Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryan Carroll.
Hi Bryan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My love for martial arts started as a kid. Our dad would bring home Bruce Lee/Kung fu or action movies every Friday for us to have for family night. Once I watched “Enter the Dragon,” I was hooked. I would watch those tapes over and over and imitate everything I seen. Putting me into martial arts classes wasn’t in the budget so I pulled information from wherever I could. Books, tv, getting notes from people who were actually training and even standing in the windows of dojos watching their students train. I wanted to learn so bad, whatever it took.
Throughout the years, I was blessed to find several amazing coaches who taught and guided me through my journey. So many names to mention but a few were; Shahdad Shahandeh, Casey Jones, George Tatum, Keith Williams, Rudy Bears, Doug Freeman and Ty Pilgrim. These men shaped me into who and what I’ve become today and Im forever grateful.
I began competing/fighting when I was 19 and continued up until I was 31. Fights slowed down for me and a very close friend suggested I start a gym. I honestly didn’t think it would work but I took the leap. I found an apartment/loft and matted the floor. It was tiny, 500sqft, so I slept in the closet/bathroom area so the main floor could be for training. Eventually 3 students turned into 30. It grew to the point where I had to move to a bigger location.
This new spot was much larger, but to save on costs, I slept in a camping tent in the back of the gym. Embarrassing to say the least but, somehow it didn’t stop people from coming.
Last year, we had to move again. This time to a 6,500sqft gym that has all the room we ever needed (eventhough now we’re starting to fill it up as well.)
It has been a 14 year journey to get here but it was completely worth it.
Alright, 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?
The hardest part for me was trying to fight professionally, work full time, be a father and run the gym.
I’ll never forget one day after training, my coach sat me down and said, “Son, you have to make a decision. You can either be a great fighter or a great coach; you cannot do both. Because while you’re chasing one, the other is getting away.”
At the time it didn’t make sense to me. I figured if I just divided the time between them, what difference would it make.
Well, as time went on, I realized to be a fighter, you have to be “Selfish.” Your training, cardio, dieting, cutting weighting. You have to come first.
But to be a coach, you have to be “SelfLess.” So I chose the 2nd. And honestly, I don’t regret it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We teach the art of Muay Thai. Commonly know as the Art of 8 Limbs. This is Thailands national sport. We use punches, knees, elbows and kicks. We are a stand up, striking sport so we do not touch the ground. Simply put, we are the most aggressive form of kickboxing with extra weapons.
I believe what sets us apart from other gyms is our family bond that we have created here. Im a believer in Christ and although I do not push my faith at the gym, we try to run our facility with Christian values. Love, humbleness, forgiveness, long-suffering, empathy, understanding, positive morals. This honestly is THE most important thing about our gym. The teaching and training is just a by-product.
We’re are known mainly for our sharp attention to technique, hard training, solid fight team and being the “Hottest gym,” in the city. In the summer, our temps get up to 92°
What were you like growing up?
I’ve always been a people person. Talking to strangers and trying to make friends wherever I go. Super outgoing and just trying to make people laugh.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Lowkickcamp.com
- Instagram: @Low_Kick_Camp
- Facebook: Low Kick Camp
