Opening my first Fitness and Wellness Centre.
From martial artists to studio owner…
For Ed Colman-Roberts, opening his own Fitness and Wellness Centre in Newton Abbot was a dream come true. Having competed, and secured, World Championship status with 4 Gold medals, Ed knows a thing or two about keeping in shape. And with a passion that runs much deeper than exercise, you’ll not only find yourself getting into shape at NAMA Fitness and Wellness… you’ll have plenty of fun doing it.
From a very young age, Ed had set his sights high, he had found his passion and had secured his role model… Hong Kong Phooey (well he was only 4 years old!). Like all good mum’s, Ed’s took him to a local Kung Fu class to help him fulfil his dream, well it was either that or the poodle parlour! Upon entering the class, Ed’s mum was confronted with a demonstration of ice-block breaking, with the head. This was not for little Ed, and the class was short-lived. On leaving they noticed a poster for Taekwon-Do and the very next day Ed started his journey to World Champion, and has never looked back.
Competing across the UK, Holland, Italy, Jamacia and Ireland, Ed picked up medals in both Taekwon-Do and Kickboxing. His passion for fitness also took him to Bath University, where he studied Sports and Social Science. This helped him to gain a deeper knowledge of the human body, sports, exercise, and health.
Keep focused
Working his way around the world, Ed still maintained his childhood thirst for fun… which he attributes to his success… if you don’t love what you’re doing, you’re not going to keep doing it!
This has kept Ed 100% focused and this core values can be found in all the classes at the NAMA Fitness and Wellness Centre. Starting his teaching journey over 11 years ago we asked Ed how it all started.
“I started at Newton Abbot Martial Arts, when the school was owned by both Mr Jason Mortimore IV Degree and his instructor and the school’s founder Master Jonny Black. I was so lucky to have such great instructors to draw expertise and inspiration from both of whom produced multiple World Champions.
Over the years Newton Abbot Martial Arts quickly expanded to offer much, much more… offering Personal Training and a wide range of Fitness classes for every age group imaginable. In addition to this, we also offer our own sports massage therapy service. Over time Newton Abbot Martial Arts became known as NAMA, so we thought we’d open the NAMA Fitness and Wellness Centre.
I have always wanted a space where we could offer a safe environment for people who want to try fitness or martial arts and not be intimidated or put off by the “gym environment” or the thought of breaking ice-blocks with your head! I’m working hard together with our instructors, teachers and Personal Trainers to make the NAMA Fitness and Wellness Centre a centre for all the family, no matter your age or ability.
Fitness is all about having fun and enjoying yourself, and this is what has helped form the NAMA community. It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting your journey to reach your black belt, are enjoying one of our ladies only fun-based fitness classes… trying HIIT or Boxercise for the first time, or you’re getting yourself competition ready… we’re all here to have fun.”
Passion and hard work
As any studio owner will tell you, having a dream is one thing, achieving it is another! It takes a lot of hard work, passion, and an ability to overcome plenty of knockbacks. After a lot of hard work and 26 months of looking for the right premises, Ed can vouch for this.
“It’s been a long and stressful road opening my own venue. With multiple other locations falling through and trying to keep and add to my martial arts classes all the fitness classes we are ready to offer. The whole process from deciding to take this step to actually making it happen has been around 26 months. I’m lucky enough to have a very supportive base of existing members of our NAMA family to keep me moving in a positive direction.
Our Centre now boasts a shower and toilet facility, reception area, therapy room, and two large separate soft matted studios. We also have a small gym area with lots of equipment dotted throughout the spaces, and a 20ft x 20ft Boxing ring.
We’re also able to offer over 40 fitness classes, a large range of Personal Training, massage therapy, and a variety of courses including grading, freestyle training, and nutrition. You can find all of our classes, courses, therapy, and Personal Training via our NAMA App for iPhone and Android, or by visiting our Facebook page and clicking the ‘Book Now’ button. Our Apps and online booking system from GO Retrieve makes it easy for you to book, manage and pay for any of our sessions.”
Passion and hard work
As any studio owner will tell you, having a dream is one thing, achieving it is another! It takes a lot of hard work, passion, and an ability to overcome plenty of knockbacks. After a lot of hard work and 26 months of looking for the right premises, Ed can vouch for this.
“It’s been a long and stressful road opening my own venue. With multiple other locations falling through and trying to keep and add to my martial arts classes all the fitness classes we are ready to offer. The whole process from deciding to take this step to actually making it happen has been around 26 months. I’m lucky enough to have a very supportive base of existing members of our NAMA family to keep me moving in a positive direction.
Our Centre now boasts a shower and toilet facility, reception area, therapy room, and two large separate soft matted studios. We also have a small gym area with lots of equipment dotted throughout the spaces, and a 20ft x 20ft Boxing ring.
We’re also able to offer over 40 fitness classes, a large range of Personal Training, massage therapy, and a variety of courses including grading, freestyle training, and nutrition. You can find all of our classes, courses, therapy, and Personal Training via our NAMA App for iPhone and Android, or by visiting our Facebook page and clicking the ‘Book Now’ button. Our Apps and online booking system from GO Retrieve makes it easy for you to book, manage and pay for any of our sessions.”
Opening a studio isn’t always easy. But when you’re focused, have a passion for what you do, and have a community that stands behind you, it makes it all worthwhile. There’s nothing better than seeing your studio bustling with fun and laughter, this is where friendships are made, and bodies are shaped. We asked Ed if he would share 3 nuggets of advice for others looking to open their first studio…
1. Work harder than you think you need to everyone out there is working hard but your dream is more important. Create a winning work ethic and that will translate to you winning in your goals.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice, you don’t need to make the same mistakes as everyone else. Ask for peoples opinion and help, you don’t have to take it, but it gives you a good idea what is the best option for you and then be brave and go for it. This is how I found Go Retrieve and my life has been a lot easier since.
3. Believe in what you’re selling, be the best, keep reading, keep training, keep working when you think you can’t learn anymore your wrong you’ll just become boring. The push never ends.
Need help with your Fitness Studio?
If you’d like to find out how GO Retrieve can help you with your Fitness Studio then call us on 01803 364040, or request a callback.
Grow your business with GO Retrieve
Let GO Retrieve help you…
Custom Branded Mobile App
Promote your brand with your very own custom-branded mobile app available for IOS and Android. A great way to keep your brand in front of your clients, allowing them to book and pay for all your classes, appointments and workshops.
Engage and re-engage
Send automated and targeted push notifications to remind your clients of upcoming classes and events. Re-engage with clients that have stopped booking with personalised “we miss you” messages. And automatically send ‘Happy Birthday’ messages with a free class if you’re feeling generous.
Secure Payments
Online booking and secure payments for your classes, appointments, and workshops any time of the day or night. Create recurring memberships, single and multiple class passes with added incentives.
Keep your classes full
With online booking and real-time scheduling, your clients can book your classes on the go. And when a class becomes full they can add themselves to your class waiting list. Automatically send Push Notifications when a space becomes available.
Recurring Payments
Create unlimited bespoke memberships with class and appointment flexibility. Automatically create recurring payment collections with a click of a button.
Staff Check-in app
Provide your staff with their own check-in registers, giving them instant access to client details. View emergency contact details, health information and more.