Today we’d like to introduce you to Manny Gasemy Caoilainn Marie
Manny Gasemy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Manny and I started MĀCA Martial Arts as “Jiu Jitsu Tropical” back in 2022. We originally opened in the Costa Rican jungle, pursuing a dream and a lifestyle. The next half a year was spent blissfully teaching locals, surfing, and truly living the “Pura Vida” life.
As high season in Costa Rica came to a close, Manny and I debated about moving back to the United States. After many discussions, we decided that our business could only survive if we stayed permanently, and we wanted to thrive.
With high hopes, we packed our bags and caught a flight back to the good ol’ USA. With no ties to anywhere in particular, we made the move to South Florida. For the next year, we invested in our martial arts skills by training with esteemed grapplers such as Vagner Rocha and Roberto “Cybrorg” Abreu.
While coaching and training in Florida was a dream for many, we found ourselves continually yearning to open a gym, our own place.
As a Texan by birth, I suggested moving to the Jiu Jitsu capital: Austin, Texas. Manny on the other hand, has Californian roots and a martial arts family in Master Jean Jacques Machado and Professor Christopher Haueter in Los Angeles.
After much discussion, we agreed that Texas was the best option for our business to grow and thrive. Once again, we packed our bags and loaded up our minivan, riding the I-35 to the Lone Star State.
As soon as we arrived, it was go time to find the perfect location for our new gym. Throughout our search, we rebranded to better fit into the Austin lifestyle.
Jiu Jitsu Tropical soon became MĀCA Martial Arts, which represents us: Manny Ālonso and Caoilainn; the first two letters of our names.
It wasn’t easy finding the perfect spot for MĀCA, but we relentlessly scrolled through realtor pages and drove up, down, and sideways through Austin. Eventually, we landed on a beautiful unit in North Austin (Wells Branch), just fifteen minutes from downtown and ten minutes from downtown Round Rock.
Since opening our doors, we have been spreading our message to the community: We believe in creating Black Belt human beings, not just black belts in Jiu Jitsu. Our students understand that we are committed to changing their lives overall; physically and mentally.
We train the body through Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing, teaching students to defend themselves and helping them stay active.
But we also train the mind by instilling critical values such as discipline and respect, as well as increasing confidence and mental focus. This is especially true for the young children in our classes.
Our goal is simple, to create an environment that nurtures mental and physical growth; a place where you want to come after a tiring day at work or school.
Our motto is “Pure Vibes, Pure Life.” It is the first thing you see when you walk into our gym.
Coach Manny and I are excited to welcome you to MĀCA Martial Arts.
Let us show you why martial arts is the best investment you can make for yourself and your family.
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 road to success is never linear. As martial artists, we have applied the same mindset we take in training to our business; consistency and hard work is key.
We have been met with numerous challenges that come with opening a business. However, we believe in resilience in our personal and professional lives.
Our original location in Costa Rica presented many challenges. Not only were we first-time business owners, we were also working in a new country and teaching in our second language.
However, we believe in taking risks, such as moving to the beautiful city of Austin to bring the best quality martial arts to the community!
We may be new in town, but we are confident to bring a lasting impact to the community.
As you know, we’re big fans of MĀCA Martial Arts. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
MĀCA Martial Arts is a family oriented academy that takes a unique approach to training students. We believe in cultivating our class mentally and physically.
It is very important to us to not only create black belts in Jiu Jitsu, but Black Belt human beings. This is accomplished by our classes instilling discipline, focus, respect, and confidence in members.
Austin boasts a plentiful choice when it comes to martial arts gyms. However, few to none offer the mental development and character training that we do.
We have a dream of our students being more than accomplished martial artists. It is our goal to assist in creating respectful and successful members of the community.
We believe in giving children the tools they need to succeed in life, on and off the mats.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Austin is the place to be in terms of Jiu Jitsu! With numerous high-level competitors in the area, this city proudly hosts some of the most competitive events within the sport.
Our sport is growing faster than ever before as people set goals to become more disciplined, focused, and able to defend themselves.
Pricing:
- 2 Weeks for $20 + FREE Jiu Jitsu tanktop
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.macamartialarts.com
- Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/macamartialarts
- Facebook: https://Www.facebook.com/macamartialarts
