This one was fun! Listen in to hear how Matt Page created the lovable and hilarious Master Ken character, a true favorite for everyone in the martial arts industry. If you haven't seen it before, you must be living under your mat.

Matt Page also shares how he grew a massive following, and how you can do the same for your business.

Follow Matt Page on instagram here: @masterameriken

Want to see clips of episodes and behind the scenes footage of what it is like running martial arts schools? Follow Matthew on Instagram here: @blackbeltbrenner1

Want to grow your martial arts business without relying on ads? Email me "Triangle Codex" to : [email protected]

In this episode of the Black Belt Business Podcast, host Matthew Brenner is joined by Olympian Victoria Stambaugh. They discuss Victoria’s journey in Taekwondo, including her experience of competing in the lowest weight class at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Victoria shares insights about her training regimen, the challenges of staying in competitive shape, and the mental toll of cutting weight. She also talks about her life outside of competition, such as her entrepreneurial ventures, including her martial arts school in Texas, and her foray into acting and stunt work.

The discussion delves into the representation of women in martial arts, the importance of female role models, and Victoria’s perspective on showcasing skill versus attracting views online.

The episode also touches on how she managed injuries and health issues while maintaining her goal of reaching the Olympics.

Lastly, they cover her experiences in the Olympic village and how she balances her many roles as a high-level athlete, entrepreneur, and budding stuntwoman.

Follow Victoria on Instagram  @victoriastambaugh

Follow Matthew on Instagram @blackbeltbrenner1

For more information about growing your martial arts school organically, so you can get new students without paying for ads, email [email protected]

Paul Garcia is the owner of America's Best Defense, a family of martial arts schools in New England. If you want to learn how to operate a successful school in a small town, with an INCREDIBLY low attrition rate, this episode is for you.

Paul shares his journey from working at a factory, to opening a martial arts school at 19 years old, and becoming a very young Dad.

In this episode, he shares his journey to success in the martial arts industry. He discusses the importance of setting goals, breaking patterns of the past, and continuously improving as a teacher.

Paul emphasizes the need to teach life skills and connect with parents and students on a deeper level.

In this episode, Matthew shares his strategies for training and developing staff, including the use of game film review.

He also addresses the importance of getting more women in leadership positions and the influence of teen instructors in martial arts schools.

Together, they discuss various topics, including how much time they spend time at the school, the popularity of martial arts, the impact of the economy on the industry, ego in the industry, and maintaining healthy business relationships.

Want to see clips of episodes and behind the scenes footage of what it is like running martial arts schools? Follow Matthew on Instagram here: @blackbeltbrenner1

Want to grow your martial arts business without relying on ads? Email me "Triangle Codex" to : [email protected]

In this conversation, Matthew Brenner meets with Adam Kifer, founder of Muv Martial Arts, Relentless Media Agency, and Relentless Mastermind.

They also delve into the importance of updating martial arts curriculum and removing traditional elements to create a more effective and engaging experience for students. If you are shackled by tradition, this episode is not for you.

The conversation highlights the challenges of managing people and the financial aspects of running multiple businesses.

Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for continuous improvement and staying ahead of industry trends.

Adam also discusses the importance of asset protection and working with an estate planning attorney. He emphasizes the need to be educated on legal matters and understand the why behind certain decisions.

Matthew also shares his approach to tax savings and financial planning, highlighting strategies such as the Augusta rule and paying children and investing in IRAs.

Adam provides insights into maintaining a healthy relationship with family while managing multiple business ventures. He discusses his favorite luxury item, his travel experiences, and his plans for new ventures and kickboxing. Finally, he shares the books that have had the most significant impact on his career.

Find Adam on instagram @adamkifer

Checkout his website here: https://www.relentlessmediaagency.com/

Want to see clips of episodes and behind the scenes footage of what it is like running martial arts schools? Follow Matthew on Instagram here: @blackbeltbrenner1

Want to grow your martial arts business without relying on ads? Email me "Triangle Codex" to : [email protected]

Maya is the CEO and founder of Alchemize Fightwear. They were exhausted of the fightwear options for women.

So they decided to build woman’s gear that made sense for women's bodies, that is fashionable, fitting, and durable.

Maya shares her journey in martial arts and the challenges women face in combat sports.

She discusses the need for better gear designed specifically for women and the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive community.

Maya emphasizes the benefits of jiu-jitsu for women, including increased confidence and the ability to be present in the moment. She also highlights the importance of building trust and providing value to customers in order to grow a successful business.

Maya also discusses the process of starting a business and finding the right audience, as well as the significance of growing an online presence. She highlights the importance of meeting customers where they are and leading with value to build a community.

She also discusses the realities and challenges of entrepreneurship, including dealing with rejection and loneliness.

You can find Alchemize Fightwear here: https://alchemizefightwear.com/

Want to see clips of episodes and behind the scenes footage of what it is like running martial arts schools? Follow Matthew on Instagram here: @blackbeltbrenner1

Want to grow your martial arts business without relying on ads? Email me "Triangle Codex" to : [email protected]

Shane Tassoul, owner of Champion Martial Arts, shares his journey in the martial arts industry and the challenges he faced along the way. He is also a consultant for MAIA (Martial Arts Industry Association).

