The logical approach to Jiu Jitsu that David Webb conveys at The Tōukon Academy has been pivotal for my own development. When relocating to Norwich I wanted to start my own Jiu Jitsu Academy and it was a straightforward decision to approach David about becoming an affiliate to The Tōukon Academy - I knew that if I could implement a similar community and culture in my Academy to the Tōukon Academy HQ, I would be able to enjoy my own journey as an academy owner. David has a tried and tested curriculum, which I follow to coach my students, enabling them to develop competent Jiu Jitsu skills in a safe and effective manner and as coaches, we meet on a regular basis to discuss the curriculum. One of the most daunting things when starting an academy is all the paperwork! David saved me a lot of time, providing templates and support on risk assessments, and safeguarding, this has enabled me to enjoy more time on the mats. Marketing is one of my weaknesses, as an affiliate I have benefited from support in this area as well. The ‘Introductory Course’ template from David that I used when starting my academy, meant that I had 18 adults in my first ever class.

I trained at two other academies for three years before joining The Tōukon Academy in 2020; what felt different here was the structured curriculum and how the programme was delivered in such a clear and concise way that made jiu jitsu easier to understand. The three core brand values of Competence, Culture, and Community are not just marketing buzzwords; they are practiced daily at the academy and create a real sense of belonging. Becoming an affiliate and opening my first academy in 2025 has been life-changing and it’s surreal to think that jiu jitsu is now my “job”. As a new business, it’s set to break-even within the first 3-months, which in my 30-years of working with start-ups is unheard of. I am proud to be a part of The Tōukon Academy and the incredible lineage.