Sometimes, our wildest dreams are just that—dreams. We may want to become a famous movie star, but without acting lessons, it probably won’t happen. We may want 50 million dollars, or a Ferrari, or any number of other dream goals, but they may never materialize.
But sometimes, with hard work and concentrated effort, our wildest dreams can become reality.
The Madeley Family
This is the truth for Michael Madeley and Evan Thompson, owners of RCJ Machado Jiu-Jitsu: The Colony, the first RCJ Machado Jiu-Jitsu Franchise location.
The Saturday before Halloween found RCJ Machado Jiu-Jitsu: The Colony abuzz with activity from the morning hours to late afternoon. The Grand Opening took place October 30, and students from both the Farmers Branch and Colony locations packed the mats, the halls, and even the parking lot barbecue.
“The opening was better than I could have imagined. We started the morning with a completely full mat, did techniques and then trained for an hour or more. For me it was a little overwhelming—seeing all those people come in. Great food, great people, great fun,” said Michael Madeley, head instructor. “I don’t know that it’s sunk in yet that I get to roll with Carlos many times a week. It’s crazy to think that my job is showing up and getting to do this. It’s unbelievable.”
“I didn’t even have a chance to enjoy hanging out with everyone because we were so busy-which was good-we had so many people walking in to enroll! I was too busy to have a chance to eat and talk to people. All the food was gone by the time I got there!” said Evan Thompson, Madeley’s business partner.
Madeley and Thompson, along with Vicki Thompson, run RCJ Machado Jiu-Jitsu: The Colony. The school was the realization of a dream for everyone involved—as Carlos Machado is fond of saying, “the replication of success with integrity.”
“Success is the result of the contribution of many people. I wouldn’t be able to do it without the support of my team and instructors. Our goal is to share our knowledge and the joy of being successful. The Colony is the first of many,” said Machado.
The process up to the Grand Opening was a whirlwind of activity—as they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day!
Owning a Machado Franchise begins with business training and practice. Months of learning concepts and procedures melded into scouting locations, getting the location in top shape (with the help of decorating phenom, Lindsay Machado), and that’s all before the doors were even opened!
Along with enrolling new students every day, Thompson and Madeley train with Machado three times a week to ensure their BJJ game is in order.
“Working with Carlos gives me a sense of security,” says Thompson. “I know that I do my best to learn all the techniques as he’s teaching me, so that when I teach them to my students, I know that they’re going to be good because it’s coming from Carlos. The techniques really coming from Mike and me, we’re just the messengers, we’re relaying his technique to our students.”
Jaguars Masters Class during the Grand Opening
“I’ve been training with Madeley for 7 years,” says Adam Trees, instructor at the Farmers Branch location. “Aside from being an excellent partner and a formidable opponent, I can only say good things about him. He’s an excellent instructor and a well-rounded BJJ player. Beware his side mount. Evan is exceptionally enthusiastic and optimistic character, an accomplished kick boxer, and an up and coming MMA fighter. I feel he has the utmost potential to go far. Both of them, combining their forces, create a great location for people to learn Machado Jiu-Jitsu.”
While Thompson was on staff at the RCJ Machado: Farmer’s Branch location prior to the opening of The Colony’s school, Madeley left his office job to pursue his dream of teaching martial arts, and never looked back once the school opened.
RCJ Students Enjoying the Festivities
“The fast lane to the fun lane. Instead of spending 10 hours behind a desk all day, I spend 4 teaching and 6 marketing and running a business. Puts my life in my hands and lets me do what I want on a daily basis. Couldn’t have asked for a better life.”
Thompson had considerable experience in martial arts business, after being on staff at an RCJ Location and being raised in the martial arts, but the experience of truly owning his own academy is a totally different experience. “I have more of myself invested here. It wasn’t a hard transition—I was prepared to become an owner—taking CIT with the Beluskas prepared me for the business, and working and learning gave me a good foundation. I’m more attached to The Colony, because this is where my heart is invested—I want to see it grow, so I work really hard.
Sarah Johnson and Lindsay Machado
Thompson and Madeley add, “We want to thank of course Lindsay Machado—if it wasn’t for her hard work and dedication we wouldn’t have opened when we did. She worked day and night to put it together. She knew a lot of what needed to be done that we didn’t know. I feel sorry for the people who don’t have Lindsay—she helped us out so much.”
“We also want to thank Carlos Machado for giving us the opportunity to do this, giving us the opportunity to follow through with a dream that we didn’t think was possible, and he made it real.”
Enjoying the Brisket and Wings!
Thompson added, “I want to thank my dad instilling in me a good work ethic. I want to thank my dad for making be do 100%. I always want to thank God, too, for putting me where I am in life. I have a great family, we’re surrounded by great friends. I’m thankful for everything martial arts.”
To see great pictures from RCJ Machado Jiu Jitsu: The Colony’s Grand Opening, visit www.seehere.com/RCJTheColony/
Learn more about RCJ Machado Jiu Jitsu: The Colony at thecolony.rcjmachadojiujitsu.com
