Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Zorlu.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey was an intro class with the Pioneers of Jiu Jitsu, The Gracie family in Torrance. When I first walked into the Jiu-Jitsu academy, I thought, “How hard could it be? It’s just pajamas and wrestling.” Ten minutes later I was held down by someone half my size who politely reminded me that technique beats my boxing background and enthusiasm.
That day could’ve been the end of my story, but instead, it lit the fire. I came back again, and again, and again taking up 3 hours of my day or a one hour class. Over the years, I learned that every aspect of life, whether on the mats, in business, relationships, or general disposition was shaped by being a humble martial artist.
Eventually, what started as me chasing stripes on a belt turned into building a community where kids, parents, and even former bullies can find confidence and respect. I went from “guy trying to keep up with younger students” to running a school that changes lives. Funny thing is, people think I teach Jiu-Jitsu, but what I really teach is how to laugh at yourself, get back up when you fall, or as it reads on our wall: “Fall Down Seven, Stand Up Eight!”
So how did I get here? By being willing to get choked out, both literally and metaphorically, until I finally figured out that growth is just failure that refused to quit.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting a Martial Arts academy is not the same as opening a boba spot. Customers don’t just start “rolling” in randomly. It takes a few years to build a student base and keep the coming back. People assume Jiu Jitsu is a cookie cutter approach and have a bad taste in their mouth from previous experiences. But that can’t be farther from the truth, all academies have a different approach and mindset. The struggle is getting people to walk through the door and give it a try. People feel they need to have ambitions of being a fighter and once they give it a try, they realize being a hobbiest if just fine and they can still get all of the benefits or being a Martial Artist instead of being a fighter.
Currently our retention is great as well allow for a non-formal training approach and allow our students and learn and laugh without the aggressive meat-head gym environment treating all students like they’re trying to become the next UFC champion.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We’re a martial arts academy in the Valley that specializes in in Jiu Jitsu for men, women, and children (also offering Women’s Only classes). In addition, we also offer Muay Thai, MMA and wrestling.
Our focus is self-defense, however, we do partake in tournaments 3 – 4 X per year. Our goal for the youth is building the leaders of tomorrow and treating combat sports as a responsibly to demonstrate kindness and respect and focus on fighting only while defending themselves.
Our Brand is to build Martial Artists.. Not Fighters!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Coming to this country as a toddler, my brother and I did not know the culture, let alone the language. We experience bullying a lot in grade school as we didn’t know how to dress, act or even eat. While the kids were eating Twinkies during recess, my brother and I were crunching down on cucumbers like a fruit (as Armenians do) and the kids would laugh as they felt it should be a salad option. Sure that was fun and innocent, but that lead my journey in boxing and trying to find skills to be more assertive and be more confident. Unfortunately I spent too much of my time playing basketball and all I have to show for it is bad knees, NOT a 25 million dollar contract from the Lakers.
I was introduced to Jiu Jitsu in my 30’s and regret not finding it earlier. It’s truly rewarding to see how it changes lives at all ages. It’s referred to as a human chess game while trying to troubleshoot while your partner is trying to choke you and you know know how much you need it until you try it. Like Mike Tyson says, “everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.taojiujitsu.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taojj_losangeles/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TJJLosAngeles
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/adredir?ad_business_id=xNaJtKuU74N8w1pgwRQGwg&campaign_id=175346778&click_origin=search_results&placement=vertical_0&placement_slot=0&redirect_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yelp.com%2Fbiz%2Ftao-of-jiu-jitsu-los-angeles&request_id=462aff740a7db6db&signature=168b6b2bae8fe8ea57ef497ec5be44d04c41cb7713760617343505ad8f77f5d0&slot=0
Image Credits
Robert Photo credit to “Phillip Fotenza”
