Strong competencies of the Fightschool with Region Hannover

© Fightschool

A passion for the profession

Managing Director David Palokaj and his wife Elena founded Fightschool in 2013 as a result of their hobby of mixed martial arts (MMA) and the realization that training conditions around Hanover were poor. Until then, there were no freely accessible mats in studios for independent training in this martial art. This gave rise to the vision of the Fightschool - an open concept in which everyone is open to all types of martial arts and a cross-course approach is practiced. Currently, around 200 children and young people train at the Fightschool several times a week alongside adults. Events such as Fight Night are also held regularly, where various professional fighters or teams compete against each other in kickboxing or MMA.

Business development meets Fightschool

The roof of the Fightschool's previous premises near the Kabelkamp train station collapsed in 2017. A new hall therefore had to be built quickly in order to continue training. After a bridging period with half a hall and a dilapidated roof, the GmbH was founded in 2019 and a new large hall with around 2,600 square meters was found, which allowed enough space for more martial arts enthusiasts. The start of the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit the fitness industry particularly hard, was not enough at the beginning of 2020. After months of rental negotiations, Fightschool was able to sign the contract for the location on the second floor of the Media Markt building near the Windhausstraße stop. But how was the new hall to be financed? - Elena and David Palokaj were recommended by their savings bank advisor to Thomas Schüßler, a corporate customer advisor at the Hannover Region Economic Development Agency . With his strong expertise , Mr. Schüßler still supports the Fightschool today with advice and assistance in business matters .

In cooperation with the Hannover Region, regular BWA planning made it possible to rent and finance a new hall and accommodation for the Fightschool and to establish the company on a sustainable basis. In addition, the free offers of the Hannover Region, such as the workshop series on business success and other seminars on coaching, marketing and project management , were utilized. Networking in the workshops with other regional entrepreneurs was also a great enrichment.

Diversity in martial arts

The number of participants in the Fightschool is growing. The demand for the practice of fair and highly professional martial arts has never been higher. - The Fightschool currently has around 70 new registrations per month. A total of 2 full-time and 2 part-time employees and 25 mini-jobbers also work in the studio. The Fightschool is strongly committed to the "Diversity in Martial Arts" initiative of the German Sports Federation . The martial arts scene is consciously positioning itself against the right-wing movement. David Palokaj in particular is involved as managing director of the Fightschool and offers the initiative space for seminars and other events.