The Power of a Strong Fundamentals Program - Mike Tousignant (E48)
Release Date: 06/19/2025
Scaling Muay Thai and Striking Programs - Sean Madden (E53)
Blackbelt Business Podcast
In this episode, Eliot Marshall and Easton Muay Thai Program Director Sean Madden break down how Easton evolved from a fighter-run striking program into a scalable, system-driven curriculum that now serves thousands of students. They discuss why passion and talent aren’t enough, why Muay Thai gyms often struggle with structure, and the key systems that allowed Easton’s program to grow across multiple academies. If you want your striking program to move beyond the same 30–50 students, this episode shows you how to build something that lasts. Watch or listen to the full podcast on...
info_outline
Understanding Your Academy's Money - Mike Tousignant (E52)
Blackbelt Business Podcast
In this episode of the Black Belt Business Podcast we dive into one of the most avoided yet essential topics in martial arts business ownership—money. From confronting the stigma around talking about finances to understanding how to actually run a profitable academy, this episode is packed with honest conversation and actionable advice. We explore why financial literacy is critical for school owners, general managers, and anyone running a martial arts business. They break down how to track your profit and loss (P&L), what cost of goods sold (COGS) actually means, and why understanding...
info_outline
Building and Protecting Culture in Your Academy - Mike Tousignant (E51)
Blackbelt Business Podcast
Culture doesn’t just happen in a martial arts school. It’s either built with intention or left to grow on its own—and when it’s left alone, it often drifts in the wrong direction. In this episode of the Black Belt Business Podcast, Easton’s Eliot Marshall and Mike Tousignant dig into what it really takes to shape and protect the culture of your academy. From setting clear values, to holding tough conversations, to developing leaders who embody your mission, they outline the steps every school owner needs to take to ensure their academy’s culture supports growth and longevity. If...
info_outline
The Key Systems for Academy Success - Ian Lieberman & Mike Tousignant (EP50)
Blackbelt Business Podcast
What does it take to build a martial arts academy that thrives for decades—not just a few years? In this episode of the Black Belt Business Podcast, Easton leaders Eliot Marshall, Mike Tousignant, and Ian Lieberman share the biggest lessons from over 25 years of running successful martial arts schools. From the power of fundamentals programs to the role of core values, and from aligning staff to ensuring product quality on the mats, they break down what truly sustains growth. Whether you’re just starting your academy or scaling past 500 members, this conversation is a roadmap for creating...
info_outline
The 5 Strategic Shifts That Transformed Easton - Mike Tousignant & Ian Lieberman (E49)
Blackbelt Business Podcast
In this episode of the Black Belt Business Podcast, Eliot Marshall is joined by Easton Training Center CEO Mike Tousignant and VP Ian Lieberman to unpack the five major shifts that propelled Easton from a single location to one of the most successful martial arts organizations in the country. They discuss how changes in training structure, leadership systems, communication, and core values created alignment, empowered team members, and fueled long-term growth. From implementing a fundamentals program to adopting decentralized command, this conversation is packed with practical lessons for any...
info_outline
The Power of a Strong Fundamentals Program - Mike Tousignant (E48)
Blackbelt Business Podcast
In this episode of the Black Belt Business Podcast, Easton Training Center CEO Mike Tousignant joins host Eliot Marshall to discuss one of the most critical (and often neglected) components of a martial arts academy: the fundamentals class. They break down why having a dedicated fundamentals program is essential for student retention, safety, and long-term success. From class structure and warm-up consistency to when (and why) beginners shouldn’t spar, this episode offers clear guidance for school owners looking to build a more effective and inclusive training environment. If you're...
info_outline
How to Close More Martial Arts Memberships - Ian Lieberman & Mike Tousignant (E47)
Blackbelt Business Podcast
In this episode, Eliot Marshall, co-owner of Easton Training Center, is joined by Easton’s CEO Mike Tousignant and COO Ian Lieberman. Together, they pull back the curtain on how Easton consistently achieves a high close rate on membership sales. From the structure of their sales process to the mindset they instill in their team, this conversation is packed with practical strategies martial arts school owners can apply right away to improve their own conversions. Whether you're struggling with sales or looking to sharpen your current system, this episode delivers insights from one of the most...
info_outline
Martial Arts Is a People Business - Ian Lieberman & Mike Tousignant (E46)
Blackbelt Business Podcast
Whether it’s dealing with members or managing staff, we as martial arts academy owners and operators are in the people business. Your ability to skillfully manage relationships, offer constructive feedback, and direct people’s progress will dictate the success, culture, and health of your martial arts academy. Easton Training Center's CEO, Mike Tousignant, and Vice President, Ian Lieberman, join the Black Belt Business Podcast to talk about managing relationships and knowing when to look inward to find solutions instead of assigning blame. Watch or listen to the full podcast on our...
info_outline
Pillars of Successful Martial Arts Academies - Derek Alumbaugh & Kyle Wright (E45)
Blackbelt Business Podcast
Matrix Martial Arts General Manager and Owner, Derek Alumbaugh, and BJJ Department head at Easton Denver, Kyle Wright, join Eliot to introduce themselves and discuss their roles at Easton Online, as well as explain the pillars of successful martial arts academies and how to establish them in your school. Watch or listen to the full podcast on our blog: https://www.easton.online/blog/ Visit https://www.easton.online to sign up for our mailing list!
info_outline
Implementing Systems in Your Martial Arts School - Michael Phipps & Jordan Shipman (E44)
Blackbelt Business Podcast
Easton Training Center's Director of Kids Martial Arts, Jordan Shipman, and Director of Marketing, Michael Phipps, join Eliot to discuss the challenges of implementing systems in martial arts academies and how to make sure everyone on your team is on the same page. Watch or listen to the full podcast on our blog: Interested in learning more about operating a high-functioning martial arts academy? Visit https://www.easton.online to check out our products and sign up for our mailing list!
info_outlineIn this episode of the Black Belt Business Podcast, Easton Training Center CEO Mike Tousignant joins host Eliot Marshall to discuss one of the most critical (and often neglected) components of a martial arts academy: the fundamentals class.
They break down why having a dedicated fundamentals program is essential for student retention, safety, and long-term success. From class structure and warm-up consistency to when (and why) beginners shouldn’t spar, this episode offers clear guidance for school owners looking to build a more effective and inclusive training environment.
If you're serious about creating a program that serves both beginners and advanced students, this conversation is a blueprint you won’t want to miss.
Watch or listen to the full podcast on our blog: https://www.easton.online/blog/
Visit https://www.easton.online to sign up for our mailing list!