Today we’d like to introduce you to Sergio Lopez
Hi Sergio, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Originally, I was born in Easley, SC, and moved to Chicago, IL, with my parents as an infant. I was raised just outside of Chicago’s Westside, but I would spend my childhood summers and holiday vacations visiting my grandparents here in the Upstate. I always knew from a young age that I wanted to move back to South Carolina one day.
In high school, I joined the wrestling team and quickly fell in love with the sport. I also began training in Mixed Martial Arts and Jiu-Jitsu outside of school at a local gym, taking on some exhibition and amateur matchups. Upon finishing high school, I earned a scholarship to Elmhurst University, where I wrestled for four years while earning a bachelor’s degree, double-majoring in Finance and Economics. I also continued my martial arts training throughout college.
After college, I began my corporate career in banking and finance, working in Downtown Chicago until the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. My company transitioned to remote work, and within the first few months, I decided to relocate from Chicago back to South Carolina. While continuing to work remotely, I began a new professional project in the fall of 2021, helping my best friend and now business partner, Manny Vazquez, co-found and open 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Greenville. Together, we managed the day-to-day business operations, coached Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling classes, and even competed professionally around the country.
After almost three years of building and growing the business, an opportunity arose for me to venture out on my own. In May 2024, I opened Easley Grappling Club (EGC), a martial arts training facility focusing on No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling for high schoolers and adults. EGC is affiliated with Manny Vazquez, who continues to advise us on all things Jiu-Jitsu and grappling-related.
I continue to work remotely during the day, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Outside of that, I own, operate, and coach at EGC, with daily classes at 6 a.m. and evenings after 6 p.m., as well as on weekends.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been a smooth journey?
When you own and operate your own business, it is never a smooth road. Don’t get me wrong—we’ve definitely had some great times and significant accomplishments along the way. However, the day-to-day grind is often challenging and continually presents new obstacles. My wife and I work together to learn how to overcome these challenges.
Since neither of us had prior experience running a business, we’ve spent a lot of time learning, developing new skills, and attending networking events in our free time. The biggest lesson we’ve learned is that we’re in the service industry, where we meet a wide variety of people, each operating differently. We remind ourselves that we are in the “people business,” and Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling are just what brought us together. It’s our responsibility to keep our community together and grow what we lovingly call our “gym family.”
What sets Easley Grappling Club apart, and what can you share about your work?
Easley Grappling Club is a local martial arts grappling gym based in Easley, South Carolina. We specialize in disciplines like Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and self-defense, emphasizing ground fighting and submission techniques. The club offers classes for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, and serves both recreational and competitive athletes.
EGC is located at 124 Village Lane, Easley, SC 29642, inside The Lab at Bang Bang Fitness. The training center spans 6,500 square feet and is designed as a one-stop destination for fitness, recovery, and grappling. At EGC, you’ll learn No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling on almost 900 square feet of high-quality mats.
As the founder and head coach, I bring over 15 years of grappling experience in both wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu. In November 2024, I earned my Brown Belt in Jiu-Jitsu under Manny Vazquez.
We offer year-round classes in 100% No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu and Folkstyle Wrestling for high schoolers and adults. In the spring and summer, we also provide Freestyle and Greco-Roman Wrestling classes. We invite everyone to try a free trial class, and we hope to earn your business.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Just show up! It’s really that simple. Martial arts and combat sports can be intimidating. Many people feel they need to “get in shape” or “prepare themselves” before trying a class. In reality, the best way to start is just to come in—and to keep coming back.
There are no shortcuts in something that is both physically and mentally challenging. From my experience, the people who keep showing up, regardless of what happened in the prior class or competition, are the ones who find the most success over time—not necessarily those who are the biggest, fastest, or strongest.
Pricing:
- $150/month for our Base Membership (Month-to-Month)
- $375 for 3-Months in full
- $725 for 6-Months in full
- $1,400 for 12-Months in full
- $225 Punch Card for 10-Classes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.easleygrapplingclub.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/easleygrapplingclub/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Easley-Grappling-Club/61558936165629/
