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Want a tournament that builds leaders, delights parents, and actually runs on time? We sit down with Master Jay Lee—tournament director for the U.S. Open Taekwondo Hamadang and CEO of U.S. Taekwondo Center—to show how school owners can turn competition into a retention engine and a reliable revenue stream without sacrificing safety or sanity.

We break down why starting in-house protects your culture and quality, then map a clear path to scaling. You’ll hear how Hamadang-style events shift the focus from head-to-head fights to festival energy: creative board breaking, power breaking, high kick, spin hook, family forms, pairs Poomsae, and crowd‑pleasing demo team competitions. Master Lee explains how to weave prep into everyday classes—using belt‑test forms as entries, dedicating short segments to specialty skills, and offering optional Poomsae and sparring sessions—so training stays fresh while students gain confidence and purpose.

We also get tactical about operations, budgets, and branding. Learn when to host based on school calendars and travel patterns, how to choose venues that let you control concessions, and why punctual, professional touches change the narrative for families. We outline sponsorship tiers that cover hard costs, trade‑in‑kind deals that stretch budgets, and pricing structures that reward early registration while keeping things simple with a flat board fee. Plus, you’ll get a blueprint for building an organizing committee—roles, workflows, and pathways for black belts to referee and lead—so you’re not carrying the entire event on your shoulders.

If you’re a martial arts school owner who wants safer first steps than all‑day sparring brackets, this is your playbook for a tournament that teaches leadership, builds community, and grows profits. Subscribe, share with a school owner who needs this, and leave a review to help more dojangs run with excellence.

with Master Tony Chung

World TKD Lab

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From Zero to 120: How a Young Martial Artist Built a Thriving Taekwondo School

In this episode of Black Belt Banter, hosts Jimmy Hong and Master Tony Chung converse with Master Liam Guttmacher, a 24-year-old martial artist who rapidly grew his Taekwondo school to 120 students in under a year. Liam discusses his journey, starting from his early karate days to his focus on acrobatic Taekwondo and high-level gymnastics, and the creation of a strong online presence with over 1 million followers. The conversation covers Liam's innovative teaching methods, unique business strategies, and how he successfully converted existing karate students to his new program. Master Tony provides insight into the discipline and entrepreneurial spirit that drive Liam's exceptional growth. The episode offers inspiration and practical advice for young martial artists and school owners aspiring to build a successful martial arts community.

Stay connected with Master Liam Gutmacher! Follow him on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok at @LiamGutmacherTKD.

For more information about ASA Impact Consulting, please contact us at [email protected] or visit https://asamartialarts.com/

Join our private Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/ASAmartialarts

with Master Tony Chung

World TKD Lab

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Our most important Podcast yet...

In this week's episode of Black Belt Banter, hosts Master Jimmy Hong and Master Chan dive into the critical risks facing martial arts school owners and the importance of specialized insurance coverage. They're joined by Mrs. Beth Block from Block Insurance, who brings over 30 years of expertise in protecting martial arts schools, childcare centers, and private and charter schools. The episode covers the essential policies to keep children safe, the rule of three, social media guidelines, and the importance of defensive insurance coverage. Tune in to learn how to safeguard your martial arts school and protect your students, staff, and reputation.

with Master Tony Chung

World TKD Lab

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🗓️ Mark your calendars for October 3–4, 2025—because the ASA Martial Arts Summit is throwing down in Las Vegas at the iconic Paris Hotel & Casino, and you don’t want to miss it. 

Only a few weeks left to lock in the $399 early access rate—offer ends August 15th.

✅ Register now at theBlackBeltBanter.com

What would a parent pay for their child to become more confident, disciplined, and positioned for lifetime success? According to Master Chan, a hundred thousand dollars might actually be a bargain when considering the transformative power of martial arts training.

Master Chan opens with a powerful thought experiment: Imagine promising parents that their child will develop unshakable confidence, iron discipline, and leadership skills that guarantee acceptance to elite universities and lucrative careers. Would $100,000 be too much to pay? Not when many parents already spend more on conventional sports for far less comprehensive development.

