Today we’d like to introduce you to Scot Schwichow.
Hi Scot, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hi, I’m Scot Schwichow, founder and owner of Revolution Modern Martial Arts.
Back in 2009, I made the leap from corporate America to pursue my lifelong dream — owning my own martial arts school. I did it because I know firsthand how powerful martial arts can be in changing someone’s life for the better.
By the time I was 13, my confidence was at rock bottom. I was undersized, bullied nearly every day, and struggling in school. No matter what I tried, it just felt like I couldn’t win. My grades were slipping, I barely made it onto sports teams, and even then, I spent most of my time sitting on the bench.
Everything started to change when my parents enrolled me in a karate program. That decision completely turned my life around. The goal setting, discipline, and sense of achievement I found on the mat gave me the courage to stand up for myself — and not just against bullies, but in life.
Martial arts didn’t just build my confidence — it pushed me to do better in school, at home, and in everything I set my mind to. Before long, I turned my grades around, got accepted into the University of Delaware, and eventually graduated — something I’m incredibly proud of.
That experience is exactly why I opened Revolution Modern Martial Arts. I wanted to give kids, teens, and adults the same life-changing opportunity that karate gave me — a place to grow stronger in body, mind, and spirit.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Opening a business — for most people, I imagine — comes with its fair share of challenges. For me, it started with a dream: to open a martial arts school in a small town and make a real difference in my community. I invested my entire life savings into the equipment I needed to get started, and in 2009, that was no small risk. The country was in the middle of an economic downturn, and the timing couldn’t have been tougher.
I still remember sitting across from the loan officer at the bank, proud of the business plan I had built from scratch. He looked it over, nodded, and told me it was one of the best plans he had seen. Then came the part I’ll never forget — when I asked for a small business loan, he chuckled and said, “We’re only giving loans to established businesses right now.”
That moment hit hard. I had already invested everything I had, and with no safety net to fall back on, I knew the only way forward was to make this work. Looking back, though, it was one of the best things that could have happened to me. It pushed me to hustle harder, stay laser-focused, and build the best martial arts school I possibly could — one rooted in community, quality, and perseverance.
There will always be hardships in business and in life, but what truly matters is how you respond to them. That early struggle shaped who I am as a school owner and as a person. It taught me that resilience, hard work, and faith can turn even the toughest situations into stepping stones for success.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m the founder and owner of Revolution Modern Martial Arts, with locations in Clayton and Garner, North Carolina. I opened my first school in 2009 with one goal in mind — to use martial arts as a tool to help people, especially kids and teens, build confidence, focus, and discipline that carries over into every part of their lives.
We specialize in character-based martial arts education — blending traditional karate and modern self-defense with a structured life-skills curriculum. Our students don’t just learn how to kick and punch; they learn how to set goals, develop leadership skills, and overcome challenges with resilience and respect.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of seeing thousands of students transform — kids who came in shy or unsure of themselves grow into confident young leaders, and adults who rediscovered their strength and purpose through training. That’s what I’m most proud of — not just the belts earned, but the lives changed.
What sets us apart is our culture. We’ve built a true community around our schools — one where students, instructors, and families support each other both on and off the mat. Our programs are structured, professional, and proven, but they’re also personal. Every student matters here, and every instructor is deeply invested in their success.
At the end of the day, I’m most proud that we’ve built something that lasts — a place where people of all ages can train hard, have fun, and grow stronger in mind, body, and spirit.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like best about the Raleigh area is the sense of community. Even though it’s grown so much over the years, it still feels like a place where people care about one another. Families, schools, and small businesses all work together to make it a great place to live and raise kids. I’ve met some incredible people through our partnerships with local schools and organizations — folks who genuinely want to see the next generation grow up strong, confident, and respectful. That spirit of collaboration is something special.
If I had to pick something I like least, it would probably be the traffic and pace of growth. It’s great to see the area expanding, but sometimes that rapid development makes it harder for smaller, community-driven businesses to keep up. Still, that challenge has pushed us to stay connected to our roots — to keep things personal, local, and focused on people first.
At the end of the day, I’m proud to call the Raleigh area home. It’s where I built my business, raised my family, and watched students grow into leaders. That’s what keeps me here — the people and the shared purpose that make this community so strong.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://revolutionselfdefense.com/garner/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revolution_garner_nc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Revolution-Modern-Martial-Arts-Garner/61575294161115/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RMMAGarnerNC
