Fran

Fran  is a Co-founder of Fitness Dojo.  When he is not busy running Tough Mudders, training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and working out Fran is a Director of an IT company.  Fran’s dedication to living a healthier lifestyle has helped him accomplish many personal goals and inspire others around him to do great things in their own lives.

Fran grew up in Shamong, NJ with his parents, 2 sisters and brother.  He graduated from Shawnee High School and then studied Information Systems & Operations Management at Loyola University Maryland.  While attending Loyola, Fran played Rugby for four years.  After graduating with a Masters degree in 2005 he moved back to Marlton, NJ where he now lives.

In May of 2010 Fran decided to try something new and began studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  He was sent to Martial Arts Fitness Center by a recommendation of a close friend and this is where he met Bryan Preston.  Fran found a passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and fitness.  He has continued to train ever since and is working on earning a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.   After joining Martial Arts Fitness Center, Fran became one of the original run-team members and forming Fitness Dojo helped keep everyone going.  From there he has continued to run and complete many races to date, here are a few of the races Fran has ran since 2009.

Races 2009 Ben Franklin Bridge Run 10k, PA 2010 McGuire Run Run 10k, NJ 2010 Tri-State Tough Mudder, NJ 12 miles 2011 Bear Creek Tough Mudder, PA 12 miles 2011 Broad St Run, PA 10 miles 2011 McGuire Mud Run, NJ 10k 2011 Tri-State Tough Mudder, NJ 12 miles ***In true warrior fashion Fran ran both Saturday and Sunday dates back to back.  This is a feat not very many people can say they have done.*** 2012 Ohio/Michigan Tough Mudder, Ohio 12 miles

Fran is an inspiration to all of us and the true meaning of what being a part of Fitness Dojo is all about.  In November of 2011, Team MAFC set out to Englishtown, NJ for the Tri-State Tough Mudder.  Leading up to this event Fran was telling everyone that he was going to run both Saturday and Sunday.  When the weekend came and went we had 5 team members that ran both Saturday and Sunday.  This was an amazing experience, if Fran had not decided to run both days and inspire us to join him we would not have done it.  There have been many races we have ran together, but this was truly a great one.  Thank you Fran for motivating us to be our best.

Fun Facts about Fran Fitness Dojo Bad Ace Tough Mudder – Double Double (Back to Back days) Team MAFC Favorite Place to Run- Anywhere with Bryan and PJ at race speed ha Signature BJJ Technique- North South Choke

Bryan

Bryan Preston is the Co-founder of Fitness Dojo.  Fitness, martial arts, running have been a large part of his life.  A true passion for martial arts and fitness drives him to help others reach their goals, as well keeping his own training going.  He is the owner of Martial Arts Fitness Center in Marlton, NJ.

Born in Michigan, but moved to Medford, NJ at 6 years old.  Bryan is the middle child in a family of 6 with an older brother and twin younger brother and sister.  Bryan graduated from Shawnee High School.  At the age of 15, Bryan started training at Silver’s Karate Center in Medford, NJ where he  would end up teaching full time as a Chief Instructor before opening Martial Arts Fitness Center.

Bryan Preston is a Third Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has been teaching and training for over 20 years combined. He is currently working towards his Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and is a student under Marco Perazzo of New Jersey Martial Arts. Bryan actively takes part in tournaments and competes in various races including Mud Runs, Tough Mudder’s, Beach Runs and more.

Previous to opening his own school, Bryan taught Martial Arts for over ten years in Medford at one of the largest schools in the country to both children and adults. In addition to his years of teaching experience, Bryan completed his studies in Nutrition and to become a Personal Trainer. Bryan received his Personal Training Certification and Nutrition and Wellness Consultant from the AFPA in 2007 and in 2010 became Marlton’s Certified Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning Coach.

Since 2005, Bryan has been a Team Captain for Medford’s Relay For Life. Tony’s Team was founded in honor of Bryan’s father Anthony Preston who passed away from cancer and has been a part of the relay for life to honor him and everyone that has had or loved someone with cancer. With the aid of his teammates, he has helped raise money to find a cure for cancer. To honor the memory of his father, Bryan walked non-stop for a full twenty four hours in 2005.

Certified Personal Trainer (AFPA) Certified Wellness & Nutrition Consultant (AFPA) Certified Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning Coach (NESTA) Certified Fitness Nutrition Coach (NESTA) Certified Core Conditioning Specialist (NESTA) Certified Aquatic Fitness Trainer (NESTA/ AquaLogix)

Races

2009 Sea Isle City Beach Run 10 miles, NJ 2009 Mcguire Mud Run 10k, NJ 2010 Sea Isle City Beach Run 10 miles, NJ 2010 McGuire Mud Run 10k, NJ 2011 Bear Creek Tough Mudder 12 miles, NJ 2011 Broad St Run 10 miles, NJ 2011 Sea Isle City Beach Run 10 miles, NJ 2011 McGuire Mud Run 10k, NJ 2011 Tri-State Tough Mudder 12 miles, NJ (Back to Back days)

Fun Facts about Bryan

Been called the “Mad Scientist” Tough Mudder Double Double (Back to Back days) Team MAFC Favorite place to run- On the beach in Sea Isle City, NJ Signature BJJ technique- Head and Arm Choke