Meet Landon Bergenthal

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Landon Bergenthal. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Landon below.

Landon, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

Resilience, for me, was born out of loss. When I lost my father at a young age, it felt as though my entire foundation had been ripped away. I had two choices: let that pain consume me and fall into a victim mindset, or transform it into fuel. I chose to honor him by channeling that energy into growth—pouring myself into my studies and ultimately graduating summa cum laude. That experience taught me that resilience isn’t about avoiding pain—it’s about getting back up after setbacks, regaining focus, and transforming that pain into fuel. What began as survival has since become one of my greatest assets, shaping the way I approach both entrepreneurship and life as a whole.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

After earning my degree in Kinesiology from San Diego State and multiple certifications in strength, conditioning, and nutrition, I spent five years gaining experience in large commercial gyms. When my last employer closed, I saw it as the chance to launch Ronin Academy and go all-in on my vision.

The name comes from my own journey. After losing my father at a young age, I often felt directionless, much like a Ronin—a masterless samurai. Over nearly two decades of study in strength training, nutrition, and martial arts, I found purpose, and I now channel that into guiding others who feel similarly adrift.

Today, Ronin Academy provides private training, nutrition coaching, and online programs for clients of all levels. Our focus is simple: evidence-based methods, sustainable results, and genuine direction in a world overflowing with information but lacking true guidance. At its core, our mission is to help people build resilience, reclaim their health, and unlock their potential both in and out of the gym.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey were resilience, discipline, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Resilience came from personal loss and hardship. Life will test you, and setbacks are inevitable—but resilience allows you to turn pain into fuel rather than letting it hold you back. My advice: don’t avoid challenges. Lean into them, reflect on what they’re teaching you, and use that experience to grow stronger.

Discipline has been just as important. Whether in academics, athletics, or building a business, consistency beats bursts of motivation. Discipline is what carries you through on the days you don’t feel like showing up. For anyone starting out, I recommend setting small, non-negotiable habits—those compound over time into real transformation.

Finally, lifelong learning has shaped everything I do. From earning my degree in Kinesiology to pursuing advanced certifications and studying martial arts, I’ve always believed in sharpening both mind and body. For those early in their path, invest in your education—formal or informal—and stay curious. Knowledge paired with action is a powerful combination.
Together, these three—resilience, discipline, and learning—have not only defined my career but also how I live my life.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

One book that has had a profound impact on my development is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. What struck me most was the idea of the “Personal Legend”—the notion that each of us has a unique purpose or calling in life, and that the journey to pursue it is where true fulfillment lies. That concept resonated deeply with me, especially during times when I felt uncertain or directionless.

Another lesson that stayed with me is the idea that obstacles and setbacks are not signs to quit, but tests of commitment. In the book, every challenge Santiago faces ultimately shapes him into the person capable of achieving his dream. I’ve carried that perspective into my own life and business—seeing difficulties not as roadblocks but as essential parts of growth.

Finally, The Alchemist reinforces that the answers we seek are often closer than we think. Sometimes the treasure we’re chasing is within us or right in front of us, waiting for us to recognize it. That reminder keeps me grounded: success isn’t just about the destination, but about appreciating the process and the person you become along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.roninacademy.net
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronin.academy/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roninacad