Meet Tyler Larsen | Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Coach

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

Hi Tyler, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
To be perfectly honest, I kind of stumbled into it. I stopped into a local gym that one of my good friends trained at and unbeknownst to me, he had put a bug in the current owners ear (who was looking to get out of the business) about me being someone that may be interested in taking over the business. He and I met and spoke a few times about the possibility and after talking it over with my family and close trusted circle, I knew that it was the right thing to do.

At that point in my life, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was my passion while I worked in the 9-5 rat race to make a living – something that was slowly eating me up from the inside. This was an opportunity that no matter how scary it seemed at the time, was the opportunity to set my life up in a way that I had always wanted.

What should our readers know about your business?
Kraken BJJ is truly a place for everyone. Something that I always hear from folks that join weather they are brand new or have prior experience is that our culture is very welcoming and helpful. This is something that was a major focus of mine when I took over Kraken, and is now a testament to our awesome members (kids and adults) that help to perpetuate it!

My time with Kraken BJJ started in the beginning of 2020….and unless you’ve been living under a rock you’ll know wasn’t the best time to have a startup small business. We had a small group of students at the time that all stuck with us thorough the craziness and we were able to build off of that once life got back to normal.

After a year or so of running the gym, I realized that the formula is actually pretty simple – Be consistent, give people a good product, and care about and invest in your students. These are things that myself, as well as the assistant coaches we have naturally prioritize.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Colorado is one of the most beautiful places in the country, so we would definitely need to check some of those breathtaking spots out. We would need to take a day to go up to Pike’s Peak. Driving up to the top can be a little stomach turning, but when you get to the top and see that view it’s totally worth it! On the way down we’d stop at the catamount reservoirs which have awesome fishing and equally beautiful scenery. If it’s winter, we would have to take a trip out to Breckenridge or vail for some snowboarding.

For food, we have to hit Mackenzie’s Chop house. Some of the best fine dining and happy hour in the city.

If it’s me and my friends, I know that we will be looking for a place to golf! Some of the most beautiful courses you will ever find are located within driving distance. Kissing Camels, Air Force Academy, and Bear Dance just to name a few.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, my Mom and Dad. They instilled work ethic and drive into me at a young age, both with their words, but also their actions. My beautiful wife Sarah, who is the yin to my yang and is always so supportive and helpful. Last but certainly not least, all of the incredible students and families at Kraken BJJ. Without them none of this is possible! I’m so incredibly thankful for the community that this endeavor has created.

Website: www.bjjkraken.com

Instagram: @BJJKRAKEN

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KrakenBJJandFitness

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKK82zM2avbW9AtS2kXzDNw