About Zebra

Welcome to the World’s Leading Training Facility Outfitter.

Founded in 1997, Zebra offers premier-quality athletic flooring, mats, training equipment and accessories as well as expert facility consultation, design, installation services.

While our heritage is in Mixed Martial Arts and Martial Arts, we also offer a comprehensive line of products and services for the Yoga and Fitness communities.

 

A History of Innovation

Zebra was the first flooring company to market premium quality mat systems for all Martial Arts disciplines. We developed the first 1” thick tatami style mat for the Striking Arts. We were first to market with specialty mat systems for Cardio Kick Boxing and Cardio Karate programs, adding specially coated vinyl to allow use of shoes without damaging mat finish and performance. When MMA became a mainstream sport, Zebra was the first to introduce textureless vinyl for use in No-Gi training. Zebra also mastered the delicate challenge of Hot Yoga flooring, offering a temperature stable, easily cleanable flooring solution to the Yoga industry.

Explore Our Products 

Customers As Partners

At Zebra, we know what it’s like to run a small business because we are a small business.  Our professionals will collaborate with you through every step of the process to make sure your vision is executed on time and on budget.

We partner with owners of gyms, dojos, studios and schools who serve highly disciplined athletes and members who are confident in challenging themselves to peak performance knowing they are supported by the safest, most durable equipment in the world.

Zebra has been fortunate enough to partner with some of the most premier and elite organizations and individuals on the planet.

Our trusted partners in grappling and jiu-jitsu include Marcelo Garcia, Charles Gracie and the Charles Gracie Association, Pedro Sauer and the Pedro Sauer Association, Leo Vieira and Checkmat, Eddie Bravo and 10th Planet, Claudio Franca and the BJJ Tour, Studio 540, and the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF).

In combat sports our partners include Javier Mendez and AKA, Blackhouse MMA, Mike Winklejohn and JacksonWink MMA, John Crouch and The MMA Lab, Henri Hooft and Hardknocks 365, Tiger Muay Thai, and Greg Nelson and The Academy. We work with premier organizations such as ONE Championship, Invicta FC, LFA, Bellator, and Driller Promotions.

In Traditional Martial Arts we are the trusted partner of the ATA, Tiger-Rock Martial Arts, Midwest Aikido, Sabre League, Machida Karate Academy. Our mats are approved by the International Judo Federation.

Elite Athletes around the world trust Zebra as their official training mat including UFC fighters Israel Adesanya, Alexander Volkanovski, Sean O’Malley, Cortney Casey, Jessica Eye, Lauren Murphy, Dan Moret, Scott Holtzman, Michelle Waterson, Peter Sobotta, and James Krause;  Bellator fighters Benson Henderson and Justin Wren; Invicta athlete and Muay Thai Champion Kaitlin Young; grappling champions Elisabeth Clay, Robert Drysdale, Mahamed Aly, Carlos Machado, Bruno Mendes, and Marcelo Garcia.

We are also the official partner of Channah Zeitung and her amazing journey.

This are just a few of the people we work with.  Everyday we help dreamers all over the globe reach their potential in training, in business, and in life.

Are you ready to dream with us?

Collaborate with Zebra today, call 1.800.989.8085 or email us here.

View Our Featured Partners 

Meet the Team

At Zebra, we know that a training center is a very personal space with a unique vision, goal and setup. The Zebra team strives to help owners make it all happen.

Whether that’s partnering to help you layout a brand new space, reimagine a current one or simply add a few new pieces of equipment to your offerings, we’ll be there every step of the way. At the end of the day, we are a family-owned business dedicated to partnering with companies like our own in an effort to keep small businesses alive in this country.

Please feel free to reach out to one of our team members directly, contact us via email or drop us a line over the phone 800.989.8085. We’d love to hear from you and can’t wait to get started making your next dream become a reality.

  • Kyle
    McKinney

    President

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  • Kyle
    McKinney

    President

    What’s your life story (in two sentences or less)?

    Born in Alaska, but Texas will always be “Home”. Minnesota is where I am making a great life with my friends and dog Domino.  I fly a lot.

    What makes you unique from the people you work with at Zebra?

    I have a very diverse background of personal and professional experiences I can draw from.  From extensive experience in the logistics industry to my time living in Russia; I can use this experience to connect with our staff, vendors and partner clients.  I have a passion for combat sports and am a dedicated fan of them and the people that make it great.

    What is your favorite part about working with Zebra’s customers?

    Unquestionably being able to play a part in designing and building someone’s dream.  Often we are entering their life after years of struggle and work towards this dream and to even play a small role in making it happen provides me inspiration and motivation to make our company better.

