Building a Culture-First Gym: How Convergent Jiu Jitsu and Dollamur Brought a Vision to Life in Covington, LA
Opening a new gym isn’t just about hanging a sign and putting down mats — it’s about creating a space that reflects your values, your culture, and your vision for the community. That’s exactly what happened in Covington, Louisiana, where Convergent Jiu Jitsu was born out of collaboration, craftsmanship, and culture.
The team behind Convergent partnered with Dollamur, an industry leader in martial arts flooring and wall solutions, to turn their dream facility into a reality.
Even without prior experience working with Dollamur, our Convergent team found them incredibly responsive, professional, and solution-oriented. From the first inquiry to the final install, the Dollamur team treated the project like a shared mission — not just another order. That’s something that is overlooked in today’s society. Dollamur felt like they had a vested interest in the creation of our little gym.
Culture on the Mats: Swain Hybrid Mats + Judo-Sprung Floor
At the heart of Convergent’s training space are Dollamur Swain Hybrid Mats, laid over a fully integrated judo-sprung floor — a combination that marries safety, performance, and style.
Why this setup? Because every roll matters.
- Swain Hybrid Mats offer a textured tatami surface with the resilience of vinyl, giving our athletes the grip they want and the durability they need. These mats are designed for both gi and no-gi grappling, making them perfect for a versatile jiu jitsu academy.
- Underneath, the judo-sprung floor system brings shock absorption to another level. Ideal for high-amplitude throws and long training sessions, the sprung floor protects joints, reduces impact fatigue, and fosters a safer environment for beginners and seasoned grapplers alike. Our old guard highly recommends a judo-sprung floor!
Together, these elements transform the mat space into a professional-level training platform — the kind of setup you usually only see in elite competition centers or Olympic training facilities.
Building a Vibe: Custom Wood Wall Pads & Finishing Touches
A gym’s energy starts with its design — and we weren’t about to settle for generic. Working hand-in-hand with Dollamur’s team, the gym developed a custom look anchored by wood-backed wall pads that blend minimalist aesthetics with practical protection.
These aren’t your average vinyl-covered panels. The wood adds stability when anchoring to a commercially built facitlity. The custom logos and finish of the product laid out, in full accent a nice, completed feel. And just like everything Dollamur does, the craftsmanship was top-tier — cut-to-fit, code-compliant, and built to last.
Every detail, from color coordination to pad thickness, was a conversation — not a compromise. The Dollamur team brought years of experience, creative insights, and a clear sense of collaboration to the process. The result? A space that feels like Convergent Jiu Jitsu before a single student steps on the mat.
The Dollamur Difference: From Vision to Reality
If you're a gym owner or coach thinking about building a new space — or upgrading an existing one — the team at Dollamur makes that leap, feel less like a gamble and more like a game plan.
Even without a history with the company, the Convergent crew was met with:
- Quick, clear communication
- Expert design consultations
- Real-world advice tailored to gym goals
- Full customization across materials, dimensions, and aesthetic
They didn’t just sell mats — they helped shape a culture. That’s what we feel is the Dollamur difference.
Final Roll
Convergent Jiu Jitsu isn’t just another gym opening its doors in Covington, LA. It’s a testament to what’s possible when vision meets execution — and when gym owners’ team up with the right partners. Thanks to Dollamur’s Swain Hybrid Mats and custom wall pads, Convergent now stands as a high-end training hub with roots in both craftsmanship and community.
