Who are you and what do you do?

Straight Blast Gym Niagara is home to the most beginner friendly martial arts classes in the Niagara Region. We are a community of men, women, and children who train and love to share their time and energy in a very positive and fulfilling way, in a fun, friendly, and challenging environment. We understand that sometimes the hardest part about joining a martial arts school is actually walking in the front door. People have a preconceived idea of what it is going to be like, and it can very intimidating. At Straight Blast Gym Niagara, we take away any anxiety you may be feeling the moment you walk into our gym. We'll spend the time with you to understand who you are and what you'd like to achieve. Then, we'll put together a suggested program that will help you accomplish and succeed in achieving your goals.

What products and/or services did Presstime provide you on your last order? How did it help you?

We have ordered everything from t-shirts, long sleeve t-shirts, crew neck sweatshirts, hoodies, toques, ball caps from Presstime, and will be adding to our collection with tracksuits and jackets. Our merchandise always looks clean, sharp, and professional, and our gorilla logo is recognized around the region thanks to all the merchandise we’ve had created by the Presstime Team.

How has the vision for your merch evolved over the years?

Over the years we have created different “gorillas” to use for our merchandise. From our Worldwide SBG Gorilla, to a Yeti, to a Samurai Gorilla. Our members enjoyed the various designs and colour schemes. What has never changed is the design on the back of our merchandise, our mantra of “Get Up, Show Up, Never Give Up.” It represents what we believe in, both on and off the mats. You push forward through the tough times, and go after what you want in life.

What are some things you wish you knew before you got started?

I wish that I would have known that “overnight success” would actually mean 30 years! I would not trade any of the challenges I’ve faced building up my gym as they made me, and us, who we are today, and it proved my philosophy of anything worthwhile involves two things, pain and sacrifice. Also, knowing how to price my services accordingly, to the value we offer. It took longer than it should have for me to learn this, and part of that was me being afraid to ask for it. Once I did, things actually took off and the gym grew incredibly.

Anything to add? Got anything cool coming up?

2024 is our 30th Anniversary, and that is something I am immensely proud of. We will have some very cool merchandise created by Presstime for this, and hold a 30th Anniversary Party to celebrate. Watch for some incredible looking merchandise coming soon!