Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Cate.
Hi Josh, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started martial arts as a child when my father enrolled me into a program in Fort Walton Beach Florida. We moved to Tennessee and I continued my training. After starting in a traditional martial art I moved on in my training to kickboxing, wrestling, judo and jiu=jitsu. Ive been teaching in Knoxville in some capacity for 34 years. I was one of the first people in Knoxville to step into competitive Mixed Martial Arts. To my knowledge I was one of, if not the, first professional MMA athlete in the state. I continue to compete in no gi jiu=jitsu competition while running my gym, Cate Bjj and Kickboxing. We are the only totally no gi based gyms in the area and routinely put out top talent in mixed martial arts.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not. I had been an instructor working for a gym for a few years. I had decided to move out on my own. In 2008 I opened Pinnacle Mixed Martial Arts. Almost immediately the economy tanked and people didnt have expendable income. Martial arts training isnt high on the priority list of many so my business suffered tremendously. I was actually ready to close my doors after just a few months. Luckily, the landlord of the building I was in needed an anchor business, so they allowed me to stay and worked with me. We were there for 7 years before I decided to move my business more to the west side of town. My initial move was a disaster. The landlord kept none of his promises about our space and improving it. Right at that time, only 3 months in, I found a fantastic facility within a bigger gym. We were able to get into that space and have some stability. Moving forward, Covid hit and I was considered a non essential worker. Although, making money to pay bills and eat seemed pretty essential to my survival. Covid was a dark time, but my student base supported me through0ut. Post Covid restrictions we had a boom in our numbers and weve never looked back!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in training people in the arts of kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. While learning the physical tools for competition and self-defense is, on the surface, what I do, my gym does more than that. We help people find a judgement free community of people that are all trying to find a place to fit in, have a support group, spend time with people with like minded goals. I always say that we are a safe place to struggle. While someone may not want to step in the cage and fight, everybody is fighting something. Weight issues, confidence issues, a loss of community because of moving or maybe leaving the military, anxiety, depression etc. Everyone’s journey is different, but having a place where you are supported is essential to success and growth. What sets Cate Bjj and Kickboxing apart is not only my nearly 4 decades of experience, but my formal education as well. I have a Bachelors degree in psychology and a Masters degree in Sport Psychology and motor behavior. The motor behavior gives me the knowledge to teach people in a way backed by science, This allows for quicker learning and retention of the techniques being taught. On the mental side of things, I can help people with any issues they may have like anxiety, motivation etc. These approaches arent just used in performance, but can be used in daily life.
What matters most to you?
Building and sustaining a culture of growth and acceptance. I want everyone to feel welcomed when they walk into my gym. Its not an easy ask of people to come into an environment that is so physically intimidating. While I cant change that before they come to the gym, they should immediately feel the safety and reassurance once they get there.
Pricing:
- We offer the cheapest rates in town so everyone has the ability to start their journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Catebjjandkickboxing.com
- Instagram: Catebjjandkickboxing
- Facebook: Josh Cate
- Youtube: Cate Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and Kickboxing
