Real Stories from Real Gym Owners

GYMDESK ORIGINALS

Explore how real business owners are building their dream gyms and how Gymdesk helps them growWATCH NOW

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NEW RELEASE

How Culture and Teamwork Built a Thriving Jiu-Jitsu School | The Shogun West BJJ Story

What started as a small, repurposed office space has grown into one of Rochester’s most purpose-driven and fast-growing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies. In this episode of Gymdesk Originals, we visit Shogun West, co-founded by brother-in-laws Philip, Cody, and Donny, as they break down the mindset, culture, and teamwork that turned their small start into a thriving jiu-jitsu community.
NEW RELEASE

What It Takes to Grow a Strong Jiu-Jitsu Community | The Academia BJJ Story

In this episode of Gymdesk Originals, founders Steve Camara and Jeff Wellwood share how they built Academia BJJ around respect, connection, and community, creating a space where everyone feels at home the moment they walk through the door.
NEW RELEASE

Building a Thriving Jiu-Jitsu School from the Ground Up | The NEO Martial Arts Story

In this episode of Gymdesk Originals, we visit NEO Martial Arts in Brampton, Ontario, co-founded by Patrick Teruel and Coach Solana Be, to explore how their unique approach to jiu-jitsu, leadership, and empowerment is shaping the next generation of martial artists.
NEW RELEASE

The Blueprint for Scaling a Jiu-Jitsu Academy | Inside OCTA Jiu-Jitsu

In this episode of Gymdesk Originals, we visit OCTA BJJ Oakville, where Luiz and his partner turned a post-pandemic passion project into five thriving academies built on one core value: family first.
NEW RELEASE

From Family Gym to Social Media Sensation | The Argyle Jiu-Jitsu Story

What happens when passion, family, and modern marketing collide? You get Argyle Jiu Jitsu, a family-run academy turning heads both on the mats and online. In this episode of Gymdesk Originals, we visit Argyle Jiu Jitsu in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, led by Head Instructor Paul Gilman and his sons Aiden and Tobias, two rising martial artists who’ve built an explosive social media following sharing their journey in BJJ, wrestling, and MMA.
Person kneeling wearing a black martial arts gi with a black belt and white pants, hands resting on thighs.

Recent Episodes

NEW RELEASE

How Culture and Teamwork Built a Thriving Jiu-Jitsu School | The Shogun West BJJ Story

60
Mins
•
November 25, 2025
NEW RELEASE

What It Takes to Grow a Strong Jiu-Jitsu Community | The Academia BJJ Story

90
Mins
•
November 17, 2025
NEW RELEASE

Building a Thriving Jiu-Jitsu School from the Ground Up | The NEO Martial Arts Story

60
Mins
•
November 10, 2025
NEW RELEASE

The Blueprint for Scaling a Jiu-Jitsu Academy | Inside OCTA Jiu-Jitsu

90
Mins
•
November 3, 2025
NEW RELEASE

From Family Gym to Social Media Sensation | The Argyle Jiu-Jitsu Story

35
Mins
•
October 24, 2025
NEW RELEASE

Building a Martial Arts Legacy | Lessons from Renzo Gracie Milford

40
Mins
•
October 16, 2025
NEW RELEASE

Building a Gym That Changes Lives, On and Off the Mats

40
Mins
•
October 7, 2025
NEW RELEASE

From Sleeping on Mats to Owning a Gym: Gabriel Goulart’s Journey

30
Mins
•
September 29, 2025

Alex Cuevas

Alex is the CEO of Gymdesk and the host of the Gymdesk Originals series. His journey in martial arts began at a young age—his first job was teaching Taekwondo as a teenager. Now a black belt in Taekwondo and an active student of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, Alex brings his lifelong passion for martial arts into every conversation.

With Gymdesk Originals, he travels the world to shine a light on the gym owners building strong businesses and even stronger communities—giving them a platform to share their stories and inspire others in the industry.

Man wearing a white and red Brazilian jiu-jitsu gi holding a black belt with his hands against a black background.

The Reason Behind It

Gymdesk Originals is our way of celebrating the gym owners we serve. We’re stepping out from behind the website to hear your stories, learn what makes you thrive, and show the world what community-first business really looks like. More than just softare, Gymdesk is built to help gym owners unleash their passion. We know most gym owners didn’t open their doors to do admin work but they did it to teach, to lead, to inspire. This series is our way of giving gym owners the spotlight they deserve.

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Man in a red sweatshirt and black gloves throwing a punch inside a dimly lit boxing ring.