From starting his first martial arts school to opening a second location, Shane discusses the highs and lows of running a martial arts business.

Shane emphasizes the importance of transparency and relatability in connecting with others.

In this conversation, Matthew Brenner and Shane Tossel discuss various topics related to business and personal growth.

They touch on the devastating loss Matthew experienced when a publicly trading company he invested in went bankrupt.

They also discuss the challenges of consulting, including being patient and dealing with clients who don't take action.

The importance of listening and the struggle of implementing change are also explored. Shane shares the book that was most instrumental in his career.

Want to see clips of episodes and behind the scenes footage of what it is like running martial arts schools? Follow Matthew on Instagram here: @blackbeltbrenner1

Want to grow your martial arts business without relying on ads? Email me "Triangle Codex" to : [email protected]

Stephen Reinstein, CEO and founder of Market Muscles, a marketing and website design company that helps martial arts schools create websites that generate new leads consistently.

Stephen discusses the importance of strong websites for lead generation in the martial arts industry, and the problems most website have.

He shares his experience of reaching 1 million leads and highlights the key trends in website design, including the use of AI and chatbots.

Reinstein emphasizes the need for a professional-looking website that focuses on the customer's journey and pain points.

He also discusses the challenges and frustrations of working in the website development industry and the importance of customer retention.

Reinstein concludes by sharing the growth and expansion of Market Muscles and its headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia.

Stephen emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and the impact of the book 'E-Myth' on his business. He also mentions essential tools like Slack for communication and shares personal stories and embarrassing moments.

Contact Stephen here: facebook.com/sreinstein

Want to see clips of episodes and behind the scenes footage of what it is like running martial arts schools? Follow Matthew on Instagram here: @blackbeltbrenner1

Want to grow your martial arts business without relying on ads? Email me "Triangle Codex" to : [email protected]

MJ Singh shares his journey from being a student to eventually opening 3 locations of Empower Martial Arts.

He emphasizes the importance, as an owner and manager, of having a strong relationship with your instructors.

MJ discusses his model of running boutique martial arts schools with a focus on quality over quantity. He also shares his strategies for finding and developing instructors, managing multiple locations, and marketing to attract new members.

In this conversation, Matthew Brenner discusses marketing strategies for martial arts schools, the importance of diversifying investments, long-term investing and the compounding effect, keys to success in business, personal finance and savings, balancing personal life and business, hobbies and interests, influential books, and personal insights and beliefs.

In this episode, Kevin Kowalczik, founder of Raptor Martial Arts, shares his journey in martial arts and the inspiration he drew from Power Rangers and Ninja Turtles as a child.

He discusses the importance of discipline and focus in martial arts and how it helped him navigate challenging environments.

Kevin also talks about his experiences with bullying and the self-defense skills he developed.

He emphasizes the importance of building confidence in martial arts and teaching students to stand up for themselves.

Additionally, Kevin introduces Raptor Martial Arts, an online training platform for martial artists of all levels. In this conversation, Kevin Kowalczik discusses the diverse martial arts programs offered at his school, including Jiu Jitsu, Krav Maga, and MMA. He talks about the expansion of the MMA program, with plans to add forms, weapons, kickboxing, and an interactive virtual system.

Kevin shares his personal training experiences in Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing, highlighting the importance of being a well-rounded martial artist.

He addresses the misconception of performance martial arts and emphasizes the need for strong fundamentals before advanced moves.

Kevin also discusses the balance between being a martial artist, business owner, and competitor, and the importance of active training and competing.

He shares his perspective on wearing multiple hats in martial arts and the joy of seeing growth in students

____

You can find Kevin on instagram @kevinkowalczik '

If you want help growing your martial arts school organically, you can email me [email protected] or DM me on instagram @blackbeltbrenner1

Jen Wetzel earned her 2nd degree black belt in December 2022. One year later, in December 2023, she was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer: glioblastoma.

Her prognosis was 18 - 24 months.

Even after the diagnosis, she continues to have perfect attendance at karate class. No more driving, no work as a doctor, long calls with insurance, family time and one trip to Florida.

But a predictable routine: Chemo, radiation, karate. 

She wears a hat to cover her lost hair. She moves slower. But she is one of the most dedicated karate students we have ever had. She takes class with her two teenage kids, both assistant instructors at Action Karate.

Her husband Tim Wetzel was the head instructor. He stepped back and now works as a part-time staff instructor to dedicate more of his time to family.

Following the chronology, she wants to test for third degree, but she has a difficult road of treatment ahead. The physical demands of the illness would make every segment impossible: the fitness, the memorization, the performance. 

The news of her diagnosis was crushing. Many karate families are part of the support system that takes her to doctor appointments and makes meals.

Instructors from all over asked what they could do for her and her family. 

We now have an answer:

Donate to the Wetzel Family Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-wetzels-weather-this-storm

Sign Up For Their Meal Train: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-wetzels-weather-this-storm

Read more about her story here: https://www.actionkaratema.com/post/a-third-degree-black-belt-test-like-no-other