Martial Arts Business Builds Strength in St. Petersburg Community

Suncoast Martial Arts Group, Inc. of Pinellas County

For Eric and Julee Taylor, Suncoast Martial Arts Group Inc. is more than a studio—it’s a place where discipline, confidence and community come together.

Located in St. Petersburg, the business offers instruction in kung fu, tactical jujitsu, Filipino martial arts and tai chi. But at its core, Suncoast Martial Arts Group focuses on something deeper.

“Our main focus is helping our students grow within and without,” Eric Taylor, owner and head instructor, said. “The greatest purpose we have for our students is to teach them not only external techniques, but internal techniques—the mind, body and spirit.”

That mission is rooted in Taylor’s lifelong passion for martial arts. He began training more than 40 years ago and credits the discipline for shaping his life.

“It helped me learn discipline and control and confidence and to stay in shape,” he said. “I want to give that same gift to other students and other people in my community.”

While Taylor had mastery in martial arts, navigating business ownership was a new challenge. That’s when he connected with business consultant Debra Schweikowsky at the Florida Small Business Development Center at Pinellas County Economic Development.

Through one-on-one consulting, Taylor gained the tools needed to grow and sustain the business.

“She helped me with my business plan,” Taylor said. “She helped me check out the demographics of the business to make sure I have the right clientele. She helped me also with marketing so I can know what my age group [is] and the people that I can touch more effectively.”

That guidance proved critical when Taylor pursued full ownership of the studio.

“With the help of Debra, she helped me to acquire the business,” he said. “I didn’t think I was able to, but she held my hand step by step, and so I was able to purchase or buy out the partners of Suncoast Martial Arts Group.”

Shortly after taking ownership, the business faced a major setback when hurricanes caused significant damage.

“It destroyed our vehicles, it damaged our mats, and because of the time period, it affected us financially,” Taylor explained. “I didn’t know where to go.”

Once again, the Florida SBDC at Pinellas County stepped in to help.

“I had to reach out to the SBDC and talk to Debra,” he said. “I was all worried, and Debra said, ‘No worries. I got you.’”

With Schweikowsky’s assistance, the business secured a bridge loan that helped them recover and rebuild.

“We were able to get new mats and get a new vehicle and work with our community,” Taylor said.

For the Taylors, success isn’t defined solely by financial growth—it’s measured by the transformation they see in their students.

“Watching the children develop as they grow and seeing how they transition from the beginning to where they’re at now—that’s important,” Julee Taylor said. “The fundamentals that we’re teaching the children is how we help our community.”

Eric echoed that sentiment, noting the changes he sees in students who come through their doors.

“To see that disruptive kid … and after a while being here, helping them say ‘Yes sir’ and ‘No sir,’ and their grades increase—that’s really touching,” he said. “Seeing the kids have purpose and discipline for the first time is really our biggest success.”

With a strong foundation and continued support from the Florida SBDC at PCED, Suncoast Martial Arts Group is planning for growth.

The business hopes to expand its facility and reach more families while also deepening its community engagement through events like Family Night, which brings parents and children together for training and fellowship.

“We gather all the families together, and we have a bonding moment where we work out and connect with one another,” Julee said.

Eric is already working with Schweikowsky on strategies to make expansion a reality.

“I really want to get a bigger spot and a bigger business so we can touch more of the community,” he said. “Debra has already started working with me on the strategy so that can make that goal happen.”

Both Julee and Eric encourage other entrepreneurs to take advantage of resources like the Florida SBDC Network.

“It’s a great resource,” Julee said. “Having a great mentor like Debra is vital for us.”

“I kind of look at Debra as my sensei in the business world,” Eric added. “You need a sensei. No matter how much you know, you need guidance.”

With continued mentorship and a commitment to community, Suncoast Martial Arts Group is poised to keep building strength, both inside and outside the studio.