Kick Boxing: Opening of a premium Dojo in Notting-Hill

What are the health benefits of Kickboxing?

Nicolas Antoine: It’s all in one!

The training is very dynamic. It’s both cardio and fitness. All the muscles of the body work at the same time. For example, if we take the whip multiple kick, it requires a lot of core-strength and balance.

At the same time, Kickboxing is a good remedy for chronic diseases like osteoarthritis and all posture problems like scoliosis, lower back pain and back pain in general.

There are also benefits from a mental health perspective. The adrenaline of training releases accumulated stress. After a session, you release stress and you feel lighter and more focused.

The benefits for your mental health are as important as for physical health.

How did you get started opening a Kickboxing studio in London in 2021? How did you prepare for this project?

Nicolas Antoine: The impetus came from feeling limited in the technique of the martial art I was teaching in the club. I wanted to offer my own art, one that was more effective and more ‘upmarket’.

A more effective martial art in the sense that I wanted the style of boxing to be more elaborate, and more upmarket meaning enhanced teaching, with a more personalised and tailor-made relationship with the client.

On the technical side, I also incorporated the use of the knees and elbows for close range and self-defence combat.

I started teaching the technique privately, independently, and in the outdoors, which allowed me to develop my private clientele, and it is in this context that I met my business partner.

Did you encounter any difficulties? 

Nicolas Antoine: It took us a few months to find the premises because I had a precise idea of ​​what I wanted. The location was a key factor, as well as the fact that the premises had to be on the ground floor, which necessarily limited our options.

One of the challenges we quickly met was to find a landlord who would trust a business with no history in London.

We were very lucky to find a landlord who understood we were going to bring a lot to the local community of Notting Hill, adults and children alike.

How has FTC supported you? What has been our added value for you?

Nicolas Antoine: Antoine provided essential support on all levels! From securing the premises to managing everything related to the administrative side and representing us with the various authorities.

We had both technical and practical problems, in particular fire safety that took months to resolve. We had to review the layout of the entire premises and the staircase to get around this problem and be up to standard.

In addition, Antoine introduced me to trusted service providers; in my case an architect, a builder, and the IT/telecom providers, who helped me a lot.

The support of French Touch is essential, especially when you open your very first business.

Your location is incredible since you are right at the Notting Hill Gate tube exit. How important are premises to your business? (location, rents etc.)

Nicolas Antoine: The premises were at the heart of the project. Most clubs are in basements. I wanted an open space with high ceilings. The space had to feel upmarket.

In addition, I wanted to be on the ground floor so that the training sessions were visible from the outside to give us maximum publicity.

The borough of Kensington and Chelsea seemed ideal for introducing our art to families and children.

Today, this location is perfect! We couldn’t have found any better.

What is your development strategy now?

Nicolas Antoine: We have a great brand and a magnificent dojo. It is this model that we would like to expand to offer this unique art to as many people as possible.

In the next 2 years we would be looking at quickly opening a second studio in Marylebone or Kensington.

In the next 7 years we are planning to have studios in all the premium areas of London. Thereafter, the project is to open franchises in the international capitals of the world.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give to other entrepreneurs wishing to establish themselves in London?

Nicolas Antoine: To take the time to get the support you need and to choose your partners well.

For me, gut feeling is important. I had an immediate connection with my current partner. I had no qualms refusing several business partnerships before him.

My second piece of advice would be to believe in your project and think about how to stand out from the crowd within your own industry.

You have to be demanding, have an eye for detail and have self-confidence.

Find a strategic location, even if it takes a little more time – don’t rush. You have to be prepared to make the right concessions, for me the location was essential.

Come and discover our Dojo! An app is also being finalised. You can book your free trial lesson as a group lesson or take advantage of our £20 private introductory lesson offer. Bring your friends!

Ryu Kai

Address: 117 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3LB

Website : https://www.ryu-kai.com

Instagram :  https://www.instagram.com/ryu_kai_martial_art/

To see the challenges solved by FTC read the Ryu Kai case study.