Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakyn And Amber Bendle.
Hi Lakyn and Amber, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Funky Flow Jiu Jitsu started long before we ever signed a lease. As two women who share a passion for jiu jitsu, we often talked about one day opening our own academy, and we always imagined it being in downtown Florence.
Before Funky Flow officially existed, we started teaching extra classes out of our garage. What began as a way to share our love of jiu jitsu with a small group of people quickly grew into something bigger. As more people showed interest, the dream started to feel a lot more like a reality.
Then one day, we came across a space for rent in downtown Florence. It felt like the opportunity we had been waiting for, and within days we had signed the lease. Suddenly, all those conversations, plans, and garage classes became a real business.
Since opening in 2025, we’ve worked to build more than just a jiu jitsu academy. We wanted to create a place where people could learn, grow, and be part of something bigger than themselves. As a same-sex couple balancing full-time careers, family life, and entrepreneurship, the journey has certainly had its challenges, but seeing the community that has formed around Funky Flow has made every step worthwhile.
What we’re most proud of is the culture we’ve built and the people who make it special. Watching students gain confidence, form friendships, and become proud representatives of our academy has been the most rewarding part of the journey so far.
Alright, 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?
Like any first-time business owners, we’ve faced our share of challenges while building Funky Flow Jiu Jitsu. While the journey has been incredibly rewarding, it certainly hasn’t always been easy.
As a female-owned jiu jitsu academy in a traditionally male-dominated industry, we’ve had to navigate obstacles that many academy owners may not encounter. Adding to that, we are a same-sex couple building a business, raising a family, and pursuing a shared dream together. There wasn’t a clear roadmap for our exact situation, so at times we’ve had to learn through experience and trust our instincts.
One of the biggest challenges has been balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with full-time careers and family life. There are plenty of long days, late nights, and sacrifices behind the scenes. Thankfully, we’ve been fortunate to have an incredible support system, including friends and mentors within the jiu jitsu community who have offered guidance, encouragement, and perspective along the way.
While the road hasn’t always been smooth, every challenge has helped us grow, not only as business owners, but as partners, parents, and leaders. Looking back, those struggles have made the successes even more meaningful.
We’ve been impressed with Funky Flow Fitness and Jiu Jitsu, 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?
Funky Flow Jiu Jitsu is a family-oriented Jiu Jitsu academy located in downtown Florence, South Carolina. We offer classes for children, teens, and adults of all experience levels, from complete beginners to active competitors.
What sets us apart is the culture we’ve built. We believe great jiu jitsu and a great community should go hand in hand. Our academy is a place where people are challenged to grow, supported through the process, and welcomed regardless of their experience level or background. We strive to create an environment where families can train together, beginners feel comfortable learning, and experienced practitioners continue to evolve.
We’re especially proud of the sense of community that has developed at Funky Flow. The relationships, encouragement, and support among our members are what make our academy special. While we teach effective jiu jitsu, we’re equally passionate about helping people build confidence, resilience, discipline, and lasting friendships.
At the end of the day, Funky Flow is about more than martial arts. It’s about creating a positive space where people can challenge themselves, grow together, and become the best versions of themselves both on and off the mats.
What does success mean to you?
Success means creating a positive impact on the people we serve. While growth, achievements, and milestones are important, we measure success by the lives we help change through Jiu Jitsu.
When a child gains confidence, a teenager learns resilience, an adult discovers a healthier lifestyle, or someone finds a sense of belonging within our community, that’s success to us. Seeing our students accomplish goals they once thought were out of reach, both on and off the mats, is far more rewarding than any trophy or title. It’s also incredibly meaningful when we hear students say they’re proud to represent Funky Flow. Knowing that people are proud to be part of the culture we’ve built is one of the greatest measures of success for us.
As business owners, success also means staying true to our values while building something that serves our community and creates opportunities for others. If we can continue to provide a welcoming place where people grow, support one another, and develop skills that positively impact their lives, we’ll consider Funky Flow a success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.funkyflowfjj.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funkyflowjiujitsu
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572933531889
