In today’s episode, Lance breaks down one of the harshest… and most freeing truths for school owners:
You don’t rise to the level of your goals…
You fall to the level of your priorities.
This is the Priority Paradox — the illusion that something is “important”… even though your actions prove it isn’t.
Lance shares a behind-the-scenes story of a school owner who desperately wants to hit $7K/month, change his life, and grow his academy… yet couldn’t carve out 30 minutes a day to work on his business instead of just in it.
And the reality is simple:
If you can’t find 30 minutes a day to work on your dream…
Your dream isn’t the problem.
Your priorities are.
This episode hits on:
⚔️ Why school owners stay stuck (even when they’re talented)
⚔️ How chaos, emotion, and “busy-ness” hijack growth
⚔️ Why accountability changes everything
⚔️ The mindset shift that separates broke hobbyists from thriving academy CEOs
⚔️ How to build momentum in 30 minutes a day
⚔️ What the Priority Paradox is and how to break out of it
⚔️ A simple framework you can implement today to finally move forward
If you’ve ever felt stuck, stalled out, or frustrated that you’re not where you want to be… this one will punch you in the chest (in the best way possible).
Because once you fix your priorities…
You fix your life, your business, and your trajectory.
Most martial arts school owners aren’t stuck because they lack passion, skill, or effort.
They’re stuck because the business model on the front end is upside down.
In this episode, we break down the LPL System (Leads Pay for Leads)… and why it’s the key to finally scaling without stress.
Dan Kennedy says:
“The business that can spend the most to acquire a customer… wins.”
But here’s the problem…
Most school owners can’t afford to spend to acquire new students.
The ads turn on for a week… then off for a month.
Cash feels tight.
Growth feels inconsistent.
The business is constantly one bad month away from pressure.
Not because the school is weak…
But because the front-end offer isn’t generating cash flow.
The LPL System fixes this by making your new students pay for the next new students.
Which means:
You can keep ads running every day
You can outspend competing schools
You can grow without working harder
And your school finally becomes stable, predictable, and profitable
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why free trials keep schools broke
• The simple paid offer that funds your marketing
• How to increase show-up rates and commitment instantly
• The exact process to turn paid trials into long-term members
• How to remove the “I can’t afford to advertise” excuse permanently
If you’ve ever felt like:
Growth is slower than it should be
You’re hustling too hard for every student
Or your business feels tight month-to-month…
This episode will hit home.
Because your school isn’t the problem.
The model is.
And we’re going to fix that today.
Resources Mentioned:
💬 Join the free private group for martial arts school owners
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MMAStudioSecrets
📈 Want help installing the LPL System inside your school?
Book a free Pathfinder Discovery Call:
https://academykings.com/book-a-call-1a
Apple — the biggest, richest company in the world — just admitted they were stuck.
Siri was falling behind. Their AI wasn’t good enough. And instead of spending years trying to figure it out internally, Apple did something almost no martial arts school owner ever does…
They borrowed the brain.
They partnered with the people who already solved the problem.
This is the shift that separates schools that scale… from schools that stay exhausted, overwhelmed, and constantly “grinding.”
In this episode, we’re breaking down:
• The #1 mistake school owners make when trying to grow
• Why working harder is not what gets you to the next level
• How to identify the bottlenecks that keep you stuck
• And the mindset shift that compresses growth from years into weeks
If you’ve been feeling like you’re doing everything right but still not gaining traction, this is your wake-up call. You don’t have to build every system yourself. You don’t have to be the ads person, the sales person, the follow-up machine, and the coach.
There’s no honor in struggling alone.
Your students don’t benefit from your burnout.
Your family doesn’t benefit from you being overwhelmed.
Your school doesn’t grow because you take pride in doing it the hard way.
Your job isn’t to do everything...
Your job is to plug into what already works.
💬 Are you part of my FREE private group for martial arts school owners?
If not, you’re missing out on weekly trainings, live Q&A’s, and proven growth strategies from schools crushing it right now.
