Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Francescutti.
Hi Mark, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Wolverine Martial Arts was started by three dads to share the incredible benefits of martial arts training.
I started jiu-jitsu at age 30.
I was overweight and on a cholesterol-reducing drug.
I had never done anything athletic in my life.
But when I stepped into a martial arts gym, my life changed forever.
Through martial arts training I gained
– Self confidence
– Physical and mental health improvement
– Increased cardiovascular and muscle strength
– A community of great friends and people
– A fun workout away from screens
– A much-needed stress reduction.
You don’t need to be in shape to try martial arts. You GET IN SHAPE doing martial arts.
Wolverine Martial Arts now has over 400 students — adults and kids — training in jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai kickboxing, wrestling and judo. It’s one of the largest and most successful academies in Dallas-Fort Worth thanks to amazing coaches, parents and community support.
As for me, I became a black belt in jiu-jitsu in 2021 after a long road of challenges.
Sometimes you keep trying. And you fail.
You keep trying. And you fail.
You keep trying. And, finally, you succeed.
It took me eight tries to win a tournament match.
It took me six tries to win gold at a major tournament.
But then it happened.
I won the Pan-American and World Master Jiu-Jitsu tournaments as a brown belt. Even beat an ultra heavy 320-pound monster in open class.
And if I can do it, ANYONE can.
In 2010, I was too scared to go into a martial arts gym.
I drove by it for six months. One day I went into the parking lot, still too scared to go inside. I sat in my car.
Came back another day, went inside, tried a class. Embarrassed myself. But kept coming back.
If I can do it, ANYONE can.
I have no talent. No athleticism. Can’t do a cartwheel. .
My style is awkward and slow.
But it doesn’t matter. I am a world champion and a black belt.
And if I can do it, ANYONE can.
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?
The hardest part of a small business is everything seems to be against you: Companies charge you more for everything; commercial landlords take advantage of you; and marketing with little or no budget is difficult.
But we were able to overcome those obstacles thanks to the communities of Rowlett, Garland, Rockwall, Fate and Sachse and others.
We have an amazing number of first responders, police, firemen, teachers, parents and coaches supporting us every day in the goal of providing physical and mental health benefits for kids and adults.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My life has always been about doing what others told me was crazy and follow my passions.
Throughout my childhood I loved journalism. Sharing info and stories with my friends and family.
I graduated from the University of Michigan with a business degree, but instead of taking the easy route — a high-paid corporate job — I decided to take a low-paid freelance job at the Detroit Free Press.
Passion was more important than money.
I flourished because I loved journalism. I produced three books before I turned 26. I worked for The Detroit Free Press, ESPN and The Dallas Morning News writing, editing and producing content about a dream topic –sports.
My dreams and passions guide me every day.
A few years ago, I decided to follow another passion — martial arts — and, along with two others — opened Wolverine Martial Arts in Rowlett, TX.
My passion to spread the benefits of martial arts helped us become one of the biggest academies in Dallas Fort-Worth.
We don’t make the most money, but we have the most passion.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Come try a free class anytime by going to book.wolverinetexas.com or contact us at wolverinetexas@gmail.com
Pricing:
- Our classes start at $99 per month.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wolverinetexas.com
- Instagram: wolverinetexas
- Facebook: wolverinetexas
Image Credits
You can take any images from our instagram of facebook page, they are all shot by me
