Why Training at a Place Where “Everyone Is Welcomed” Isn’t Always the Best Idea.
For over 25 years in this business, we’ve seen just about everything. We’ve watched people come and go, cultures rise and fall, and gyms build—or lose—their identity. One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is this:
“Everyone is welcome” sounds good… but it isn’t always wise.
Now, don’t misunderstand me. We believe in giving people a chance. We believe in helping others grow. But there’s a difference between being open-hearted and being open-door with no standards.
This world isn’t a gentle place. There are people out there who don’t care about your community, your family, or your values. They care about what they can take. They’ll eat your lunch, drain your energy, and then send you a bill for the time they spent doing it.
Over the years, we’ve had people move here who, in the end, didn’t have anyone’s best interest at heart but their own. They didn’t come to build—they came to benefit. And when they were done, they left damage behind.
That’s why culture matters more than talent.
That’s why character matters more than belts.
Coach Grumpy, for example, has a reputation for kicking out more brown belts and black belts than anyone around. Some people see that as harsh. We see it as protective. Just because someone has been doing something a long time does not mean they should have access to your loved ones, your students, your kids, or your community.
Longevity doesn’t equal integrity.
Skill doesn’t equal trustworthiness.
Experience doesn’t equal loyalty.
A gym is more than mats and schedules—it’s a tribe. It’s where people bring their sons and daughters. It’s where friendships are formed. It’s where trust is built. You don’t hand that over to just anyone because they have a résumé or a belt rank.
So if you’re training somewhere and notice that people who used to train with us are now there… maybe there’s a reason behind that.
Not everyone who leaves is wrong.
But not everyone who leaves leaves clean.
Sometimes people don’t get pushed out because they weren’t good enough.
They get pushed out because they weren’t right enough.
We don’t aim to be the biggest gym.
We aim to be the strongest community.
And strong communities don’t come from letting everyone in.
They come from protecting what’s inside.
So when someone tells you Team GAMMA is a “Members Only” club, now you know why.
And if you want to be part of a good group of people—a group that always has your back—and you believe you’re trustworthy, give us a try. We’re not for everyone. And that’s fine with us… and with our trusted students.
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