We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michael Stinson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Michael, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Ever felt like you just didn’t fit in? That’s me. I was always the outsider. When I was younger, I enjoyed sports, but as my peers grew bigger and I stayed small, I found myself pushed out of the games I loved. Instead, I turned to solo pursuits that matched my loner nature—diving into the world of books, playing Dungeons & Dragons, and eventually picking up skateboarding. These were the activities where I connected with other like-minded souls, those who also felt on the fringes of the mainstream.
As a teen, I dove headfirst into the punk scene and, not long after, the alternative club life. Unfortunately, this path also led me to experiment with drugs, pulling me deeper into a risky lifestyle. It wasn’t until I was 18 or 19, after experiencing an assault by three guys, that I realized something had to change. I was lucky to get away mostly unharmed, thanks to my quick feet, but the scare was a wake-up call. I vowed to never feel that helpless again.
Determined to defend myself, I started scouring the yellow pages (yep, this was the pre-Google era) for martial arts dojos. Picture this: a punk kid with bright blue hair and an attitude, walking into traditional dojos—it was like a fish out of water. My search included some bizarre stops, like the time I mistakenly walked into a closed wrestling session at the back of a what looked like a curio shop, only to be bluntly turned away. It was as surreal as it sounds, but it was also the start of an incredible journey.
The last place on my list, a small dojo that taught Ninjutsu, turned out to be the one. I was skeptical at first—ninjas seemed like a Hollywood cliché—but it captured my interest. For seven years, I trained there, absorbing every technique and philosophy until life took me to Arizona for a promising tech job. But the need to continue martial arts led me to find a local dojo. Although similar in style, their more traditional approach didn’t quite satisfy my practical needs for real-world defense. However, it introduced me to the most wonderful part of my life: my future wife.
A few years later, the entrepreneur in me took over, and I opened my own martial arts school. It was a tough balancing act, juggling a full-time job and my passion. Over the years I also discovered Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. It was a game-changer. The practical application and the full-resistance training built a new confidence in me. I loved Ninjutsu, but Gracie Jiu-Jitsu stole my heart with its effectiveness, especially for someone of smaller stature like me.
As I continued to teach and work, life threw its curves. A new boss ended my flexible work-from-home arrangement, plunging me into a deep depression as I struggled to manage time between work, my dojo, and family. It was only after a severe injury during trampoline gymnastics—yes, that was my attempt at escaping the depression—that I had time to rethink my priorities.
I was given plenty of time to do so as I was put on short term disability and no weight bearing as my injury healed. I put most of my attention on online outreach and brand recognition for the dojo. When these efforts began to quickly show results, I realized that dedicating myself fully could turn my passion into a sustainable career. With my wife’s support, truthfully more of a kick in the tail, I made the leap!
Things continued to grow and we were just truly feeling success when COVID-19 hit and changed the world. Everything stopped. As life began to re-emerge it was my dedicated Jiu-Jitsu students who first returned, ready to train. That’s when I made the tough call to focus solely on Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
It’s been a wild ride, from feeling like an outsider to finding my tribe in the martial arts community. Every bruise and setback taught me more about myself than I could have imagined. And as I continue to grow my school, I realize this isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. It’s about building a community and empowering others with the confidence that changed my life. That’s the real victory.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
In the bustling world we navigate daily, I’ve discovered a profound joy and purpose that genuinely transforms lives. My journey isn’t just about teaching people to defend themselves through Jiu-jitsu; it’s about unlocking a deeper sense of power and balance within. Imagine a playground where a kid, once bullied, stands tall and confident, or an adult who’s lost their spark, finding a new direction. That’s the magic I get to witness every day, and it’s nothing short of miraculous.
Jiu-jitsu isn’t merely a set of techniques; it’s a beacon of hope. For anyone who’s ever feared walking down a dark alley or felt helpless in a tough situation, knowing how to defend oneself is a game-changer. But the benefits of Jiu-jitsu stretch far beyond the mats where we train. It’s about grappling with life’s challenges—pun intended—head-on, with resilience and a calm mind. The sweat, the exertion, and yes, even the bruises, they all build more than just muscle. They craft a spirit adept at navigating life’s unpredictable waves.
And it’s not just about the physical. Embracing this martial art paves the way for healthier lifestyles across the board. I’ve heard countless tales of personal transformation—individuals shedding excess weight, breaking free from the shackles of bad habits, and kids not only standing up to bullies but becoming champions for others in need. These stories are the true testament to Jiu-jitsu’s impact.
Our dojo doesn’t just teach people how to fight; we teach them how to stand tall in the face of adversity. With roots in empowering the underdog, Jiu-jitsu is the ultimate equalizer, enabling those who might feel small or overpowered to protect themselves against larger threats. This philosophy is at the core of our training, starting with the basics of self-defense against the most prevalent dangers one might encounter.
