August 2019

AUGUST 2019

AUGUST 2019 • $5.99 US

MASUCCESS

www.MASUCCESS.com

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MARTIAL ARTS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

the

AMERICAN TA E K W O N D O A S S O C I ATI O N celebrates its

ISSN 2380-561 7(PRINT ) 2469-6889(ONLINE )

A N N IV E RSA RY !

ZEN PLANNER’S ANNUAL MARTIAL ARTS BENCHMARK REPORT GEORGE MINK: THE BIONIC KARATEKA/TRIATHLETE! 4 WAYS TO MARKET ON A TIGHT BUDGET

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CONTENTS FEATURES 30

THE AMERICAN TAEKWONDO ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY!

BY JENNIFER WOLFF

For five decades, ATA International has been changing lives through martial arts.

On the organization’s 50th, we take a look back at ATA’s history and celebrate its remarkable story.

52

ZEN PLANNER’S ANNUAL MARTIAL ARTS BENCHMARK REPORT B E NC HM A RK R E P O RT

BY Z E N PL A N N E R

C O M P O S E D

Zen Planner is the leading software suite for martial arts businesses. Created

by Zen Planner, the Annual Martial Arts Benchmark Report is the most comprehensive collection and analysis of business data in the martial arts industry.

The motivation is simple: To provide valuable insights to martial arts school owners, so they can master their business and transform more lives. The data from this report is backed by 465 survey respondents and helps school owners make better business decisions — whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for decades!

GEORGE MINK: THE BIONIC KARATEKA/TRIATHLETE! I N T E R V I E W B Y P E R R Y W I L L I A M K E L LY

In the 1970s TV show, The Six Million Dollar Man, an injured astronaut was rebuilt, enabling him to perform impossible physical feats. Karate master and Vietnam veteran George Mink hasn’t let the replacement of both his knees stop him. Using his martial arts training, he’s accomplishing feats almost unheard of. His story inspires anyone to see what is possible through martial arts training, a never-say-die attitude and plain old hard work.

2

MASUCCESS

DEPARTMENTS

COLUMNS 40 BLACK BELT LEADERSHIP BY

NG UYEN

“ TOM”

04 FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK

G RI G G S

L Is for Learning

44 IN THE CLASSROOM BY

DAV E

12 IN THE KNOW

KOVAR

Why Choose Martial Arts for Children, Part 3

18 MANEWS

62 TURNING POINT BY

HERB

B ORKL AND

John Duncan: Nearly Being Killed by a Street Thug

64 HEALTH KICK! BY

ERI C

THE

22 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

TRAI NER

Motivate Your Masses, Part 1

24 THE MAIA REPORT 66 YOU MESSED UP! NOW WHAT? BY

KATHY

OLEV SKY

Who Will Teach When I Am Sick?

26 MARKETING RESOURCE

86 CONSULTANT’S CORNER B Y M A I A C O N S U LT A N T MIKE METZGER

4 Ways to Market on a Tight Budget

68 SCHOOL SHOWCASE

88 MASTERFUL RETENTION BY

74

AUGUST 2019

C HRI STOPHER

RAPPOL D

Systems and Personality: Your Two Keys to Success

90 THE KICK YOU NEVER SAW COMING BY

B ETH

A .

B LOC K

Waivers Making Waves

92 THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE BY

PHI L I P

E.

G OS S,

JR.,

ESQ.

What Do You Mean I Can’t Require (or Even Suggest) a Pre-Employment Polygraph Test?

96 INSPIRATION OVATION BY

KAREN

EDEN

Allowed to Make Mistakes

MAXIM OF THE MONTH “Don’t be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated.

You can’t cross a chasm in two small jumps.”

— DAVID LLOYD GEORGE, BRITISH STATESMAN

ESK

30 52

74 AUGUST 2019

3

FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK

You’re the Reason We’re Here

BY FRANK SILVERMAN

MAIA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

“Whether this is your first show or your 18th, or anywhere in between, we owe you a handshake and a deep bow.

You, the martial arts professional, are why MAIA and this show are a success.”

T

his is a special column! Although the cover of this magazine shows a date of August 2019, after the Martial Arts SuperShow, this issue is actually in the hands of our readers in July, the month in which we present the annual SuperShow.

First, I should say that if somehow you got your hands on a copy of this MASuccess before July 1st — and if for some reason you’re not signed up for the Show — don’t let that stop you!

Book a last-minute flight or drive on over. The Bellagio Hotel, where the event is held, may still have rooms. And as we all know, Las Vegas is full of hotels.

Then, do two more things: Register at the door and then hunt me down personally and tell me you made it.

The answer is a resounding yes!

Just ask any SuperShow attendee or MAIA member.

The success and growth of our industry lies within the school owners, managers, instructors and our students.

Whether this is your first show or your 18th, or anywhere in between, we owe you a handshake and a deep bow. You, the quintessential martial arts professional, are why MAIA and this event are a success.

On behalf of MAIA and Century, thank all of you for your support of the MASuperShow. And finally, thank you, too, for your dedication to building a strong, professional martial arts industry. e

Over the last 17 years, and 17 SuperShows, I have told the story of how MAIA came to be more times than I can recall. But still, many don’t know the story. I’m not sure if I’ve written a column about it, but, if so, it was some time ago. It’s a story worth telling since it’s an important part of MAIA and the SuperShow.

m Contact Frank Silverman at teamcfck@aol.com.

Follow him on Twitter and Facebook @franksilverman.

Our commitment is to be best in practice and best in safety. It’s a commitment to help those that need, or those who want help build their schools to provide the best business training possible. And most of all, it is a commitment to making sure schools are teaching great martial arts.

MASUCCESS

The question is, has this effort made a difference?

Now, if you’re registered and walking the tradeshow floor as you read this, thank you for supporting the Martial Arts Industry Association (MAIA), Century Martial Arts and the entire martial arts community.

MAIA and the SuperShow are the result of the dedication of Mike Dillard, CEO of Century. He was committed to making our industry stronger and healthier. His goal was, and still is, to provide a vehicle to help instructors become the best instructors possible.

4

There isn’t any part of Mr. Dillard’s commitment that was easy. He funded MAIA and he funds the SuperShow every year —purely for the love of the arts and for the benefit of us all in this industry.

O p b w p T a t

T

SAVE 50% OFF the Professional Plan with promo code MA50

In 2009, Len Fridman started a local bootcamp in his neighborhood park. It was a rewarding endeavor that helped people of all ages, sizes, and fitness levels.

Soon, what started as a local passion project turned into multiple locations across the country. Riding on this success, Len and his childhood friend Sasha Davids partnered with fitness businesses across North America to create the MetaBody Fitness Pass, with upwards of 60,000 active clients at its peak. But along with their success, came a list of hurdles with their business management software provider.

On top of subscription fee increases, their software provider was unable to support MetaBody’s business model. Instead, Len and Sasha were faced with convoluted workarounds and unreasonable price hikes. They decided enough was enough.

They took matters into their own hands and created a simple software system to help their own instructors manage their schedules.

That’s when WellnessLiving was born.

Built with customers in mind since day one, now WellnessLiving is an all-in-one user-friendly fitness management software with everything a martial arts studio owner needs to run their business. On top of essential features like online scheduling, WellnessLiving offers linked profiles for families, merchandising management, a rewards program, staff and client apps, and so much more. WellnessLiving is now trusted by thousands of business and over 7.1 million users.

With an economical pricing structure and an enthusiastic team that’s growing every day, WellnessLiving is truly the software company with a heart.

Book a free, no-obligation demo at wellnessliving.com

STAFF F R A N K S I LV E R M A N I S T H E E X E C U T I V E

MELISSA TORRES IS THE DIVISION

Director of the Martial Arts Industry Association,

Manager of the Martial Arts Industry Association.

and the owner and operator of 11 martial arts

She is a practitioner of kung fu san soo, Cage

schools in Orlando, FL. He’s also the author of

Fitness and yoga. She is passionate about helping

Business Is Business: Passion and Profit in the

FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK

Martial Arts Industry. Follow Frank on Twitter and Facebook @franksilverman. Contact him at

school owners succeed and achieve their goals.

THE MAIA REPORT

She can be reached at mtorres@masuccess.com.

teamcfck@aol.com.

DAVE KOVAR OWNS AND OPERATES A chain of successful martial art schools. Additionally,

NGUYEN “TOM” GRIGGS, ED.D., IS

he operates Pro-Mac (Professional Martial Arts

a sensei in Japanese jujitsu at TNT Jujitsu under

College), dedicated to helping martial artists

Hanshi Torey Overstreet in Houston, TX. He’s the owner of Lead Connect Grow, LLC. Organizations

BLACK BELT LEADERSHIP

IN THE CLASSROOM

become professionals in Business Management, Mat Mastery, Sales Mastery, Wealth Management

hire him to develop black belt-level professionals

and Cutting-Edge Classroom Concepts. In 2010,

in the areas of Teams, Leadership and Conflict

he was the recipient of the Martial Arts Industry

Management. Feel free to email him at

Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Contact

tom@ntgriggs.com.

him at dave.kovar@kovars.com or check out his blog at kovarsblog.kovarsystems.com.

HERB BORKLAND WAS ONE OF

CHRISTOPHER RAPPOLD IS THE

Jhoon Rhee’s original white belts at America’s

founder of a successful martial arts organization,

first taekwondo school and, later, a closed-door

Personal Best Karate, headquartered in Norton,

student of Chinese “soft” styles pioneer Robert

MA. He’s a five-time world karate champion and

W. Smith. For three years, starting on ESPN, he

TURNING POINT

is currently the executive director of the world-

hosted the weekly Black Belts TV show. He did the screenplay for Cynthia Rothrock’s HBO-featured Honor and Glory and is an Inside Kung-Fu Hall of

MASTERFUL RETENTION

Fame martial arts writer. He can be reached at

MASUCCESS

sponsorship. Rappold is the author of the landmark reached at founder@personalbestkarate.com.

MIKE METZGER IS A MARTIAL ARTS

BETH BLOCK, A 4TH-DEGREE BLACK

Industry Association (MAIA) consultant and a

belt in karate, is the president of Block Insurance

successful multi-school owner with 14 schools

in Orlando, FL. Block has protected businesses

nationwide. He has consulted for various school

that serve children for the past 24 years. She is

owners around the world. He can be contacted via

8

team supported by sport-karate’s longest-running MAIA program Retention Based Sparring. He can be

herbork@comcast.net.

CONSULTANT’S CORNER

renowned Team Paul Mitchell, a championship

email at mmetzger@masuccess.com.

THE KICK YOU NEVER SAW COMING!

the writer of Martial Arts Minute, a weekly riskmanagement newsletter. You can reach her at (800) 225-0863 or beth@blockins.net.

STAFF MASUCCESS IS PUBLISHED BY

SARAH LOBBAN IS THE ASSOCIATE Publications Editor for the Martial Arts Industry Association. She has trained and fought in MMA and

VOL. 20, NO. 08

//

AUGUST 2019

muay thai, and currently trains in jeet kune do. She

IN THE KNOW

can be reached at slobban@centurymartialarts.com.

MAIA LLC, 1000 Century Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73110;

MANAGING EDITOR

John Corcoran

(866) 626-6226.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MARTIAL ARTS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

KATHY OLEVSKY AND HER HUSBAND, Rob, own and operate Karate International in North Carolina. Kathy is the managing partner in their five-school operation. She’s an 8th-

YOU MESSED UP! NOW WHAT?

Melissa Torres MAIA ASSOCIATE PUBLICATIONS EDITOR

teaching and operating martial arts schools. She

Sarah Lobban

can be reached for questions or comments at

M A I A I N T E R N AT I O N A L C O N S U LTA N T S Robby Beard Kurt Klingenmeyer Jason Flame Mike Metzger Antonio Fournier Adam Parman Cris Rodriguez Shane Tassoul

E R I C T H E T R A I N E R ( E R I C P.

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

F L E I S H M A N ) I S A Hollywood-based celebrity

Jan Szijarto

personal trainer with over 28 years’ experience. He has worked with top actors and musicians, MMA fighters, and the military. He hosts the popular TV

ART DIRECTOR

Todd Bane

show “Celebrity Sweat,” which you can watch on

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Amazon Prime. His enthusiastic message of living

Kaily Prince Bridgette Rabe

a healthy life has been adopted by many groups, most recently the American Culinary Federation. For questions or comments, contact Eric the Trainer at

Stacy Robertson

COLUMNISTS & CONTRIBUTORS

David Barnett

Sarah Lobban

Beth A. Block

Mike Metzger

Herb Borkland

Kristin Miller

Karen Eden

Kathy Olevsky

PHILIP E. GOSS, JR., ESQ. IS A

Jason Flame

Suzanne Pisano

member of the Florida and several other Federal Bar

Eric P. Fleishman

Christopher Rappold

Associations. Phil welcomes any e-mail comments

Antonio Fournier

Frank Silverman

or questions at PhilGosslaw@gmail.com and will

Philip E. Goss, Jr., Esq.

Shane Tassoul

Nguyen “Tom” Griggs

Melissa Torres

Mainemonster@gmail.com

THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE

MAIA DIVISION MANAGER

degree black belt with 32 full-time years of

kathy.olevsky@raleighkarate.com.

HEALTH KICK!

Frank Silverman

attempt to respond personally, time permitting.

IBISWorld.com Perry William Kelly Kurt Klingenmeyer Dave Kovar

KAREN EDEN IS A 6TH-DEGREE master of tang soo do. She’s a broadcast journalist who has appeared nationally on CNN, FOX and Animal Planet as well as on local affiliates

INSPIRATION OVATION

for NBC and PBS. Karen is also a published book author and magazine columnist who has

CORRESPONDENTS

Perry William Kelly (CANADA) Herb Borkland (VA) Karen Eden (CO) Andre Lima (CA) Mark Junday (UNITED KINGDOM) Terry L. Wilson (CA) Andrea F. Harkins (AZ) Keith D. Yates (TX)

written for or been featured in every major martial arts magazine globally. Contact her at renedenherdman@gmail.com.

Return postage must accompany all manuscripts and photographs submitted to MASUCCESS, if they are to be returned, and no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. All rights for letters submitted to this magazine will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and as subject to the editorial staff’s right to edit and to comment editorially.

MAIA, its owners, directors, officers, employees, subsidiaries, successors and assigns are not responsible in any manner for any injury that may occur by reading and/or following the instructions herein.

As publisher, MAIA makes no endorsements, representations, guarantees or warranties concerning the products and or services presented or advertised herein.

