Ep. 336: Growing Your Academy, feat. Hillary Witt & Nelson Puentes
May 5, 2025
auto_awesome
Join Hillary Witt and Nelson Puentes, co-founders of Inverted Gear and owners of a thriving Jiu-Jitsu academy. They share their journey from apparel to academy, revealing valuable lessons in creating a positive school culture. The duo discusses innovative curriculum design, highlighting a games-based training approach that boosts student engagement. They emphasize the importance of embracing mistakes for better learning and fostering inclusivity, particularly for women in martial arts, ensuring a supportive environment for all skill levels.
Inverted Gear Academy aims to address community needs by creating a tailored training environment with a unique culture and curriculum.
The founders implemented a constraints-led approach to training, emphasizing game-based learning for improved skill acquisition and adaptability in students.
Safety, inclusiveness, and family-friendly features are prioritized by the academy to foster a supportive atmosphere for both experienced and new practitioners.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Inverted Gear Academy
Inverted Gear Academy reflects the founders' vision of creating a jiu-jitsu environment that caters to the specific needs of their community. Recognizing limitations in existing academies, they sought to provide a unique culture and curriculum tailored to what practitioners want from their training. The decision to branch out from an apparel brand to an actual academy allowed them to implement their ideas regarding grading requirements, class structure, and the overall atmosphere. Through careful consideration of their students' preferences, they established a space where personalized training and commitment to quality instruction reign supreme.
Introducing the Constraints-Led Approach
The implementation of the constraints-led approach transformed the training curriculum at Inverted Gear Academy, offering a new perspective on skill acquisition. By focusing on game-based learning instead of traditional drilling, students can engage actively in problem-solving during classes. The founders observed that new students adapted more quickly when working within games, resulting in a deeper understanding of techniques in a live resistance context. This shift from a drill-heavy methodology nurtured innovation in training and encouraged students to discover solutions themselves, making their journey more enjoyable.
Creating a Safe and Inclusive Training Environment
Inverted Gear Academy emphasizes the importance of safety and inclusiveness in their training environment. The founders recognized that maintaining a respectful atmosphere is crucial for everyone, especially for newer members or those less experienced in jiu-jitsu. They established clear guidelines and protocols to address any negative behavior swiftly, ensuring that all practitioners feel welcome and safe. By focusing on communication and building a supportive community, they foster a culture where everyone can thrive and learn without fear of intimidation.
Development of a Family-Friendly Gym Culture
The founders of Inverted Gear Academy actively worked to create a family-friendly culture within their gym, making it accessible for all demographics. They introduced lounge areas, children's programming, and separate changing facilities to accommodate the needs of families and different training partners. By hosting open mat events and workshops, they allowed opportunities for experts to engage the local community. This intentional design promotes connections among members and ensures that jiu-jitsu becomes a shared passion for families, including parents and children.
Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations
Reflecting on their journey, the founders highlighted the importance of adapting to the needs of their community and staying open to change. They noted that their initial approach, which once adhered strictly to traditional practices, evolved significantly after integrating feedback from students. Additionally, they recognized the value of having female representation in teaching roles to encourage more women to participate. As they continue to refine their academy's offerings, they aspire to maintain a balance between high-quality instruction and a supportive environment, ensuring their gym remains inclusive and welcoming.
This week we're joined by the founders of Inverted Gear: Hillary Witt and Nelson Puentes! Three years ago, Hillary and Nelson took the Inverted Gear brand beyond Jiu-Jitsu equipment and opened a physical academy in Pennsylvania! In this episode, Hillary and Nelson share key lessons learned from their journey into academy ownership.
Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!
If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.
