Blackbelt Business Podcast

Hosted by Easton.Online

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May 2026

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About the show

The Blackbelt Business Podcast is for martial arts school owners and managers. Each episode features guests with stories, strategies and resources which can help you establish or enhance your business with best practices. Most importantly, we'll help you get back to doing what you love. Visit Easton.Online for more.

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59 recent

May 19, 202635 min

Structuring Kids Jiu Jitsu Classes - Jordan Shipman (E59)

In this episode of the Black Belt Business Podcast, Eliot Marshall sits down with Easton Kids Program Director Jordan Shipman to dive deep into the structure behind a successful kids martial arts program. In this episode, Eliot and Jordan cover everything from why class structure is everything, how Easton builds discipline and focus into every class, and why consistency and routine are critical for helping kids thrive on the mats. They explore curriculum design and teaching submissions to 4-6 year olds, managing emotions, building confidence, and creating a training environment that develops both skill and character. This episode is packed with practical insights for martial arts school owners looking to improve their kids programs, develop stronger culture, and create a structured experience that keeps students engaged while helping them grow both on and off the mats. 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!

April 19, 202635 min

Mastering the Onboarding Experience (Pt. 3) - Ian Lieberman (E58)

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, remove overwhelm, and build real confidence in new students without sacrificing quality or toughness. If Parts 1 and 2 were about getting people in the door and delivering a great first experience, Part 3 is about what truly matters: keeping them. This episode is essential for any school owner looking to improve retention, create a better student experience, and build a more sustainable, profitable academy. 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!

March 19, 202637 min

Mastering the Onboarding Experience (Pt. 2) - Ian Lieberman (E57)

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: https://www.easton.online/blog Visit https://www.easton.online to sign up for our mailing list!

February 19, 202635 min

Mastering the Onboarding Experience (Part 1) - Ian Lieberman (E56)

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 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!

January 19, 202633 min

Ranking and Progression in Muay Thai - Sean Madden (E55)

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: https://www.easton.online/blog/ Visit https://www.easton.online to sign up for our mailing list!

December 19, 202534 min

Structuring Striking Class Levels - Sean Madden (E54)

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 the full podcast on our blog: https://www.easton.online/blog/ Visit https://www.easton.online to sign up for our mailing list!

November 19, 202542 min

Scaling Muay Thai and Striking Programs - Sean Madden (E53)

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 our blog: https://www.easton.online/blog/ Visit https://www.easton.online to sign up for our mailing list!

October 20, 202527 min

Understanding Your Academy's Money - Mike Tousignant (E52)

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 depreciation and cash flow is just as important as running great classes. If you've ever felt weird about talking money in the martial arts world, or just want to get better at it, this one's for you. 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!

September 19, 202528 min

Building and Protecting Culture in Your Academy - Mike Tousignant (E51)

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 you want your school to thrive not just this year, but for decades, this episode is a must-listen. 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!

August 19, 202522 min

The Key Systems for Academy Success - Ian Lieberman & Mike Tousignant (EP50)

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 a school culture, business structure, and training environment that lasts. 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!