We expressly disclaim any and all liability arising from or relating to the manufacture, sale, distribution, use, misuse or other act of any party in regard to such products and/or services. MASUCCESS is a trademark of the MAIA. © 2019 MAIA LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

The mission of MAIA is to grow, promote and protect the martial arts industry, and to provide benefits to its members to help them become more successful.

PUBLISHER

David Wahl AUGUST 2019

9

SHARPEN YOUR PROGRAM WITH A KAMA CURRICULUM Mackensi Emory started training with the kama when she was 9 years old. Now, the 59-time World Champion wants to show you all her secrets with the blade in this wide-ranging masterclass. Learn the weapon yourself or have an instructor train with Mackensi so you can implement the kama in your school.

THEFLOWSYSTEM.TV

© 2019 MAIA, LLC.

IN THE KNOW

BY SARAH LOBBAN

MAIA ASSOCIATE PUBLICATIONS EDITOR

WORDS OF WISDOM

“

SUCCESS IS NOT THE KEY TO HAPPINESS. HAPPINESS IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS. IF YOU LOVE WHAT YOU ARE DOING, YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL.

”

— ALBERT SCHWEITZER

MARTIAL ARTS TRIVIA 1

What is the English name for the Chinese weapon sanjiegun?

2

Which famous martial artist said, “Apply the largest amount of your time on self-improvement and no time in criticizing others.”?

3

Which famous martial artist and actor voiced the reptilian Master Croc in Kung Fu Panda 2 and 3?

4

Name two of the nine animal systems of Bando.

2) Carlos Gracie Sr. 3) Jean-Claude Van Damme 4) Tiger, Eagle, Cobra, Panther, Bull, Boar, Viper, Python, Scorpion MASUCCESS

ANSWERS: 1) three-section staff

12

YOU ASKED

IN THE KNOW

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE WHAT DAYS AND HOURS YOUR SCHOOL WILL BE OPEN? STATS SPEAK

We open when the phones start ringing and close after the last class. Our regular hours are 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. In summers, we are open 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.”

— R O N D Y M C K E E , W H I T E T I G E R T A E K W O N D O & M A R T I A L A R T S , C A R Y, N C

AS OF 2019, THERE WERE

91,456

PEOPLE EMPLOYED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS STUDIOS IN THE US.

Our general hours are from 12:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Friday: 2:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Saturday: 9:00 p.m.–12:00 p.m. We do have Cage Fitness classes and Kinder Kicks classes earlier.”

—MIKE METZGER, CHAMPIONSHIP MARTIAL ARTS, ORLANDO FL

The majority of our students are kids, so we run classes after school through the evenings. We have later class times for adults and also offer Saturday morning and early afternoon classes. That is what has worked best for us.”

— K R I S T I N M I L L E R , C H A M P I O N S H I P M A RT I A L A RT S , G L E N V I E W, I L

We’ve tested several times and days to remain open over the past 10 years. We have morning SKILLZ Fit classes Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:30 a.m. We are then open in the afternoons from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. We are also open on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.”

— M E L O D Y S H U M A N , S K I L L Z W O R L D W I D E , S T. P E T E R S B U R G , F L

AUGUST 2019

13

FREE Checklist: Here’s exactly how I generate 250 new paid trials.

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mar

I’ve put together a killer 17-point checklist of exactly what I do every

Markel Spe Incorporate

month to hit 40-60 new paid trials per month per location. Across all 5 locations, that’s 200-300 new paid trials per month.

I’d like to give it to you at no cost. I believe the rising tide lifts all sails.

The more schools grow, the more martial arts spreads.

You don’t even need to opt-in or anything to get it. It’s in our private Facebook group “Martial Arts Business Growth.” Head to the link below, join the group, and get the checklist now. Cool?

- Grand Master Cheong Park, Park’s Taekwondo Federation

Get it now! No email or info required. bit.ly/more-new-trials

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M A R T I A L A R T S N EWS Vol: 19 No. 08

August 2019

Chuck Norris Hosts 5K Run With The Coolest Twist We’ve Ever Heard Of! Norris Hosts Inaugural 5K Where All the Runners Dress Up as Chuck Norris Compiled By MASuccess Managing Editor John Corcoran College Station, TX — Leave it to the master of creativity himself to come up with a stunning twist that drew participants like a magnet to his latest event. On May 4, 2019, runners donned their best fake beards, boots and hair for the inaugural Chuck Norris 5K, to get a high five at the finish line from the legend himself: Chuck Norris.

There were no reports of broken hands, according to a WNEP-TV. com report.

According to Runner’s World, over 5,000 participants from 48 states and seven countries showed up to tell their best Chuck Norris jokes and to meet the famed martial artist and actor.

“There is no theory of evolution; just a list of animals Chuck Norris allowed to live.”

“The real full name of the UFC is the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the Non-Chuck Norris Division.”

These tongue-in-cheek jokes, spread globally by millions of Internet users for many years now, are what the general public probably thinks of when they hear the name Chuck Norris today. Well. . .the jokes, for sure, but they also think of the long-running TV show, Walker, Texas Ranger, reruns of which air daily across the planet, and the over 30 films he has starred in.

The first book written on the subject was The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book, devoted to “facts” about the star. Chuck Norris facts, satirical one-

The event was held in hopes of breaking the record for the largest number of people gathered in one place dressed as Chuck Norris.

“We knew if we did this, we didn’t want it to just be a 5K where Chuck Norris would wave at people or something,” race organizer Chris Field told Runner’s World. “So, part of our pitch was we wanted to make this as Chuck-centric as possible.”

The organizers wanted the Chuck Norris race to be overrun with Chuck Norrises. Thus, upon entry, each participant was given a custom race uniform — including a Chuck Norris beard as a focal point — to help arrive at that record-breaking mark. But many arrived in their own unique version of the Chuck Norris look.

“We took this classic image of Chuck Norris in a denim sleeveless shirt, and we made a tech shirt to look like that,” organizer Field said. “Everybody got a beard that we gave them. The medal doubles as a belt buckle.”

Event Punctuated by Plenty of New Norris Jokes The event was highlighted by a string of participants spouting those ever-popular “superhero” jokes that now number in the hundreds of thousands.

It all started years ago. Here’s a short sample.

“Chuck Norris and Superman once had a fight on a bet. The loser had to start wearing his underwear on the outside of his clothes!”

“Chuck Norris played Russian roulette with a fully loaded gun — and won.”

18

MASUCCESS

Derek Call - Runner’s World

liners touting Norris’ unsurpassed toughness and masculinity, began popping up on the Internet in 2005. Norris eventually embraced the exaggerations and wrote his own Fact Book with 101 facts and reflections on each one.

The exaggerations now number in the hundreds of thousands, and the original fact website, created as a joke by two university students, had generated 100 million hits within two years, according to Norris himself. I believe that means it went “viral,” but before that word was actually invented.

One runner quipped, “Chuck arrived at the finish line first, of course, after running around the world fast enough to punch himself in the back of the head!”

“It’s so fun to see so many Chuck fans here. This is like Comic-Con for Chuck nerds, and I’m right in the thick of it,” race participant Joel Strasser told Runner’s World. Strasser, who has a framed photo of Norris in his bathroom, traveled all the way from Yelm, Washington, to see his favorite movie star.

“Did I mention that I got a hug from Chuck Norris? That was probably the best moment of my life up until this point,” Strasser said, then added, “Don’t tell my wife.”

Another race participant told WNEP-TV.com, “Chuck Norris can pick oranges from an apple tree and make the best tasting lemonade you’ve ever had.”

Derek Call - Runner’s World

Said another runner, “I’m stronger because I touched Chuck Norris.”

starting line with the same enthusiasm that led Norris to run a

Before the race, one of the benefiting charities, Chuck Norris’ own

marathon in just three miles, according to legend.

Kick Start Kids performed, followed by the attempt to break a world

Just under 18 minutes later, the first runner arrived at the finish

record for most Chuck Norris lookalikes in one place. After listening

line. With a fake red beard taped to his face, Texas A&M student

to a brief prerace pep talk from Norris, the runners sprinted off the

Kentaro Iio earned the race title and became the first runner to shake hands with Norris.

“I’m glad that I won with this beard because this was kind of uncomfortable,” Iio said after the victory. “It was definitely an unforgettable moment to shake hands with Chuck Norris.”

For 90 minutes, organizers kept the course open to runners and walkers who ranged in age from young toddlers in strollers to the oldest participant who, at 96, completed the course in a wheelchair.

All of them were there for the ultimate fan prize, a high five from Norris after completing the distance.

“There’s not very many celebrities who will take the time,” runner Kate Sueoka said. “I mean, it was hot for us, and hot for him, too. He was standing in the sun and putting himself in front of the crowd. I think it’s very admirable.”

While the runners still must await official verification that they were the largest group of Chuck Norrises gathered together in one place, fingers are crossed that they will earn the Guinness record.

Although it will have an asterisk: On the last page of the Guinness World Records book, it is noted that Chuck Norris does, in fact, own all of the records, and the ones that are listed are simply the closest anyone else has gotten. e

AUGUST 2019

19

M A R T I A L A R T S N EWS Vol: 19 No. 08

August 2019

Dragonfest Celebrates Its 15th Year

By MASuccess Managing Editor John Corcoran Burbank, CA — The Martial Arts History Museum (MAHM) is set

The event will feature a variety of Asian cultural performances such

to launch its 15th annual Dragonfest expo, coming this August to the

as Japanese taiko drumming, Chinese face-changing, Kimono Dancing,

Burbank Pickwick Gardens Convention Center.

Chinese Lion Dancing, etc.

Considered by many as the martial arts equivalent of San Diego’s

Vendor booths this year will consist of a number of martial arts

ever-popular ComicCon, it attracts over 3,000 martial arts fans,

celebrities including Ernie Reyes Jr., Phil Morris, Michael Jai White,

practitioners and school owners. It’s our industry’s biggest celebration

James Lew, Gerald Okamura, Albert Leong, Fumio Demura, Tak Kubota,

of its “pop culture” and showbiz connections.

and cast members of The Karate Kid and Best of the Best.

“Dragonfest is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” explained museum

Dragonfest 2019 will be a three-day event. Friday, August 16, will be

president and founder Michael Matsuda. “It gathers people from

an evening of seminars including “How to Publish Your Book” and “How

all over the world and it’s like a family reunion. However, the most

to Make Money on YouTube.”

important aspect and reason for the event is to help the museum relocate to a much larger facility. One-hundred percent of the proceeds,

Saturday, August 17, will be the actual expo.

Sunday, August 18, will be a full day of physical workouts and

everything, goes to ensure that our martial arts legacy and history

seminars only. Classes will be taught by Doug Wong, Leo Fong, Michelle

won’t be forgotten. It’s that important.”

Manu, Eric Lee, Carrie Ogawa-Wong, Mark Shuey, Cynthia Rothrock,

The Dragonfest expo has continued to grow every year, from just a handful of vendors to 164 booths this year.

Don “The Dragon” Wilson, film director Art Camacho, Cecil Peoples, Dr. Kam Yuen, and others.

“It is our hope that we can raise a substantial amount of funds to relocate the museum,” Matsuda said. “If the martial arts has helped you become successful, gain respect, build self-confidence, etc., then let’s give back by supporting the Martial Arts History Museum.”

Dragonfest’s sponsors this year include the City of Burbank Hospitality Committee (VisitBurbank.com), Dr. Kam Yuen of YuenMethod.com, Leo Fong, Martial Arts Entertainment, and County of Los Angeles Supervisor Kathryn Barger.

To purchase your tickets or booth or sponsor a reservation, visit www.Dragonfest.com, send an email to info@mamuseum.com or call (818) 478-1722. The MAHM is located at 2319 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91506. e

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22

MASUCCESS

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

PRESKILLZ Martial Arts Industry Association

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Are you looking to start a martial arts program for

MATERIALS INCLUDE:

your 3- to 6-year-olds and don’t want to reinvent the wheel? Or do you already have a program, but

feel like you could use more structure and guidance?

UU A MONTHLY VIDEO SERIES FROM FOUNDER MELODY JOHNSON THAT DETAILS EXACTLY WHAT TO TEACH, AS WELL AS HOW TO TEACH ONE NEW SKILL EACH MONTH.

MAIA has teamed up with child development expert Melody Johnson to create PreSKILLZ, a monthly curriculum designed to teach children skills specific to their development levels.

The average child this age is not quite ready for the typical martial arts environment. So, this curriculum targets their stage of development with warm-ups, drills,

UU FOUR POWERFUL WEEKLY, SKILL-BASED CLASS PLANNERS. Coordination: Left & Right Month 8, Week 1 Class Planner Coordination: WARM-UPS (7-MINUTES) WATCH WEEK 1 WARM-UP VIDEO

Two Things at One Time

WARM-UP 1: PUSH-UP HOLDS

Coordination: With Counting Month 8, Week 3 Class Planner Coordination: WARM-UPS (7-MINUTES) WATCH WEEK 3 WARM-UP VIDEO

WARM-UP 1: TRIPLE SHOULDER TAPS

Description: The students will build arm strength by holding their body off the ground with their palms, while on their knees.

basic martial arts moves and games to provide them a with a solid foundation and path to enter full martial arts

2. Explain the rules: • •

Month 8, Week 2 Class Planner

1. Have your students hold their body up with their palms and feet, keeping their back straight as if they are in a push-up position.

2. Explain the rules:

WARM-UPS (7-MINUTES)

When I say, “go” you will raise your body off the ground with your palms, while keeping your knees, hips, and head aligned.

Make sure your toes remain pointed towards the ceiling.

WATCH WEEK 2 WARM-UP VIDEO

•

You will hold the beginner push-up position and count to ten.

•

While you are counting, try not to move your body at all.

Description: The students will build arm strength by holding their body off the ground with their palms and feet, while tapping their shoulders, alternating arms for ten reps.

When I say, “go” you will lower your deep squat position while your arms remain • body Makeinto surea you keep your back straight at all times. extended in front of you.

•

While you are counting, try not to move your body at all.

Description: The students will build their leg strength by lowering their body in a squat position with their arms extended in front of them for ten reps.

WARM-UP 3: ADVANCED SIT-UPS

WARM-UP 2: BEGINNER SQUATS

classes when they are developed.

•

While you are counting, try not to move your body at all.

Description: The students will build abdominal strength by lifting their shoulders off the ground for ten reps.

•

• •

•

Keep your arms crossed over your chest at all times.•

•

You will do this for ten reps.

hands on the mat in front of them and then using their abdominal muscles to pull their feet up to their hands.