    If you were opening a gym or yoga studio, which products would be your must-haves? Why?

    Custom! Custom! Custom!  I would have my logo printed on Zebra Mats, Zebra Wall Pads, and I would get custom Zebra Heavy and Muay Thai bags to show off my logo and my brand everywhere.

    What else do you want customers to know about you?

    I am here to help any of our valued partners.  If you need business help or questions on sponsorships or partnerships in the industry let me know.  Please connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.



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  • nicki
    klein

    vice president - growth

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  • nicki
    klein

    vice president - growth

    What’s your life story (in two sentences or less)?

    Raised in North Dakota, I became a Minnesota transplant after attending the University of Minnesota Duluth. Outside of work I’m busy raising three girls, training jiu jitsu, and occasionally hiding in the closet with a box of Girl Scout cookies and glass of wine.

    What makes you unique from the people you work with at Zebra?

    I have the most decorated office at Zebra. It started with some pictures and progressed to an armchair, throw pillows, lamps, and a rug. My cowokers make fun of me because totally girly, But I maintain that you can love both a good D’arce choke and a succulent in a rose gold bowl.

    What is your favorite part about working with Zebra’s customers?

    I love the variety of customers we work with. And whether it’s a Tae Kwon Do studio, an MMA gym, or a fitness center, all of our customers are so passionate about their spaces that it’s fun to join in their excitement and watch their ideas come to life.

    If you were opening a gym or yoga studio, which products would be your must-haves? Why?

    The Zebra 2” Tatami mat is perfect for grappling, especially if you’re a gym that works takedowns a lot. I would add the Mat Framing Kit for that extra professional touch. For working takedowns, I’d also throw in our 4in or 6in thick landing mat, because takedowns are essential but the repeated landings can definitely beat up your body a bit.

    What else do you want customers to know about you?

    I’m working on my first novel, a historical fiction piece based loosely around Henry VIII’s attempt to destroy one of the last remaining Catholic abbeys in England. It’s perpetually in rough draft mode, but my (not so inner) history nerd has very much enjoyed the process of researching and writing it.



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  • Michelle Donovan

    vice president - operations

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  • Michelle Donovan

    vice president - operations

    What’s your life story (in two sentences or less)?

    I’m a half Korean/American gal who grew up mostly in MN, but in my early years we lived in Germany & South Korea. Fast forward to my life now where by day I am a wife, a mother, a dog mom, and a part of Team Zebra; by night I am a passionate Jiu Jitsu practitioner, instructor, and active competitor.

    What makes you unique from the people you work with at Zebra?

    I would have to say my experience in Jiu Jitsu sets me apart from my co-workers; I started training in 2010 (minus some time for a baby) and started competing in 2015.

    What is your favorite part about working with Zebra’s customers?

    The passion! Nearly everyone who is in this industry has a passion for their martial art, sport, fitness, etc. and working with customers that are pursuing their dreams is inspiring.

    If you were opening a gym or yoga studio, which products would be your must-haves? Why?

    Our Zebra mats, specifically the 2” Woodgrain MMAs in conjunction with a 2” Black MMA border because that’s a sharp combo. In addition, I would do white wall pads with logos to help brighten the room and reflect light for good pictures. I’ve been to a lot of Jiu Jitsu gyms, and I’ve been on a lot of different brands of mats, but nothing compares to the quality of Zebra – hands down.

    What else do you want customers to know about you?

    I have been in your position, maybe not specifically the martial art, sport or fitness you practice, but I have gone step for step in the process to setting up a home gym and even a facility. I know the struggles, and the joys attached to doing something as scary and exciting as opening your own gym. Trust me when I say, I understand and I’m here to help.

    Also, if you ever go out to eat with me (and I’m not in competition mode), odds are I’ll get dessert before the meal – it’s my guilty pleasure.



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  • Tony
    Jenniges

    vice president - sales

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  • Tony
    Jenniges

    vice president - sales

    What’s your life story (in two sentences or less)?

    I am blessed to have been married to my wife for nearly 30 years and have two wonderful children.

    I have a ‘work hard, play hard’ attitude and will do what it takes to get the job done each and every day.

    What makes you unique from the people you work with at Zebra?

    My background in construction, customer service, and sales have all contributed to me being able to assist clients for the past five years in the best possible way.

    What is your favorite part about working with Zebra’s customers?

    I enjoy getting to know my customers and finding ways to make their dreams of a new facility come true.

    Seeing before and after pictures of a client’s facility!

    Being contacted from a returning client saying they are expanding or adding a location!

