Meet Travis Tooke | Jiu-jitsu Black Belt Instructor

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

Hi Travis, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I realized relatively young that I had found something I really enjoyed. When I saw the potential to make a living teaching what I love, I knew that it would be worth it and that I would do whatever it took to make it a success. I didn’t wait until I learned about business before I started and I don’t have a formal college education. I learned on the job initially. As soon as I could afford it, I invested in mentors who could guide my business growth. My thought process from the beginning was to remain open minded when it came to learning so that I would not pass on an opportunity that might better serve me and my students

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I fell in love with Jiu-jitsu at age 16 when there was only one black belt in Texas. My coach for several years was a blue belt (first belt past white). When I was 22 I sold my car and moved to Brazil to train with the best in the world twice a day for a year. I returned home in 2005 having earned my black belt from Master Carlos Gracie Jr. and I started my first school in my fathers 20X20ft garage (no A.C., no changing room, bathroom was in my dad’s house detached from the garage). It took me over a year to gain my first 15 students and I was grossing about $1,000 a month. My dad then sold the house and I had to find a place to rent. I found a location for exactly $1,000 per month rent so it was really, do or die. I have tried and failed many times from huge marketing efforts that bombed, launching a BJJ tournament and losing 10K and doing everything wrong at least once. But I made adjustments, changed directions and got help from rock solid mentors. What I learned along the way is the old expression, “it’s never as good as it seems and it’s never as bad as it seems”. Keep an open mind, tame your ego and approach every day prepared to learn something new…just like with Jiu-jitsu. Today we have around 350 students and have coached BJJ world champs and UFC fighters. In 2016 I bought an 8,000 sq ft building that is our current location. What people should know about us is that we come from humble beginnings but we are always improving the quality of what we provide. Our mission is to give our students an opportunity to challenge themselves in a way that drives positive change both on and off the training floor. Our academy is family oriented and we work very hard to provide life changing experiences to all of our members.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I don’t go much into the big part of the city but I would likely take them to Tejas BBQ to eat. They make some of the best BBQ in Texas (and that’s saying a-lot). To hangout I would probably pick The Woodlands. Beautiful area with a ton of activities. Galveston is also a fun place to hangout if you like the beach. Just don’t expect Florida/California like pretty water

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife, who moved here from Brazil with no family and not speaking English at the time. My days are long and she has been supportive over the past 17 years My coaches and students who make the school possible and create the positive environment that we a re so known for
My first mentor, Lloyd Irvin
My current mentor, Stephen Oliver

Website: www.teamtooke.com

Instagram: travistookebjj

Facebook: travis tooke

Youtube: Travis Tooke