Today we’d like to introduce you to Mari Cicconi.
Hi Mari, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We came from Brazil to teach Jiu Jitsu. It’s a family business. Myself, my husband and our 2 daughters.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We started our life from zero again. Our kids were 2 and 9. As every beginning, not easy at all! Went through all the obstacles and doubts an immigrant and entrepreneur can possibly go. We worked super hard through all the obstacles, just like our field. It’s a battle, every roll, we are used to face battles 😁🥋💪🏼
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My husband and I are black belts in Jiu Jitsu.
He is a 5th degree black belt, 23 years as a black belt. I started training under him and today I’m a 2nd degree black belt (8 years as a black belt). Our career empower people, specially women! With some simple movements, you are able to defend yourself. Of course, the longest you practice the better you will become. Not to mention the benefits it brings to our kids. They learn discipline, respect, boundaries and of course, Jiu Jitsu which gives them confidence to face challenges and any threats they might face in life. It’s a place where families have a subject in common that both, parents and kids talk about.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
We’ve been opened for 3 years and we are already opening our second location, now in Forney. Hopefully, with a lot of work, we might have 2 or 3 schools more??? Who knows?? Working hard is our best predicate! And spreading the benefits that Jiu Jitsu brings to our community is our mission!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.academyofchampionsdallas.com
- Instagram: @academyofchampionshq
- Facebook: Academy of Champions HQ
