Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Copeland.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Brian. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Since childhood, I have always been passionate about martial arts and fitness. I spent my life training in various martial arts; playing around with the idea of becoming a professional fighter but severe lower back pain put a stop to that in my early 20s.
Fortunately, I have since become pain-free and help others get rid of low back pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, etc. through my other business Copeland’s Core Fitness.
Prior to starting my business I found myself in corporate training and ended up as the National Training Manager for a nation-wide consumer retailer. I learned a lot about adult education, patience, and how to best teach different styles of learners to be successful.
After a layoff from a corporate job that I hated with every fiber of my being I decided that now was finally the time to make a change. I jumped into the deep end without any help, guidance, or knowing what the heck I was doing. I just knew I had a passion and I was going to help people.
The first three years were a struggle for sure. But along the way I learned, grew, and perhaps got lucky. And 12 years later here I am still following my passion and helping people to become stronger, tougher, and more confident.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am often reminded of stories of how successful entrepreneurs such as Richard Branson were raised. Their parents raised them to take risks, be bold, and go get what they wanted.
I, however, was not raised that way. And THAT was the biggest struggle. Thankfully I have learned a lot and put it into practice and the more that I act bold, the more my business flourishes and the more people I can help.
Any small business starting out will face financial struggles; that much is expected. What a lot of people don’t realize about small businesses is the level of anxiety that the owners can feel. When you are passionate about your business, it is your baby. And you want it to succeed and thrive but deep down inside you know that it could all be gone tomorrow.
Learning to replace the mindset of scarcity with a mindset of abundance helps me overcome those anxieties. Putting my trust in God has been key.
When I talk to my clients; many of whom have been with me for years, and they tell me how much I have impacted their lives both physically and mentally it gives me such an overwhelming sense of appreciation for what I am blessed to be doing for a living.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Progressive Combat Systems – what should we know?
Progressive Combat Systems is a reality-based combative martial arts school. What sets us apart from typical martial arts is that we teach real people to be prepared for real violence.
Not to merely spar with partners but to deal with muggers, drunks, road ragers, murderers, and other violent criminals.
I witness the changes in people. People become more confident in all areas of their lives. They become more peaceful since they feel more powerful their egos don’t need to be as guarded. It helps people keep their cool in stressful situations and make better decisions in all areas of their lives.
Plus they learn how to kick butt!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Developing a personal relationship with my clients has been the single most important quality that has led to my success right next to being really good at what I do.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2323 S. Troy Street, Aurora, CO 80014
Building 1, Unit 104 - Website: http://www.progressivecombatsystems.com
- Phone: 303-435-0025
- Email: brian@progressivecombatsystems.com
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/briancopeland

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