We had the good fortune of connecting with Johnny Lozano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Johnny, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After being the head boxing coach at another MMA gym from 2009 to 2022, I realized I didn’t want to keep working for someone else forever. I wanted to create something of my own…something that really reflected my vision and what I believe in when it comes to training and martial arts. I’ve spent over a decade working with all kinds of people, from kids and seniors to professional fighters in the UFC, Bellator, Legacy FC, Ring Rulers, and other promotions.

There are three main types of gyms: those that focus on competition-style Jiu-Jitsu (with no strikes), MMA gyms that train amateur and professional fighters, and gyms that teach self-defense-based Jiu-Jitsu. The majority of students (roughly 70-80%) don’t want to compete. They want to learn Jiu-Jitsu for self-defense and personal growth.

In 2021, I decided to level up and apply for the Gracie Instructor Certification Program. After completing the training and evaluations in 2022, I became a Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Instructor. That really gave me the confidence to open my own academy in Euless, TX and share everything I’ve learned with my students.

Now I’m doing what I love. Teach Jiu-Jitsu and Boxing!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When it comes to my art, I’d say it’s all about teaching Jiu-Jitsu and boxing in a way that’s accessible, practical, and personal. What sets me apart is my focus on self-defense, rather than just competition. Most gyms have a heavy focus on competition Jiu-Jitsu or MMA, but I wanted to create a place where people could come in and learn skills they can actually use in real life, without the pressure of needing to compete.

It took two years of hard work to be a certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Instructor. I applied for the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Certification program in March 2021, and to qualify, I had to score a 95 or higher on my Gracie Combatives Test. Fortunately, I scored a 99, unlocking 52 online videos that I had to watch and be tested on. The next step was to submit five teaching proficiency videos, with a minimum score of 95. I scored a 97, which led to an invitation in January 2022 to attend the three-day Phase 3 Live Evaluation at Gracie University Headquarters in Torrance, California with Ryron and Rener Gracie. Passing the live evaluations was a major milestone, but I still had to complete a one-year probationary period as an instructor. During this time, I had to create a Combatives Belt, open my own school, and submit several more teaching proficiency videos of me teaching live Gracie Jiu-Jitsu classes to both kids and adults.

Becoming a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Instructor is a rigorous process that requires candidates to undergo thorough testing and evaluation. It’s not a matter of simply paying a fee or allowing anyone to teach. The program ensures that only qualified and skilled individuals are certified to teach Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. After completing these tasks and submitting my videos, I waited for my final evaluation. Once my grading was completed, I officially became a certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Instructor. It was a long journey, but it was all worth it in the end.

Starting my own academy wasn’t easy. I was pretty much learning as I went. This was my first business, but luckily, my background as a web designer and video editor saved me a ton of money. Setting up an LLC, getting a business account, figuring out online payments, and syncing everything with my website was no walk in the park. The two biggest challenges were finding a space and, of course, mats. Mats are super expensive, but I lucked out and found a great deal on some used ones from another martial arts school. After that, it was all about finding an affordable space that worked for my budget. That’s when I signed the lease. Now, two years in, I’m heading into my third year in business. I’m pretty much a one-man band. I handle everything, from running the classes to managing the business side of things. It’s a lot of work, but I love it. Every aspect of the academy, from the training to the website updates, falls on me, and while it can be overwhelming at times, it’s also incredibly rewarding.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is not to worry too much about what others think, especially when it comes to loyalty in the jiu-jitsu community. Some gym owners can be protective when people decide to open their own gyms, so I held back from promoting on social media. After talking to my sister, who straight up said, “Johnny, you’ve got to do what’s best for you, or you’re just going to hold yourself back,” I realized I had to start promoting my business. Holding back at first definitely slowed things down, but I quickly learned that putting yourself out there is what helps you grow.

I just want people to know that this whole thing isn’t about me building a business, it’s about creating a place where everyone can grow at their own pace. Our structure is all about letting people move at their own pace, whether you’re just starting out or have some experience. We kick things off with Gracie Combatives, where you’ll learn the 36 core techniques of Jiu-Jitsu in a self-defense-focused, no-gi setting. It’s a solid intro for adults who want to get good at Jiu-Jitsu without jumping straight into competition. Once you’ve got the basics down, you can move into the Master Cycle program to sharpen your skills and spar a bit more. We’ve also got kids’ classes, and no matter what, everyone trains in a chill, supportive environment.

And on top of Jiu-Jitsu, I also teach boxing. I’ve been in the game long enough to know what works, and my boxing background (2-time Golden Gloves Champion) adds another layer to our training. It’s all about giving people a well-rounded experience, whether they want to throw punches or learn how to handle themselves on the ground. We combine it all to make sure you’re getting the best of both worlds without the pressure to compete if that’s not your thing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First off, I’d take them to downtown Grapevine to show them the cool shops, great spots to eat, and a nice little walkable area.

We could hit up Buca Di Beppo.

The next day we could grab breakfast at Old West Cafe. I

We’d definitely check out Lava Cantina for a local concert. If I’m lucky, it’ll be my band, Rise Against The Machine (a tribute to Rage Against The Machine) playing that weekend! LOL!

Maybe hit up the Fort Worth Stockyards.

Downtown Southlake Square is also a great spot for a more chill vibe, with nice places to eat and hang out.

We’d swing by my gym for a class or just to get a workout in.

Maybe even catch a local fight night to check out some of our fighters in action.

That’s just a few things off the top of my head.

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?
I’ve got to give a shoutout to my friend, John Hayes. He’s a successful business owner himself (Gecko Green), and it was his nudge and encouragement that pushed me to start my own business. If it weren’t for him, I probably would’ve taken a lot longer to make that leap.

I also owe a lot to the Gracie family. Getting certified as a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instructor was a game changer for me, and I’m super thankful to Ryron and Rener Gracie for all the guidance through the process.

And of course, a huge shoutout to all my students. Watching them grow, both in martial arts and as people, is the most rewarding part of this whole journey. They’re the reason I do what I do.

Website: https://www.graciejiujitsueuless.com

Instagram: GracieEuless

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

Other: https://www.lozanoboxing.com

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