Today we’d like to introduce you to Roy Davis.
Roy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started my journey in late 1999. I began training Jiujitsu with Alvis Solis after 15+ years in Karate and Taekwondo. I trained solely under Alvis for the next 16 years. Shortly after I began training with Alvis my two sons started training there as well(formerly Solis Martial Arts). Two years after that, my wife started training so it became a family affair where we all trained together. My began helping teach kids classes and I helped teaching he whitebelt beginner classes. Soon after, I started teaching at an affiliate school in Baytown. I taught there for almost two years. After that, I began teaching the No-Gi classes along with the beginner classes. Teaching and training began to take a large roll in my life. When this opportunity arose, the decision was difficult.
4+ years ago, Alvis decided he was no longer going to be running the school and offered myself and my wife the option of taking over as owners. I was reluctant at first because at that time, I was a high point in my career. I was making really good money with good benefits. I had to make a decision quickly because he was planning on shutting the school down if I didn’t take it over. My boys had graduated from high school. We had saved some of money over the years so I took the chance. The transition was difficult at first. Everyone knew me and respected me, but were not ready to accept me as head instructor. I had quite a number of people quit and leave. So we picked up the pieces and started over.
The first two years were the most difficult. I was working my full-time job still (6am-430/5pm) as service manager and equipment mechanic. I would leave work and come to the school to teach and train. Teaching til 9-10 at night became exhausting. With low numbers in attendance along with low moral, we had to make some tough drastic choices. The space we were in was secluded and extremely expensive. We were paying out of our own pockets each month to keep the school open. So we decided to switch locations. We had to pay out $11k to get out of our current lease along with around $6k to start up our new lease. To say the least we were taking some risk. I went into work, came to school to teach and worked on the new location build out for a month straight. Sometimes lasting to 2 o’clock in morning along with all-day weekends. We were at a breaking point. Thank goodness we finished at were ready to open.
During these first two years, we were at a total loss of time, money, nerve. Luckily my wife is extremely supportive. So, I had to now make another decision. To try and make the school more successful, I would have to quit my job and go full-time teaching. I had spent my life as an equipment mechanic, from 19 years old to 40 thats all I had known and done. We had already dove headfirst so might as well keep it going. 4+ years later, we are still operating and running a great school. Our kid’s program has grown from less than ten kids to averaging around 60 kids total. Our adults stay steady around 50-60 students. We strive to teach and help as many people as we can in our community. We strive to offer a family-friendly training environment. We encourage family participation by offering classes for adults and kids along with family, Veteran, and LEO discounts.
We offer at least 2-3 completely FREE, scholarships at our academy a year. We offer any young person who is signed up for military service free training. We are involved with local civic clubs to help children with school supplies, clothes, and Christmas gifts as well. We are a somewhat success and still growing. We don’t make a whole lot of money at this but it has been a way for us to give back to community, family and friends. The freedom I now have has been a true blessing. Jiujitsu has given me the opportunity to meet so many people from all walks of life. I have seen first-hand Jiujitsu can change people’s lives. I have made life long friends that I now consider family. For all this, I am truly blessed.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The worst of it was in the beginning. The transition from student to owner/head instructor. Trying to figure out how to get all the bills paid and keep the place open. Losing so many great training partners and students in the transition. Working a full-time job and trying to run a separate business was very stressful. Our original location was terrible. Hidden away and secluded. No foot or driving traffic to speak of. The learning curve of being “THE MAN” at the school when before I could just be Roy.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Davis Martial Arts Academy story. Tell us more about the business.
Our main focus is Brazilian Jiujitsu. We also offer Filipino Martial Arts and Cardio Kickboxing. We are always super tough competitors. Win or lose we never give up. We always go for the submission but a win is a win even if by points.
What sets us apart is we can train gi and no gi. Rules or limited rules our students are always ready.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I would it wasn’t luck but perfect timing for sure. When I took over the business, it was a perfect time in my life for it. My kids had graduated high school and were starting their own lives. We were empty nesters. We had saved some money, I was frustrated with work, and I loved Jiujitsu. It was somewhat a dream come true with great timing.
Pricing:
- Kids BJJ starts out $89 a month
- Adults BJJ starts out $99 a month
- Kickboxing and Filipino Martial Arts is $60 for 6 weeks
Contact Info:
- Address: 19333 Hwy 59 Humble TX 77338 Suite 120
- Website: davismaa.com
- Phone: 2815408443
- Email: dmaa1903@gmail.com
- Instagram: davismartialartsacademy
- Facebook: Davis Martial Arts Academy
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