The hosts compare conventional sports costs ($14,000+ annually for soccer, more for lacrosse or swimming) to martial arts programs that typically run about $2,400 per year. The return on investment becomes clear through student success stories—like the black belt who scored a remarkable 35 on his ACT by applying martial arts discipline, or former students who became medical professionals and researchers at prestigious institutions.

Ready to learn how to communicate this extraordinary value to potential students? Join Masters Jimmy Hong and Chan Lee at the American Sabanim Association meeting in Las Vegas on October 3-4. Register at theblackbeltbanter.com and be part of a community dedicated to changing lives through martial arts excellence.

with Master Tony Chung

World TKD Lab

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Ever wondered how some martial arts schools command $400+ monthly tuition while others struggle to break $150? Master Bronson Ko has cracked the code, building what he calls "the Apple of martial arts studios" – premium facilities with prices to match and waiting lists of eager families.

Perhaps most compelling is Master Ko's insight that higher prices create deeper commitment. "When you pay more for something, you actually become more committed to it," he notes. Parents who invest substantially ensure their children attend consistently, leading to better results, which justifies the premium pricing. It's a virtuous cycle that benefits everyone: students receive transformative training, parents see tangible results, instructors earn better compensation, and the school thrives financially.

🎙️ Podcast Show Notes: “Meeting the Master: Bronson Ko Joins ASA Summit 2025”

His presence, insight, and energy are next-level, and we’re thrilled to announce that he’ll be joining us as a featured speaker at the ASA Summit 2025, happening October 3–4 in Las Vegas! 🇺🇸🥋

🎟️ Don’t miss your chance to be part of it—register now at www.ASAmartialarts.com and lock in your spot for the most electrifying martial arts business summit of the year.

Let’s go! 💥

with Master Tony Chung

World TKD Lab

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Economic uncertainty looms large for martial arts school owners, but surviving—even thriving—during downturns is possible with the right approach. Master Lee shares battle-tested strategies that have helped him navigate three major economic crises since 2001.

At the heart of recession-proofing your martial arts business is delivering exceptional value that makes your service indispensable. When families scrutinize their budgets, you must ensure they see your training as essential to their child's development. Master Chan emphasizes creating genuine excitement in students while demonstrating clear developmental benefits to parents. This combination of enthusiasm and tangible results makes families reluctant to cut your program, even when finances tighten.

with Master Tony Chung

World TKD Lab

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🗓️ Mark your calendars for October 3–4, 2025—because the ASA Martial Arts Summit is throwing down in Las Vegas at the iconic Paris Hotel & Casino, and you don’t want to miss it. 

Only a few weeks left to lock in the $399 early access rate—offer ends August 15th.

✅ Register now at theBlackBeltBanter.com

Preventing instructor burnout might be the most critical challenge you face as a martial arts school owner. How do you build a staff culture that's sustainable while delivering exceptional training? This episode tackles this challenge head-on with insights from three martial arts business veterans.

Master Tony Kook (president of BC Taekwondo Federation with 2,100 active students across multiple locations) and Master Tony Chung join host Jimmy Hong to share battle-tested strategies for developing unbreakable staff teams. Their conversation reveals the critical difference between treating leadership development as "free help" versus creating true apprenticeships that benefit everyone involved.

Whether you're struggling with instructor turnover or looking to expand your martial arts business sustainably, this episode provides concrete strategies you can implement immediately. The insights apply across all martial arts styles and business models. Connect with this community of school owners at the upcoming ASA Summit this October in Las Vegas—details in the show notes.

with Master Tony Chung

World TKD Lab

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✅ Register now at https://theblackbeltbanter.com/

🗓️ Mark your calendars for October 3–4, 2025—because the ASA Martial Arts Summit is throwing down in Las Vegas at the iconic Paris Hotel & Casino, and you don’t want to miss it. This is the business event for martial arts entrepreneurs ready to evolve, scale, and sharpen their competitive edge.

