How I Handled a Fake Review (and What You Can Learn From It)

The more successful you become, the more attention you attract—and not all of it is positive.

Sometimes, people you’ve never met (who’ve never stepped foot in your business) will try to tear you down. Why? Because deep down, they know they’re not even playing the same game. So they throw shade to make themselves feel better.

Case in point: we recently got a review from someone calling themselves “Mr. REAL” (yep, that’s what they chose). They trashed our fitness kickboxing program as the “worst Brazilian Jiu Jitsu” they’d ever seen. 🤔😂

Problem is… it’s kickboxing. Not BJJ. 🤦🏻‍♀️

So what do you do with a review like that?

Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Recognize What’s Really Happening

Fake reviews suck—but they’re also a sign that you’re growing. Increased visibility comes with increased scrutiny. It’s part of the deal.

And yes, it can trigger what I call the “Fear of Success”—that voice in your head saying:
“If I get too big, I’ll become a target.”

It’s real. I’ve felt it. But here’s the shift:
Criticism—especially the kind that’s totally baseless—is a clear sign that you’re making waves. You’re gaining influence. And not everyone can handle that.

Step 2: Handle the Review Strategically

Here’s the exact process I used:

1. Log in to your Google Business account and report the review as violating terms of service.
2. Choose a reason. I selected “Conflict of Interest” since the reviewer mentioned another school (which—by the way—isn’t even in our area). “Irrelevant” would’ve worked too.
3. Breathe. The process can take several days. Check your email for updates from Google, and don’t be afraid to reflag if needed.

Pro tip: Google actually wants their platform to be trustworthy, so they’re usually pretty fair here—unlike certain other review platforms (Yelp, I’m looking at you).

Step 3: Keep Perspective

Even before a fake review gets removed, most people can spot the BS. In fact, I’ve had new students walk in laughingabout one-star reviews they saw online.

People are smart. Most have seen this movie before. If you stay professional and don’t engage in drama, they’ll respect you more for it.

Step 4: Celebrate the Win

Yes, really.

If you’re getting fake hate, it means you’re doing something right. You're growing. You're visible. You're leading.

And most importantly—you’re staying focused while others are wasting time flinging mud.

Let them.

Step 5: Keep Building the Right Way

Here’s what the haters don’t do:

• They don’t add value.

• They don’t set real goals.

• They don’t focus on their clients.

• They don’t work on themselves.

• They don’t stay the course.

But you do. That’s why you’re moving past them—and why they’re trying to grab at your heels as you fly by.

Let them reach. Keep soaring.

Final Thoughts

Criticism—real or fake—will always be part of success. Your job is to stay focused, stay professional, and stay above it.

And if you want help scaling your business, cleaning up your systems, and building a brand that attracts real loyalty, let’s talk.

You’re doing something that matters. Don’t let fake noise slow you down.

🚀 Ready to turn fake reviews into fuel for real growth?
Check out MAPS—our proven system to help martial arts school owners attract more students, automate lead follow-up, and scale with confidence.
Don't let distractions slow you down. Build smarter. Grow faster.

👉 Click here to learn more.