Description: The students will build their core strength by holding their body off the ground using their palms and their feet, while tapping the side of their shoulders, alternating their arms for ten reps.

1. Have your students stand on one end of the mat with their feet together.

2. Explain theofrules: 1. Have your students raise their body off the ground with the palms their hands and their feet as if they were a table.

• When I say, “go” you will place your palms on the ground as far in front of you as possible without letting your feet come apart. Then, using your abdominal muscles, you will pull your feet off the ground towards your palms coming as close to your palms as possible.

• When I say, “go” you bring one arm across your body and tap the opposite shoulder, alternate arms.

• You will do this up and down the mat.

• Try to keep your body parallel to the ground.

2. Explain the rules:

When I say, “go” you will raise your body off the ground with the palms of your hands and your feet, WARM-UP as if you were 4: a table.

BEGINNER BRIDGE SIDE TAPS

•

You will do this for ten reps.

WARM-UP 4: FORWARD CRAB CRAWLS

Try to keep your body parallel to the ground.

Description: The students will build their core strength by holding their body off the ground using their palms theirposition feet, while side of their legs, alternating their arms for ten reps.

You will hold the beginnerand bridge andtapping count tothe ten.

Description: The students will build their core strength by holding their body off the ground using their palms and their feet, while walking down the mat.

While you are counting, try to move your body at all.

1. not Have your students raise their body off the ground with the palms of their hands and their feet as if they were a table.

1. Have your students sit on one end of the mat and raise their body off the ground with the palms of their hands and their feet as if they were a table.

2. Explain the rules:

This program includes age-appropriate, monthly skill-based content. Every part of the class planner was designed with the science and psychology of how children learn. The curriculum rotates with the perfect ingredients to provide students with consistent structure that they’re

You will do this all the way down the mat and back.

WARM-UP 3: DONKEY KONGS Description: The students will build abdominal strength by pulling their body down the mat by placing their WARM-UP 4: BEGINNER BRIDGE SHOULDER TAPS

WARM-UP 3: SIT-UPS

2. Explain the rules: Description: The students will build their core strength by holding their body off the ground using their palms and their feet.

• When I say, “go” you will raise your shoulders off the ground, and then lower them back to the ground.

1. Have your students sit with their palms on the ground at their side (fingers pointed forward); and their knees • Keep your arms crossed on your chest at all times. up with their feet flat on the floor (toes pointed forward).

• You will do this for ten reps.

2. Explain the rules:

•

• When I say, “go” you will step forward and lower your back knees towards the ground and then stand back up, alternating legs on each step.

When I say, “go” you will raise your shoulders off the ground and bring your head to your knees, and • Keep your hands behind your head at all times. then lower them back to the ground.

2. Explain the rules:

Have your students lay on their backs with their arms crossed on their chests.

WARM-UP 4: BEGINNER BRIDGE1.HOLDS

•

WARM-UP 2: JACK-IN-THE-BOX

Description: The students will build their leg strength by stepping down the mat in a lunge position while Description: The students will build abdominal strength by holding their knees off the ground as they lift their holding their hands behind their head. shoulders off the ground for ten reps.

1. Have your students stand on one end of the mat with their hands behind their head.

1. Have your students lay on their backs with their arms crossed over their chests and legs off the ground with 2. Explain the rules: their knees bent.

1. Have your students stand with their feet shoulder-width apart and arms extended in front of them, parallel to Description: The students will build abdominal strength by raising their shoulders off the ground. the ground.

2. Explain thearms rules: 1. Have your students lay on their backs with their to their sides.

• When I say, “go” you will lower your body into a deep squat position while your arms remain extended in front of you, and then raise your body back up.

• When I say, “go” you will raise your shoulders off the ground.

• You will do this for ten reps.

• Try to keep your feet together and try not to bend your knees.

2. Explain the rules:

You will hold the beginner dish position and count to ten.

WARM-UPS (7-MINUTES) WARM-UP 1: ARMY CRAWLS

WARM-UP 3: BEGINNER DISH HOLDS

•

You will do this for ten reps.

WATCH WEEK 4 WARM-UP VIDEO Make sure you keep your back straight at all times.

Description: The students will build arm strength by dragging their body down the mat using only their forearms while their feet are crossed and held off the ground.

Description: The students will build their leg strength by lowering their body in a squat position and touching the ground and then jumping for ten reps.

1. Have your students lay on their bellies on one end of the mat, with their forearms on the floor making a tight fist, and feet crossed and lifted off the ground.

1. Have your students stand with their feet shoulder-width apart.

2. Explain the rules: 2. Explain the rules: • When I say “go” you will drag your body across the mat using your forearms, while keeping your • When I say, “go” you will lower your body into a deep squat position and touch the ground, and feet crossed and off the mat. then jump as you reach for the sky.

• You will do this all the way down the mat and back.

• You will do this for ten reps.

1. Have your students hold their body up with their palms and feet, keeping their back straight as if they are in Description: The students will build their push-up leg strength by holding their body in a squat position with their arms position. extended in front of them.

2. Explain the rules: 1. Have your students stand with their feet shoulder-width apart extended in front of them, • When I say, “go”and youarms will tap your left shoulder with your right hand, and then tap your right parallel to the ground. shoulder with your left hand.

2. Explain the rules: • You will do this for ten reps.

You will hold the beginner squat position and count to ten.

When I say, “go” you will tap your left shoulder with your right hand three times, and then tap your right shoulder with your left hand three times.

•

WARM-UP 2: SQUAT JUMPS

WARM-UP 2: BEGINNER SQUAT HOLDS

•

Month 8, Week 4 Class Planner

•

•

WARM-UP 1: SHOULDER TAPS

•

Extreme Movement

Description: The students will build arm strength by holding their body off the ground with their palms and feet, while tapping their shoulders three times with the same hand and then alternating arms for ten reps.

1. Have your students lay on their bellies with their palms on the ground at their side, right below their shoulders, and knees bent so that their toes point towards the ceiling.

2. Explain the rules:

•

When I say, “go” you tap the side of your leg with your hand, alternating arms.

•

Try to keep your body parallel to the ground.

•

Try to keep your body parallel to the ground.

•

You will do this for ten reps.

•

You will do this up and down the mat.

•

When I say, “go” you will walk down the mat keeping your bottom off the ground at all times.

UU MONTHLY SKILL-BASED PARENT NEWSLETTER AND HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT. Teamwork

Teamwork

Hey Parents, This month’s homework includes a worksheet to help your child build TEAMWORK at home.

On the worksheet, I challenge you to build TEAMWORK with your child through the following activities: Activity 1: Build fort with pillows, boxes, and blankets while practicing working together.

Activity 2: Do a paint-by-number while practicing working together.

Activity 3: Help each other cook.

Activity 4: Help each other clean a room.

Activity 5: Play a board game together while practicing taking turns.

Activity 6: Play a video game together while taking turns.

Activity 7: Play a game of ‘cops’ and ‘robbers’ while practicing sportsmanship.

The goal is to complete one activity per day and initial each activity on the worksheet to verify its complete. Post a picture of the completed worksheet for a chance to win some cool prizes!

DEAR PARENTS, This month your child will build the skill: TEAMWORK. There are many benefits of teamwork for kids. For starters, they build proper social etiquette. Teamwork also helps pave the way for building fulfilling relationships as they grow. Another key benefit of learning teamwork is to build emotional strength as they learn how to apply our lessons in class.

Tips: Below are the weekly lessons we are teaching this month: • Working together. We will teach your child how to work together in a positive and productive manner.

• Helping each other. We will teach your children the importance of helping each other and they will experience the many benefits these acts offer.

• Taking turns. The simple act of taking turns requires practice and support,

familiar with, and enough variety to satisfy their desire to

Have fun while building the skill of TEAMWORK!

which is something we will help them role-play with in class.

• Sportsmanship. As children participate in sports, competitiveness often occurs, and we will teach them the proper etiquette such as how to win with proper manners, how to have respect when they lose, and the importance of not cheating.

Thank you for your support and we look forward to watching our youthful students build the skill of TEAMWORK!

learn new things.

PreSKILLZ is perfect for the one-man show who doesn’t have time to create class plans, as well as the solid team member who is eager to teach, but doesn’t know where to start.

UU PROFESSIONALLY DESIGNED PRESKILLZ POSTER, SKILL-BASED SOCIAL IMAGE AND AD CARD TO MARKET YOUR PROGRAM.

Coordination knowing your left and right, doing two things at one time, counting while moving, and performing extreme movements.

UU DIGITAL ACCESS TO ALL OF THE TOOLS AND RESOURCES FROM ANY DEVICE. If you’re ready to learn from one of the best child experts in the world, sign up for PreSKILLZ today at PreSKILLZ.com or call (866) 626-6226.

a Visit www.PreSkillz.com or call (866) 626-6226.

AUGUST 2019

23

THE MAIA REPORT

Keeping Your Classes Interesting Not quite sure what you’re going to teach tonight?

BY MELISSA TORRES

MAIA DIVISION MANAGER

Tomorrow night? Next week? I don’t blame you. Teach-

When you want to just get ideas for a warm-up, you

ing as much as you and your other instructors do, plus

search for “warm-ups” and get results! Or, specify a

running a full-time school, training, and trying to balance

discipline in the search box like “BJJ” or “Taekwondo” and

a home life, can leave you mentally drained and lacking in

check out the results!

the creative area.

Are you afraid your students are getting bored or losing

“This platform contains hundreds of drills, with more added constantly, to help give you the creativity and ideas you are craving.”

As you can see, it includes a variety of disciplines.

I know I mentioned that this is not a new service, but there are a couple of things that are new about it.

interest in the day-to-day drills and techniques? Reten-

First of all, the price is lowered! So if you have checked

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it out in the past and didn’t want to make the commit-

it all the time. Schools can get students in the door, but

ment, it is now half the cost. Second, there is now an

the main struggle is keeping them for a week, a month, a

app for iPhone and Android so all these drills are right

year and many years beyond that.

at your fingertips!

It’s time to break out of some of your routine teaching

We have made it as simple as possible to keep your

habits and make keeping your classes fun and interesting

students excited about coming to class week after

a top priority. If students are having fun, they will come

week. You can also try it for free! If you still have

back. If they are learning new techniques and see them-

reservations, visit maDrills.com and sign up for the

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Bring back that first-day excitement to your mat,

If it’s not for you, then just cancel. But at least check out

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all the drills and instructors that the platform has to offer. I

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believe you will bring back that fun and excitement to your

This service was developed to combat the issues I ad-

students. Happy browsing!

e

dressed above.

This platform contains hundreds of drills, with more added constantly, to help give you the creativity and ideas you are craving. If you have a to-do list a mile long and have even more things to worry about, then let us help lift that burden. Allow yourself to get help.

This digital library of drills and techniques exists to inspire instructors to teach great classes and keep their mats “fresh.” As an instructor, you probably know some variant of many of the drills or techniques, but this is there as a quick-access resource for you to be able to see how the “pros” do it.

We have experts like Harinder Singh, Melody Johnson, Apolo Ladra, Dave Kovar, Mike Swain, Mike Chat, Chris Rappold, members of Team Paul Mitchell, Ricardo Liborio and many more.

24

MASUCCESS

m Melissa Torres is the Martial Arts Industry Association Division Manager and can be reached at mtorres@masuccess.com.

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A HELPING HAND IN YOUR STORY

©2019 MAIA, LLC. #16664

August 2016

WEEK ONE

MARKETING RESOURCE

Get an Edge on teaching your youth classes

“

” WEEK ONE

ENERGY AND PERSISTENCE CONQUER ALL THINGS.

– BENJAMIN FRANKLIN –

August 2016

PERSISTENCE: The act of persisting or persevering; continuing or repeating behavior.

DOWNLOAD A DIFFERENT, FREE RESOURCE FROM MAIA EDGE EACH MONTH TO HELP YOU BOOST YOUR YOUTH CURRICULUM.

“

”

higher goal calls out many other virtues in us, Persistence means continuing to work because in order to persist, we have to push toward a goal even when it takes a long AND the PERSISTENCE CONQUER ALLwhat THINGS. ourselves beyond is comfortable. time to reach or it getsENERGY tough along way.

Without persistence, obstacles stop us. With Ask Your Students: – BENJAMIN FRANKLIN – persistence, we learn from our failures. We 1. What does persistence look like? work with the obstacles and failures and use 2. What does persistence look like in martial them as stepping stones instead of barriers. arts?

Persistence allows us to succeed where The act of persisting or persevering; continuing or repeating behavior. otherwise we might fail because much of 3. Why should you not let obstacles stop what matters in life requires sustained efforts you? and repeated attempts.

The greater the higher goal calls out many other virtues in us, Persistence means continuing to work accomplishment wewhen seek, itthe more likely this because in order to persist, we have to push toward a goal even takes a long is to be true. Persistence in thealong service a ourselves beyond what is comfortable. time to reach or it gets tough theofway.

Without persistence, obstacles stop us. With Ask Your Students: persistence, we learn from our failures. We 1. What does persistence look like? work with the obstacles and failures and use 2. What does persistence look like in martial them as stepping stones instead of barriers. arts?

Persistence allows us to succeed where otherwise we might fail because much of 3. Why should you not let obstacles stop what matters in life requires sustained efforts you? and repeated attempts. The greater the accomplishment we seek, the more likely this is to be true. Persistence in the service of a

PERSISTENCE:

August 2016

August 2016

WEEK TWO

“

PATIENCE, PERSISTENCE AND PERSPIRATION MAKE AN UNBEATABLE COMBINATION FOR SUCCESS.

PERSISTENCE:

– NAPOLEON HILL –

”

WEEK TWO

Without persistence, many people fail before reaching their ultimate success.

“

having is worth working for? It is very true.

Persistence is the quality of continuing PATIENCE, PERSISTENCE AND PERSPIRATION MAKE Good things happen when we stay dedicated, steadily despite problems or difficulties.

AN UNBEATABLE COMBINATION FOR SUCCESS. persistent, and patient.

It is a quality that high achievers possess.

The longer you stay committed to a task – NAPOLEON HILL – Ask Your Students: or a goal, the more likely something good 1. Do you believe anything worth having is will happen for you. Without persistence, it worth working for? would be impossible to complete a task or

PERSISTENCE: reach your goals. Through persistence, you

26

MASUCCESS

”

2. Why is persistence key to reaching goals?

Without persistence, many people fail before their ultimate success. develop yourself and learn new lessons.

Youreaching 3. What goals do you persistently pursue? face challenges and obstacles, but the payoff comes whenisyou up and never having is worth working for? It is very true.

