part series on one of the most overlooked systems in martial arts schools: onboarding. This episode looks at what happens from the moment a lead clicks your website to the moment they set their first appointment — and why most schools get this stage completely wrong. The conversation c...

In this episode of the Black Belt Business Podcast, Easton Muay Thai Program Director Sean Madden joins Eliot to explain why Muay Thai programs in America need clear structure and progression. They discuss how Easton built a ranking and ascension model that improves safety, retention, and class quality while preserving the integrity of the art. A must-listen for any school owner running a striking...

Easton Muay Thai Program Director Sean Madden joing Eliot to break down the class structure and ascension model that allowed Easton's striking program to grow across multiple academies. They discuss why American students need a different approach than traditional Thai training, how Kickboxing can serve as the on-ramp into Muay Thai, and why Fundamentals and Intermediate classes are essential steps...

In this episode, Eliot Marshall and Easton Muay Thai Program Director Sean Madden break down how Easton evolved from a fighter-run striking program into a scalable, system-driven curriculum that now serves thousands of students. They discuss why passion and talent aren't enough, why Muay Thai gyms often struggle with structure, and the key systems that allowed Easton's program to grow across multi...

In this episode of the Black Belt Business Podcast we dive into one of the most avoided yet essential topics in martial arts business ownership—money. From confronting the stigma around talking about finances to understanding how to actually run a profitable academy, this episode is packed with honest conversation and actionable advice. We explore why financial literacy is critical for school owne...

Culture doesn't just happen in a martial arts school. It's either built with intention or left to grow on its own—and when it's left alone, it often drifts in the wrong direction. In this episode of the Black Belt Business Podcast, Easton's Eliot Marshall and Mike Tousignant dig into what it really takes to shape and protect the culture of your academy. From setting clear values, to holding tough...

What does it take to build a martial arts academy that thrives for decades—not just a few years? In this episode of the Black Belt Business Podcast , Easton leaders Eliot Marshall, Mike Tousignant, and Ian Lieberman share the biggest lessons from over 25 years of running successful martial arts schools. From the power of fundamentals programs to the role of core values, and from aligning staff to...

In this episode of the Black Belt Business Podcast , Eliot Marshall is joined by Easton Training Center CEO Mike Tousignant and VP Ian Lieberman to unpack the five major shifts that propelled Easton from a single location to one of the most successful martial arts organizations in the country. They discuss how changes in training structure, leadership systems, communication, and core values create...

In this episode of the  Black Belt Business Podcast , Easton Training Center CEO Mike Tousignant joins host Eliot Marshall to discuss one of the most critical (and often neglected) components of a martial arts academy: the fundamentals class. They break down why having a dedicated fundamentals program is essential for student retention, safety, and long-term success. From class structure and warm-...

In this episode, Eliot Marshall, co-owner of Easton Training Center, is joined by Easton's CEO Mike Tousignant and COO Ian Lieberman. Together, they pull back the curtain on how Easton consistently achieves a high close rate on membership sales. From the structure of their sales process to the mindset they instill in their team, this conversation is packed with practical strategies martial arts sc...

Whether it's dealing with members or managing staff, we as martial arts academy owners and operators are in the people business. Your ability to skillfully manage relationships, offer constructive feedback, and direct people's progress will dictate the success, culture, and health of your martial arts academy. Easton Training Center's CEO, Mike Tousignant, and Vice President, Ian Lieberman, join t...

Matrix Martial Arts General Manager and Owner, Derek Alumbaugh, and BJJ Department head at Easton Denver, Kyle Wright, join Eliot to introduce themselves and discuss their roles at Easton Online, as well as explain the pillars of successful martial arts academies and how to establish them in your school.   Watch or listen to the full podcast on our blog: https://www.easton.online/blog/ Visit https...

Easton Training Center's Director of Kids Martial Arts, Jordan Shipman, and Director of Marketing, Michael Phipps, join Eliot to discuss the challenges of implementing systems in martial arts academies and how to make sure everyone on your team is on the same page. Watch or listen to the full podcast on our blog:   https://www.easton.online/blog/ Interested in learning more about operating a high-...

Easton Training Center's Director of Kids Martial Arts, Jordan Shipman, and Director of Marketing, Michael Phipps, join Eliot to discuss how to manage dwindling sign ups, increased membership suspensions, and atypical cancellations in your Martial Arts academy during the summer months.    Watch or listen to the full podcast on our blog: https://www.easton.online/blog/   Interested in learning more...

Easton Training Center's Director of Kids Martial Arts, Jordan Shipman, and Director of Marketing, Michael Phipps, join Eliot to discuss strategies for reinforcing your martial arts academy's brand and how to understand and master your marketing channels.  Watch or listen to the full podcast on our blog: https://www.easton.online/blog/   Visit https://www.easton.online to sign up for our mailing l...

Easton Training Center's CEO, Mike Tousignant, and Vice President, Ian Lieberman, join the Black Belt Business Podcast to discuss how we open new Easton Training Center schools and get into the black within 3 months of opening.  Opening a new academy? Check out our 100 member bootcamp to open your doors with 100 paying members: https://www.easton.online/100-member-bootcamp-offer-1 Watch or listen...

Easton Training Center's Director of Kids Martial Arts, Jordan Shipman, and Director of Marketing, Michael Phipps, join Eliot to discuss how Easton run's our Kids Martial Arts programs and give some tips on what you could do to improve your kids Jiu Jitsu program. 

Easton Training Center's Director of Kids Martial Arts, Jordan Shipman, and Director of Marketing, Michael Phipps, join Eliot to discuss how to build skillful students from day 1. As a martial arts academy owner or operator, the lifeblood of your academy will most likely be new students with little to no previous experience. If you want to keep them coming back, you have provide value, which means...

Easton Training Center's Director of Kids Martial Arts, Jordan Shipman, and Director of Marketing, Michael Phipps, join Eliot to discuss the basic necessities of building a successful martial arts school. From marketing, to running classes and crafting a systematic sales process.   Watch or listen to the full podcast on our blog: https://www.easton.online/blog/   Visit https://www.easton.online to...

Easton Training Center's Director of Kids Martial Arts, Jordan Shipman, and Director of Marketing, Michael Phipps, join Eliot to discuss creating alignment in Martial Arts Academies with growing coaching staffs and how to make sure everyone is delivering a great product every time.    Watch or listen to the full podcast on our blog: https://www.easton.online/blog/   Visit https://www.easton.online...

Amal Easton joins the podcast with Ian and Mike to discuss how academies, business owners, and martial artists must adapt and grow with the times or see themselves becoming irrelevant. Amal adds details about the way things used to be done and how Easton has changed and adapted over time, while Mike and Ian discuss the process of implementing and managing these changes in a large martial arts busi...