👉 Join the group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MMAStudioSecrets
📈 Want to learn how I can help you grow your school, attract more students, and finally get predictable profits?
Book a free Pathfinder Discovery Call here: https://academykings.com/book-a-call-1a
CTA🔥 If this podcast helped you, don’t forget to FOLLOW, RATE, and SHARE so more school owners can grow with us.
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Most school owners want organic growth... but few actually understand the rules behind it.
In this episode, I break down the 7 Golden Rules for Organic Growth... the same principles that help schools grow without relying on massive ad budgets.
You’ll learn how to:
✅ Build trust and authority that converts
✅ Turn your members into your best marketers
✅ Create content that compounds over time
✅ And why organic growth is a multiplier, not a replacement for ads
Whether you’re running ads or not, these 7 rules will make every marketing effort you do hit harder and last longer.
💬 Are you part of my FREE private group for martial arts school owners?
If not, you’re missing out on weekly trainings, live Q&A’s, and proven growth strategies from schools crushing it right now.
👉 Join the group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MMAStudioSecrets
📈 Want to learn how I can help you grow your school, attract more students, and finally get predictable profits?
Book a free Pathfinder Discovery Call here: https://academykings.com/book-a-call-1a
🔥 If this episode helped you, don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications so you never miss the next training session.
The Tree Line: Why Your Martial Arts School Is Stuck
Description:
Every business has a Tree Line — the invisible point where growth stops, not because you’re lazy or unmotivated, but because the conditions no longer support growth.
In this episode, Lance breaks down the Tree Line Framework — a powerful analogy that explains why so many martial arts schools stall out even when the owners are working harder than ever.
You’ll discover:
🌲 The exact formula to find your Tree Line
💨 Why losing as many members as you’re gaining kills momentum
🔥 How to create new “oxygen” in your business with better systems, retention, and lead flow
Plus, Lance shares the story of living in Aspen at 19 and the mountain lesson that inspired this entire framework — a mindset shift every school owner needs to hear.
If your school feels stuck no matter how hard you push, this episode is your map to breaking through.
💬 Join the FREE private group for martial arts school owners:
👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/MMAStudioSecrets
📈 Book a free Pathfinder Discovery Call:
👉 https://academykings.com/book-a-call-1a
🔥 Like, follow, and subscribe for more real conversations that help school owners grow, scale, and evolve.
In this episode, Lance Trippett breaks down two costly marketing mistakes he spotted during a simple trip to a barbershop — mistakes that happen in almost every small business.
From missed cross-promotions to poorly timed automation, Lance unpacks how good businesses lose repeat customers without realizing it... and how a few small tweaks in your customer journey can dramatically increase retention and referrals.
You’ll learn:
✅ Why timing and messaging matter more than automation itself
✅ How to spot blind spots by auditing your own client experience
✅ A simple system for turning one sale into multiple touchpoints
If you run a martial arts academy, gym, or any service-based business, this one will open your eyes to the hidden leaks in your marketing funnel.
🎧 Tune in, take notes, and start looking at your customer journey through fresh eyes.
👉 Subscribe for weekly marketing, sales, and business growth insights.
In this episode, Lance Trippett breaks down the hard truth behind why so many martial arts school owners feel stuck — even when they’re “doing all the right things.”
You’re posting. You’re running ads. You’re grinding every day.
But the results still don’t match the effort.
The problem isn’t your work ethic — it’s your focus.
You’ve been chasing the outcome instead of mastering the process.
Lance shares what he learned after going back into the lab to rebuild the systems and mindset behind the Academy Kings Pathfinder Program, revealing the key shift that separates owners stuck in the Cage from those building their Kingdom.
You’ll learn:
🔥 Why chasing results leads to burnout and frustration
🔥 How to fall in love with the process again — and find fulfillment in the work
🔥 The mindset, habits, and structure that create consistent business growth
🔥 How to move from chaos to clarity by focusing on identity, not outcome
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything but still not moving forward, this episode will hit hard — and help you rebuild your foundation for lasting success.
