Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Edmondson.
Joseph, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Being an only child raised by a single parent in Northern California, I was very undisciplined. You see, without a positive male role model or father figure in my life, I used to get in fights almost daily and had trouble focusing in school. My mom had heard that martial arts could help in those areas and enrolled me in my first class at the age of 4. I remember watching the Master Instructor demonstrate his techniques and command the class and I knew right then that being a martial arts instructor is what I wanted to be when I grew up.
After focusing on the competitive aspect of the martial arts with much success, I finally got my chance to teach a class and I made the most of it. I was far more prepared than I needed to be and was a mirror image of my instructor, which I didn’t mind. Over time, I found my own way of teaching and injecting my personality into each class to make it not only educational but enjoyable as well. Having owned and operated schools in the valley since 1993 and teaching thousands of students, I wanted to teach a more realistic style of self-defense. Not the kind of kicks and flips you see in the movies, but what actually worked in real life, so I started training in Krav Maga, the Israeli art of hand-to-hand combat and in 2015 we opened Next Level Fitness & Martial Arts in Gilbert. There we teach fun & exciting classes to a variety of people ranging in age from 3-83. Whether you’re a Law Enforcement Officer, a school teacher, a realtor or a student; you are welcome to come train with us. We offer 10 days of classes FREE to see if we are a good fit for your needs. Get started today as classes fill up fast.
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?
There have been many struggles along the way. At the time I first opened in 1993, there weren’t any books on how to run a martial arts facility, so I had to learn through trial and error. I pretty much made every mistake you could make owning a business from overpaying on rent to thinking I knew what was best for my students. I learned to listen to their needs and deliver a program that would not only benefit them for the rest of their lives but make it fun enough to keep them coming back. This was and IS a daily process I continue to grow in each and every day.
Tell us more about your business.
Through the years we have had many schools with many names but the one thing that had remained the same is the quality of what is taught. I pride myself on the continuing education of not only myself but my instructors as well. We go through Instructor training every week where we learn from each other. We travel the world to train with the best in their field so that our students are receiving only the best in their martial arts journey. I believe that if I stop growing as a student then I will eventually run out of things to teach my students. This is why I am continually evolving as a person and I try to pass that same mindset onto my students. It’s not about the numerous championships I’ve won, the accolades I’ve received or the many black belts I have earned; it’s about what I can do for you and your family. How the knowledge I have can be easily learned and applied in a necessary situation. Teaching real-life self-defense to kids and adults of all ages in a fun & friendly learning environment. That is what we are known for and what I will continue to teach my students/coaches so that this process can continue long after I’m gone.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
In all honesty, teaching my son martial arts. Watching him work his way through the ranks and become a great instructor. That’s what I’m most proud of. His growth and the opportunities that martial arts have given to us both.
Pricing:
- Our pricing ranges from $129 – $249 per month depending on classes attended and length of commitment
Contact Info:
- Address: 115 E Williams Field Rd.
Ste. 103
Gilbert, AZ 85295 - Website: https://kravmagagilbert.com
- Phone: (480) 782-5425
- Email: nextlevelarizona@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/nextlevelarizona
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/nextlevelkravmaga
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/nl_fitness_az
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/next-level-fitness-and-martial-arts-gilbert-2
Image Credit:
Photos courtesy of Next Level Photography
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