Persistence therefuse qualitytoofgive continuing quit.

Have you heard that anything worth Good things happen when we stay dedicated, steadily despite problems or difficulties. persistent, and patient.

It is a quality that high achievers possess.

The longer you stay committed to a task Ask Your Students: or a goal, the more likely something good 1. Do you believe anything worth having is will happen for you. Without persistence, it worthResource, working for?

To get your free customizable monthly Marketing visit MAIAHUB.com would be impossible to complete a task or 2.

Why is persistence key to reaching goals? reach your goals.

Through persistence, you or get the download link from our Facebook page: fb.com/masuccess. develop yourself and learn new lessons. You 3. What goals do you persistently pursue? face challenges and obstacles, but the payoff comes when you refuse to give up and never quit. Have you heard that anything worth

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TheFlowSystem.tv © 2019 MAIA, LLC. #16581

50 th

of the

For five decades, ATA International has been changing lives through martial arts. On the organization’s 50th, we take a look back at ATA’s history and celebrate its remarkable story.

BY JENNIFER WOLFF DESIGNED BY BRIDGETTE RABE

ATA’S Haeng Ung Lee was a multi-faceted individual. He was a military man who loved to golf, run, and tell jokes.

He also loved martial arts.

It was his passion for this pastime that led the nowinfamous Eternal Grand Master and his dear friend, Richard Reed, to establish the American Taekwondo Association (ATA) in 1969.

Since then, ATA has become a household name in the industry and remains the largest North American martial arts organization dedicated to the discipline of taekwondo.

What began with a simple vision to change lives and make a difference has turned in to a global phenomenon.

This summer, ATA celebrates its 50th anniversary during its annual Worlds event. This is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the last five decades and look forward to the promising future.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN Lee began studying martial arts as a teenager in Korea in 1954. By 1956, he was in the Korean Army, teaching the art to members of the military intelligence units. Soon after, he moved to Osan, the United States Air Force Base in South Korea. This move proved critical to his journey for two reasons: First, he began teaching taekwondo to Americans.

And second, he met Reed.

The two quickly forged a deep friendship through their training. As Grand Master Bill Clark, 9th degree black belt and owner of multiple ATA schools, reflects, “Without the physical talent and emotional vision of those two, ATA never would have made it. Those two were like magic.”

The friendship was so close, in fact, that when Reed was reassigned to a station in Omaha, Nebraska, Lee followed suit with a visa and later citizenship, under Reed’s guidance.

It was there in Omaha that Lee and Reed opened their first ATA school. The school measured about 1,000 square feet of hardwood and mirrors—and about 15 students. One of those students was Clark.

Clark, who was already training in kickboxing and judo at the YMCA, wanted to see what the school was all about.

He joined almost immediately. Clark explains that it was a combination of dedicated salesmanship and the excitement of Lee and Reed that had him “hooked.”

“I was a factory worker who loved self-defense and martial arts,” Clark remembers. “They had a vision, and I bought into the dream.”

32

MASUCCESS

A BIGGER VISION More and more students and instructors in the Midwestern region began buying in to the dream, as well. In 1969, that dream took an official name. The American Taekwondo Association was established.

So, how did the growth truly begin? One of the most adored stories in ATA history is the “Map Story.” Grand Master Robert Allemier, one of Eternal Grand Master Lee’s first students, recalls Lee sharing how he wanted to expand the expand the ATA throughout the United States.

“Eternal Grand Master pulled out a napkin and drew a picture of the U.S.,” Allemier explains. “And he just put dots all over the napkin and said ‘I want schools all over this country.’”

Reed, skeptical, replied, “You don’t realize how big the United States is.”

But it seems Lee did understand. Today, with nearly 900 ATA licenses active in the United States (and nearly 100 worldwide), the organization continues to grow and is seeking new licensees in new territories to continue the dream.

A MOVE TOWARD GREATNESS ATA was growing fast, but so was martial arts in general. H.U. Lee was on a mission to keep up. During one of the many traveling martial arts exhibitions the founder

did with his family, called “The Flying Lee Brothers,” Lee first came to Arkansas. He liked that it was centrally located in the U.S. and he always said that the landscape reminded him of his home in South Korea.

Also, the license plates for the state at the time said it was “The Land of Opportunity.”

A man with a vision needed no other sign that this state would be home to the new headquarters for ATA. Therefore, in 1977, the ATA headquarters moved to Little Rock, Arkansas’ capital.

Reed, though always committed to ATA until his death in 2016, remained a silent part of the operation. He was always there to offer guidance on the business side, but he allowed Lee to take the reins on instruction.

JULY 2019

33

FIVE DECADES OF

ATA EXCELLENCE What began as a passion for martial arts ultimately led to the ATA’s 50 years of growth and global expansion. Here’s a quick timeline of the last five decades of ATA International’s story:

1969

ATA Tigers is created for children under the age of seven.

1973

Eternal Grand Master H.U. Lee passes away.

ATA begins to spread throughout the region and the Eternal Grand Master creates a manual which includes the inner workings of an ATA school, including uniform specifications.

1977

ATA headquarters moves to Little Rock, Arkansas.

1978

ATA hosts its first Grand Nationals in Little Rock. This was a predecessor to what is known today as ATA Worlds.

1983

Songahm Taekwondo is introduced.

2001

Grand Master Soon Ho Lee becomes ATA’s second presiding Grand Master.

2004

Grand Master Bill Clark and Mike Chat introduce the ATA Xtreme Program.

2007

The H.U. Lee International Gate and Garden is opened in Little Rock.

2011

1984 1986

ATA co-founder Richard Reed receives the title of Grand Master.

1990

Grand Masters Bill Clark and Robert Allemier receive their new titles.

1991

G.K. Lee becomes the newest ATA Grand Master.

ATA opens its doors to children age seven and up with the Karate for Kids program.

H.U. tests for and becomes ATA’s first Grand Master.

ATA begins expansion to Canada and European countries.

1995

ATA introduces weapons into competition.

MASUCCESS

2000

Grand Master In Ho Lee becomes ATA’s third presiding Grand Master.

ATA first goes global with the creation of the Songahm Taekwondo Federation in South America.

34

1996

Eternal Grand Master H.U. Lee founds the American Taekwondo Association with his friend, the late Grand Master Richard Reed, in Omaha, Nebraska.

2015

2016 2017

2019

ATA celebrates 50 years of changing lives through martial arts.

In Little Rock, Lee began taking his dream to new levels, which meant developing outstanding instructors and powerful curriculum.

Grand Master Soon Ho Lee, his oldest brother and ultimately his successor, remembers clearly what Eternal Grand Master saw for ATA. “My brother believed in teaching the whole student,” he says. “By that, I mean that he wanted students to develop physically, mentally, emotionally and (in a way that is) balanced. That is still the fundamental concept of our business today.”

With several of his brothers having joined him in the United States, and with the help of exceptional leaders such as Clark and Allemier, Lee had a team of leaders to plant in different regions of the United States. This group would also help with creating a top-notch, coordinated curriculum.

With ever-growing competition popping up across the country, Lee never wavered from his vision to be the best. His team of leaders felt the same way.

Clark explains, “I don’t remember every feeling threatened by another martial art. We were so different and so totally purpose driven. A lot of them didn’t know what they were doing.”

By contrast, the Eternal Grand Master always wanted his people to know what they were doing, which began the next phase of the journey.

WORLD-CLASS TEACHING

1963: The earliest photograph of Grand Master H.U. Lee in America, as Master Reed shows him the new commercial school in Omaha (South 24th St.), where there careers would begin.

At the left is Don McElroy, Master Reed’s highest-ranking brown belt at the time.

In a new home, it was time for Eternal Grand Master Lee to kick his organization up a notch. It was time to build more instructors and create a dynamic curriculum that would keep students motivated.

Instructors, first. People needed to know how to teach the ATA way, consistently. That’s why ATA is known for being the first organization of its kind to provide instruction manuals.

The system Eternal Grand Master introduced was distinct and professional.

As Clark recalls, “You create great instructors—that’s how you grow. People who liked structure and discipline would fit in here.”

Grand Master Allemier agrees: “I believe what has stayed the same in ATA over the years has been the studentinstructor relationship. The loyalty between instructors and the loyalty to the organization…is to put forth that effort of building ‘one black belt at a time.’”

With instructors in place, it was time to take the curriculum to a new level. Therefore, in 1983, Lee introduced the Songahm style of taekwondo. This system of teaching is unique to ATA and is one that Lee believed “embraced the strength and beauty of taekwondo kicking techniques.”

JULY 2019

35

ATA’S ATA’S

th

It also showcases a clear path from white belt to Grand Master, so that students have foresight in their next steps toward their personal goals.

Once Lee had introduced the new forms, the popularity began to spread like wildfire. People took notice, and a new generation of ATA enthusiasts were soon flocking to schools.

One of those individuals was Cesar Ozuna, a current Grand Master Nominee in Songahm, who was a business professional and ultimate athlete eager to help the ATA founder spread the word of this new martial art in South America. It was then that the STF, or Songahm Taekwondo Federation, was created.

Ozuna explains how much his relationship with the ATA Founder continues to impact lives: “We have 36 Masters, over 50 5th-degrees, over 300 certified instructors, and over 230 schools in Latin America. That is at least 200 people that make their living and support their families teaching Songahm every day.”

This was just the first step in ATA’s global presence—which currently spans 25 different countries and six continents.

A MORE YOUTHFUL GENERATION It was an incredible feat for this “American” Taekwondo Association to begin picking up momentum globally, but there was more to what Eternal Grand Master envisioned for the company. He would constantly say that he didn’t want “anyone to not be able to practice martial arts—regardless of age or ability.”

So, in 1986, ATA did something no one had really done in martial arts before: they created a curriculum specifically for children. The Karate for Kids program, designed for students age seven to 12, was created to teach children martial arts fundamentals. Even more so, it was designed to teach the children life skills that would allow them to be successful throughout their entire lives.

Chief Master Al Dilegge, ATA 8th-degree black belt, was pivotal in the introduction of this program.

“Karate for Kids allowed students to be individuals, outside of team sports. They progress at their own rate and learn valuable traits while also having fun,” he explains.

But ATA’s development of programs for youth didn’t stop there. In 1996, ATA introduced its Tigers program, geared at students age three to six.

ATA Grand Master Nominee, M.K. Lee, is head of ATA’s instruction team and explained why it’s important to get students involved at such a young age.

“These students build character qualities such as respect

36

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and courtesy,” says M.K. Lee. “They also learn how to pay attention and focus on small tasks. This prepares them for development in our older age groups and for any type of classroom setting.”

KEEP IT GROWING In the 1990s, ATA continued to expand and set up shop in Canada and throughout Europe. It was this global expansion that led to the organization’s hosting of the first ever ATA Worlds in Little Rock. The event had previously been called “Grand Nationals” because the competitors came solely from the United States. Now, it was time to open the doors to all Songahm students throughout the world.

During this ATA Worlds, there was another monumental first—Haeung Ung Lee tested for his 9th-degree black belt to become ATA’s first Grand Master. He proved his skills with his performance before the assembled organization and, as Allemier explains, “He set precedents on how to go from white

MEET ATA’S NEWEST PRESIDING

GRAND MASTER Grand Master G.K. Lee will officially become ATA’s fourth Grand Master during the 2019 ATA Worlds this summer.

Though soft-spoken, he’s an exceptional athlete. Here are nine fast facts to introduce you to the new Grand Master:

FACT 1: Grand Master G.K. Lee was born in 1957 in Daegu City, South Korea.

FACT 2: A martial arts enthusiast from a young age, G.K. Lee started martial arts training in 2nd grade and received his first black belt at 12 years old in tang soo do.

FACT 3: Known for his introduction of Protech to the traditional Songahm curriculum, the first seminar Grand Master G.K. Lee taught in Protech was over joint locks, and was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

FACT 4: When asked what his favorite weapon was, he confidently said the side kick (clever!).

But, he said he also enjoys training with the double-edged sword.

FACT 5: Grand Master G.K. Lee served in the Korean Army from 1978 to 1981, where he taught taekwondo.

FACT 6: When he’s not doing taekwondo, Grand Master G.K. Lee enjoys shooting trap, fishing, and spending time outdoors.

FACT 7: His go-to favorite board break is a speed break, the jump spin heel kick!

FACT 8: Grand Master G.K. Lee is a family man with a wife and two children, ages 13 and 10.

FACT 9: What is the advice Grand Master G.K. gives students of all martial arts styles? “Create a habit of training constantly. Then, these habits will become a way of life.”

JULY 2019

37

ATA’S belt to Master and then eventually become a Grand Master in Songahm Taekwondo.”

With his new Grand Master status, the ATA founder began to pursue even more ways to serve the students of Songahm. This was accomplished in part thanks to the leadership of his cousin, G.K. Lee, who led to the establishment of the Protech weapons division of ATA. Grand Master G.K. Lee explains that it’s hard to imagine an ATA tournament or seminar without bo staffs or ssahng jeol bongs (nunchukus). Still, it seemed like a non-traditional move at the time, and initially, some people saw it as too “theatrical” for martial arts. Still, as G.K. Lee explains, “Traditional taekwondo is movement. Everything ATA calls a weapon is an extension of your arms and your body.”

DEATH AND NEW LIFE After the tremendous curriculum development of the 1980s, and the significant global growth in the 1990s, ATA entered a new millennium.

The happiness would soon have a damper when in 2000, Eternal Grand Master H.U. Lee passed away after a battle with lung cancer.

Clark recalls, “He was the iron man. I thought he was going to live forever, and when he told me he wasn’t it was a shock to me. It was devastating and humbling at the same time.”

But if one thing was sure of the founder’s legacy, it’s that he didn’t just want the organization to survive. He wanted it to thrive.

Members of ATA’s Masters Council—including Clark—rallied to ensure it would do just that.

Clark says, “We were more prepared. I think we knew his vision was going to live on no matter what. He trusted our Masters Council, and we already knew our job was to continue his legacy.”

The first step was nominating the next Grand Master for the organization, and the natural choice was his oldest brother, Soon Ho Lee. After many trials and tests, Soon Ho was elevated to become ATA’s second Grand Master in 2001.

NEXT LEVEL PROGRAMS

38

The mission was clear: the organization and its leaders were determined to keep the company moving in new directions, and stay on the cutting edge in the industry.

One of the Eternal Grand Master’s strengths was making himself adaptable to new ideas and open to going to new lengths in order to keep instructors and students excited about martial arts. Enter Clark and ATA Master Mike Chat with what would become ATA-Xtreme Martial Arts.

