We were lucky to catch up with Alfonso And Kindell Martinez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Alfonso and Kindell thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
I was your average student with dreams of glory, shiny medals, cool techniques, and the ability to throw my friends around like ragdolls. But as fate would have it, I discovered something even more rewarding: the tight knit community and the wild journey of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) were way more enriching than just collecting trophies.
So, what did I do? I convinced my family to join the madness with me. Because, let’s be honest, nothing says “family bonding” quite like grappling with each other on a mat. After years of training, it hit me like a surprise leg lock, why not make this my career? God placed it on my heart that this could be a way to encourage others, not just to strengthen their bodies and minds, but to focus on Jesus. Around this same time, we found our way back to Christ and made the decision to let Him lead our lives in everything we do. I contemplated a leap from being a Paramedic to a BJJ Academy owner.
With our kids, my trusty sidekick (and wife) Kindell, a BJJ Brown belt and our resident coach, by my side, we embarked on this quest. Sacrificing time and sleep became our new normal. I worked every overtime shift I could handle, all while daydreaming about mats and gi colors. Our kids? They were always ready to support Dad’s crazy dreams, even in the dead of winter.
Picture this: it’s a frigid night, and there we are, huddled in a storage parking lot, cutting up old mats we found on Facebook Marketplace. They were a bit worse for wear, think “vintage” rather than “pristine”but hey, it was a start! And my family? Not a single complaint from them. They were like my very own BJJ army, ready to tackle any challenge that came our way.
As we set out to find the perfect location for our academy, our budget was tighter than a white belt’s grip. We had to be strategic, keeping a respectful distance from existing gyms. But lo and behold, by the grace of God, we stumbled upon a fantastic spot in the South Valley. February 3rd, 2024, I earned my Black Belt. But even in that season of celebration, the waiting tested us. Months went by without word from the landlord, and discouragement started to creep in. Still, we chose to let God guide our steps, trusting that His timing is always perfect.
The very day before we were ready to settle on another promising space, we felt led to turn it down. We prayed, held onto faith, and just like that, God opened the right door.
With keys to our dream location in hand on May 1st, 2024, we hustled as a family to get the gym ready for our grand opening on May 6th. Our first classes kicked off on May 7th, and let me tell you, it was like a scene from a feel good movie, until it wasn’t.
Just like any business, we faced our fair share of bumps in the road, mostly dealing with the colorful personalities that come with running a BJJ gym. Apparently, not everyone has good intentions (who knew?). But hey, you know what they say about assuming. Instead of throwing in the towel, we decided to embrace it with prayer, trust in our Lord to lead us, and help us keep learning.
At the end of the day, we’re not in this for the money or the fame. Our mission is to share the love of Christ and train jiu-jitsu along the way. So if you’re thinking about making a big leap or diving into the unknown, just remember: it might get messy, but that’s where the blessings happen.
We are the Misfits.
Alfonso and Kindell, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
As a married father of five, my life has always been a beautiful whirlwind. My journey began in the spring of 2008 when I stepped into the world of emergency medical services as an EMT-B. Little did I know, this path would shape not only my career but also my character. In 2010, I met my incredible wife, Kindell, who would become my partner in both life and our shared passions. After earning my Paramedic certification from the UNMH EMS Academy in the fall of 2011, I committed myself to serving others during their most vulnerable moments.
In the spring of 2016, we both embarked on our Jiu Jitsu journeys. Initially, Kindell wasn’t convinced it was for her, and she stepped away, especially after we welcomed our daughter. However, a frightening experience; nearly being attacked by two men, changed everything for her. It pushed her to return to Jiu Jitsu with a deeper purpose. Meanwhile, my own journey in Jiu Jitsu blossomed into a passion that fueled my spirit, where every roll on the mat became a lesson in resilience and determination.
For years, I dedicated myself to the 911 system, responding to emergencies and being a lifeline for those in need. In the winter of 2019, I transitioned to the UNMH Rapid Response Team full-time, embracing the challenges and responsibilities of this vital role. As I balanced my demanding job with my dreams, I set my sights on opening my own Academy. To prepare, I earned my Personal Training and Strength Coach certifications in 2022, equipping myself with the knowledge to inspire and empower others. I earned my BJJ Black Belt in the spring of 2024.
In the fall of 2024, I took a leap of faith and left the medical field to transition into full-time gym ownership. This moment encapsulated years of hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of my family. The inspiration for our team name came from a powerful Christian song that spoke of Jesus coming for the Misfits. It resonated deeply with us, reflecting the spirit of inclusion and acceptance we wanted to foster in our community.
Kindell has spent her life working with at-risk youth, a path that began with her own story. What she once saw as hardship, God has used for good to equip her to encourage children, build their confidence, and help them find their voice. Today, she serves as Misfit Brazilian Jiu Jitsu’s Head Kids Coach, where she pours into her students with discipline, strength, and above all, faith in Jesus.
Together, we believe that Jiu Jitsu is more than just a form of self-defense; it’s a way to build strength, both physically and mentally, while forging bonds with those around us. Our journey has taught us that no matter where we start, with faith in God, passion, perseverance, and a supportive community, we can achieve incredible things. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about embracing the journey and lifting each other up along the way. Together, we can inspire, empower, and create a space where everyone feels they belong.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
When I set out to launch my business, I meticulously planned and estimated the costs through thorough online research. I initially gave myself two years to save up the necessary funds, envisioning a clear path to my goals. However, life threw me an unexpected curveball, and suddenly, I had just 10 months to gather the same amount.
Determined to make my dream a reality, I threw myself into the challenge, working over 60 hours a week. Sacrifice was necessary. I adapted to a lifestyle that included only 2-3 hours of sleep each night, and on my days off, I would manage to squeeze in just six hours. Each day was a test of my resolve, but I knew that every moment spent grinding was a step closer to my goal.
While I didn’t reach my initial financial target, I saved just enough to get started. God always makes a way, even when the path seems uncertain.
This experience taught me that with hard work, dedication, and faith, we can overcome obstacles and turn our dreams into reality. Every sacrifice I made was a building block toward my future, proving that when we commit ourselves to our goals, anything is possible.
Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.
Before we ever opened the doors to our Jiu Jitsu gym, my wife had already stepped out in faith and started her own business making custom goods. Looking back, it’s clear God had a plan in every step we took. The skills she developed became a huge blessing to our journey.
Because of her creativity, our branding took off quickly. From car decals and shoe charms to apparel and beyond, she made our gym’s logo stand out and put it in people’s hands. She didn’t just build a business she built momentum for our dream.
When we launched, my wife went above and beyond, donating countless pieces of merchandise to give away, making sure our gym had a strong start. Her hard work and generosity were proof that when we follow God’s lead, He multiplies our efforts in ways we could never imagine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.misfitbjj.gymdesk.com/
- Instagram: @misfitbjjnm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556861168628
- Other: @misfitbjj (TikTok)