But we don’t stop there. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by women, we’ve tailored programs specifically for them, offering strategies to confront and neutralize threats safely. Our children’s program, dubbed “Bullyproof,” instills in young minds the power of resilience—teaching them to counter hostility with calmness and, when necessary, the strength to defend themselves.
At the heart of our mission is a belief: knowing you can physically hold your own empowers you to stand up, not just for yourself, but for others too. This belief fuels our dedication to shaping a community where strength is measured not by physical might, but by the courage to make a stand. Through Jiu-jitsu, we’re not just training fighters; we’re nurturing protectors, leaders, and individuals who carry within them the flame of resilience, ready to light the way for others.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Have you ever found yourself waiting for the ‘right time’ to begin? I’ve learned the hard way that this ‘right time’ rarely shows its face. My own transition from a secure full-time job to a daring entrepreneur revealed to me that the ‘right time’ is a myth that can hold you back indefinitely. For years, I balanced a demanding job while nurturing my dream of owning my own business, always waiting for the stars to align perfectly. But let me let you in on a secret: that perfect moment? It never came. Not until I took a deep breath and jumped into the unknown, encouraged by my supportive wife. This leap into uncertainty was petrifying, yet it was the only way I learned the invaluable lesson of taking action—of “ready, fire, aim” rather than waiting indefinitely for a moment that might never arrive.
Another major revelation on this journey was recognizing my own limitations. In the beginning, I was a one-man army, convinced I could learn and do everything on my own. When I began my first career into the world of computers and the internet, it was uncharted territory with no formal education routes available. I had to figure it out as I went. This do-it-yourself ethos extended to my later business venture. I figured, how hard could it be?
Turns out, pretty hard. While I did learn a lot on my own, it was the mentors and teachers I met along the way who truly shaped my journey. They didn’t just refine my martial skills; they taught me the ins and outs of running a successful business. Marketing, however, was a different beast altogether. After years of trial and error, not to mention a small fortune wasted, my attempts at marketing were less than stellar. It was only after several missteps and learning to ask for help that I found the right team. Their expertise has been instrumental in our continued success.
This brings me to another crucial lesson: the importance of delegation and investing in your business. Trying to wear all the hats not only leads to burnout but can also cost you much more in the long run. Don’t shy away from seeking help or spending money to propel your business forward. It’s a necessary part of growth and success.
Lastly, never forget the value of taking time for yourself and your loved ones. The entrepreneurial path is demanding, requiring long hours and sacrifices. However, if you don’t carve out time for joy, love, and laughter, you might not like what you become in the process. It’s essential to balance the grind with moments of relaxation and happiness. After all, what’s the point of success if you can’t share it with those you love?
In retrospect, my journey underscores a universal truth: life doesn’t wait for the perfect moment. If you’re dreaming of starting something new, the best time is now. Embrace the unknown, learn from your mistakes, and remember to enjoy the ride. It’s a wild one, but absolutely worth every twist and turn.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
As a former Ninjutsu enthusiast turned Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instructor, I’ve lived by a compelling mantra that has shaped not just my martial arts journey but every facet of my life: Unleash Your Potential. The visual symbol that perfectly encapsulates this philosophy is our old ninjutsu logo—a stylized figure of a man stretching the boundaries of the circle that encloses him. This image became a powerful metaphor for me, representing the idea that we all live within our own circles of comfort, and it’s our duty to push and expand these boundaries constantly.
In my current role, teaching the complex art of jiu-jitsu, I emphasize a concept that is deeply rooted in my own personal growth—focusing on weaknesses rather than strengths. Jiu-jitsu, with its vast array of techniques and concepts, can be daunting. It’s tempting to stick to what we’re good at, but true growth happens outside our comfort zones. I constantly urge my students to step into their discomfort, to engage with the parts of jiu-jitsu—and life—that challenge them the most. This practice of deliberately seeking out discomfort and transforming it into comfort is a cycle that never ends.
This approach has transcended the dojo and infiltrated every corner of my life. Whenever I encounter a situation that feels uncomfortable or challenging, I lean into it. This doesn’t always mean I can overcome every hurdle by myself. Sometimes, pushing our boundaries means recognizing when they’ve stretched as far as they can go and that it’s time to seek help. It’s about understanding the power of community and lifting others as we climb.
In my teaching, I constantly reinforce the idea that we’re not in competition with each other. The real challenge is to overcome our own limitations and, in doing so, empower those around us. The goal is to create a community where everyone elevates each other, rising together to heights we couldn’t achieve alone.
This philosophy of mutual upliftment and continuous personal growth has been a cornerstone of my life. It has transformed how I view challenges, how I engage with my students, and how I navigate the world. By embracing our vulnerabilities and leveraging them as catalysts for growth, we can truly unleash our potential. And in teaching this to my students, I hope to inspire them to carry this mindset forward, not just in jiu-jitsu but in every aspect of their lives.
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