MISSION & TEAM

LEGACY MARTIAL
ARTS TEAM

Meet the coaches who are dedicated to your gym’s success.

OUR MISSION

Legacy Martial Arts Consulting is dedicated to empowering martial arts schools with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to achieve their highest potential, cultivate a positive culture and leave a strong legacy.

THE TEAM

Nick Castiglia a.k.a. Papa Nick Castiglia founder of Legacy

Nick Castiglia

Founder & CEO

Nick has over 21 years’ experience and has become a standout name in the martial arts industry, guiding over 100 gyms to flourish financially. His journey has seen him everywhere from the front desk to the owner’s office, proving there’s no role in martial arts he hasn’t mastered. But where Nick truly shines is business coaching, specifically for Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools. He uses his business savvy and deep-rooted love for martial arts to equip others with the skills to succeed and live the life they deserve. Whether he’s out on the mats teaching, creating an instructional series or coaching a martial arts academy, Nick’s passion and industry expertise is second to none.

Sam Hattlestad

Co-Owner & COO

A graduate of Carleton University, Samantha holds a BA in Psychology, which she earned with highest distinction. Her academic prowess is matched by her martial arts dedication, as she is not only a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but an IBJJF World Champion. Sam leverages her analytical acumen to lead our data analysis, creating robust systems for finance and operations that streamline our company’s processes and increase efficiency. Her unique blend of psychological understanding, martial arts mastery, and passion for data-driven solutions positions her as an integral leader within our team. With Sam at the helm of operations, our clients can expect a meticulous, data-driven approach that ensures optimal outcomes and continuously pushes the boundaries of excellence in martial arts business consulting.

Legacy Martial Arts - Sam
Legacy Coach Steve Poulin owner and founder of submission academy

Steve Poulin

LMA Coach – Owner, Submission Academy

A distinguished second-degree black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, has been immersing himself in the martial art world for over 20 years. Trained under the legendary Renzo Gracie and Pat Cooligan, his wealth of experience led to the establishment of The Submission Academy in 2010. Starting modestly by subletting space from another martial arts institution, the academy has grown exponentially since then. As the success of the gym continued to soar, Steve started exploring diversified avenues to generate additional income. Alongside his wife, Jane, they utilized capital from the academy to invest in the real estate sector, now proud owners of two investment properties in addition to their residence. 

Omar Kadi

Introducing Omar Kadi, a true embodiment of resilience, who embarked on an inspiring journey from Syria to the United States during childhood. Coming from a modest background, he quickly imbibed the importance of hard work and determination. Omar’s path to success began as a dish washer at his uncle’s restaurant, where he cultivated a strong work ethic and a profound sense of responsibility.
 
Despite the hurdles he faced, Omar’s unwavering determination led him to become a thriving entrepreneur today. From owning cell phone stores, credit card processing, and ATM services, he has ventured into various successful entrepreneurial endeavors. Alongside his business pursuits, Omar’s passion for Jiu Jitsu has been an integral part of his life, dedicating 13 years to mastering the discipline.
 
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the gym industry, Omar saw an opportunity to pursue his dreams and opened his own Martial Arts Academy. Leveraging his experience working closely with Nick Castigllia and his expertise in sales and business, he embraced the challenge of running a gym with confidence and tenacity. Today, Omar’s inspiring journey continues to impact others through his unwavering determination, discipline, and entrepreneurial spirit.
 
Notably, Omar’s journey includes running two successful gyms that have become NYC staples, boasting over 600 members in 2.5 years. As a highly accomplished and respected Jiu Jitsu black belt, Omar received his black belt from the legendary Marcelo Garcia, earned after winning the World Master Championship three years in a row. Not only does he continue to compete in Jiu Jitsu, but Omar also nurtures up-and-coming talent, including his 16-year-old son, who recently had an exceptional performance submitting all his opponents in two of the biggest BJJ tournaments, Worlds and Pans.
 
A picture of Legacy Coach Omar Kadi Grappling with his teammates at glory martial arts center

Mandy Keller

The newest addition to Legacy; Mandy brings years of experience in Academy co-ownership, operational management, and administrative organization to the team. As one of Nick’s original clients, Mandy served as the Manager of Operations for Loyalist Martial Arts Academy for several years; and grew the academy alongside her husband Tim to become one of the biggest and most successful gyms in southeastern Ontario, until their retirement from small business ownership in 2023.

With a notable background in customer service, print journalism and media studies, Mandy is also a homeschooling mom to two juijiteros, and the owner of many, many houseplants. She is thrilled to begin her journey in this new role, and help write a success story for every Legacy client.

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