#132: David Garmo - "Success" in Jiu Jitsu, Why Style Matters, and The Branding Explosion
May 7, 2024
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David Garmo, a jiu jitsu black belt and owner of Assembly Jiu Jitsu, shares insights on the financial side of Jiu Jitsu, creating a strong academy atmosphere, the importance of style in Jiu Jitsu, branding explosions, the jiu jitsu belt system, and strength and conditioning programming. He also reflects on his experience at ADCC trials and the bogus nature of the belt system.
Strategic partnerships and mentorship are crucial for navigating business complexities in Jiu Jitsu.
Expansion plans for Assembly Jiu Jitsu include global presence while maintaining quality over quantity.
Apparel design emphasis on quality and personal expression enhances brand exclusivity.
Balancing quality and innovation in Jiu Jitsu apparel brands is essential for brand loyalty and customer satisfaction.
Deep dives
David Garmo's Reflection on Owning and Growing Assembly Jiu Jitsu Over 5 Years
David Garmo reflects on the journey of owning Assembly Jiu Jitsu, celebrating its 5th anniversary. He shares the initial vision from day one, expressing that owning the academy was always the goal since his first Jiu Jitsu class. The conversation delves into how the landscape of Jiu Jitsu business has evolved, including various streams of income beyond owning an academy, such as event prize money and instructional avenues. Garmo emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships and mentorship in navigating the complexities of business ownership.
Expanding Assembly Jiu Jitsu Brand Globally and Future Plans
David Garmo discusses his vision to expand the reach of Assembly Jiu Jitsu beyond its current location. He envisions opening 10 schools in the next decade, with plans for international presence in Europe and Asia, particularly Japan. Emphasizing the importance of quality over quantity, Garmo highlights the need for the right operators in each location to maintain the brand's integrity. He envisions Assembly evolving into a global brand while staying true to its core values.
David Garmo's Approach to Apparel Design and Branding Within Assembly Jiu Jitsu
David Garmo shares his philosophy on apparel design within Assembly Jiu Jitsu, focusing on quality and personal expression over mass production. Garmo's limited drops cater to his students, reflecting his passion for fashion and individual style. By offering premium garments and unique colorways, he provides an avenue for self-expression within the brand while maintaining a high standard of quality and exclusivity.
The Art of Balancing Quality and Innovation in Jiu Jitsu Apparel Brands
The conversation extends to the balance between quality and innovation in Jiu Jitsu apparel brands. Garmo and the host explore how notable brands like VHTS and Albino Preto transcend traditional Jiu Jitsu apparel by infusing art and fashion forward designs. They discuss the significance of brands that prioritize quality, uniqueness, and authenticity, appealing to a broader audience while staying true to their martial arts roots.
Lessons from Past Endeavors and Strategic Partnerships in Apparel Design
David Garmo draws on past experiences in the apparel design industry, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships for producing high-quality garments. He underscores the value of maintaining standards in apparel design, even if it comes at a higher cost, emphasizing the long-term impact on brand loyalty and customer satisfaction. By prioritizing the best products and fostering genuine connections with customers, Garmo sets a standard for excellence in apparel design within the Jiu Jitsu community.
Benefit of Quality Garments in Clothing Line
Investing in high-quality garments that are not just functional but also aesthetically pleasing can have a significant impact on how customers perceive and utilize the clothing. This approach was highlighted through examples of a brand offering expensive shirts and hoodies designed for outings and social events rather than just for workouts or sporting activities. The emphasis was on creating clothing that customers feel proud to wear in various social settings, showing the importance of quality and design in the success of a clothing line.
Performance Reflection on ADCC West Coast Trials
Reflecting on the ADCC West Coast Trials, the podcast delved into the speaker's performance and preparation for the event. Despite facing physical challenges such as an LCL injury during a training session with another athlete, the speaker showcased growth in strength and conditioning over time, leading to enhanced physical capabilities and reduced injury risk during competitions. This shift in training approach emphasized the importance of holistic physical development in high-level sporting events.
Discussion on Belt System in Jiu-Jitsu
The podcast explored the significance of the belt system in Jiu-Jitsu and its role in acknowledging skill levels and progression. While acknowledging the importance of belts as motivational tools and markers of dedication, the speaker also emphasized that belts are not always indicative of true skill levels. Drawing comparisons with wrestling achievements and highlighting instances where lower belts outperform higher belts in training, the discussion underlined the nuanced relationship between belt ranks and actual grappling proficiency.
