Every time we share how we run our academies—whether it’s about our curriculum, promotion systems, or student success—we get hit with the same tired accusation:

"You must be a McDojo."

Apparently, if you:

• Use a structured curriculum instead of teaching random techniques…

• Promote students regularly based on clear standards…

• Or operate a large, profitable school with hundreds of students…

You’re automatically labeled a McDojo by someone clinging to outdated ideas about what a martial arts academy should look like.

So let’s ask the real question:

What is a McDojo?

We’ve all seen the viral clips. Instructors knocking people out with invisible energy. Students somersaulting across the mats without being touched. Techniques that fall apart under the slightest resistance.

A true McDojo is a school that teaches ineffective, untested techniques and sells false confidence.
It’s a place where promotions are handed out like candy, and questioning the system is forbidden.

But let’s be clear:
Using a curriculum, promoting students consistently, and building a thriving business does not make you a McDojo.

Unless…

You can’t back it up.

Prove It or Lose It

Here’s where the line is drawn. If your academy avoids competition, rejects pressure testing, and can’t demonstrate its effectiveness in a live setting—then you're veering into McDojo territory.

At our academies, we absolutely use a structured curriculum. We do promote students regularly, and yes, we even have skilled blue belts teaching fundamentals.

But we also show up when it counts.

We recently won both the Gi and No-Gi divisions at the IBJJF Open in Denver. At other locals we attend in force, we take home multiple team trophies. Against the local competition, we do very well.

The same is true for our Muay Thai program. That’s not theory. That’s results.

So if our schools are “McDojos,” that’s a tough look for the other schools in the region.

You Can Have Both

Here’s the truth many school owners need to hear:

You can run a profitable, well-structured martial arts academy and still teach battle-tested, high-level martial arts.

You can pay your staff, support your team, and grow your student base—without compromising the integrity of your martial arts.

Unless you’re consistently producing world champions, don’t get caught up in the tough-guy illusion that struggle equals authenticity.

And if you’re not producing world champions and you’re not running a successful business—then what exactly are you doing? Are you any better than the schools you love to criticize?

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to choose between quality and success.
The best academies do both.

Set your standards high. Build your systems. Grow your school.
Teach real martial arts—and prove it.