Stig Lyshaug was one of the original founders of the franchise in 1998, when it was just a Taekwondo school. As the owner of MUDO Gym in Moelv, Gjøvik, Lillehammer, Brumunddal (part owner) and most recently Elverum, he owns the most gyms in the MUDO and HITIO chain by far.
With a solid background from martial arts, it probably didn’t come as a surprise to anyone that this would be his fate.
“I started practicing Taekwondo in 1983. I was 15 years old and had grown tired of football. Taekwondo gave me a lot in terms of setting clear and distinct goals, working hard to reach the them and not least to compete.”
Stig describes the journey with MUDO as both fun and educational. He believes the family concept is one of the best things about the chain.
“While the five-year-old trains MUDO Tiger, the parents can train in the gym. We see a clear trend in more people signing up for family memberships. Also, I think our profile through colours, illustrations, equipment and lighting is by far the coolest in the industry today.”
He has always been excited about starting up and running his own business, but how did he end up owning so many?
“I started in Gjøvik and expanded to Lillehammer and the other centres eventually. It has probably come naturally as the years have passed.”
There is no doubt Stig is a visionary. It became extra clear when he chose to renovate MUDO Gym Gjøvik in the middle of the pandemic. The result was superb, something the members eagerly proclaim on social media.
Stig has some good advice for others who dream of becoming a franchisee in the chain:
“Follow your dream! The concept is well-crafted and professional.”