🎧 Tune in now and remember:
👉 You’re closer than you think to the academy of your dreams!
You say you’re trying to be the best in everything you do — so why settle for losing in business?
If you can win on the mat, you already have what it takes to win in your academy.
So here’s your challenge:
💥 Ask yourself tonight — Am I really ok getting my ass kicked in business?
If you are, that’s fine.
If not, ask yourself — am I training my business like I train my body?
Learning, studying, training, doing the reps.
If not… it’s time to start.
And if you’re ready to find the shortest route to success — the Kings Pathfinder Program was built for you.
It’s the step-by-step path designed to help school owners fix the whole chain: offer → leads → show-ups → closes → retention → ascension.
📍 Learn more and get started: https://academykings.com/book-a-call-1a
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👉 Kings Pathfinder is open — book your custom growth plan: https://academykings.com/book-a-call-1a
Are you “busy”… but the pipeline’s still dry? In this video I break down the Rainmaker Mindset—the simple, repeatable way to create demand on command when your numbers slip.
You’ll learn:
The trigger metric that tells you when to act (ex: 1 new member/day → if it’s the 10th and you’re at 5, it’s go time)
Offers that pull: free vs paid trials vs challenges (+ seasonal wrappers & smart bonuses)
Segmentation that matters (who gets it, who’s excluded, 14-day no-contact rule)
The first message that gets replies (booking comes after the response)
7-day follow-up cadence that turns replies into shows and sales
Ops check: batching 200–300, team heads-up, daily scoreboard
Want the shortest route to results?
Apply for Kings Pathfinder—your owner-specific plan that fixes the whole chain: offer → leads → show-ups → closes → retention → ascension. Done-with-you + done-for-you ads at a fraction of the old cost.
👉 https://academykings.com/book-a-call-1a
Watch more daily videos + grab free resources on this channel.
You’re closer than you think to the academy of your dreams!
Cold open — why the pipeline’s dry
The Rainmaker metric (when to jump)
Offers that pull (free vs paid vs challenge)
Segment smart + exclusions
First message that gets replies
7-day follow-up cadence
Apply for Kings Pathfinder: https://academykings.com/book-a-call-1a
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Could five words run your academy better than a 50-page plan? Yes. Core values drive decisions, and decisions drive growth. In this video, I break down what core values really are (no fluff), how they work when things get messy, and why they matter more than your next “tactic.” Then I share The Academy Kings Charter (K.I.N.G.S.)—Krush, Intense Focus, No Excuses, Growth Mindset, Sink or Swim—so you can adapt it to your school.You’ll learn:What core values are in plain languageHow to use values to make faster, cleaner decisionsThe K.I.N.G.S. framework you can model todayA 60-second exercise to write your own charterWatch more daily videos and grab the free resources linked on the channel to keep building with clarity and confidence. Drop your top value in the comments and I’ll help you sharpen it.You’re closer than you think to the academy of your dreams!
If you’ve been surviving instead of building, this is for you.Today I break down how a scarcity mindset keeps BJJ & martial arts schools stuck—and how shifting to abundance lets you raise prices with confidence, keep your ad engine on, and build a calmer, more profitable academy.What you’ll learn:The real signs of scarcity in life, family, and business (and why it becomes a self-fulfilling loop)What abundance actually is (discipline + value creation, not blind optimism)3 practical swaps:Control → Clarity & delegationPanic → Plan & consistency (no on/off ads)Price fear → Value frame & anchored closesA simple nightly practice (WIN / TRUTH / PROMISE) to make the mindset stickA quick story on how this shift led to fewer “think about it’s,” higher show rates, and a calmer teamTry this tonight (3 minutes):Write three lines—WIN (value you created), TRUTH (where scarcity showed up), PROMISE (one abundant action tomorrow: raise price, keep ads on, delegate, say no).Not open yet—here’s the plan:We’re still not taking new members. When doors open, Academy Kings will be available to any size school with a custom plan built from where you are. No easy buttons—just the right work, in the right order.— LanceBe the Man. Be the King. Build the Kingdom.You’re closer than you think to the academy of your dreams!
