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

Hi Josh, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I wanted to open my own Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy so I could help change lives and make a positive impact on people’s lives.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve known since I was 10 years old when I started training Jiu-Jitsu that I wanted to open my academy one day. I was bullied in school which is what originally steered me towards martial arts. I knew that I wanted to one day open my own gym create a safe environment where people can learn to defend themselves as well as build self confidence and long lasting relationships. I think what separates us from others is the connections we build in the gym. I don’t just to teach people how to fight I want to help build up good human beings. My academy us called Refuge BJJ based of the book of plsams in Bible that says “God is my Refuge”. We wanted the academy to be a “Refuge” for everyone to train. I love what I do and I show it everyday when I’m on the mats teaching. I get to know to my students and the families. Through all this people are not only learning a skill they are building lifelong friendships.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend does Jiu-Jitsu so we would probably just train a lot of Jiu-Jitsu and eat Acai bowls from Clean Juice Anthem!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people I could thank that have been a big part of where I am today from coaches, sponsors and friends. If I could choose one person though it would be my wife. She has always supported my dream and vision to be best competitor and coach I can be. She has sacrificed a lot so I could live my dream and even encouraged me when I felt I wasn’t ready to open a business. I couldn’t do this without her, she’s my best friend and I’m blessed to do this alongside her.

Website: Www.refugebjj.com

Instagram: Guerra_bjj

Facebook: Josh Guerra

Youtube: Refuge BJJ

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