We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lance Soares. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lance below.

Lance, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Opening a martial arts studio has been a lifelong dream for me, dating back to my early teenage years. The inspiration struck during my high school years, where I found myself daydreaming about the prospect of owning my own studio—the colors, the logo, and the overall ambiance. While I had a brief stint with a small club in the 1990s, life took me in a different direction as I joined the military.

Thirteen years ago, the spark reignited as I walked along the beach with my wife. I shared with her an opportunity to sublet space in a martial arts school on weekends, presenting a chance to delve back into teaching. Her encouragement, coupled with my genuine passion for instructing, was the catalyst for me to take the leap. This marked the beginning of my journey in the martial arts business.

The belief that this venture was worthwhile stemmed from both personal passion and a strategic understanding of the market. While many studios in the area focused primarily on the physical aspects of martial arts, I recognized an opportunity to offer something unique. My vision extended beyond punches and kicks—I aimed to create a studio that not only delivered top-notch martial arts instruction but also prioritized the development of life skills, particularly for children.

In essence, I was driven by the desire to fill a gap in the market. The logic behind this approach was multifaceted. Firstly, I drew from my own experiences as a student, realizing the profound impact martial arts had on my life beyond the physical techniques. Secondly, I observed that existing studios in the area were predominantly one-dimensional in their offerings.

I strongly believed that martial arts could be a transformative force, instilling discipline, focus, and resilience in individuals. My unique approach focused on incorporating these values into the fabric of our studio culture. This wasn’t merely about teaching a skill; it was about fostering personal growth and empowerment.

Reflecting on my past business lessons and the evolution of martial arts in my life, I was convinced that my studio concept would resonate with people seeking more than just a workout. The excitement stemmed from the prospect of not only running a successful business but also making a positive impact on the lives of our students.

As I embark on this journey, I remain committed to the vision of a martial arts studio that goes beyond the conventional, providing a holistic experience that enriches the lives of our students, young and old.

Lance, 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?

My journey into the martial arts industry has been a lifelong pursuit, beginning in my early teenage years when the idea of owning a martial arts studio first captivated my imagination during high school classes. The dream persisted, leading me to establish a small club in the 1990s, although my path later diverged as I joined the military.

Thirteen years ago, the flame reignited during a beachside stroll with my wife. I shared with her an opportunity to sublet space in a martial arts school on weekends, reigniting my passion for teaching. Her encouragement, coupled with my genuine love for instructing, prompted me to seize the chance. This marked the inception of my martial arts business.

The conviction that this endeavor was worthwhile stemmed from both personal passion and a strategic understanding of the market. Observing that existing studios in the area predominantly focused on the physical aspects of martial arts, I recognized an opportunity to offer something distinctive. My vision extended beyond punches and kicks—I aimed to create a studio that not only delivered top-notch martial arts instruction but also prioritized the development of life skills, particularly for children.

In essence, I sought to fill a gap in the market and provide a unique, holistic experience. The logic behind this approach was multifaceted. Firstly, I drew from my own experiences as a student, realizing the profound impact martial arts had on my life beyond the physical techniques. Secondly, I observed that existing studios in the area were predominantly one-dimensional in their offerings.

I firmly believed that martial arts could be a transformative force, instilling discipline, focus, and resilience in individuals. My unique approach focused on incorporating these values into the fabric of our studio culture. This wasn’t merely about teaching a skill; it was about fostering personal growth and empowerment.

Reflecting on my past business lessons and the evolution of martial arts in my life, I was convinced that my studio concept would resonate with people seeking more than just a workout. The excitement stemmed from the prospect of not only running a successful business but also making a positive impact on the lives of our students.

As I embark on this journey, I remain committed to the vision of a martial arts studio that goes beyond the conventional, providing a holistic experience that enriches the lives of our students, young and old. I invite you to join us on this journey of self-discovery and mastery, both in martial arts and in life.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

A significant pivot in my life unfolded about 13 years ago, during a poignant beachside conversation with my wife. At that juncture, I was contemplating an opportunity to sublet space in an existing martial arts school on weekends, reigniting my passion for teaching and martial arts.

Up until then, my focus had been on a different path, particularly shaped by my military service and the fact that I was working in a job that I loved but was getting burnt out at—a paramedic in a large urban city. The demanding nature of my role as a paramedic, coupled with the challenges of working in a bustling urban environment, had taken its toll. It was during this time of burnout that the opportunity to return to martial arts instruction emerged.

The decision to pivot back into teaching wasn’t just a shift in career; it was a profound change in the direction of my life. My wife’s pivotal role in encouraging me to pursue what I truly loved became the catalyst for this significant change. It wasn’t merely about altering my professional trajectory; it was a reconnection with a lifelong passion that had taken a backseat for a while.

This pivot marked a transformative period, akin to turning a new chapter. It required courage, a willingness to embrace change, and a commitment to follow my heart. Looking back, I realize that this pivotal moment not only shaped my career but had a profound impact on my overall life trajectory.

In essence, the pivot was a return to my roots, a rekindling of the dream that had inspired me in my teenage years. It taught me the importance of aligning my career with my true passions, and the subsequent establishment of my martial arts studio has been a testament to the positive outcomes that can arise from such significant life shifts. This experience reinforced the notion that sometimes the most impactful pivots are guided by the pursuit of genuine passion and purpose.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Initially, I ventured back into teaching martial arts on weekends. It started as a side hustle, a passion project that allowed me to reconnect with what I loved while still working full-time as a paramedic in a large urban city.

As word spread about our unique martial arts program, something extraordinary began to unfold. Enrollments multiplied, and what began as a weekend endeavor soon transformed into a pivotal crossroads. The decision loomed large—should we continue part-time or take the leap to make teaching martial arts our full-time commitment, necessitating leaving my paramedic job?

The momentum was undeniable, fueled by the positive impact we were having on our students and the community. This was not just about teaching martial arts; it was about creating a space for personal growth, empowerment, and a sense of community. The choice to transition from a part-time endeavor to a full-time commitment was daunting but inherently exciting.

The key milestones in this journey were marked by the growing number of enthusiastic students joining our classes. It was a testament to the resonance of our unique approach—a holistic blend of martial arts instruction and life skills development. The decision to go full-time was driven by a deep belief in the positive influence we could have on individuals’ lives.

As we made the transition, challenges were inevitable, but each hurdle was an opportunity to refine and improve our offerings. We invested in expanding our studio space, enhancing our curriculum, and, most importantly, assembling a team of dedicated instructors who shared our vision. These strategic moves played a pivotal role in scaling up our martial arts studio to where it stands today.

Looking back, it’s incredible to see how a side hustle born out of a weekend teaching gig has evolved into a thriving, full-time martial arts business. The journey has been marked by passion, dedication, and a commitment to providing not just martial arts instruction but a transformative experience for our students. The decision to leave my paramedic job was a defining moment, and the subsequent milestones have only reinforced the impact of pursuing one’s true calling.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.LSFMAC.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/developingawesomekids/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoaresMartialArts
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoaresM_A
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@soaresmartialarts9184

Image Credits
Images by William Belknap, Jeanne O’Brien-Nichols, Katy Joseph, Bob & Lauren Mendell