MISSION & TEAM
LEGACY MARTIAL
ARTS TEAM
OUR MISSION
THE TEAM
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.
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.
Mandy Keller
As the Client Success Manager, Mandy brings a wealth of experience in Academy co-ownership, operational management, and administrative organization to the Legacy team. A long-time client of Nick’s, Mandy transitioned from a full-time career in customs to serve as the Manager of Operations for Loyalist Martial Arts Academy, where she worked for nearly a decade. Together with her husband, Tim, she helped grow the Academy into one of the largest and most successful gyms in southeastern Ontario, before retiring from small business ownership in 2023. In addition to managing the Academy’s daily operations, Mandy led the development of highly successful and widely acclaimed summer camp and special events programming, benefiting both the Academy and the local community.
Mandy holds a diploma in print journalism and media studies, and outside of her professional life, she is a homeschooling mom to two jiu-jiteros, the proud owner of numerous houseplants, a student of American Sign Language (ASL), and an aspiring homesteader. She is deeply proud of her role with Legacy and feels honored to help craft a success story for every client she works with.
Omar Kadi
