Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Arcediano.
Hi Paul, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The Story of How I Created AMP BJJ — A Family Training Center
In 2004, when I was 25 years old, I started a party bus company in Austin. What began as a fun idea quickly grew into something much bigger. Within a few years, we transitioned into corporate travel, eventually becoming the largest transportation company in Austin, trusted by top companies and the biggest events in the city.
But even with all that success, something was missing. I wasn’t passionate about transportation. I was proud of what I had built, but it never felt like my purpose.
In January of 2020, I decided to take a leap. I wanted to bring something meaningful closer to home—literally and figuratively—so I made the decision to open a Jiu-Jitsu franchise in Westlake, just a few minutes from my house.
Then March 2020 arrived.
Like the rest of the world, everything stopped. Our opening was delayed indefinitely, and I ultimately lost the transportation company I had spent more than 15 years building. It was one of the hardest chapters of my life.
Finally, in September 2020, we opened our doors—and something incredible happened. The gym took off immediately. Families connected with what we were doing, kids flourished, and the community around us grew fast.
But after a few years, I felt limited by the franchise model. I had ideas, a vision, and a belief that something was missing in the Jiu-Jitsu community—something I wasn’t free to create under someone else’s brand.
So in September 2024, my partner, Chas Spence, and I took another leap. We stepped away from the franchise and built our own brand:
AMP BJJ — A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Family Training Center
For the first time, I had complete freedom to combine 15+ years of operational experience with my true passion: Jiu-Jitsu.
And that freedom changed everything.
AMP BJJ focuses on what I always believed the Jiu-Jitsu world was missing—a place where families could truly train together, where parents felt safe stepping on the mats with their kids, and where beginners didn’t feel intimidated by young, wild, ultra-competitive training partners.
We built a space where regular people feel welcome. A place where families are encouraged, not separated. A place where training partners look out for one another.
And the response has been overwhelming.
In the last 15 months, we’ve opened four locations—Westlake, Northwest Hills, Cedar Park, and Baton Rouge—with no plans to slow down. The community support has been unreal, and the vision is only getting stronger.
Today, AMP BJJ is more than a gym.
It’s a family training center.
A place where parents and kids can grow together.
A place built on safety, connection, confidence, and real Jiu-Jitsu.
If you’ve ever thought about trying Jiu-Jitsu—or if you’re looking for a place where your whole family can learn together—we’d love to invite you to experience AMP BJJ for yourself.
We offer free trial classes at all locations.
Come see why families all across Texas—and now Louisiana—are choosing AMP BJJ.
More than a gym. We’re a family.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I believe the Jiu-Jitsu industry is just at the beginning of a major growth wave, especially over the next 5–10 years. Parents are becoming much more intentional about the type of martial arts they put their kids into. Many no longer want their children learning systems built around punching and kicking other kids, but they still want the confidence, discipline, and self-defense that martial arts provides. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the perfect alternative.
BJJ teaches practical self-defense through leverage, control, and problem-solving—not striking. Kids learn how to protect themselves, block strikes, take an opponent down safely, and control the situation without hurting anyone. They also learn the opposite skill set: how to escape bad positions, get unstuck, and work their way back to a dominant, confident place. Parents value this because it aligns with both safety and personal development.
Another major shift is the rise of family-focused Jiu-Jitsu. More parents want activities they can do with their children, not just watch from the sidelines. This is why the “family training center” model is growing so quickly—families want to train together, build memories together, and be part of a community that feels welcoming rather than intimidating.
Overall, I see the industry becoming more accessible, more family-driven, and more centered around real-world self-defense and personal growth. Gyms that focus on safety, community, and inclusivity will thrive, and I believe this direction will fuel massive expansion nationwide.
Pricing:
- We have special pricing for families that makes it affordable for the entire family to train.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ampbjj.com/
- Instagram: @amp.bjj
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1akFtVF5He/
