We were lucky to catch up with Germano Coker recently and have shared our conversation below.
Germano, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
St Pete Fight Team is St. Petersburg’s only karate school located on the south side of St Pete and meant to serve the underprivileged communities in that area. We are a 501(c)(3). We provide karate classes for all age groups, starting from 3 years old up to adults. Our classes include traditional karate and Okinawan weapons training, self-defense, fitness, and competition training, We provide an exciting summer camp and after school program.. We also host seminars and various special events and trainings throughout the year. We are St Petersburg’s premier sport martial arts school. Many of our students participate in regional and national tournaments, and we have won several championships in our short time competing. As a nonprofit, we are in need of funding to provide scholarship opportunities to children and families who would not otherwise be able to afford to train in karate. Our goal is to offer as many scholarships to students in need as possible, with special consideration to those in search of a positive community environment and a healthy lifestyle. Early and continued engagement with children is our specialty. Developing positive habits through our goal-oriented curriculum is our vision.
Germano, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Germano is my name and karate is my game! Karate has always been a passion of mine since as far back as I can remember. My parents got me involved in martial arts in Syracuse, NY when I was three years old. I earned my black belt at age 12 and began teaching at my parent’s karate school in 1989 and I have been teaching karate ever since then! I moved to St. Petersburg, FL and was able to continue teaching martial arts in an established children’s martial arts program. Soon afterward, I met my soon to be wife, Emma, and with her support and dedication, decided to start Coker’s Karate FL in 2012. After several years of trial and error, struggles and frustrations, ups and downs and everything in between, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, came St. Pete Fight Team! We are a 501 (c)(3) karate school on the south side of St. Petersburg, FL!
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
When we first started Coker’s Karate FL, we had a small handful of loyal students and a passion to impact lives. We started out teaching classes in the park, oftentimes in the rain and until it got dark out and the mosquitoes were biting! We were able to rent spaces from several different establishments and keep our students training before finally renting our own space. The following year and a half would be the most challenging time in our lives. We really struggled.. We had ambitions to change people’s lives and become the premier karate school in St. Pete, but the universe had different plans. We used that time to solidify our curriculum and hone our skills as new school owners, but we eventually had to let the school go. Our passion to teach karate and be school owners was put to the test. We decided to keep pushing forward even though our path was uncertain. As a black belt it has been instilled in me to never give up. Our perseverance finally paid off when we were invited to teach at another more established martial arts school where we were able to continue to teach and learn, make new connections, and regain focused. We remained there for about two years.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
When COVID hit in March 2020, it changed everything. We had built up a loyal following of exceptional students who were used to group training twice a week, but everyone was locked in their houses away from the karate school. So rather than just close the doors and stop training, we decided that we had to shift with the times. We created a YouTube channel, uploaded several tutorial videos, and taught group lessons via video conferencing! This adjustment allowed us to keep our student base actively involved until everyone felt comfortable enough to meet in the park. Then in January 2021, we found a space with two roll up doors that allow for fresh air to circulate! We were able to secure the lease and we’ve been growing there ever since!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @stpetefightteam
- Facebook: Facebook.com/stpetefightteam
- Youtube: St Pete Fight Team