    If you were opening a gym or yoga studio, which products would be your must-haves? Why?

    I would definitely include a logo.  Logos. especially on walls, are very high visibility and are a great place to take photos.

    Another must have would be proper cleaning equipment.

    What else do you want customers to know about you?

    I am a responder!  I want my customers to know they are going to get the best when they work with me: prompt, friendly service and a superior product.



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  • brent
    "trig"
    peters

    sales executive

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  • brent
    "trig"
    peters

    sales executive

    What’s your life story (in two sentences or less)?

    15 year U.S. Army Veteran; OEF/OND Veteran of several Combat Missions. Married to Kristi for 18-years, native Minnesotan; Baseball Fanatic.

    What makes you unique from the people you work with at Zebra?

    I’m not special, I’m not unique, I’m just me. In all honesty, each of my colleagues come from different life experiences and in that way there is a diversity of strength that is represented within our culture.

    What is your favorite part about working with Zebra’s customers?

    Meeting the expectations of clients; being able to interpret a client’s vision is rewarding.

    If you were opening a gym or yoga studio, which products would be your must-haves? Why?

    Zebra MMA Mats, Elevated Sub-Floor with 3 x 3 foam blocks, Zebra Wall Pads (custom printed),

    What else do you want customers to know about you?

    I am training to complete a life-goal; Hike the Appalachian Trail after I retire from the U.S. Army in 2023/2024. It’s a 4-6 month commitment covering over 2100 miles.



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  • nick
    bez

    sales executive

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  • nick
    bez

    sales executive

    What’s your life story (in two sentences or less)?

    Born in Connecticut, raised in Massachusetts and Minnesota.  I grew up playing lacrosse and football, and then discovered yoga during my early twenties and have built my career in the health and wellness industry from there.

    What makes you unique from the people you work with at Zebra?

    My wife and I used to own a yoga studio, and I’ve been teaching yoga and fitness for over 10 years.

    What is your favorite part about working with Zebra’s customers?

    Getting to support individuals who are working to make their community healthier.

    If you were opening a gym or yoga studio, which products would be your must-haves? Why?

    1” Yoga & Fitness Tiles, I had them in my yoga studio and they were phenomenal for the yoga, barre, and fitness classes we offered!

    What else do you want customers to know about you?

    Despite being the in-house yoga guy, I love a good UFC Fight Night.



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  • zach
    lambert

    sales executive

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  • zach
    lambert

    sales executive

    What’s your life story (in two sentences or less)?

    “Sometimes I guess there just aren’t enough rocks.”  If you don’t religiously quote movies-then we might not be friends.

    What makes you unique from the people you work with at Zebra?

    Coming from a Jiu Jitsu background, I have developed a keen understanding and perspective as to what your students would like to see at a new gym.

    What is your favorite part about working with Zebra’s customers?

    I thoroughly enjoy talking with customers (from all over) and helping them create their dream gym. I love receiving photos of the completed space and hearing the excitement in our customers’ voices.

    If you were opening a gym or yoga studio, which products would be your must-haves? Why?

    I would have our smooth Zebra Gray Mats paired up with our white wall pads! Nothing looks cleaner to me than that color scheme, not to mention it’s a classic combo!

    What else do you want customers to know about you?

    I enjoy spending my free time, practicing Jiu Jitsu, spending time with my fiancée and two dogs, and drinking a good beer with loved ones.



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  • Nicole
    Haley

    operations specialist

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  • Nicole
    Haley

    operations specialist

    What’s your life story (in two sentences or less)?

    I was born in New York and but moved to Minnesota when I was 2 years old and have been a Minnesotan ever since. When I am not working or practicing Jiu Jitsu, I like to enjoy my time with friends and family and obsessing over Star Wars.

    What makes you unique from the people you work with at Zebra?

    I currently train in both Jiu Jitsu and Aerial Arts and have previously trained Muay Thai and Kickboxing, which gives me a hands on experience with the quality products we offer.

    What is your favorite part about working with Zebra’s customers?

    I love to hear the passion our customers have for the things they do and it’s amazing to be a part of helping them do what they love with confidence.

    If you were opening a gym or yoga studio, which products would be your must-haves? Why?

    My niche is Jiu Jitsu, so I would have a grappling area lined with our awesome wall pads and have 2” tatami textured mats for all things grappling. I would customize colors and put logos on everything to make it a unique and marketable space.

    What else do you want customers to know about you?

    I am a huge nerd and am infamous for the all crazy fun socks I wear. 😊



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  • conner jones

    Sales Executive

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  • conner jones

    Sales Executive



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