Meet Will Brooks | Business owner, Jiu Jitsu coach & instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Will Brooks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Will, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve found that risk taking, when done in an educated way, can be the catalyst to everything you want in life. Risk can obviously be scary, but it’s an effective vehicle that helps separate yourself from the herd. Once I started taking risk in business, I started walking the path I felt I was meant for. “No risk no reward”.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Jer and I own and operate a Jiu Jitsu school called Grindstone Jiu Jitsu Training Center in Olmsted Township, OH. We’re a beginner friendly school that also caters to enthusiasts, police officers/military, and competitors. We offer Gi Jiu Jitsu, Nogi Jiu Jitsu, Kick Boxing, weight lifting. We also have a very talented yoga instructor who holds her classes at our location, which our students have access to.

Grindstone Jiu Jitsu was born out of a simple idea: create a space where people could grow not just as martial artists, but as individuals. What sets us apart isn’t just the technical instruction, although we take a lot of pride in that, it’s the culture. We’re big on community, hard work, and showing up for each other. Our team is tight-knit, and we’ve worked hard to build an environment where people of all backgrounds feel welcome and challenged.

One of the things I’m most proud of is seeing how this place has impacted people’s lives, not just on the mats, but off of them too. Watching someone come in unsure of themselves and grow in confidence, discipline, and resilience… that never gets old. It’s more than a gym, it’s a second home for a lot of us.

Getting here definitely wasn’t easy. Like any small business, there were a lot of late nights, setbacks, and learning curves. There’s no handbook for building something like this from scratch. I had to learn how to wear every hat-coach, marketer, cleaner, you name it. But every obstacle just reinforced the mission. I leaned heavily on grit, adaptability, and staying true to the values that mattered: integrity, consistency, and community.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is that showing up every day, especially when it’s hard, is where the magic happens. Progress doesn’t come in huge leaps; it’s the small, consistent steps that build something meaningful.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about Grindstone, it’s that we’re here for the long haul. We care about the details. We care about our people. Whether you’re training for competition, personal growth, or just to push yourself a little harder every day, this is a place where you’ll be supported, and pushed, to become the best version of yourself.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’d train in the morning at Grindstone Jiu Jitsu, obviously no better way to start the day. Then maybe hit Edgewater Park or Rocky River Reservation for a hike or to chill by the water.

Then we’d go to the Ohio City neighborhood, grab coffee at Lekko Coffee or Rising Star, then walk around West Side Market. We’d also have to spend some time at the Rock n Roll hall of fame. That’s a good stop for those who haven’t been there.

Another must would be us driving out to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. We’d hike The Ledges or Brandywine Falls. You almost forget you’re in Ohio out there. PNW vibes for sure.

Little Italy would have to be on the list too. There’s a lot to see and experience over there. It’s definitely a good area to check out if you come to Cleveland.

If we were feeling like catching a movie, the Dome theater at the Science Center would be where we’d go. If you haven’t done that yet, I recommend it.

Throughout our travels we’d be stopping at places like Boaz Café Helio Terra for food. If we had time, we’d drive out to Brecksville for Ohio Pie pizza. Probably the best pizza I’ve ever had. A must try!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife, Marki, definitely deserves recognition here. There’s been many days where I’ve worked from the time I get up to the time I go to bed. She’s always been supportive of my efforts despite long hours. She’s always there to encourage and motivate me. She’s pushed me to pursue endeavors that I may not have without her perspective. She’s had a part in most of the success I’ve experienced over the last decade. I’m forever grateful for her.

Website: https://www.grindstonejj.com

Instagram: @grindstonejiujitsu

Facebook: Grindstone Jiu Jitsu

Youtube: Will Brooks Official

Image Credits
I took all pictures myself.