In this episode of the Black Belt Business Podcast, host Matthew Brenner is joined by the founder of McDojo Life to discuss significant updates since their last conversation.

The founder introduces Academy Safe, a new organization aimed at certifying martial arts schools for safety and lineage integrity.

They emphasize the importance of CPR certification, background checks, onsite defibrillators, verified lineage, and surveillance cameras to ensure a secure environment in martial arts facilities.

The conversation also highlights the lack of regulatory standards in the industry, the alarming presence of sex offenders, and the need for consumer awareness. Additionally, the founder shares details about a legal battle against a martial arts instructor who allegedly hired a known sex offender, emphasizing the necessity for transparency and accountability in martial arts instruction.

The episode touches on various topics, including martial arts industry issues, regulatory efforts, and the ongoing legal challenges faced by the founder in his quest for reform.

00:00 Introduction to the Black Belt Business Podcast

00:17 Introducing McDojo Life and Its Popularity

00:50 New Role as VP of Academy Safe

01:35 Academy Safe's Mission and Certification Criteria

02:26 Importance of Safety Measures in Martial Arts Studios

04:34 Challenges and Solutions for Implementing Safety Measures

10:36 Personal Anecdotes and Health Challenges

15:12 Collaboration and Goals for Academy Safe

20:25 Defining McDojo and Addressing Industry Issues

27:01 The Need for Regulatory Standards in Martial Arts

30:32 Fast Food and Background Checks

30:44 The Importance of Background Checks in Martial Arts

31:10 Legal Loopholes and Parental Concerns

33:20 The North Carolina Martial Arts Bill

33:40 Verifying Martial Arts Lineage

36:10 SafeSport and AcademySafe

37:32 Teaching Martial Arts to Kids

38:43 The Lawsuit Saga Begins

39:47 Defamation and Unfair Business Practices

40:58 Countering Lies with Evidence

43:54 The Anti-SLAPP Law and Countersuit

52:11 International Martial Arts Fraud

55:53 The Dark Side of Martial Arts

59:13 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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

If you want to grow your martial arts school organically- WITHOUT relying on paid ads, and bring in 60 new students in 16 weeks, ⁠schedule a call with Matthew HERE to see if we’re a good fit for your goals.

Want to see an 8 minute explainer video on how it all works? ⁠https://www.doubleyourdojo.com/⁠⁠

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