hit pause and went back to the vault. I revisited my first 10 years running Conquest—all the stalls, the hard lessons, and the exact order that actually moves a school forward. I realized I’d forgotten the path…and that’s why the old, one-size-fits-all program missed the mark.In this video I share three short scenes that changed everything:1) “Say It Clean” — The mom at the front deskShe asked two simple questions: “What do we get, and how much is it?” I talked in circles about fighters and tournaments. She left confused—and so was I. That night I wrote on a sticky note: “If we can’t say it clean, no one will buy it.”2) “Consistency Beats Luck” — The flood, then the droughtWe turned winning ads off out of fear, then spent months trying to restart momentum. Lesson: pick one platform, run it consistently, and never turn it off. Growth isn’t a lucky wave; it’s an ocean you build.3) “Clarity Is Kindness” — The ‘I’ll think about it’ nodGreat consult, excited kid, new price—I wobbled at the close. It wasn’t the price; it was my uncertainty. We added a 10-minute daily roleplay (Needs → Offer → Decision). The next consult was a clean yes.The point: there’s no magic ad, no universal template, no easy button. There’s your path—and it starts by finding where you’re actually stuck.Try this tonight:Write one line: “Where am I actually stuck?” Not what seems fun—where it’s leaking. That’s your next seven days.
Busy vs. Effective (for BJJ & Martial Arts School Owners)From the outside, everything looked “successful”—classes full, constant content, nonstop hustle. Inside? Burnout. In today’s video I break down why I hit pause and what I rebuilt in me before rebuilding anything else. You’ll hear the gap between busy and effective, the 3 patterns I broke on purpose, and the simple daily standards that actually move the needle.
In this episode of BJJ Business & Martial Arts Marketing, we’re excited to sit down with Brian Debes, a 10th Planet BJJ Black Belt, Academy Kings Member, and owner of Red Belt Software, the ultimate CRM for martial arts schools. 🥋 Based in Beaumont, Texas, Brian shares his journey, insights on running a successful school, and how his software is helping other school owners streamline their business and grow faster. 💻 Learn more about Red Belt Software at Redbeltsoftware.com. If you're a martial arts school owner looking to take your business to the next level, this episode is a must-watch! 💥
ATTN: School Owners:If you own a school and want to be on the pod... Click the link and fill out the application, and you may be our next guest!
https://academykings.com/bjj-podcast
#MartialArtsBusiness #BJJBusiness #MartialArtsMarketing #10thPlanetBJJ #SchoolOwnerSuccess #RedBeltSoftware #Podcast #BrazilianJiuJitsu #BeaumontTexas
Are you a business owner feeling stuck or hesitant to take the next step in your business? 🚀 In this video, I share a personal story about my daughter getting braces and the powerful lesson it taught me about fear and how it applies to running a business. Many of us build up fear around new ventures, tough decisions, or challenges we’ve never faced before. But here's the truth: Things are rarely as bad as we imagine! 🙌 In this episode, you'll learn how to: Overcome fear in business and stop letting anxiety hold you back. Take actionable steps to grow your business without the worry of "what ifs." Build the confidence to tackle those big decisions, whether it's launching a new product, reaching out to new clients, or expanding your brand. 💡 Key Takeaway: Just like my daughter learned with her braces, once you face your fears, you'll find out they're often much easier to manage than you thought. This lesson is crucial for any entrepreneur or small business owner looking to grow their company. 👉 If you’re ready to break through your fears and move your business forward, this video is for you. Hit play and learn how to turn your fears into fuel for success! #OvercomeFear #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #SmallBusinessTips #FearOfFailure #BusinessOwner #SuccessMindset #BraveryInBusiness #BusinessDecisions #entrepreneurship
In this episode of BJJ Business & Martial Arts Marketing, we sit down with Chad Cleland, owner of Snowflake BJJ in Arizona and a full-time firefighter. Chad shares his incredible journey of balancing a demanding career as a firefighter while running a successful Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school. From the challenges of starting out to the rewarding moments of growing his student base, Chad gives us a raw, inside look into what it takes to manage a BJJ school while serving his community. Whether you're thinking about opening your own academy or just love hearing inspiring stories, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone in the martial arts world! ATTN: School Owners: If you own a school and want to be on the pod... Click the link and fill out the application, and you may be our next guest: https://academykings.com/bjj-podcast
Distractions can pull us away from our goals without us even realizing it. In this video, I share a simple story about my backyard project and how a single phone call led me to leave an entire section unfinished. It's a powerful reminder of how easily distractions can take our focus off the important tasks at hand.
