Show Notes
Felipe and Chelsie Fogolin are the founders and coaches at Triunfo Jiu Jitsu and MMA in Costa Mesa, California.
In today's episode, we sit down with Felipe and Chelsie at their academy for a wide-ranging conversation about building a gym, a marriage, and a culture from the ground up over 15 years.
Along the way, Felipe walks us through coming to America from Brazil with almost nothing, becoming a father at 19, and finding his way through jujitsu. Chelsie shares how she left a good corporate job to go all-in on something she believed in over something that just made sense financially. Together, they talk about what it actually takes to build a life on your own terms.
Key Moments and Highlights: - Chelsie's early success as a personal trainer - Felipe leaving law school in Brazil to follow his heart - The "Craigslist gym" era, & why people trained at Triunfo in the early days - Setting ego aside and doing whatever it takes to make your dream work - The "Flexible Personality" - Surviving a super gym opening next door - Yoga and mindfulness practices - The Willingly or Unwillingly matra - Building a business with your spouse - Living on your own terms
This conversation was such a pleasure to have, and it's clear why Chelsie and Felipe have created one of the best gyms in the country.Thanks for listening. Be Where Your Feet Are.
Follow Triunfo Jiu Jitsu and MMA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triunfomma/?hl=en Website: https://www.triunfomma.com/
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Episode Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:36 Chelsie's background: from fitness to finance to California 9:19 Felipe's story: Brazil, law school, and following his heart 11:19 A baby, $200, and no turning back 18:34 Building the gym while working nights and weekends 26:21 "Willingly or unwillingly" 28:35 The competing gym that opened next door 32:07 Sadhguru and the practices that changed everything 36:27 Flexible personality and building culture 54:44 The gym as a sanctuary and third home 1:03:47 Building a business with your spouse 1:12:27 Living on your own terms
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