🔥 It’s a full-throttle experience designed for passionate martial arts professionals who refuse to settle. Only a few weeks left to lock in the $399 early access rate—offer ends August 15th.

✅ Register now at https://theblackbeltbanter.com/

Master Lee shares the fastest way to build a martial arts business through strategic networking and learning from successful peers rather than trying to reinvent the wheel.

• Success leaves clues – learn from those who have already achieved what you want
• Having the right mindset is critical – be open to new ideas and changes
• Take immediate action on what you learn through networking
• Surround yourself with people more successful than you to grow faster
• Networking provides accountability, motivation, and friendship with like-minded owners
• The American School-Owners Association (ASA) Summit in Las Vegas brings together successful school owners
• Learn both business strategies and teaching techniques from industry leaders
• ROI from networking events can be substantial through implementing just one good idea
• Staff development is crucial – bring your team to learn professionalism and career pathways

Join us at the ASA Summit this October in Las Vegas to connect with the best minds in the martial arts business. 

with Master Tony Chung

World TKD Lab

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• Email us at [email protected]
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ASA Martial Arts Business Summit 2025

✅ Register now at https://theblackbeltbanter.com/

🗓️ Mark your calendars for October 3–4, 2025—because the ASA Martial Arts Summit is throwing down in Las Vegas at the iconic Paris Hotel & Casino, and you don’t want to miss it. This is the business event for martial arts entrepreneurs ready to evolve, scale, and sharpen their competitive edge.

🔥 It’s a full-throttle experience designed for passionate martial arts professionals who refuse to settle. Only a few weeks left to lock in the $399 early access rate—offer ends August 15th.

What separates thriving martial arts schools from struggling ones? Master Lee draws from his family's 50-year legacy to reveal the powerful role culture plays in creating an exceptional martial arts business.

Ever wonder why some martial arts schools consistently grow while others plateau? The secret lies not in marketing tactics or fancy facilities, but in something far more fundamental: culture. Master Chan demonstrates how creating the right environment transforms everything from student retention to parent engagement.

Whether you run a traditional martial arts program or a modern mixed martial arts school, these cultural principles can transform your student experience. Listen now to discover the one ingredient your martial arts school can't afford to ignore. Then share your thoughts with us—what cultural elements have made the biggest difference in your school?

with Master Tony Chung

World TKD Lab

Contact Black Belt Banter

• Email us at [email protected]
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ASAmartialarts

Please rate and review our podcast! Thanks for listening!

Send us a text

ASA Martial Arts Business Summit 2025

✅ Register now at https://theblackbeltbanter.com/

🗓️ Mark your calendars for October 3–4, 2025—because the ASA Martial Arts Summit is throwing down in Las Vegas at the iconic Paris Hotel & Casino, and you don’t want to miss it. This is the business event for martial arts entrepreneurs ready to evolve, scale, and sharpen their competitive edge.

🔥 It’s a full-throttle experience designed for passionate martial arts professionals who refuse to settle. Only a few weeks left to lock in the $399 early access rate—offer ends August 15th.

There's a crisis affecting martial arts schools nationwide, but it's not what you might think. The pandemic tested our industry's resilience—we taught through Zoom, improvised training equipment, and found ways to survive against impossible odds. Yet now, with that immediate threat behind us, many schools face a deeper challenge: finding purpose beyond mere survival.

This episode delivers a passionate wake-up call for school owners and instructors in this thought-provoking episode. "If your purpose is to make money, you need to find a better purpose." 

For schools currently struggling, Tony shares practical strategies—including his recent experience helping stunt performers start a school by renting a neighborhood clubhouse for just $900 monthly. This incremental approach allowed them to build to 50 students before considering a permanent location, demonstrating how starting small can create sustainable growth.

with Master Tony Chung

World TKD Lab

Contact Black Belt Banter

• Email us at [email protected]
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ASAmartialarts

Please rate and review our podcast! Thanks for listening!