Cris Rodriguez: Black Belt and Martial Arts Marketer on the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast

/ About episode 144

Cris Rodriguez is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, the founder of Gracie Pac in Tampa, and the owner of Grow Pro Agency, which markets martial arts schools across the country. She started Taekwondo in 1993 and opened Gracie Pac in 2012.

Cris explains why she sold Gracie Pac to focus on Grow Pro, the three mistakes new school owners make, how to find a business coach, and why she tells every owner that math is the path. We also get into Facebook versus Google ads, starting a school in a sublet Zumba room, kids and social media, and her biggest mat pet peeve.

/ What we talked about

4:00 Selling Gracie Pac
Why she sold her academy to a friend of 12 years and went all in on Grow Pro.

13:35 Three mistakes new gym owners make
No mentor, no marketing budget, and hiring too late.

17:32 Finding a business coach
Matching core values, discovery calls, and asking for average results, not highlight reels.

32:54 Math is the path
Tracking leads, appointments, attendance and enrollments instead of going with your gut.

42:12 Facebook ads vs Google ads
Interest versus intent, and why speed to lead matters.

47:40 Opening a school on a budget
Starting in 1,000 square feet, subleasing, and what a triple net lease really costs.

58:57 Kids, social media and mental health
Her concerns about social media pages for young competitors.

1:25:14 Pet peeves on the mat
Late coaches, talking during instruction, and bare feet in the bathroom.

/ The belt question

Does Cris Rodriguez wash her belt?

No. Her Taekwondo school taught that washing your belt washes away your hard work, and she has not washed her Jiu Jitsu belt. Hear it at 1:40:23.

/ Quick questions

Who is Cris Rodriguez?

Cris Rodriguez is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, the founder of Gracie Pac in Tampa, Florida, and the owner of Grow Pro Agency, a marketing agency for martial arts schools.

Should a martial arts school use Facebook ads or Google ads?

Cris recommends both. Facebook ads are interest based and reach people who are not searching yet. Google ads are intent based, cost more, and reach people actively looking for a school.

Has Cris Rodriguez been on the show more than once?

Yes. Cris came back for Episode 170.

/ This episode was brought to you by

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/ More guest episodes

Cris Rodriguez Episode 170
She's back. A black belt who built a gym, sold it, and now helps academy owners stop wasting time on paint colors and start doing the things that actually grow a school.

Rob Ingram Episode 147
Rob and Milton explain why they teamed up to require background checks and SafeSport training for academy owners. Also: a guy who made more than 65 YouTube accounts to yell at Rob.

Jason Scully Episode 149
One of the first people to put Jiu Jitsu on YouTube. In 2006, as a blue belt, he filmed 55 closed guard techniques in about eight minutes. The internet has not been the same.

See every guest episode

/ More from the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu podcast

Jiu Jitsu Dummies is the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu podcast for people who love the sport and do not take themselves too seriously. Follow on Apple Podcasts, subscribe on YouTube, or browse every episode.