Karasu Tengu Academy
MMA, Jiu Jitsu & Muay Thai Gym
Website strategy, content planning, wireframing, website design, photography, and site build
KTA is a small MMA gym with big goals. They needed a new website that not only attracted new gym members, but also showcased the fighters they manage — a side of the business that had never been promoted online before. I was brought on to rethink the entire digital presence and create a site that aligned with their future growth.
I overhauled the owner’s DIY Wix site and ended with a strategic redesign that turned the gym’s online presence into a lead-generating machine. I transformed their site into a clean, conversion-focused marketing hub — built to showcase their programs, establish local authority, promote the gym fighters and management, and drive interested customers to take action.
Since launch, they’ve grown 500%, now rank #2 in the region for “MMA gym”, and continue to see membership increases month over month. The business went from 1-2 online inquiries a month to 4-20.
The previous website focused only on gym memberships, missing a huge part of the business: fighter management.
Fighters weren’t being promoted effectively online, which limited their opportunities for matchups and exposure.
The gym was struggling to attract new members due to a lack of clear messaging and a dated visual style.
Discovery & Research
I met with the owner to deeply understand his vision for both sides of the business: the gym and the management arm. We discussed his goals for growth, what kind of members he wanted to attract, and what his fighters needed in terms of visibility.
Content Strategy
Restructured the site to create distinct paths for new gym members and fighters/fighter management.
Created a new “Team KTA” page to showcase each fighter with stats, photos, weight class and fight record details.
Added clear CTAs for both sign-ups and fighter inquiries.
UX Design
Wireframed a clean homepage layout that split attention between the gym and fighter showcase without creating confusion.
Focused on clear navigation, minimal distractions, and a bold, gritty aesthetic that matched the energy of MMA culture.
Visual Design
The new website helped KTA gain new interest in its management services — something they had never promoted online before.
Fighters now have a professional, shareable presence online, increasing their chances for bookings.
The owner reported an uptick in inquiries and praised the site for finally reflecting the level of talent and professionalism they bring to the sport.
