Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Pham & Tony Trammell
Hi Susan Pham & Tony Trammell, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Starting Corvo Martial Arts was all about believing in ourselves and wanting to do things our way. We saw some pretty big gaps in the market—like, “why isn’t anyone doing this better?”—and we knew we could step up and fill those gaps. So, we decided to create something unique and valuable, tackling problems that others had completely overlooked.
At Corvo Martial Arts, our story is all about passion, perseverance, and community. For the past eight years, we’ve been dedicated to bringing the art of American Jiu Jitsu (AJJ) to our community, creating a culture of discipline, respect, and continuous improvement. Now, we’re excited to share the latest milestone in our journey: the opening of our second location in Downtown Plano!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely, we’ve had our share of struggles. This business means a lot to us, and our students really do become an extension of our family. So, in the beginning, any cancellation felt like a punch to the gut. It didn’t matter what the reason was—it felt like we were losing a part of our family every time someone left.
Over time, we’ve had to adjust our mindset. Now, we see that every person who walks through our doors is brought into our lives for either a season or a lifetime. We still treat our students like family, but we understand that sometimes people come and go. And that’s okay. We cherish the time we get with each student and focus on making every moment count.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Tony’s entrepreneurial journey started with a blend of confidence and a “let’s see what happens” attitude. Having had several businesses and a successful career as a Landman, he felt ready to tackle something new and exciting. Working for himself allowed him the freedom to innovate and make decisions without anyone looking over his shoulder. This autonomy, combined with his track record of running successful businesses, gave him the leadership skills and the courage to dive into this new venture. Tony’s consistent presence and dedication have been critical elements of Corvo Martial Arts’ success, creating a culture of excellence and community that sets them apart.
Then there’s Susan, the tech wizard of the team. With a degree in Computer Information Systems and a Master’s in Healthcare Management, she brought the analytical-brain and the strategy. Her tech-savvy ways and her knack for continuous learning made sure we stayed ahead of the game. And let’s not forget her passion for helping others—she’s the heart of the operation.
Together, we’re like a superhero duo, combining entrepreneurial spirit, tech expertise, and a commitment to excellence. We’re always ready to adapt and face any challenges thrown our way.
How do you think about happiness?
Tony: My entrepreneurial adventure kicked off with a lot of confidence and a dash of “let’s see what happens.” Before opening Corvo, I had several businesses and a successful career as a Landman, which gave me the leadership chops and the guts to dive headfirst into this venture. Working for myself meant I could innovate and make decisions without anyone looking over my shoulder. Picture a mad scientist, but instead of gadgets, I’m building a community.
What’s been truly rewarding is creating a culture of dedication and excellence. By being there day in and day out, making sure our operations run smoothly and our members get the best possible experience, I’ve helped foster a sense of community that feels like family. This hands-on approach not only ensures high-quality service but also keeps us in tune with the needs and feedback of our members. Seeing our students grow and succeed keeps me excited and passionate about what I do every single day.
Susan (AKA Team Mom): For me, it’s all about watching my “kids” grow. Seeing the Little Crows scream and kick on their first day, only to declare their love for jiu jitsu a month later, is an incredible transformation. Watching them gain confidence, discipline, and a love for the sport is deeply fulfilling. It’s not just about the physical skills they develop, but also the life lessons they learn along the way.
The joy extends beyond the mat as well. Seeing our older “kids” get engaged, married, and start their own families is just the best. It’s like watching my family grow and thrive. Being part of their journeys and milestones, both on and off the mat, is truly special. It’s a reminder of the lasting impact we have as teachers and the incredible bonds we build within our community.
Pricing:
- $150 – Adults
- $140 – College Students
- $135 – Kids
- $125 – First Responders/Military
Contact Info:
- Website: https://corvomartialarts.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corvoma/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CorvoMA
- Twitter: https://x.com/corvo_ma
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Corvoma
Image Credits
Jennifer Lindsey
Dang Nguyen
