Hi Chris, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My wife said I should start teaching karate lessons out of the garage. In September 2007, I created Rockhold Karate, LLC. and did just that. A couple of years later, started teaching classes at the Cedar Park Recreation Center and a small local gym in Leander. Worked on my business plan while classes were growing steadily. With my business plan ready, went in search of funding to open a full-time business. I was turned down by countless banks, credit unions, and specialized small business financial groups. I didn’t let that stop me. I cashed out $2,000 in stock I had and was determined to make it work. Learn the art of bootstrapping real quick. In a bold move, during the fragile economic recovery of the country, I opened Rockhold Karate at retail center in Cedar Park. Six months later, relocated the studio to where it’s been for nine years.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Getting funding was the biggest issue. The banks and credit unions, really, are not small business-friendly. Trying to start out in a retail location during a recession was going to be the challenge. But, I knew the business plan was solid, the demographics were there, it was a matter of marketing on no budget. Had a banner and a website. I quickly learned SEO for Google by googling how to do it. Did a ton of research, trial and error with the code. Utilized every free business listing I could find on the internet. Jumped onto social media as well.
We’ve been impressed with Rockhold Karate, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Rockhold Karate offers specialized instruction in the Martial Arts of Tang Soo Do, Tai Chi, Kummooyeh (Korean Sword Martial Art & Korean Traditional Archery) and Archery. I have been a student of Tang Soo Do for 27 years and have been teaching for more than 20 years. I try to be the best student, so I can be the best instructor for my students. I am a student and teach the Korean Sword Martial Art of Kummooyeh as a proud member of the World Kummooyeh Federation, appointed WKF Representative for the State of Texas, and also one of the founding members of the Texas Kummooyeh Association. Rockhold Karate also teaches lightsaber workshops throughout the year. I am a student and certified USA Archery Level III Coach. In 2015, I started the Archery for Homeschoolers Program at Rockhold Karate. The Rockhold Archery Club is growing and expanding to include long-term USA Archery programs such as Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) and Adult Archery Program, as well as the Explore Archery program.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
There are so many it’s hard to pick a favorite. Dogs, as far back as I can remember, dogs are always part of my family.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1075 N Lakeline Blvd #104 Cedar Park, TX 78613 512-699-9288
- Email: info@rockholdkarate.com
- Website: https://rockholdkarate.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/rockholdkarate
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockholdkarate
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/rockholdkarate
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/RockholdKarate
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rockhold-karate-cedar-park-2
- Other: https://pinterest.com/rockholdkarate/
