5 Game-Changing Shifts That Took Easton to the Next Level

How these foundational changes helped build one of the most successful martial arts organizations in the country

In this episode of the Black Belt Business Podcast, Easton co-owner Eliot Marshall is joined by CEO Mike Tousignant and VP Ian Lieberman to reflect on the five major strategic shifts that transformed Easton Training Center into a thriving multi-academy operation with 200+ employees.

These aren't just high-level business concepts—they’re actionable systems that any martial arts school can start implementing today.

1. Delayed Live Training & Standardized Curriculum

We broke away from the “throw them to the wolves” approach and introduced a system where new students must earn two stripes before participating in live training.

This shift:

• Made training more inclusive and safer
  
  
• Dramatically improved student retention
  
  
• Allowed space to implement a fundamentals-based curriculum

This change opened the door for people who might have otherwise walked away from martial arts altogether.

2. Structured Meetings with Real Accountability

What started as chaotic, unproductive meetings evolved into a disciplined system thanks to the implementation of Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) from the book Traction.

Meeting went from unproductive and disorganized to a integral part of what we do at Easton. Instead of near-brawls and shouting matches, meetings transformed:

• Well organized, with clear agendas and roles
  
  
• Metrics-based decision making
  
  
• Accountability through to-dos and follow-ups
  
  
• Focused problem-solving using the IDS (Identify, Discuss, Solve) model
  

The result? Everyone in the organization rowing in the same direction.

3. Core Values That Actually Guide Decisions

With help from coach Larry Dressler, Easton defined and embedded our core values—not as wall art, but as real decision-making tools.

Core Values helped us:

• Clarify the organization’s identity
  
  
• Streamline hiring, firing, and promotion decisions
  
  
• Create cultural consistency across all locations
   

It works because our Core Values are real. Are yours?

The test: If you’d lose money or friendships to uphold a value, it’s real.

4. Asynchronous Communication with Voxer

Easton ditched endless calls and texts in favor of Voxer, a voice messaging app that enabled faster, clearer communication without more meetings. During the pandemic, it became an essential tool that allowed real-time problem-solving across all of our locations.

5. Decentralized Command

Inspired by Jocko Willink’s leadership principles, Easton implemented decentralized command by:

• Creating clear organizational charts
  
  
• Limiting the number of direct reports
  
  
• Empowering every level of leadership with both authority and accountability
  
  

This system ensures that issues are addressed efficiently and that leaders at every level can make decisions within their scope—without bottlenecking everything at the top.

Want to implement these systems in your school?

Easton Online offers programs for school owners with under and over 100 members. Whether you're building your foundation or scaling your team, this episode gives you a blueprint for real growth.

Listen to the full episode where ever you stream you podcasts

Explore Easton’s consulting programs at https://easton.online