Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Ramirez.
Hi Christopher, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started martial arts when I was seven years old. Over time, it became more than just something I trained in — it became the foundation of who I am. I’ve spent over 30 years on the mats, earning black belts in Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, competing in different combat sports, and eventually coaching fighters at every level — from kids just starting out to professionals stepping into the cage.
My journey hasn’t been easy. Like many small business owners, I’ve had my share of setbacks, financial struggles, and personal battles. But martial arts taught me resilience — to keep showing up, to adapt, and to turn struggle into strength. That mindset is what pushed me to open Zero Dojo in Dallas and later Authentic Martial Arts in Greenville. Both were built with one purpose: to help people find confidence, discipline, and community through training.
Today, I coach the Ram Killa Squad, a fight team that represents more than competition — it’s about heart, loyalty, and family. Seeing students grow, conquer fears, and transform their lives reminds me why I started in the first place. I’m still on the journey, evolving as a coach, entrepreneur, and person, but my mission stays the same: help others leave their mark — both on the mats and in life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most small business owners, I’ve faced plenty of ups and downs — from financial setbacks to personal challenges that tested my patience and faith. When you’re running a gym, you’re not just teaching classes; you’re managing rent, equipment, marketing, staff, and the emotional energy of everyone who walks through your doors.
There were times when I fell behind on rent, lost members, and even questioned whether I could keep things going. But each challenge taught me something valuable — how to adapt, lead better, and rebuild stronger. During the tough seasons, I leaned on my experience as a coach: stay disciplined, stay calm under pressure, and fight through adversity.
I’ve learned that success isn’t about avoiding struggles — it’s about how you respond to them. Every obstacle helped shape my mindset and my mission. The same grit I try to instill in my students is what keeps me pushing forward no matter what
We’ve been impressed with Zero Dojo-Dallas, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Zero Dojo, we’re more than just a gym — we’re a community built on discipline, respect, and growth. We train everyone from kids as young as four to adults of all ages in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, and Boxing, and we also coach competitive fighters through our team, the Ram Killa Squad.
What makes us different is our roots. Zero Dojo was the first MMA gym in Oak Cliff, bringing Kickboxing, MMA, and BJJ to the area back in 2008 — long before the martial arts boom that followed. We helped lay the foundation for the combat sports scene in our community, and we’re proud to still be evolving and leading from the front.
When people walk through our doors, they feel the energy, the grind, and the support. We don’t care where you come from or what shape you’re in — we care that you show up and give your best. Our mission isn’t just to build fighters; it’s to build confidence, discipline, and mental toughness that carry over into everyday life.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that we’ve kept it real. In a world full of fitness fads and short trends, we’ve built a culture where hard work still matters — where people push past limits, uplift one another, and leave their mark. That’s what Zero Dojo stands for: heart, grit, and legacy
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was that kid who couldn’t sit still. I was always fascinated by martial arts — especially Bruce Lee. My uncles were the ones who really got me started around age seven. They were both into training, and at my grandma’s house they had a little fitness room with some weights and a punching bag. We’d watch martial arts movies together, and my uncle even taught me how to use nunchucks — that was one of my earliest memories of feeling like a real martial artist.
From then on, I knew I wanted to earn a black belt and one day open my own gym. Outside of training, I was like any other kid — playing video games, hanging out with friends, and collecting comic books. But martial arts was always the thing that centered me. It taught me discipline, gave me confidence, and shaped who I am today.
Pricing:
- $149 Monthly Adults
- $129 Monthly Kids
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Zerodojo_dallas
- Facebook: Zero Dojo-Dallas
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@zerodojodallas
