Today we’d like to introduce you to Seth Winch.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I came back to karate after a number of years off to raise children and focus on career and finances. I love the martial arts. My wife signed up our younger daughter to take classes with friends on a trial basis. She had me bring my daughter to Saturday classes and I watched her progress. I remembered how much I loved it. I went in and asked if I could do this so late in life – in my forties. There was no question and I signed up. My original goal was just to stave off diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and lose weight. I worked hard, lost 60lbs and got in shape.
I started going to advanced classes and met Soke Paul Cervizzi. I progressed with new goals and encouragement from all the instructors and Soke Paul. I became a black belt in Kempo and joined the Jujutsu program and became a black belt in that program. I never anticipated when I walked in to ask if I could do this that I would end up a black belt.
Soke Paul came to me one night after advanced classes and asked me to open his 5th location – Andover. We worked together to find locations. He picked a great location – we currently still occupy 28 Chestnut Street. I have built the enrollment and the school programs and have great families involved.
Has it been a smooth road?
Andover is a community that prides itself on having the old New England feel and charm. It has a Main Street with old-fashioned storefronts and is the center of activity.
We fit the family-oriented atmosphere and cache of Andover. It has taken a while for families to ‘find’ us as we prefer personal service and market best by word of mouth. Families in Andover must trust you and the network of parents is very tight. But we started with a few great families and have grown by providing great instruction and service.
Some parents are just looking to have children try many different activities and fill a time slot. That can lead to a lack of commitment when the season’s change and other sports or activities ramp up. Many do not understand that the study of martial arts benefits all areas of life. Our focus is not just teaching punches and kicks but the whole person. We use small group personalized training to help students develop character, discipline, respect, and responsibility and to reach their full potential.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Cervizzi’s Martial Arts Academy – Andover story. Tell us more about the business.
We teach martial arts, self-defense, and self-improvement through the study of Kempo, Jujutsu and Goju Ryu systems and techniques. We have a schedule of classes by age range starting with 4-year-olds and reaching up to students in their 60’s.
We provide personalized instruction to all students regardless of ability in an effort to increase self-esteem, foster a positive belief system. We believe martial arts is a way of life that helps creative thinking, self-empowerment, focus, and that anything is possible. We teach at 28 Chestnut Street, workshops/seminar team building in the workplace, or private lessons.
People come to us somewhat skeptical or not understanding the power of a well-grounded program to help a person reach their goals. Parents refer friends to us because our results with children went well beyond their expectations.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The industry has changed over time from when my mentor started schools in 1995. There was not a lot of competition or marketing required as there is today. Many people look at it as a crowded industry – ‘saturated’.
Though there are a good number of schools in Andover and the surrounding area, I believe we will be standing after many have come in and closed.
The big challenge is to educate people about what we offer. This is not just about punches and kicks – a way of life which is transformative. Many people look to improve themselves by looking for quick solutions. Martial arts is the oldest and best way to achieve personal goals, enlightenment, and continuous learning. But it does not come overnight.
We learn that the attainment of the black belt is just the beginning – it means the master of basics. We will be here long after other schools have come and gone – making an impact in Andover.
Contact Info:
- Address: 28 Chestnut St – Suite #7
Andover, MA 01810 - Website: cervizzisandover.com
- Phone: (978) 470-1313
- Email: info@cervizzisandover.com
- Instagram: cervizzisandover
- Facebook: @cervizzisandover
- Twitter: Sensei Seth@CervizziAndover
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