The categories of Xtreme and Creative were new, but still allowed students to take their traditional foundation and use it effectively. Tricks, flips, and kicks were combined with yelling and MASUCCESS

even music to make for more performance-enhanced martial arts.

This helped to generate even more interest in competition and classes.

It didn’t stop there. In 2011, ATA introduced combat weapons sparring. This used Grand Master G.K. Lee’s theory that the weapon is an extension of the body and challenged students to move in and out of different ranges when faced with an opponent.

Though ATA is always looking for the most exciting taekwondo curriculum, it also takes pride in offering a broad spectrum of curriculum to its instructors beyond martial arts. The Kidz’n Power Program and “Agent G” provide invaluable guidance, child safety and anti-bullying measures to ATA students and non-students alike in local communities.

During the addition of these new training programs, ATA also welcomed its third Grand Master, In Ho Lee, another brother of Songahm’s founder.

It was clear that ATA was continuing to move forward, while always keeping the vision of Eternal Grand Master Lee at the forefront of their minds.

A NEW HOME… KIND OF ATA has proudly called Little Rock its home since 1977. Over the years, it’s made an even greater commitment to the city. In 2009, the H.U. Lee International Gate and Garden was established as a tribute to ATA’s founder. It was a joint effort between the city and ATA to honor the lifelong work Eternal Grand Master Lee was known for in building relationships and impacting lives through martial arts.

In 2016, ATA made an even bigger leap and moved its international headquarters to a new bigger, bolder location in Little Rock. The 43,000 square-foot facility has a massive training room, classrooms and a museum dedicated to the history of Songahm Taekwondo.

Sun C. Lee, chairman of the ATA Board of Directors and widow of the Eternal Grand Master said at the opening, “This is a day of new possibilities. It’s a way to better serve our licensees and show our commitment to Little Rock. This is another day in our organization’s history where I know the founder would be proud.”

THE WORLDLY CELEBRATION Five decades of steady leadership and talented athletes has led us to now, when ATA officially celebrates its 50th anniversary.

When you look at the lineup for this summer’s annual ATA Worlds event, it’s easy to see that the organization is not holding back anything!

From July 8th through the 14th, once again, nearly 20,000 instructors, students and fans of ATA from around the world will

ETERNAL GRAND MASTER HAENG UNG LEE

descend on Little Rock for a week-long extravaganza that includes training, competition and just plain fun. The city feels the love, too.

This is the largest annual convention in Little Rock and generates around $4 million in local revenue.

Some of the highlights on the horizon include the introduction of four new Grand Masters: Michael Caruso, Robert Jager, and the aforementioned M.K. Lee and Cesar Ozuna. This is the first time in ATA history that four individuals will be given the organization’s most prominent title.

They will also inaugurate Grand Master G.K. Lee as the organization’s fourth presiding leader in this role. Grand Master In Ho Lee will hand over his leadership, but agrees that G.K. Lee is the perfect person to fill his shoes: “He is well-respected in the industry and has been truly innovative in curriculum development for ATA over the years.”

It was a unanimous decision by the council to choose their next leader.

The 2019 Worlds also has more business training, more World Champion competitors, and the new International Team sparring competition. Bigger is better for this golden anniversary! It may seem amazing that this all fits in a week, but ATA loves it. As Grand Master Soon Ho Lee says, “It’s a family reunion. Our people love being a part of Worlds. There is so much energy you can feel it!”

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS Eternal Grand Master H.U. Lee had a popular saying: “Today Not Possible; Tomorrow Possible.” When you look around this vibrant organization, you can see that it is unique. You have “mature”

legends who look back on the 50 years and reflect on the epic success, which, it’s fair to say, most of them never saw coming.

You also have a new group of licensees—some who never knew the founder—who started their journeys as ATA Tigers or Karate for Kids students and now run their own businesses.

But the vision of the founder ties them all together and keeps them all focused on making a positive difference in world through martial arts.

Since its inception, ATA has changed well over one million lives in classrooms across the globe. The ever-evolving teams of leaders at its headquarters work tirelessly to provide the best training programs, marketing tools, martial arts equipment, billing services and more to its growing number of licensees.

It may be safe to say that, if ATA continues on it’s current path, it will continue to thrive just as its founder wanted. The organization and its supporters will have more than 50 more years under their collective belts – black belts, of course! e

m Jenny Wolff is the Communications Specialist for ATA’s International Headquarters. She is a 1st degree black belt in Songahm Taekwondo and has been working for the ATA since 2004. She comes from a long line of martial artists as her father, mother and brother all have ATA black belts, too. Additionally, her seven-year-old daughter has started taking classes. For more information on ATA or this article, you may reach her at jenny.oconnor@ataonline.com.

JULY 2019

39

BLACK BELT LEADERSHIP

“L” Is for Learning

BY DR. NGUYEN “TOM” GRIGGS

“Have you emptied your cup lately?

When was the last time that you cleared your mind enough to allow other ideas and beliefs to be entertained?”

40

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F

or this column, I continue using acronyms to spell out the words BLACK BELT, as they relate to teams and leadership. This month, I’ll address the second “L” in black belt leadership, which stands for Learning. Let’s start with one of my favorite Zen parables.

Empty Your Cup A philosophy professor once met with a Zen master to learn more about Zen teachings. They met at the master’s home and spent the afternoon talking. It became apparent that the professor was not interested in learning. He wanted to show that his beliefs and philosophy were superior to the Zen master’s teachings.

After some time, the wise Zen master paused to make some tea. She brought over two cups and began to pour tea for the professor. As the professor proudly continued to chatter on, he noticed that the Zen master was pouring so much tea into his cup that it overflowed and spilled.

The professor exclaimed rather angrily, “What is wrong with you? Can you not see that my cup can no longer hold any more tea?”

The Zen master calmly replied, “Kind professor, can you not see that just like your cup, your mind is so full of your beliefs and arrogance that it cannot hold any new ideas or even entertain new approaches?”

The professor retorted, “I don’t understand what you mean, you foolish woman,” to which the Zen master responded, “If you truly want to learn and grow, first, dear sir, you must empty your cup.”

I often use this parable in training sessions and it always garners lots of agreement and vigorous, affirming head-nods from the audience.

However, I want to ask you a simple question: Have you emptied your cup lately? When was the last time that you cleared your mind enough to allow other ideas and beliefs to be entertained?

This is the first and truest step of learning, my friends.

Some people may be closed off because they believe they are right/correct in every thought and action. Other times, people simply fear change or that which is different, so they will not willingly do anything to invite difference.

Fighting a Losing Battle I used to be a competitor and a judge in kata and pointsparring tournaments. I recall a purple belt competitor in my ring that lost his match because he used the same pattern repeatedly. And guess what? His opponent figured him out and then adeptly utilized dodging, blocking and counterstriking with great accuracy.

The sad part was that this young man’s instructor was constantly providing great advice. But the young man stuck to his patterns of movement and lost. At one point, the instructor even told the purple belt that his opponent could read his movements, so adjust! But he wouldn’t, so he lost.

Leaders that don’t learn are like fighters who refuse to change their tactics, even when it would benefit them. They are going to lose.

Leaders Are Learners In Leaders are Learners: The Best Leaders are Constant Learners, authors Mikkelsen and Jarche state that “Leaders must get comfortable with living in a state of continually becoming, a perpetual beta mode.”

While you may experience some “learning” fatigue, it’s completely worth it to your evolution as a leader. More importantly, your team and people will also benefit from your efforts.

The authors continue to promote learning as an element of effective leaders by saying, “If work is learning and learning is the work, then leadership should be all about enabling learning.”

Basically, effective leaders will not only value learning, but will promote it and expect it from their team members.

Here are two ways you can foster and enjoy learning in your schools: 1. Use books and articles.Have your team read a book or article. Each team member, including yourself, will then give a short educational presentation on a chapter or section. I suggest using structured questions or teaching points as a guide.

For example, a person can relate how the content of a chapter or a passage ties into your organization’s core values.

This activity promotes growth, understanding and enhances valuable presentation skills.

2. Create nonacademic learning experiences. Recently, a client asked me about using unconventional bonding experiences. We decided that her team should gather at someone’s home to learn how to cook an ethnic dish.

It worked and now they made cooking a frequent learning experience. Additionally, escape rooms, volunteering and games (board and cards, etc.) are fun and effective.

Again, tie the experience back to your school’s values and core beliefs. But whatever you do, tie everything back to actionable steps. e m Nguyen “Tom” Griggs is a professional consultant/speaker

in the areas of Teams, Leadership and Conflict and can be reached at tom@ntgriggs.com.

Be Wise,

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IN THE CLASSROOM

Why Choose Martial Arts for Children? Part 3

BY DAVE KOVAR

“Martial arts training gives a child with bullying tendencies a healthy way to deal with their stress. It will improve their confidence and as their confidence improves, so does their self-image.

This makes them less likely to feel the need to tear others down.”

A

s we have talked about over the last few months, I believe that martial arts has the answer for nearly every challenge that a child might face.

Whether it be bullying, obesity, a short attention span, a lack of athletic skill, low confidence or a poor self-image, martial arts can help. I’m guessing you feel the same way.

Here are some more scripts that might help you articulate the benefits. Let’s get the word out so a lot more children will benefit from training, and, in turn, help our schools.

Why Martial Arts Is Good for Children Who Are Being Bullied Very few things can benefit a child who is being bullied more than martial arts – and not just because they learn how to defend themselves, although that is important.

Equally important is the fact that a child who trains in the martial arts learns how to project real confidence, making them way less likely to be a victim. We call it, “Practice the fight so that you don’t have to.”

Why Martial Arts Is Good for Children Who Bully Others Contrary to what most people think, kids who bully benefit dramatically from martial arts training. Martial arts training gives a child with bullying tendencies a healthy way to deal with their stress. It will improve their confidence and as their confidence improves, so does their self-image. This makes them less likely to feel the need to tear others down. Finally, although martial arts teaches potentially dangerous techniques, it puts a larger emphasis on the importance of respect and courtesy.

Do You Recommend Martial Arts For Girls?

A common misconception is that martial arts training is primarily for boys. However, the reality is that nearly half of all children training in martial arts are girls. Girls tend to learn martial arts extremely fast, and martial arts is one of the few sports where both boys and girls can play and train together. It is a sad fact of life that girls and women are often the targets of criminals because they are thought to be weak and defenseless. Martial arts training gives girls the tools and confidence to avoid potential attacks and defend themselves if necessary.

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MASUCCESS

Martial arts also gives brothers and sisters an opportunity to practice together and learn from one another as well.

How Effective Is Martial Arts in Keeping Children Healthy?

For a child to be healthy and have their body to develop correctly, they need to perform natural movements like jumping, running, climbing, falling and rolling on a regular basis. Martial arts training emphasizes all of these things.

It is an incredibly well-rounded form of exercise, helping a child to develop lean muscle mass, bone density, flexibility and endurance. Additionally, most martial arts schools put a strong emphasis on healthy eating, helping children learn healthy habits that can stick with them for life.

How Long Do You Recommend A Child Train in Martial Arts?

Most children will receive some benefit from martial arts after training for just a few months. But the real benefits come from long-term training. There’s something special that happens to a child who grows up in a martial arts school. They are simply more confident, respectful, focused, healthy, hard-working and optimistic.

Time and time again we hear from adults who trained in martial arts as children who say that it was the best thing they did growing up. No one ever regrets long-term martial arts training.

I’m sure that there are plenty of other benefits that children can receive from training in the martial arts, but hopefully you have found these scripts valuable.

You don’t have to repeat the scripts literally. They are just meant to be a guideline. The idea is to memorize these ideas, personalize them to fit you, and finally to internalize them so that you can call upon them anytime you need them. e m You can contact Master Dave Kovar at dave.kovar@kovars.com.

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The Benchmark Report is the most comprehensive collection and analysis of business data in the martial arts industry.

The purpose of the report is simple: to provide valuable insights to martial arts school owners, so that they can master their businesses and transform more lives. The data from this report is backed by 465 survey respondents, and helps school owners make better business decisions — whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for decades!

BENCHMARK REPORT COMPOSED

BY ZEN PLANNER DESIGNED BY STACY ROBERTSON

BENCHMARK REPORT

HOW DOES ZEN PLANNER DETERMINE WHAT QUESTIONS TO INCLUDE IN ITS SURVEY? When we first launched the Benchmark Report, we formed our questions based on conversations that we had had been having with school owners for a decade. We have a good understanding of what martial arts schools are thinking about, from sales to customer support, what their pain points are, and what things matter most to their businesses.

We pair this perspective with in-house expertise, too. We have a passionate group of martial arts students and instructors at Zen Planner who bring a unique perspective to every conversation.

HOW HAS THE BENCHMARK REPORT EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS? The survey evolves every year thanks to feedback from school owners and readers. Each year, we send out a survey to see if we’re missing anything business owners want to address. We review our data annually to see if there are new takeaways waiting to be uncovered, and we review our questions to see if anything should be rephrased.

“THE BENCHMARK REPORT HELPS SCHOOL OWNERS MAKE BETTER BUSINESS DECISIONS — WHETHER THEY ARE JUST STARTING OUT OR HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR DECADES.”

52

MASUCCESS

AUGUST 2019

53

BENCHMARK REPORT

AVERAGE MONTHLY FINANCIALS Revenue

Small

Medium

Student Agreements

$2,332

$9,244

$24,535$

24,913

Events

$348

$1,885

$1,514$

3,488

Testing & Promotions

$266

$1,146

$2,146

$2,563

Merchandise

$589

$986

$1,805

$2,121

Other

$588

$808 $

Total Monthly Revenue

$4,125

$14,071$

31,468

Expenses

Small

Medium

Large

1,466$

1,481 $34,567

Payroll

$1,372

$3,901

$12,209

$8,110

Rent / Mortgage

$1,582

$3,148

$4,544

$4,016

Commissions

$900

$873

$1,275

$1,264

Other Personnel

$314

$927

$1,035

$926

Uniforms & Gear

$185

$592

$1,023

$1,022

Utilities & Expenses

$226

$689

$882

$849

Marketing

$217

$457

$828

$704

Processing Fees

$120

$261

$956

$620

$205

$397

$572

$664

$110

$226

$606

$397

$273

$1,481

$1,367

$2,296

$5,507

$12,957

$25,303

Small

Medium

Large

-$1,381

$1,113

$6,164

Coaching Fees Insurance Other Expenses Total Monthly Expenses

Monthly Average

54

Large

MASUCCESS

$20,873

$13,694

AVERAGE MONTHLY FINANCIALS Revenue

$34,567 Revenue

$31,468 $1,113.95 Revenue

$14,071

$0

Revenue

$13,694 $6,164

$4,125

Expenses

$5,507

-$1,381.88

Small

Expenses

$12,957

Expenses

Expenses

Medium

$25,303

$20,873

Large Key Takeaway Champions lay their foundation with student agreements and supplement with events and retail. From seminars to tournaments, events are an opportunity to generate supplemental revenue. As an added bonus, they also offer an educational and fun experience for your community. Retail merchandise is also an effective way to increase revenue and strengthen your community by offering items like branded gi’s and apparel.

