Meet Susan Pham and Tony Trammell

We had the good fortune of connecting with Susan Pham and Tony Trammell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Susan Pham and Tony Trammell, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting Corvo Martial Arts stemmed from a deep belief in our capabilities and a strong desire for independence. We noticed gaps in the market where people’s needs weren’t being adequately addressed, and we felt confident that we could fill those gaps more effectively than others. This belief drove us to create something unique and valuable, offering solutions that others had overlooked.

Tony’s entrepreneurial journey began with a conviction in his abilities and a passion for making a meaningful impact. Working for himself allowed him the freedom to innovate and make decisions without the constraints often found in traditional employment. His experience in successfully running his own businesses provided the leadership and confidence needed to embark on this new venture.

Susan brought a different but complementary set of skills to the table. With a background in tech, holding a degree in Computer Information Systems and a Masters in Healthcare Management, she provided the technical expertise and strategic vision necessary to support and grow the business. Her passion for helping others and continuous learning further strengthened our resolve to create a standout martial arts school.

Together, our combined experiences and drive to continually improve set us apart from other businesses. This fusion of entrepreneurial spirit, technical expertise, and a shared commitment to excellence ensures that we are always prepared to adapt and overcome any challenges. Our unique backgrounds and unwavering dedication to our members are the foundation of Corvo Martial Arts and the key to our success

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Corvo Martial Arts, our story is one of passion, perseverance, and community. For the past eight years, we have been dedicated to bringing the art of American Jiu Jitsu (AJJ) to our community, fostering a culture of discipline, respect, and continuous improvement. We are thrilled to share the latest milestone in our journey: the opening of our second location in Downtown Plano.

What Sets Us Apart

What makes Corvo Martial Arts unique is our unwavering commitment to excellence and genuine care for our members. Our instructors are not only highly skilled practitioners of BJJ but also devoted mentors who invest in the growth and development of each student. Tony, our founder, believes that the most important factor behind our success is the genuine care and commitment we have for the people around us. Our members are not merely revenue sources; they are individuals on their own unique journeys towards learning and improving their lives. This perspective is at the heart of everything we do and is a fundamental reason for our sustained success.

By being real people who truly care about the well-being and progress of each member, we create an environment where people feel valued and supported. This personal connection fosters a strong sense of community and trust, which is crucial for retention and word-of-mouth referrals. When people feel genuinely cared for, they are more likely to stay engaged and committed, which in turn contributes to the overall success of the business.

A Proud Legacy

We are incredibly proud of the community we have built over the years. Our gym is more than just a place to train; it is a second home where lifelong friendships are formed, and personal transformations occur. Seeing our students achieve their goals, whether it’s earning their next belt, competing in tournaments, or improving their overall fitness and confidence, is our greatest reward. Susan emphasizes that while Jiu Jitsu is our business, the people are our product. By making people feel like they are part of something bigger and ensuring they feel seen and heard, we have naturally grown a successful business. This principle sets us apart from the big franchises and is the cornerstone of our success.

The Journey and Its Challenges

The path to where we are today has not been without its challenges. Starting a business in the competitive world of martial arts requires not only expertise in the discipline but also savvy business acumen and relentless dedication. In the early days, we faced hurdles such as building our initial student base and securing a suitable training facility. However, through resilience and a clear vision, we overcame these obstacles.

Tony’s consistent presence and dedication have been critical elements of our success. By being there day in and day out, ensuring that our operations run smoothly and that our members receive the best possible experience, Tony has created a culture of dedication and excellence. This hands-on approach not only ensures high-quality service but also allows us to stay attuned to the needs and feedback of our members.

Lessons Learned

Over the years, we have learned several invaluable lessons:

1. Consistency is Key: Regular, consistent training and business practices build trust and reliability.
2. Community Matters: A supportive and engaged community is the backbone of any successful gym.
3. Adaptability: Being open to change and continuously improving our approach keeps us relevant and effective.
4. Passion Fuels Success: Genuine passion for martial arts and teaching is the driving force behind our achievements.

Looking Ahead

With the opening of our new location in Downtown Plano, we are excited to extend our reach and bring the benefits of American Jiu Jitsu to even more individuals. This expansion represents not just growth in size, but growth in our mission to inspire and empower through martial arts.

Our Message to the World

At Corvo Martial Arts, we believe in the transformative power of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We invite everyone—whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a complete beginner—to join us on the mats and experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of training with us. Our journey is just beginning, and we are excited to continue growing with our community, one roll at a time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Sure, here are the places:

– BBQ: Cattleack’s BBQ in Addison or Ten50 in Richardson
– Tex-Mex: Dos Arroyos in Richardson
– Chinese/Dim Sum: Golden Joy in Richardson
– Ice Cream: Sweet Firefly in Richardson
– Fun/Activity: Fireside Surf in The Colony
– Museum: Dallas Museum of Art or Perot Museum of Nature and Science
– Nature: Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano
– Shopping: The Shops at Legacy in Plano
– Historic Area: Downtown Plano
– Breakfast/Brunch: Jonathon’s Oak Cliff or Diner (three locations to choose from)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
As we celebrate our eight-year milestone and opening of our second gym, we want to extend a heartfelt shoutout to the incredible students and parents who have been with us on this journey. Their unwavering support and dedication have been the foundation of our success. We have been privileged to witness our students’ growth and achievements, thanks to the invaluable partnership with our amazing students and parents.

Website: https://corvomartialarts.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corvoma

Twitter: https://x.com/corvo_ma

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CorvoMA

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Corvoma

Image Credits
Jennifer Lindsey
Dang Nguyen