For martial arts school owners, this can be the difference between staying stagnant and making significant progress. What distractions are you facing in your business or personal life that might be pulling your attention away from growth? Tune in to learn how to recognize and manage these distractions so you can stay focused and keep your eye on the prize.
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In this episode, we dive into the importance of leveling up your life and business by surrounding yourself with like-minded, successful business owners. It's all about pushing your limits, setting higher standards, and holding yourself accountable. Whether it’s in business, fitness, family, or personal growth—there are levels to everything. To reach new heights, you need to be around winners who challenge and inspire you to up your game. Ready to elevate every area of your life? Tune in and learn how to unlock your full potential!
marketing, business, business growth, running a martial arts school, BJJ business, martial arts marketing, martial arts business, gym owner tips, martial arts school success, entrepreneurship, small business tips, jiu jitsu, BJJ academy, fitness business, gym marketing, lead generation, school owner advice, coach interviews, BJJ marketing strategies, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, sales strategies, martial arts growth, BJJ school marketing, student retention, business coaching
Join us for an exciting episode of BJJ Business & Martial Arts Marketing as we sit down with Dylan Dearborn, Head Instructor at Infinity Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Santee, CA. 🥋 Dylan shares his journey of balancing family life, running a successful martial arts school, and the challenges he’s faced along the way. If you're looking to gain insights on growing your own school or want inspiration from a fellow martial artist, this is a must-listen! 🎧
Don’t miss this deep dive into the world of martial arts business, life lessons, and everything in between! 💥
ATTN: School Owners
Want to share your story on the podcast? 📢 Apply here and you could be our next guest!
https://academykings.com/bjj-podcast
#MartialArtsBusiness #BJJBusiness #SchoolOwnerSuccess #InfinityBJJ #MartialArtsMarketing #BrazilianJiuJitsu #Podcast
Today, I share the critical decision-making habits that either lead you to success or hold you back. Only say "Hell Yes" to opportunities that align with your business goals and ignite your passion, while others say yes to every "good enough" idea, hoping something will stick. You'll learn why saying yes to too many mediocre decisions (the "7/10" opportunities) can stall business growth and how focusing on high-impact actions can propel your school to the next level. If you're a business owner looking to simplify your decision-making process and grow with purpose, this video is for you. Key Takeaways: How “7/10” decisions are killing your business. Why saying “Hell Yes!” only to the right opportunities is crucial. How to apply focused decision-making to grow your martial arts school. Watch now to transform the way you approach business decisions! SUBSCRIBE NOW If you want the NO B.S. way to master your financial destiny… Using businesses, real estate, and personal finance then learn from Lance. Subscribe to this channel now. Please understand that by watching or listening to Lance’s videos, podcasts or enrolling in his programs does not mean you’ll get results close to what he’s been able to do (or do anything for that matter). He’s been in business for over 20 years and his results are not typical. Most people who watch his videos or enroll in his programs get the “how to” but never take action with the information. Lance is only sharing what has worked for him and his students. Your results are dependent on many factors… including but not limited to your ability to work hard, commit yourself, and do whatever it takes.There is never a guarantee in business. YOU DO YOU Martial arts owners to learn how Lance has helped other academy owners grow revenue and finally make money in their martial arts business go to www.mmastudiosecrets.com