AUGUST 2019

55

BENCHMARK REPORT

WHAT VALUE DOES THE BENCHMARK REPORT PROVIDE FOR MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL OWNERS? The Benchmark Report provides the most comprehensive collection and analysis of financial data in the martial arts industry. It helps school owners make better business decisions — whether they are just starting out or have been in business for decades.

The survey helps us find opportunities for software improvements which can benefit the thousands of martial arts businesses we serve. Whether someone already owns a martial arts school or is opening one soon, the survey provides a startup template and an insider’s view of best practices related to facility size, staffing, class schedule organization and detailed financial management.

WHAT MOTIVATED US TO TAKE ON THIS PROJECT? The Benchmark Report is fueled by our passion for helping our customers master their business operations.

When our customers master their businesses and delight their students, we impact more lives. The motivation here was pretty simple: To provide more value to, and improve, the martial arts industry.

“ONE THING WE’D LIKE TO BRING TO THE CONVERSATION THIS YEAR IS THE ANNUAL TREND OF SMALL SCHOOLS NOT CHARGING ENOUGH. ONE COULD ARGUE THAT, EXCEPT FOR HAVING FEWER AMENITIES, SMALL SCHOOLS ARE ACTUALLY MORE VALUABLE BECAUSE OF THE MORE PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE.”

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AUGUST 2019

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BENCHMARK REPORT

WHAT WERE THE BIG TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS YEAR’S SURVEY? Our big takeaway this year was the importance of student engagement and having the ability to drive student engagement in a variety of ways. ’Referral marketing’ was another big takeaway. The most profitable schools, which we dub our ‘Champion Schools,’ spent the most on referral programs.

An engaged and loyal student base is more likely to share satisfaction with a school with friends and family, with or without a financial incentive from the school. Small school owners wear many hats and don’t have time to deploy a traditional marketing strategy. Referral marketing spending is generally based on sales only, not the hope of a future sale. Marketing that relies on a loyal and vocal student base is effective and easy, and it is what propels many small schools into the ranks of the Champion Schools.

The ability to manage family memberships was a strong takeaway this year as well. Youth and family memberships are a large source of revenue for many martial arts schools. Using software to seamlessly manage family memberships has a huge impact on a school’s bottom line.

Along those same lines, we also found the Champion Schools automate as much as possible. Automations, from communication to payments, allow a martial arts school to grow without spending more time and more money. Beyond scale, automations also ensure a better student experience through consistency and quality.

We know testing and promotions are debated topics from discipline to discipline, but our data shows a massive focus on skill-based and attendance-based testing criteria. Our software allows you to completely customize what your testing criteria is, and allows both you and your students to track attendance in a detailed way.

“THE ABILITY TO MANAGE FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS WAS A STRONG TAKEAWAY THIS YEAR AS WELL . YOUTH AND FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS ARE A LARGE SOURCE OF REVENUE FOR MANY MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOLS. USING SOFTWARE TO SEAMLESSLY MANAGE FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS HAS A HUGE IMPACT ON A SCHOOL’S BOTTOM LINE.”

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WHAT WERE SOME OF THE OTHER TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS YEAR’S SURVEY? Each year, we see the Champion Schools charging the most for memberships and avoiding discounts. A school’s pricing impacts its public perception. We want martial arts schools to sell on value and not on price.

Higher-valued martial arts schools are healthier businesses, and healthier businesses can better serve their students. It’s much easier to go “down market” than “up market.” That is, it’s much easier to add a basic service after you’ve offered a premium service than the other way around. Furthermore, it’s much easier to lower your prices than to raise them.

One thing we’d like to bring to the conversation this year is the annual trend of small schools not charging enough. One could argue that, except for having fewer amenities, small schools are actually more valuable because of the more personalized experience.

There’s some assumption there, obviously, but we want to empower these schools to charge what they are worth or even what they’re going to be worth down the road. This is a barrier martial arts schools have to leap over in order to achieve long-term success. e

AUGUST 2019

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TURNING POINT

John Duncan: Nearly Being Killed by a Street Thug

J

BY HERB BORKLAND

“In this inspiring monthly column, we examine the pivotal point in a prominent black belt’s career that took him or her onto major success in martial arts business, sports or films.”

ohn Duncan began studying martial arts in 1963. At age 14 he began training at the legendary Texas Karate Institute under Fred Wren. Allen Steen, Jhoon Rhee’s original American black belt, tested Duncan for his first dan. Later, Duncan became an instructor, and then head instructor, at Texas Karate, from 1972 to 1974.

In 1978, Duncan moved to Oklahoma, to study philosophy and literature at the University of Oklahoma. Close to earning his Ph.D., he quit academia to join the police force.

Duncan eventually became an Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics undercover agent, head of an elite firearms program, and a street-lethal combatives instructor.

In 2007, Duncan retired from law enforcement and became a full-time professor at the University of Oklahoma.

Herb Borkland: Where did you grow up, and what did your dad do?

John Duncan: (I was) born in Pampa, Texas, and ended up at the West Texas Permian Basin because my father owned an oil well servicing company.

HB: How did you discover martial arts?

JD: At age six, I studied my brother’s copy of Judo at a Glance. By 10, I was training in judo at a local YMCA. I bought every Bruce Tegner martial arts paperback and watched Bruce Lee in The Green Hornet. I answered a classified ad in the back of Popular Science magazine and received a copy of Chinese Gung-Fu: Philosophic Art of Self-Defense by Bruce Lee. He also sent me a copy of his famous yin/yang essay.

When the family moved to Dallas, I found the Texas Karate Institute. I could already do Chinese splits, kneeto-shoulder ax kicks and knew some forms. I drove over early one evening and signed up for an $180 brown belt course. Fred Wren taught in street clothes. You bled in his classes – no apologies when he hurt you. Chuck Norris was there, too.

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I got brown belt in about 18 months. Steen made Fred look like a Girl Scout! Everybody was terrified of him — an “animal,” with an intense, scary look. I became summer school manager at 17 and, at 18, also an instructor. I got first dan from Steen. The testing was unimaginable by today’s standards — a rite of passage you earned with suffering!

MASUCCESS

HB: What was your turning point?

JD: : Steen and I had a falling out, so I left to go to the University of Oklahoma in 1978. The same commitment and intensity which karate had taught me brought me, by age 26, close to finishing my Philosophy Ph.D., but a friend told me the police department was hiring. So, I cut my hair and shaved the beard, worked through the Academy and became a patrol man.

After 20 years of martial arts, a tough street guy nearly killed me! I used every martial arts move, but only survived by blind instinct. There’s a point where you have to fight for your life. No winner, no loser — only a survivor. For law enforcement, martial arts were not desperate or brutal enough.

I became a State Bureau of Narcotics undercover officer and head of a firearms program and combatives instructor.

I was Chief Agent when I retired.

Nowadays, I still work with law enforcement officers, mostly teaching firearms and defensive tactics, and, at the University, I teach a Master’s degree program in criminal justice. I like to teach “reality-based” combatives to police and train daily just to keep my old body in shape.

Martial arts teach how to live authentically, how to claim the freedom of our existence. The true martial artist is a life artist.. e m Herb Borkland is a veteran black belt who can be contacted at herbork@comcast.com.

HEALTH KICK!

Motivate Your Masses, Part 1

W

BY ERIC THE TRAINER

“That ability begins with having a positive, winning attitude.

For it’s how you treat those around you that sets the precedent on how they feel, and, in turn, will treat others.”

hat transforms a normal martial arts dojo into a life-changing hall of enlightenment? The answer is you! Your ability to connect with your students and their parents, and communicate effectively with your staff, is at the heart of what makes your establishment great.

My SLEEK NINJA plan captures these elements, along with the added benefit of increasing your good looks – an amazing addition which surely will supercharge your own confidence!

It starts with having a winning, positive attitude.

How you treat those around you sets the precedent for how they will feel, and in turn, how they will treat others. So how does one create, maintain, and develop this incredibly powerful point of view?

leaders. They saying “You get what you give,” applies to energy and attitude, so become that authentic leader who reaches out to others and delivers praise from the heart. This proactive approach will communicate that although you’re aware of the realities of daily business within the dojo, you still take time to notice and appreciate all members your team and their hard work.

Always remember that within the confines of my SLEEK NINJA plan, the science of change (exercise, diet, sleep) not only targets an obvious external change but also ignites Even more specifically, what kind of interaction are increased brain function and good feelings due to a rise in you offering (or, what kind should you be offering) to internal circulatory currents and endorphins. That means these key individuals? They need positive reinforcement you’ll have a lot more pep in your step as you lead the troops of their decision to train or work with you, and they from battle to battle! From the perspective of successfully look to you to inspire them. With the right motivation, driving sales of new memberships, many times you’ll hear a your instructors, students, parents and even vendors client say afterwards, “I liked his energy.” will follow you to the ends of the earth.

Seizing the moment to inspire is a key feature of great

You need to be an expert in leading by example, which means being the consummate professional. No matter what is happening in your personal life, you must maintain your professionalism at work. Like a lighthouse on a dark, stormy night, your constituency looks to you for guidance and direction as the head of the school. By setting a friendly, helpful, informative tone, you insure that both students and instructors will conduct themselves in a polite, orderly fashion.

Part of this leadership role may also require advising those who seek your counsel. In these instances, lending a sympathetic ear is half the battle. Being a good listener is an acquired skill that is every bit as important as giving thoughtful advice.

During these interactions, staying positive is key.

Suggesting solutions to complicated problems may require some soul-searching for both of you. But remember to ultimately keep your eye on the prize: Always try to be the example for others to follow and emulate at work.

Motivation also requires a concerted amount of energy, so regular exercise, a healthy diet, and proper sleep are key factors. All three elements aligned are the best recipe for ultimate success in building your motivational energy!

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Delivering feedback on a regular basis also displays your personable side, revealing how much you care about your people. Invest time and compassion in them, and their performance will reflect that added care. Staying positive both inside and outside of work sets the example for others that there is always a solution available to tackle tough problems. In instances when membership is low, student’s attendance falters, or instructors display low morale, see it as a temporary situation and set up challenges to overcome these obstacles. e

m For questions or comments, contact Eric the Trainer at Mainemonster@gmail.com. To learn more about Sleek Ninja, visit www.MAIAHub.com

YOU MESSED UP! NOW WHAT?

Who Will Teach When I Am Sick?

BY KATHY OLEVSKY

“As our program grew, it was relatively easy to have a green belt lead all the warm-ups and stretches without the help of the main instructor.

In the early days of our small dojo, we decided to reward some of those students with an assistant instructor belt.”

I

’ve been operating a martial arts school full time for 45 years. I think I may have made every mistake that can be made in this business. The reason I’m still in business, I believe, is because I asked for help. I learned quickly that others before me had already found solutions. In this reality-based column, I’ll point out key mistakes I made in my business career, which are common errors among school owners, both large and small, throughout our industry. Then I’ll share the solutions I applied to overcome them.

those teaching skills further. When we first started, we were using low-level belts to help in some classes, while the true black belt instructor was the one doing the teaching.

Most martial arts school owners have humble starting places. There are a few who were given the opportunity to take over an existing, thriving program. But, for the most part, we all start in a small, single-instructor setting. The struggles of that type of program are universal from one style to the next, and we all face obstacles.

If the students were willing to donate some of their time to assisting, they would come to classes that they were not scheduled to take, and act as assistant instructors. In their own classes, they would wear their true rank belt. After we initiated this assistant program, it was simple to get a few people who were interested. The assistant instructor belt was great recognition.

It is certainly not uncommon to find yourself in a conundrum because you are not feeling well, but you know that, because you are charging your students money for classes, someone still has to teach. I’ve talked to many school owners who don’t know how to resolve this issue.

In our early days, we had one instructor and one person who answered the phone. Sometimes it was the same person. When one of us got sick or had a family emergency, it was hard to know what to do.

You have to begin somewhere. One method we found to develop assistants was to start using people in leadership roles during class. This became part of our environment to teach students to be helpful to each other, rather than oppositional. We would select a different person each class to lead the warm-ups and stretches.

This routine was standard, so after doing it a few times, most anyone could lead it with minor assistance. This step would sometimes turn up students who had great leadership skills. The next time, we might use them to stand in front of a group practicing techniques together.

We called that position Buddy Leader.

As students developed these leadership skills, it was easy to tell who was receptive to taking on leadership roles. In those interested students, we began to nurture

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As our program grew, it was relatively easy to have a green belt lead all the warm-ups and stretches without the help of the main instructor. In the early days of our small dojo, we decided to reward some of those students with an assistant instructor belt: Century’s red belt with a black stripe through the middle.

There were times when something went wrong and we had to use the assistants to actually teach. We did not have extra black belts at the time, so the assistant instructors offered an easy solution. They knew the pattern of the first thirty minutes of a class and it was easy to give them a plan for the other thirty. It was not a permanent solution, but it was a welcome idea to hold us over, in an emergency.

Of course, those assistant instructors most often became our black belts. They earned their promotions with a significant amount of teaching experience already under their belts.

We don’t believe in having green belts or teenagers teaching classes on a permanent basis, but there is nothing wrong with using them as assistants while you are overseeing them. So for those dojos who are struggling with your new program, start looking for your diamonds in the rough! e m Kathy Olevsky can be reached for questions or comments at kathy.olevsky@raleighkarate.com.

School Showcase July2019

School Owner

Lisa Susko School Name

Jindo Martial Arts Location

Tonawanda, New York Style/Discipline

ITF Tae Kwon Do

What is your school name and how did you choose it?

Jindo Martial Arts. The jindo is the national breed of dog for Korea.

What do you find most rewarding about working in the martial arts?

It is considered a national treasure, noted for its loyalty and athlet-

Seeing the changes in our students: from shy to confident; out-of-shape

ic ability. Our art is tae kwon do, which originated in Korea.

to healthy and strong; from having a negative attitude to a positive one.

What is your school’s motto or student creed?

