Kevin Gallagher: Gracie Trinity BJJ on the Jiu Jitsu Dummies Podcast

/ About episode 193

Kevin Gallagher owns Gracie Trinity Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Trinity, Florida, and is one of the most entertaining voices in the Jiu Jitsu conversation online. He is also an Academy Safe accredited academy owner.

Kevin and the Dummies get into the cult vibes and inside jokes of Jiu Jitsu, what makes a healthy academy culture, building an audience as a coach, and why authenticity matters. We also talk trust and safety on the mats, including background checks and clear standards, plus his advice for anyone thinking about opening a gym.

/ What we talked about

8:27 From boxing to Jiu Jitsu
He wrestled, boxed for years and nearly went pro before concussions pushed him to Jiu Jitsu around 2009.

10:12 Lineage and Jiu Jitsu history
His coach is former UFC fighter Matt Arroyo, with a line through Rob Kahn and Royce Gracie to Helio Gracie.

21:50 Academy culture and uniforms
How the Gracie Tampa network lets partners run their own gyms, and when his gi is required.

31:42 Trust, safety and boundaries
Why he will not date a student, and why coaches need a clear line.

46:35 Competition and kids programs
Competing into his 50s, and why his kids program is not just a competition factory.

54:47 Building the academy
From a $10,000 sublease in a gymnastics gym to about 400 students and 5,000 square feet.

1:22:09 Gi and no gi
Why new students train in the gi for their first six months, and what the gi did for him after a heart attack and four stents.

1:30:14 Takedowns and guard pulling
Why takedowns live in a separate Friday class at his gym.

1:38:31 Gordon Ryan, goals and the belt
His love and hate relationship with Gordon Ryan, and his goal of winning Masters Worlds at black belt.

/ The belt question

Does Kevin Gallagher wash his belt?

No. Kevin said he does not wash his belt. Not for tradition and not for magic. In his words, he is just lazy. Hear it at 1:46:00.

/ Quick questions

Who is Kevin Gallagher?

Kevin Gallagher is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and the owner of Gracie Trinity BJJ in Trinity, Florida. He trains under former UFC fighter Matt Arroyo and won a Masters 3 world title in gi and no gi at brown belt.

Should a new Jiu Jitsu gym owner start with a big facility?

Kevin's advice was to start small. He opened with $10,000 by subleasing space, covered his costs in about two or three months, and recommends reinvesting in the gym and living lean.

Is Gracie Trinity BJJ an Academy Safe accredited academy?

Yes. Kevin talks on this episode about becoming an accredited Academy Safe member and what it means for parents and students at his academy.

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/ More guest episodes

Rigan Machado Episode 194
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Javier Vazquez Episode 190
Former UFC and WEC fighter, author of The Master Plan, and the guy who will tell you that controlling the hands fixes everything. Including your love life.

Colton Smith Episode 198
The only soldier ever to compete on The Ultimate Fighter and fight in the UFC while on active duty. We asked about the fake glove touch. He answered.

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/ 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.