Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Flores.
Hi Eric, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Well, since childhood, I have always been intrigued by anything to do with Martial Arts, Bodybuilding, Weight Training, Health, and Fitness. I saw how these worlds all blended together when it came to the film industry. Especially growing up in the ’80s and ’90s in Southern California.
Physiques that were more athletic, I connected and related to more so. Action film stars like Sylvester Stallone and Jean-Claude Van Damme were my biggest inspirations among many. Engaging in weight training and martial arts helped my confidence and character immensely in those formidable years. When I became an Adult, I knew those two worlds were going to always be a big part of my life. However, I have been very fortunate and blessed to also be able to make a living from it now.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. When I began my career as a Personal Trainer, working for Gold’s Gym in Venice, CA. really was a dream come true. Now, there are franchises and corporations when it comes to Gold’s Gym. The Mecca of Bodybuilding in Venice is corporate. The main focus is more time, more clients, more sales, more money. So, every month there is a pressure to meet a quota and to sell, sell, and sell some more! That looms over your head every single day.
The struggle came when my Senior Fitness manager had nothing but good things to say about me as a Fitness professional but wanted more of what I mentioned earlier. I wanted to make money sure, but not at the expense of providing a quality service to the clients I already had. I desired to also charge fairly and genuinely be more concerned with their progress and success. I also had other aspirations I needed the time to pursue.
So, I left Gold’s Gym on good terms and started my own business…Eric Flores Fitness. The biggest challenge now would be to acquire new clients on my own and figure out where to train them. Thankfully my business took off and I was able to make a living in Los Angeles.
My next challenge would be moving to New Zealand and educating the Kiwis about the awesome martial art and sport of Wrestling and its various branches.
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?
In June 2019, I moved to Whangarei, New Zealand. In February 2021, I then moved to the Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand. My focus became martial arts in this move overseas. I was privileged to have met two investors who wanted to fund a nonprofit charity in Hastings, New Zealand. Something positive for the community get kids off the street and away from the gang culture. So in May 2021, we launched Golgotha Grappling Academy.
So, my focus is now a Wrestling Coach here in New Zealand. In New Zealand and Australia, MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and Brazilian jiu-jitsu have really taken off in popularity. It is taking root more and more in the sports culture of both countries. However, Wrestling hasn’t yet. So, a few things set us apart from any other martial arts school/gym/academy. We offer Catch Wrestling and American Folkstyle Wrestling. We are the only certified/affiliated academy through Catch Wrestling Alliance (based in Los Angeles, California) in all of New Zealand. We are the only certified/affiliated academy through USA Wrestling (based in Colorado Springs, Colorado) in all of New Zealand.
What I am most proud of brand-wise is providing quality service and products (apparel) free of charge due to the generosity of our investors.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Due to the rising popularity of ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club), No Gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu, & MMA in the combat sports world…I believe Wrestling will start to gain more momentum in popularity/practice as well. Social Media and YouTube has also brought awareness and spotlight to the sport and its athletes.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golgotha2021/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/golgotha2021/
Image Credits
Peter Morris Brandon Franco