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“Where the Journey is the Reward.” Also, we always say, “You aren’t

“What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?”

allowed to say ‘Can’t’ unless it’s followed by ‘Yet.’”

What is your school’s motto or student creed?

If you could give one bit of advice to fellow martial arts school owners, what would it be?

You will get much better results with praise than punishment.

Get a consultant and also network with other owners. Admit you don’t

Everyone has the ability to succeed; you just need to find the best

know everything and the possibilities are endless.

way for them to learn.

How long have you been teaching?

I started assisting in classes about 2000, was named an actual instructor 2007.

How long have you owned your school?

We opened in September of 2009.

Who or what inspires you?

My students, my staff and my fellow school owners.

What is something unique that your school or your student body does well?

We are a “village:” very supportive of each other.

AUGUST 2019

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We Are Looking for Schools To Present In Our School Showcase.

IN

If you’ve ever thought about seeing yourself and your school featured in the pages of MASuccess Magazine, now is the time to act!

Simply email Sarah Lobban, slobban@centurymartialarts.com and let us know that you’d like to be considered for the School Showcase.

Sarah will send you an application to complete and return. All applications will be reviewed by the Editorial Board, and we’ll notify you if you are selected.

©2019 MAIA, LLC #16566

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In the 1970s TV show The Six Million Dollar Man, an injured astronaut was rebuilt, enabling him to perform impossible physical feats. Karate master and Vietnam veteran George Mink can relate better than most to the plot. Using his martial arts training, he’s accomplishing feats almost unheard of for anyone – let alone someone who has undergone double knee replacement surgeries. His story inspires everyone to see what is possible through martial arts training, a never-say-die attitude and plain old hard work.

G

eorge Mink is a little bit of Steve Austin (TV’s rebuilt Six Million Dollar Man character), some real-life Rambo and a pinch of Bruce Lee all rolled up into one.

A 7th-degree black belt in shorin-kempo karate, Mink has trained around the world for over 47 years, earned black belts in five different styles of martial arts and competed in full-contact matches.

Currently, Mink and his business partner Penny Pitassi run two schools in Illinois and have a main school in San Antonio, Texas. They also have affiliate schools in California and Colorado. They teach students of all ages, and have specialized classes for women’s selfdefense and law enforcement.

In addition to running a school, Mink also spends a great deal of time pursuing his passions outside the dojo: fighting for the freedom of others, and elite endurance sports.

This real-life Rambo (as opposed to a “reel” version) served in the Navy in Vietnam when answering the call for duty was not like today.

Back then, many young people felt it was an unjust war. Mink helped rescue thousands of people escaping Vietnam just before the country fell to the Communists. He also helped rescue earthquake victims in Guatemala while battling rebel insurgents.

He summarized his low-key approach to his military service thus: “You can always tell who the older military guys are,” he says.

“They don’t talk about it. I was just a small part of a big picture.

Nowadays, it seems like some people [think that] when they go into the military [they] have a publisher with them.”

In addition to his martial arts accolades, Mink’s zeal to excel athletically has seen him become a professional marathon runner and triathlon competitor. For decades, he’s accomplished athletic feats that most people feel are impossible. And, even at an age when most people start slowing down, he made the impossible look easy.

That was until Mr. Murphy and his Law (“The worst thing that can happen, will happen.”) came calling. Mink’s knees were failing fast and the doctors told him that his career as an athlete was ended.

But, like Rocky when he heard Mickey’s voice shout, “Get Up, I didn’t hear no bell!” Mink got up off the (metaphorical) canvas and got back into the fight. His first strike was to start surfing the Internet to find the best prosthetic knees that would allow him to extend his athletic career. And boy, did he ever extend it!

In June 2018, at age 62, three years after both knees were replaced with a pair that set off the metal detectors at the airport, Mink did something else that people said was impossible: He swam over two miles (as the crow flies; it’s more like three when you consider the strong currents and riptides), in 50-degree, shark-infested waters from Alcatraz to the mainland.

He then jumped on his bike for a leisurely 18-mile ride up and down the hills of San Francisco, followed by an eight-mile run — all on bionic knees.

MASuccess felt that this martial artist’s winning mindset about overcoming age and disability was a subject that we should explore for the benefit of our readers. Whether you’re an older martial artist, one faced with physical setbacks, or a school owner with either of these groups as students, Mink’s story will inspire you or help you motivate others.

Here’s what we found out when we sat down with this Bionic Karateka and asked how we could capture his zeal in a bottle, drink it down fully and likewise live out our dreams in athletics, business or life.

“Some men see things as they are and ask why. I dream of things that never were and ask why not?”

—Robert F. Kennedy

maSUCCESS: What are your words of advice or motivation for an older martial artist who is looking to kickstart his/her current situation and achieve a new fitness goal?

MINK: My first advice would be, “Don’t focus on your age at all.” Clear out the closet, meaning, get rid of all the old thinking of all the things that you can’t do and be. And have a clear understanding of what it is you’re trying to do.

Start with the end in mind. Set down and write down exactly what you’re trying to achieve. Having a dream is not enough. You have to have a goal.

Once you have your goal in detail, write down specifically what you’re going to do. How many days you will train? What are you going to eat? What time of the day are you going to train?

Have a plan, [but] start out with baby steps. If it’s been a while, get a physical check-up.

Make sure your machinery’s been cleared to move forward. maSUCCESS: What can “more seasoned,” older or physically challenged martial artists take away from what you do?

MINK: They need to take their ages and their disabilities, if any, and throw them in the trashcan. Age is a number and the disability is just an obstacle. Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you’re done. You might not be the fastest or the most athletic, but you can still go for it whatever level you’re at.

If you notice, most people don’t talk about the fact that they got the first place trophy or what they won. They talk about the experiences. maSUCCESS: Would you agree that, at any age, we can all achieve goals that seem unreachable? And, how does our martial arts training prepare us for the sweat, tears and toil to achieve them?

MINK: I do believe that at any age we can reach our goals. Our martial arts training prepares us to not just have goals, but to have discipline and consistency.

Martial arts [also] teach us how we should think, and what tools we need to achieve that.

We focus in on what we should do, how we should do it, why we’re doing it, and how it affects not only ourselves but other people.

MARTIAL ARTS SUCCESS: George, let’s start off by having you tell readers about your martial arts journey!

GEORGE MINK: When I was about eight years old, my father, who was a heavyweight boxer in the military, used to take me out to the garage on Saturday mornings and teach me how to hold up my hands and box. Once I got into my teenage years, my parents moved our family to a farm, where all we did was work and hang out with some friends on the other farms.

We didn’t have many TV channels out there, so all we had to watch were movies on Bruce Lee and [Tom Laughlin’s] Billy Jack. I would try to combine them with my boxing. Once I felt my moves were perfected, I would test them out by scheduling fights. They were always out at someone’s farm, and a crowd of friends would hear about it and show up to watch the spectacle. maSUCCESS: You also trained in Asia.

MINK: Yes. When I got older, I joined the military. Once I got overseas, I noticed that there were a lot of martial arts schools, especially in Japan and China. I remember taking the trains out of one of the Japanese cities because I heard of a place where monks and martial artist trained.

When I got there, I was told that I couldn’t train there unless I was asked to come in. The first day was pretty long. I got discouraged and finally left. I then decided that if I quit and didn’t go back, I would never learn. So, I went back early the next day and just stood around outside all day.

At the end of the day, as I was started to pick up my pack an old man came out walking real slow and just looked at me and waved for me to follow him. maSUCCESS: You are also an elite endurance athlete. How did you get into this?

“That’s when the [triathlon]

race started. People started swimming over me. It was a controlled panic. The only thing that kept me focused and feeling like I wouldn’t drown was my training.

Martial arts taught me that if you don’t give up and apply your principles directly you can succeed.”

Do you know the 4 stages MINK: When I was younger, I used to run all the time [and] competed in a lot of events. As I got older, I started entering long-distance racing. Eventually I trained enough, in between my martial arts training, to start competing in marathons. I had some pretty interesting training days. I would do my martial arts in the evening, and early in the morning I trained my running or sometimes at lunchtime.

My first [triathlon] event was kind of small. It was a thousand-meter swim, an 18mile bike ride and a six-mile run. You had to tread water for close to a half hour before the race started.

[When the race began,] people started swimming over me. It was a controlled panic.

The only thing that kept me focused and feeling like I wouldn’t drown was my training.

Martial arts taught me that if you don’t give up and apply your principles directly you can succeed. maSUCCESS: You’ve continued to engage in these events even after both of your knees were replaced with prosthetics. Specifically, I understand that you recently completed the Alcatraz triathlon?

of child development?

“A 7th-degree black belt in shorin-kempo karate, Mink has

trained around the world for over 47 years, earned black belts in five different styles of martial arts and competed in full-contact matches.”

MINK: Yes, after years of kicking and running, the Veteran’s Administration [doctors] had to replace both my knees three years ago. About one year ago, I said to myself, “You know, it’s time to get moving.”

I was picked from all the world to swim from Alcatraz to San Francisco. I was in a bit of a shock when they picked me, because [although] I had done this already three times, that was 22 years ago.

I immediately laid out a training plan, and all I did was stay focused in on what I was supposed to do. As a martial artist, it was important to start with the end in mind. “What do I want to do?” “What do I want to be?” “What’s it going to take to achieve that goal?”

maSUCCESS: Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. You’ve beaten cancer and are a military vet. So, obviously, you’re a brave guy. But, what in the heck were you thinking going for a dip off the Alcatraz dock after seeing that online clip of a great white shark munching a seal right there!?

MINK: Fear has a funny way of controlling people, whether we’re jumping into an ocean full of sharks, (or) going into battle as a martial artist. Most of our fears are an illusion. When we focus in on the bad things that could happen to us instead of focusing in on the goals, we create a story of something that might not even be true.

In every aspect of our life, whether it be martial arts or swimming in the ocean with sharks, there is always the possibility

of something going wrong. But we can’t focus in on that. The truth is, we have a greater chance of getting in a bad car accident than being chased down by a great white.

I knew that in Alcatraz’s waters there are the great white, sevengill, and tiger sharks and, of course, the small sharks swimming around the bottom scavenging. So, I figured if one does attack me, I guess they’re all going to have to fight over [different] parts. But they’re going to have to chase me and fight me first!

maSUCCESS: What aspects of sports/martial arts mental training (e.g., visualization/mental rehearsal) did you use to enhance both your physical training and overcome the fear associated with possibly running into a man-eating shark?

MINK: Every day, once I started training for Alcatraz, I stayed focused in on exactly what I was supposed to do. For each event, I rehearsed the steps in my mind, so it became second nature.

While running, I would listen to music that was motivating and picture myself coming down the finish line as the crowds were roaring and people screaming and I’m breaking all the records.

One of the [most] important things that I did in this training was I stayed away from all negativity. I stayed away from the “dream killers.” I stayed away from those people that were busy telling me all the reasons why I couldn’t do this. Paying attention to who you surround yourself with is the most important thing in our lives. maSUCCESS: What protocols do you follow regarding rest, recuperation and rehab strategies?

MIN thro brai

A day

Yo prop

Yo you’ [is]

maS vice

MIN my e my i

W stan to n

maS they

MIN life,

maSUCCESS: Speaking of our effect on others, I believe you have a story about a certain famous martial artist who’s one of your role models and how he impacted your life and training?

MINK: Through my life, some of my martial art role models were people like Chuck Norris who, in every interview I ever saw him in, was a really nice guy. I never respected people who became famous, then treated people like they were nothing. Chuck is just the opposite. He always stayed true to who he was and was always a good example to the people around him.

When I met him, he was a young actor just starting out. He didn’t know who I was, but he gave me a couple minutes [of his time]. He was extremely nice and never acted as if I was bothering him. [He] always smiled [and] he looked at you like he knew you for a long time.

MINK: It’s extremely important to get a lot of rest when you’re training. There were days through the week that I intentionally just took off. Even though I didn’t want to, or my brain said, “Keep going, more is better,” I had to take off to allow my body to recuperate.

Advanced technology in training has shown us that training 10 days a week, 20 hours a day does not make us better, faster or stronger. It will hurt us if we’re not careful.

Do you know the 7 steps of

You have to be smart about your training. You’ll do better if you get proper rest and eat properly. Your body will respond way better than if you overwork it and over-train.

Your training is only 5% of your health. The other 95% is all about your nutrition. So, if you’re feeling sluggish or if you can’t move that fast, the first place you have to look at [is] what you’re eating.

teaching a

maSUCCESS: Would you recommend martial artists cross-train in endurance sports and vice-versa? And, if so, what are the benefits for both groups?

MINK: I definitely recommend that people cross-train. I’ve cross-trained my whole life and my endurance cross-training has made my martial arts not only a lot easier, but lowered my injuries.

When you cross-train with more than one sport, it affects your system from a health standpoint. The tools that you have as a martial artist will teach you to stay focused [and] to not quit. maSUCCESS: What secrets of time management can you share with others, so that they’re able to fit fitness activities into their hectic daily schedules?

MINK: As a school owner or as a person who works a lot and has a family and a busy life, it’s hard to fit things in. It’s a controlled panic. It’s extremely important when you’re

drill?

training to have good time management. You have to have training time, work time [and] family time. So, organizing your time for training is extremely important.

For example, say you want to watch your favorite show on TV instead of training. I try to do a combination. If I want to watch something on TV, but I know I had to get in some mileage on the bike, I’ll get on my stationary bike and I’ll ride it while watching the show. maSUCCESS: How would you like other school owners to use what you’ve accomplished as a platform to create changes in their communities or make an impact on issues on the national front?

MINK: School owners are in an incredible position to affect the community with the leadership skills and the qualities that they possess. As a school owner, who you are and what you stand for means something and people will listen.

Communities need leaders. I believe martial artists at this day and time need to be a positive force [that] the people and kids in the community can look up to.

Being a school owner or a martial art artist is not just about kicking and punching. If you’re a school owner [who has a] student with a challenge, he/she can look at what I’ve done and, say, “This guy has prosthetic knees, is older and injured, and it didn’t stop him from what he accomplished.” If they can use [my] story to create something great with others, then it’s a great day! maSUCCESS: After having spent time chatting with you, George, I know that you probably have another sports goal on your agenda.

What’s next for you?

MINK: I’m working on putting together a group of relay teams, possibly two years from now, for the Escape from Alcatraz that consists of martial artists and veterans. Also, [I’m] pulling together information for an event in London [that] goes on for 26 miles, I’ve heard. Climbing, crawling through the mud [on] an extreme course. From what I’ve heard, it’s a monster. I can’t wait for the next dream. maSUCCESS: Any last words of advice you’d like to share with our readers, young or old, to help them dream big and attain heights that might seem out of reach at first glance?

