Today we’d like to introduce you to Brent Rowe.
Hi Brent, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started doing martial arts at the age of 5. My parents opened a dojo when I was 8. Very shortly afterwards, I was crying on my bed telling my mother I only knew half of my destiny. I told her I wanted to work in martial arts but didn’t know what else my life would be filled with. It sounds silly, but that was me! Karate was my whole world. At 17, I started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and quickly became obsessed. Later, Jesus Christ revealed Himself to me and I knew what the other half was. When I was 20, I met my now wife and within a year we were married, opening our own dojo and had a baby on the way. Now, we just expanded our facility to 4k sq/ft and have over 250 students and are thriving!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly, watching my parents open and operate a dojo growing up made it a lot easier. It was a LOT of work in the beginning, but we became fully profitable within 3 months, enough to pay all the business and personal bills. We tapped into a very underserved market at the perfect time. It was easier than for most, but getting open and putting all our eggs in one basket, quitting our jobs and finding out we were pregnant was a huge deal. God blessed us greatly.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Journey Martial Arts’s goal is to serve Youngsville and surrounding areas with ever improving world class martial arts instruction. We specialize in Karate and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for ages 2 and up. With our recent expansion, we are the only martial arts school in North Carolina, and possibly the country to offer free childcare during classes. In addition, we have a team in the birthplace of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Rio De Janiero. Journey Rio is a ministry for underprivileged children in Brazil. Their head coach, Fabricio Batista, is a 4th degree BJJ black belt and is an elite competitor at the highest level and started the program before we partnered with him to expand his program. Now, his students routinely bring home medals and build character at the same time. We are most proud of Journey Martial Arts for the community we’ve built. It feels like home away from home for me and my wife, along with many of our students. We serve the Lord through martial arts, and He has blessed us.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I will say, the Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey is a big reason we exist. I read that book when I was 13 and it changed my life forever. Disciplined, diligent personal financial habits allow you to achieve your wildest dreams. My wife and I had a year’s living expenses saved up due to being diligent savers as children. We had no debt and still don’t. We don’t borrow money for anything other than buildings. That helps us keep our expenses for ourselves and our business low. If you don’t have this aspect of your life in control, then how can you be controlled in lead follow up, social media management, or anything else in business?
Pricing:
- Average membership price: $169/month (this varies, but is the average)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://youngsvillemartialartsacademy.com
- Instagram: journey.martialarts
