Cris Rodriguez: Black Belt and Grow Pro Founder on the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast

/ About episode 170

Cris Rodriguez is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, the founder of Grow Pro Agency, and a former academy owner. This is her second appearance on Jiu Jitsu Dummies.

Cris breaks down marketing that actually works for martial arts academies: lead follow up, tracking your team's numbers, social media, school partnerships and referral programs. She also shares the hard lesson she learned about chasing two rabbits, and how she balances work, family and building something every day.

/ What we talked about

20:10 From client to consultant
How she went from Maya client in 2015 to consultant and speaker.

24:32 Following up with leads
How Grow Pro's agents work leads across seven touch points.

28:53 What gym CRMs miss
Prospecting, project management, and the end of day report every owner should see.

51:08 Social media and followers
Why a viral Jiu Jitsu video brings practitioners, not school owners.

1:06:05 Chase two rabbits, catch none
How launching online courses cost her gym, and why she sold it.

1:14:51 Work, family and a good day
A workout, time with her family, and building something.

1:27:46 What moves the needle under 100 students
Revenue generating activities and sweat equity when you have no budget.

1:29:58 Partnerships and referrals
After school programs, joint ventures, and making referrals part of the culture.

1:40:19 Grow Pro's services and free training
Ads, Google Business Profile, reactivation and her free monthly webinars.

/ The belt question

What grows a martial arts gym with fewer than 100 students?

Cris said to focus on revenue generating activities, not lobby chairs and paint colors. If there is no money to spend, invest sweat equity: local business partnerships, elementary schools, the chamber of commerce, organic posts and messaging new followers. Hear it at 1:27:46.

/ Quick questions

Who is Cris Rodriguez?

Cris Rodriguez is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, a former academy owner, and the founder of Grow Pro Agency, which does marketing for martial arts schools.

What services does Grow Pro Agency offer?

Cris listed Facebook and Instagram ads, Google ads, Google Business Profile management, social media management, email and text reactivation, and an appointment setting service.

Has Cris Rodriguez been on the show before?

Yes. Her first appearance was Episode 144.

/ This episode was brought to you by

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/ More guest episodes

Cris Rodriguez Episode 144
A black belt who sold her academy to market everybody else's. How to open a gym without going broke, why math is the path, and the barefoot bathroom thing.

Rose Gracie Episode 175
Helio Gracie's granddaughter on growing up Gracie, why she asks instructors what color gi they like, and why you do not have to get knocked out to have a concussion.

Rob Ingram Episode 165
The man behind McDojoLife on what it takes to keep students safe, why background checks still matter, and whether Steven Seagal would last in a real fight.

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.