Today we’d like to introduce you to Jecobie Gilder and Amanda Saludares.
Jecobie and Amanda, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Sensei Gilder initially worked and trained under his father for a couple of decades. After some differences, in 2015 we decided to hold free classes in our neighborhood clubhouse to those that were interested. The plan was to teach classes for a year in that location and build our clientele.
From 2017 to 2019, we had our first commercial building on 1960 and I-45 and with maybe 15 consistent students. It was truly a learning experience and still is to this day.
We are now located in the Greenspoint Area close to the Post Office on Gears Road with 70+ Students, one newly hired employee, and much more growth potential coming down the pipeline, it’s unbelievable even to this day for both of us!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As much as we would have liked it to be a smooth road, there were quite a few bumps in the road. From the commercial building regulations to the contracts, to even the advertising on a budget was difficult in itself! No one tells you about all of the extra expenses that you need to take into account. The struggle was real. We were constantly looking for new ideas, gaining customers trust that we were the better fit for them, and praying that our advertising whether it was on social media, in schools, or elsewhere made a difference to bring those students in to help pay the bills.
Sensei’s School of Martial Arts – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are a Martial Arts School that focuses on the student’s well-being. We want to make a difference if we can in every student that we interact with.
We teach TaeKwonDo twice a week for an hour each class at our facility. For the Daycares, Middle Schools, and Elementary Schools, that we teach at, the times and days can vary depending on the needs for that school.
We have our own afterschool program, where we pick up students from the surrounding schools and have social activities each day before their parents come and pick them up.
During the school year, we have Parents Night Out where everyone enjoys the night out on us! Food and drinks are provided. Nerf Wars and Vision Board themes are a big hit each year!
We also have Holiday camps when school is out! During Summer Camp, we have weekly field trips, arts and crafts, and try to have activities that teach each student something new. As an example, this past summer camp, we taught the students how to make different food dishes, change oil and tires on a car, and had a project building a house while learning about different types of engineers.
We are known to be different! When you think of a Martial Arts school, there are stereotypes that everyone thinks of. We have rules, teach responsibility, respect and so much more, but the way we teach is different. We hold each student accountable inside and outside the dojo and we get on their level to help them understand why the lessons we teach are important. If you ever visit our dojo, you will soon realize that Sensei Gilder is not your typical Black Belt. 🙂
As a company, we are most proud of the growth and the relationships developed in such a short time. When we receive feedback about students, the stories they tell us are amazing! Some students were being bullied when they first came to us, now they can protect themselves and their level of confidence has drastically changed. There are some kids that used to have conduct issues but not anymore. The list can go on!
When you come into our dojo, you are family! We believe communication is key and constructive criticism will only make you better! Our prices are reasonably priced because we believe Martial Arts is beneficial to everyone some way or another, whether it’s getting in shape, discipline or just having a sense of belonging to something great, that is us! We have our students do community service once a month. It’s a great experience outside of the dojo. Our Facebook and Instagram tells a story!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The impact we are making on those around us!
Pricing:
- Classes – $100/month Discounts available for family
- Afterschool Only – $50/Week
- Camps – $25/Day
- Parent’s Night Out – $15
Contact Info:
- Address: 11233 Crown Park Drive #C Houston, TX 77067
- Phone: 281-781-3573
- Email: senseisschoolofma@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/senseisschoolofma
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/senseigilder
- Other: https://g.page/ssofma
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