KickLink: A Platform to Train with World Champion Martial Artists
Danny Etkin is a world champion martial artist, international instructor, and member of USC Sigma Eta Pi. Based on his own experiences teaching, Danny recently launched his own martial arts platform, KickLink. We asked Danny more about the platform and the process of creating it.
What is KickLink?
Danny: “KickLink is an online platform that allows users to find and book martial arts coaches. Users can schedule times, message coaches, and pay for lessons directly on the platform.”
How did KickLink begin?
Danny: “KickLink can be traced back to Fall 2019 when I was working on a peer-to-peer tutoring platform in the Sigma Eta Pi Founders Education Accelerator. Over time, I knew I wanted to do something that was more niche and aligned with my passions. As a martial arts competitor for most of my life, I realized that in my space there was an issue where people didn’t know where to find high-level martial arts coaches, and the coaches wanted more students. I soon realized that I can use the same technology my team was working on for the peer-to-peer tutoring platform, but to find martial arts coaches instead. Being deeply involved with the martial arts space, this idea really excited me.”
How did you know this was a problem in the martial arts world?
Danny: “It was from my own experiences as well as what I’ve heard from others. I remember when I was a young martial artist waiting for the perfect opportunity to approach my soon-to-be coach, Matt Emig, at a tournament. I was really nervous and without the encouragement of my grandpa who knew I was a big fan of Matt, I probably would’ve never made that connection. I also had to be at the perfect place at the perfect time, as well as having proactive parents who asked for his contact information, so there was a big element of luck for me as well. Many of my students now say they had a similar experience with meeting me. Some of them have told me that their peers back home asked how they were able to get in contact with me, wanting lessons themselves. After talking to other coaches, they shared similar experiences. The funny thing is that the coaches really wanted to get in contact with those students as well to increase their client base. Because of this, I knew a platform to facilitate this connection would be valuable for both students and coaches.”
Who is KickLink for?
Danny: “At the moment, KickLink is primarily for sport martial artists who want to train with a world-class coach. However, as the company grows we plan to broaden our horizon and make this a service for anyone trying to find a martial arts coach.”
Who gets to coach on KickLink?
Danny: “Right now we have a selective application process and are only accepting elite-level coaches. We currently have around 80 coaches with over 40 of them being world champions. We also have some of the best tricking (martial arts acrobatics) athletes around the world from four countries. However, as the platform gets bigger we would like to onboard more mainstream instructors.”
What role has SEP played in your entrepreneurial journey?
Danny: “SEP has played and is still playing a huge role in my entrepreneurial journey. I’ve learned so much about how to start a business from Founder’s Education. I’m constantly reaching out to SEP members and alumni for their advice and expertise.”
What is your vision for KickLink?
Danny: “The vision is for KickLink to be a platform to help all aspiring martial artists find the perfect coach for them so that they can reach their full potential on and off the mat.”
