In the world of startup innovation, using agile methodologies to develop a customer-centric product or service is increasingly recognised as a best practice. High Rollers Canberra provides a compelling case study of how agile lean startup principles can be applied to build a martial arts academy that meets the diverse needs of families. By placing a strong emphasis on customer discovery and iterative design, High Rollers Canberra exemplifies how understanding and responding to customer feedback can lead to a highly successful and adaptive business model.
A Vision Refined Through Customer Discovery
High Rollers Canberra’s journey began with a simple yet profound idea: to create a martial arts academy that serves both children and parents effectively. Founder Sal knew that the vision needed to be more than just a traditional gym. The goal was to build a facility offering a dynamic and flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of families.
To ensure they were on the right track, Sal employed the principles of agile lean startup methodology, focusing heavily on customer discovery. Sal conducted extensive interviews and surveys with local families, current martial artists, and potential students to understand their specific needs and preferences. This feedback-driven approach was crucial in designing a schedule that would allow parents and kids to train simultaneously, yet separately.
Designing the Schedule: Meeting Real Needs
The customer discovery phase revealed several key insights:
- Desire for Family Time: Many parents expressed a strong interest in being able to train at the same time as their children, making it easier to integrate martial arts into their busy schedules.
- Need for Age-Appropriate Training: Parents wanted specialised classes that catered to the different skill levels and developmental stages of their children, while still allowing them to engage in their own training.
- Flexible Training Hours: Both kids and adults sought training schedules that accommodated their varying availability, including options in the evenings and weekends.
Armed with these insights, Sal used agile methodologies to iteratively design and refine the academy’s schedule. Different class times and formats were tested, with ongoing feedback gathered to ensure that the offerings met the community’s needs effectively.
A Dual-Mat Approach for Seamless Training
One of the standout features of High Rollers Canberra is its innovative use of separate mats for simultaneous training. The academy’s layout was directly influenced by the feedback from the customer discovery phase.
Kids’ Classes: The kids’ training area is equipped with age-appropriate activities and tools to make learning fun and engaging. Classes focus on basic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Judo techniques, coordination, and self-defense, tailored to each child’s developmental stage.
Adult Classes: Parallel to the kids’ classes, parents can participate in their own BJJ and Judo sessions on separate mats. These classes cater to various skill levels and focus on technique refinement, strength, and strategy. Adults also have the option of daily cardio kick-boxing classes to keep them active while waiting for the kids.
Sal explains the impact of this setup: “By having separate mats for kids and adults, we allow families to train at the same time while ensuring each group gets the most out of their sessions. This arrangement not only maximizes convenience but also enhances the quality of instruction for both kids and parents.”
Building a Community Through Agile Feedback
High Rollers Canberra’s commitment to agile principles extends beyond scheduling. The academy continually seeks feedback from its members to adapt and improve its offerings. Regular surveys and informal check-ins help Sal stay aligned with the needs of the community, ensuring that the academy evolves in response to real-world feedback.
“Our goal is to create a space where everyone feels heard and valued,” Sal says. “By continuously engaging with our members and iterating based on their feedback, we can ensure that High Rollers Canberra remains a place where families thrive and martial artists of all ages find exactly what they need.”
Looking Ahead: Continuous Improvement and Growth
With its agile, customer-driven approach and family-focused schedule, High Rollers Canberra is well-positioned to become a cornerstone of martial arts training in Canberra. The academy’s commitment to refining its offerings based on community feedback ensures that it will continue to meet the evolving needs of its members.
Sal is excited about the future and the ongoing role High Rollers Canberra will play in shaping the martial arts landscape. “We’re thrilled to see how our approach has resonated with the community,” Sal says. “This is just the beginning. We’re committed to continually improving and adapting to provide the best possible experience for our members.”
For families looking for a martial arts academy that values their time and input, or for individuals eager to train in a supportive and evolving environment, High Rollers Canberra offers a unique opportunity.
Thanks to the High Rollers Canberra gym for their time in building out this case study. For more detail and information on their gym, approach or classes you can visit www.highrollerscanberra.com.au