Today we’d like to introduce you to Raquel Regno Cusi
Hi Raquel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In college I learned about 2 assaults with 2 female students on 2 separate campuses in San Diego: SDSU and CSUSM (my Alma Mater) in the same week. I decided I wanted to do what I could to not be a victim (or at least have the upper hand if I did) and started researching my journey into Kung Fu. 🧐 At the recommendation from a friend, I was encouraged to find Jiu Jitsu schools in the area and stumbled upon Roy Harris’ academy in Miramar. I had no idea what Jiu Jitsu was but I’m a nerd at heart so I dove right in. Fast forward to almost 20 years later, I now have had the opportunity to operate The Stronghold, and I have dedicated my life to teach others Jiu Jitsu and Self-Defense. It was a calling I had never expected, as I had every intention of owning a coffee shop because I loved people and loved creating community. Thankfully I’ve been able to do all that and then some.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I was 23 when I first opened the academy with my brother and my kids’ father. We were all young and had zero experience owning businesses. We learned a lot about how important it was to invest in our community. Shutdown also hit us really hard and having to rebuild a business more than once proved to be very humbling at times.
We’ve been impressed with The Stronghold, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Stronghold was first founded in October 2007. Originally we opened our doors in Point Loma/Ocean Beach off Chatsworth Blvd but we are now operating in Liberty Station. For almost 18 year we have served the San Diego with a safe, family-friendly environment to learn Jiu Jitsu and Self-Defense. Our legacy has always been to train in a way that would last a lifetime for every generation. We teach kids as young as 2-years-old and firmly believe starting at a young age and training even as an elderly adult has multiple benefits. I think what sets us apart the most is our emphasis on encouraging a lifetime love of Jiu Jitsu and preserving your body to do so. We encourage the whole family to train together.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I love connecting with others! A simple text or email goes a long way. I’m often pretty active on Instagram: Instagram.com/strongholdmom and am running all over Liberty Station daily. I also actively run a couple dozen community groups throughout the week. My own passion projects aside from running academy can be found at strongholdmom.com.
Pricing:
- Jiu Jitsu or Self-Defense Private Lesson: $80
- Jiu Jitsu or Self-Defense Workshop for a group of 20: $250
- Jiu Jitsu Monthly Starter Package (includes uniform): $328
- 10-Class Package for Ladies Self-Defense: $200
- Drop-In Class: $25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thestrongholdsd.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/thestrongholdsd
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/thestrongholdsd
