Mastering the Onboarding Experience (Part 1) - Ian Lieberman (E56)
Release Date: 02/19/2026
Mastering the Onboarding Experience (Pt. 3) - Ian Lieberman (E58)
Blackbelt Business Podcast
In Part 3 of the onboarding series, Ian and Eliot break down what happens after the first day, covering the critical first 90 days of a new student’s journey. From structured follow-up systems to creating a world-class fundamentals experience, this episode dives into how to turn new sign-ups into long-term members. They explore the importance of consistent communication, why onboarding must be engineered (not left to chance), and how simple systems like CRM-driven follow-ups can dramatically improve retention. The conversation also unpacks how to properly structure fundamentals classes,...
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Mastering the Onboarding Experience (Pt. 2) - Ian Lieberman (E57)
Blackbelt Business Podcast
In this episode of the Black Belt Business Podcast, Eliot Marshall and Ian Lieberman continue their series on student onboarding and break down what should happen on a new student’s first day at your academy. They discuss how to eliminate friction, create a “red carpet” experience, run effective intro classes, and structure fundamentals classes so beginners feel successful from day one. If you want more students to sign up and stay longer, this episode explains how to engineer a better first impression. Watch or listen to the full podcast on our blog: Visit https://www.easton.online to...
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Mastering the Onboarding Experience (Part 1) - Ian Lieberman (E56)
Blackbelt Business Podcast
Easton Training Center's Vice President and Director of Operations, Ian Lieberman, joins Eliot o kick off a three-part series on one of the most overlooked systems in martial arts schools: onboarding. This episode looks at what happens from the moment a lead clicks your website to the moment they set their first appointment — and why most schools get this stage completely wrong. The conversation covers the true cost of a lead, why response time matters more than world titles, how to structure a follow-up cadence that lasts months (not days), and why every school needs a CRM instead of...
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Ranking and Progression in Muay Thai - Sean Madden (E55)
Blackbelt Business Podcast
In this episode of the Black Belt Business Podcast, Easton Muay Thai Program Director Sean Madden joins Eliot to explain why Muay Thai programs in America need clear structure and progression. They discuss how Easton built a ranking and ascension model that improves safety, retention, and class quality while preserving the integrity of the art. A must-listen for any school owner running a striking program. Watch or listen to the full podcast on our blog: Visit https://www.easton.online to sign up for our mailing list!
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Structuring Striking Class Levels - Sean Madden (E54)
Blackbelt Business Podcast
Easton Muay Thai Program Director Sean Madden joing Eliot to break down the class structure and ascension model that allowed Easton’s striking program to grow across multiple academies. They discuss why American students need a different approach than traditional Thai training, how Kickboxing can serve as the on-ramp into Muay Thai, and why Fundamentals and Intermediate classes are essential steps that build both skill and community. If you want a Muay Thai program that’s safe, scalable, and built for long-term student progression, this episode lays out the blueprint. Watch or listen to...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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_outlineEaston Training Center's Vice President and Director of Operations, Ian Lieberman, joins Eliot o kick off a three-part series on one of the most overlooked systems in martial arts schools: onboarding.
This episode looks at what happens from the moment a lead clicks your website to the moment they set their first appointment — and why most schools get this stage completely wrong.
The conversation covers the true cost of a lead, why response time matters more than world titles, how to structure a follow-up cadence that lasts months (not days), and why every school needs a CRM instead of relying on memory.
If you want more students walking through your doors and fewer missed opportunities, this episode lays out the blueprint.
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!