Today we’d like to introduce you to Tim Allegretti and Dino Costeas.
TDC (Team Dino Costeas) started in 1994 when Dino Costeas began training with legendary Rickson Gracie in Los Angeles California when Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu was in its infancy in the US. Dino who was at the time a black belt in the Korean martial arts became fascinated by the art and decided he was going to dedicate as much time as possible focusing on JiuJitsu’s techniques and philosophies. He traveled around the country learning in seminars and living in hotels in LA to at the Rickson Gracie JiuJitsu
Academy, eventually earning a spot as an Official Representative from Rickson himself. Mixed Martial arts was growing in popularity at the time and Dino began training fighters for this relatively new form of combat. Eventually one of his athletes became a world champion utilizing one of JiuJitsu’s principle techniques on the biggest stage… The UFC.
TDC produced several MMA and grappling competitors and champions over the years, however, Dino found that many of his students just wanted to learn the art and the team began to grow exponentially. In 2016 Dino partnered up with Tim Allegretti who was one of his longtime students and a local Fitness expert. Together they opened TDC MMA + Fitness.
The Team has grown as well as the member demographic accommodating those looking to compete as well as many others that just want a new way to workout while learning a self-defense. The addition of a structured Fitness training program has added another aspect to TDC that has allowed for spouses and others that want to be part of the culture but are not interested in the Martial Art training.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The struggles have been the same for many small businesses. With the growth of our business trying to keep engaged with the members. It’s easy when your small to keep the personal touch and keep your pulse on your members.
The challenge becomes when you grow and making sure you know what your members want and need. Marketing is always a challenge. Knowing what avenues to pursue, where to spend money etc… We have has success with social media however how much money and how in that area is somewhat of a guessing game as well.
Hiring the right staff as we grow has been a challenge. The person that seems great at the interview hasn’t always panned out. Making sure they share our philosophy and make everyone feel welcome has been a challenge. We have developed our staff training to try to take care of that.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about TDC MMA & Fitness – what should we know?
We offer classes in Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Boxing, and Yoga as well as Semi-Private fitness sessions. Our schedule starts at 615am and we offer classes and sessions throughout the day.
I believe our facility and our instructors separate us from other academies. We wanted to create a space that looked more like an art studio than a martial arts academy. We wanted to make sure all people felt welcome. Many people often remark “this is the nicest martial arts facility I’ve ever been in”. Dino and I believe that the academy has to clean at all times. Many facilities skimp on this aspect of things and we believe it is one of the highest priorities. There are several art pieces hung to “soften up” space and create a certain atmosphere we are looking for.
Our instructors are students of the arts. Our Muay Thai coach trained with one of the best Muay Thai fighters of all time and spends time in Thailand to get more experience and further develop his skill set. Dino Costeas learned from the legendary Rickson Gracie. Our Boxing coach is in the boxing hall of fame and has trained several professional fighters. Our Wrestling coach was a division 1 wrestler and is a Brown belt under Dino Costeas and teaches an effective form of wrestling for MMA and BJJ.
Tim Allegretti writes our fitness protocol. Tim has been in the fitness field for almost three decades and has worked with the best in the world in the field. Our coaches make sure the environment is a safe and fun place to learn While they are very serious about the art. They know that the mood needs to be light at times so everyone enjoys themselves.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Empathy… You need to know that there are people that may be new to martial arts and may be intimidated and uncomfortable. Those people need to be made comfortable so they can grow into confident students. Do this and the business will grow. Without it, you will become stagnant.
Pricing:
- We offer a $79 one month trail for unlimited classes and sessions
Contact Info:
- Address: 322 N Leavitt Unit B Chicago 60612
- Website: tdcmmaandfitness.com
- Phone: 312-690-4131
- Email: tim@tdcmmaandfitness.com
- Instagram: judochopflipya tdc_strength
- Facebook: TDC MMA + Fitness
- Twitter: tdc_strength
- Yelp: TDC MMA + Fitness
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