MINK: One of the most important things to do, for young and old, is to dream. Without dreams, there’s nothing worth looking forward to. If you’re older, start thinking like a child.

Have you ever noticed a five-year-old who has a G.I. Joe, just dreaming like they’re the biggest superhero in the world? Why can’t that be you? If there’s something that you want to do, then do it!

Doesn’t matter [how] old or young you are. It doesn’t matter what your disability is.

You have the possibility of making a change in your life. We’re only on this earth for so long. Our life is A to B. What you can create between those two points is all up to you.

Do you know EPILOGUE If you’re sitting at home reading this after a hard training session, congrats on a job well done! But if you skipped martial arts class because you’re letting Father Time kick your butt or you have a little boo-boo that hurts, then don’t walk by a mirror just yet. You might feel a little sheepish looking at the person in the reflection after hearing about the wondrous things George Mink does at his age after swapping his “snap-crackle-and-pop” knees.

the 8 tips

Sports psychologists have proven that athletes come back stronger after adversity or serious injury. They call it “adversarial growth” and “post-traumatic growth.” “What does not destroy you, makes you stronger” is a true statement. Just ask baseball pitcher Tommy John (famous for the elbow surgery named after him), who pitched for 14 more years until age 45, after he was told his injured arm meant the end of his career.

for teaching

Let George Mink’s extraordinary story become a beacon for what you can aspire to, regardless of your age or physical drawbacks. Let Mink be your mentor, your coach, a motivator whose grit makes you do that kata one more time. Or makes you practice that kick until you get it just right or practice that submission escape until nobody in class can make it work on you.

As martial artists, blood, sweat and — yes, even tears — are the currency that we deal in. Avoid the blood and tears as best you can, but go ahead and trade that sweat for greatness. Just like George Mink did. e

m Canada’s Perry William Kelly is the 2017 World Police and Firefighter Games Karate Gold medalist and a 2018 Joe Lewis Eternal Warrior Award recipient. A 5th-degree jiu-jitsu black belt, he is also an instructor in four other martial arts. He may be contacted for seminars and interviews at perrytheauthor@yahoo.com.

To read more about many other successful independent martial arts instructors, visit the Martial Arts Industry Association’s website at www.maiahub.com. Through this constantlyenhanced website, members can access a massive amount of useful information for school owners on just about any topic from A to Z.

young children?

If you like reading MASUCCESS, consider writing for us!

MASUCCESS is looking for freelance writers to join our team of U.S. correspondents.

Applicants should be knowledgeable in the martial arts and martial arts school business. Please keep your story pitches between 4-5 paragraphs long, describing your story idea. Do not send completed manuscripts.

Not a writer, but know a story? We also welcome leads from readers!

To apply as a freelancer or share a lead, email Sarah Lobban, Associate Editor, at slobban@centurymartialarts.com

Y

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m

You will.

PreSKILL Z includes monthly skill-based content for 3- to 6-year-olds. This program is great for schools who want to of fer a 1x or 2 x per week training option, and without a belt testing format .

This done-for-you program will walk you through the 8 rotating sk ills, the recommended belt system, tips for intro les sons, trials and member ships, marketing to parents, step-bystep weekly clas s planner s, and so much more

F or mor e in f o, v i s i t P r e SK IL L Z .c om Still have questions? Contact Melody Johnson directly on the Century Martial Arts Preschool Network Facebook Group.

about childhood development .

Child exper t , Melody Johnson, has gone above and beyond to put together a system that will take an instructor who has never taught children and make this clas s their favorite.

Š2019 MAIA, LLC. #16662

CONSULTANT’S CORNER

4 Ways to Market on a Tight Budget

A

BY MIKE METZGER MAIA CONSULTANT

“These are just some of the ideas to get prospects into your school with very little money and very little work. Once you have the prospects, though, you must have a system in place to convert them into students.”

frequent question I’m asked is, “How can I market my school if I don’t have the money to market?”

You first have to understand that there are two categories in marketing, internal and external.

“External marketing” requires either dollars or sweat equity — meaning, you place flyers, access academic schools and daycares, network with businesses, etc.

“Internal marketing” is very effective, but doesn’t take as much effort. Here are four internal marketing promotions that you can do to get new prospects into your school, for summer and throughout the year.

1. Know How to Do a Buddy Day Many schools promote a Buddy Day, where they allow their students to bring a friend to class with them. The key to making this successful is in how you present it.

When promoting this, make it exciting! Instead of just announcing a Buddy Day, let your students know that you’re going to have a contest next week between the students and their buddies.

Ask your students if they think they are faster, more powerful and have better endurance than a non-martial arts friend of theirs. Then say, “We’ll find out next week when everyone can bring a friend to class and we’ll have some fun contests.”

Give all your students a “VIP Pass” to invite their friends to join them in that class. This is an example of how to create a little more excitement and get more students to bring buddies to class with them.

2. Win a Free Martial Arts Pizza Party Another easy way to get prospects into your school is to award current students every time they attend class. Let your students know that, for an entire month, every time they come to class they will get a ticket. Then tell them to put the ticket in your prize box (any box in front of your lobby). At the end of the month, you’ll pick five winners who will win a Free Martial Arts Pizza Party for them and up to 10 friends.

Pick a time and date for the pizza party. When you pick the five winners, give all of them 10 invitations each to invite up to 10 friends to this party. Even if each of them only brings three friends to the party, that’s still 15 prospects you brought into your school for minimal effort.

3. Marital Arts Birthday Parties Birthday parties held at your school are another great way to get prospects into your business. The best way to get new prospects is to make a list of all of your beginner students and give them a discount if they book a birthday party with you to hold within the next three months.

Beginners typically won’t have a lot of existing martial arts students attend their birthday parties since they are new and don’t know as many people in your school like an advanced student would.

You can also offer every new student a discount if they book a birthday party with you on the day they enroll, regardless of when it is. This will keep a consistent stream of birthday parties in your school so you can capitalize on all the exposure it brings to your school.

4. Instructor for a Day Ask all of your students how many of them would like to be the instructor for one day at your school. Let them know that they can have that opportunity for one particular day class, which can be held on a Saturday for two hours. Don’t charge for this event and limit it to no more than 20 students. This will create urgency for sign-ups.

Tell your students that they can bring one to three friends, and those friends will be their students. One of your staff instructors will teach the “studentinstructors” a combination that they will then have to teach their friends. Then, the staff instructor, along with the student-instructors, will test the friends on that combination.

If the friends pass the test, their student-instructors will award the friends with a white belt. You will award the student-instructors with a certificate that states they were an “Instructor for a Day.” This will not only bring in prospects, but also aid in retention.

These are just some of the ideas to get prospects into your school with very little money and very little work.

Once you have the prospects, though, you must have a system in place to convert them into students, which is a whole different topic. e m For questions or comments, contact Mike Metzger via email at mmetzger@masuccess.com or call the Martial Arts Industry Association at (866) 626-6226.

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MASTERFUL RETENTION

Systems and Personality: Your Two Keys to Success

BY CHRISTOPHER RAPPOLD

“While systems do enable us to do certain things more efficiently than we have in the past, there are some decisions you need to make about what to systemize and what should be personalized.”

A

s martial arts instructors continue to get better and better at teaching large populations in efficient ways, the temptation is to move towards total classroom systemization. And while systems do enable us to do certain things more efficiently than we have in the past, there are some decisions you need to make about what to systemize and what should be personalized.

The systems that create the foundation for a great class are a well-designed curriculum that matches the experience of the student to the skill-based activities presented, consistent time frames so students know the routine and flow of a class, favorable instructor-student ratios (10 students to one instructor), and a theme that reinforces the protocol and culture of the art you teach.

Let’s break this down and look at it in two separate pieces.

These are the mechanical systems of the class that reinforce retention.

First, let’s explore systems. Think about a favorite restaurant you frequent. Behind the scenes, there are probably a myriad of systems that help to ensure the experience is first-class: a setup of warming lights to ensure food arrives at the table hot, a dishwasher that ensures the silverware, glasses and plates sparkle, and an extensive food-preparation effort that probably started late morning or early afternoon that ensures there’s enough of the right kinds of food. Desserts are all premade and ready to be served. There is probably even a timing system so that breads, salads, dinners, drinks and desserts all arrive at the table at just the right time.

Now we come to the human experience that really creates the glue that holds people to your school: the instructor interaction.

Systems allow you to consistently deliver a predictable experience that people can depend on.

Now, keeping the restaurant example, let’s look at personalization and the value of human interaction.

Imagine you arrive at the restaurant and you and your guests are welcomed and greeted by name. You are made to feel that the hostess is sincerely glad to see you and happy you have chosen to return.

You are escorted to your table and introduced to your server. The server, then, over the course of the next hour, seems to magically anticipate every need you have a minute before you realize you even have a need.

You are cared for as if you are a valued family member, not a customer. The guests you brought with you for the first time comment to you, “Now I know why you love coming here so much!” You are filled with the perfect experience of delicious food and personalized attention.

Why would you go anywhere else?

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Now, let’s transition into a martial arts classroom.

The care and personalization of the lesson to the individual is as much a difference-maker to a school as the waiter or waitress is to your dining experience. Great instructors take the time to understand the student’s needs, preferences, learning styles and goals.

The classroom lessons may be the same, but, depending on who is in class, the presentation and personal interaction should always be different. This protects you from the student feeling he or she could go anywhere and learn martial arts. While there are more options than ever for students, the right kind of personalized caring and professional relationship keeps students training years longer than they would if it was just the mechanical systems.

Systems are imperative to the smooth operation of a martial arts school, but beware they work in conjunction not in place of human connection. Remember, never teach a class – always teach the individuals in the class. e m Chris Rappold can be reached for questions or comments at founder@personalbestkarate.com.

THE KICK YOU NEVER SAW COMING

Waivers Making Waves

BY BETH A. BLOCK

“If a studio has a waiver system for students but routinely leaves out “guest” class participants, the possibility exists coverage could be denied. In this studio’s case, the liability insurance was not with a company that requires a waiver system.”

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D

o you have Sensei for a Day classes? How about Mother’s Day classes? Father’s Day classes? These classes give your students a chance to share their sport with their friends and family. They have the added benefit of giving you potential new students.

Waivers for friends are usually procured and signed before the child comes on your floor. Sometimes, the waivers aren’t signed by the friend’s parent. That can be a problem. Your student’s parent might sign the friend’s waiver. Just so you know, those waivers are useless. I recommend you have the child’s parent sign it.

During a Mother’s Day work out, one Mom was holding a floppy bag for her seven-year-old daughter. The martial arts students were doing round kicks to the bag. Mom was kneeling with the bag in front of her face.

The girl didn’t have great control over her round kick. She had only been taking classes for the last six months. On this day, she kicked behind the target. The ball of her foot landed on Mom’s cheekbone.

Mom’s cheek immediately bloomed with a bruise. A couple hours later Mom ended up in an urgent care facility.

One x-ray later, she was off to the emergency room. She had a fractured cheekbone.

The doctors in the emergency room asked her how she had broken her cheekbone. The doctors had to find out. If Mom had been abused, as they would have been obligated to report the abuse. Under state laws, doctors and nurses are mandated reporters.

The doctors told her that the cheekbone supports the eye socket. If the bone was not moved back into place, her vision would be impacted for life.

She had to go see an ENT. At the appointment, she was told a surgeon would have to put the cheekbone back, she could heal properly. Her surgery went well, and she was on her way to healing.

Four months later, Mom got a phone call from her health insurance company. They asked her to explain how her cheekbone was fractured. She told them the story about joining her daughter in a Mother’s Day class at the studio.

A couple weeks after that phone call, the studio owner got a letter in the mail. It was from Mom’s health insurance company. They were subrogating against the studio for all Mom’s medical bills.

“Subrogating” is a word that is used mostly in the insurance world. It means the insurance company might have paid for something, but they were now going to sue the person or company who they thought was responsible for what they paid.

I got the first phone call from the owner. He wanted to know how he was responsible. I explained that we live in a world where the individual is often not responsible for what happens. I asked the studio owner if he had a waiver for Mom. He said absolutely. I asked to see a copy of the waiver.

It turned out the waiver was the one Mom signed for her daughter. When I called back and asked for Mom’s waiver, I found out about the Mother’s Day workout. I asked if Mom had signed a waiver for herself. The answer was no.

The next concern was which insurer had the liability insurance. Some companies require a system of obtaining waivers. Without the waiver system, claims can be denied.

If a studio has a system for students but routinely leaves out “guest” class participants, the possibility exists coverage could be denied. In this studio’s case, the liability insurance was not with a company that requires a waiver system.

I helped the studio report their claim. Mom wasn’t looking for any money. Her health insurance was the only one claiming anything. The health insurance had paid $63,457 on her medical care.

The studio’s insurance company paid the $63,457 plus Mom’s $1,000 deductible. If the studio had a waiver on file for Mom, the studio’s insurance company would have paid $0. I suggest you make sure you have a waiver from everyone before they step out on your mat. e m Beth Block can be reached at (800) 225-0863 or beth@blockins.net.

THE LEGAL LANDSCAAPE

What Do You Mean I Can’t Require (or Even Suggest) a Pre-Employment Polygraph Test?

BY PHILIP E. GOSS, JR., ESQ.

A

s I have stated many times, I get the best

Act of 1988 (“EPPA”), is the final word on this issue. The basis for

of you face daily. I represent a medium-size

this law is that, while considered generally accurate, a polygraph

school operating in a mid-sized town in the

or any other test that measures physiological factors is not

South. The owners are a conscientious husband and wife team.

Operating their school is a second career for each of them. While

“Unfortunately, absent certain limited circumstances, you cannot require or even suggest that a prospective employee undertake a pre-employment polygraph test.”

Federal legislation, titled the Employee Polygraph Protection

subjects for this column from the issues each

infallible.

Certain industries are permitted to require polygraph tests

their previous business lives allowed them to gain a great deal of

prior to and during employment. However, such jobs are in

knowledge that ties nicely into school ownership, there are still

security-related and pharmaceutical industries. Not surprisingly,

issues they face that are foreign to them. When that happens,

jobs in national defense and the criminal justice/police arenas

they contact me for an opinion.

are also exceptions to this law.

As I have stated many times, I get the best subjects for

There does exist a minor exception to the rule: A private

this column from the issues each of you face daily. I represent

employer who in good faith believes that an employee has

a medium-size school operating in a mid-sized town in the

committed an act that financially harmed the business

South. The owners are a conscientious husband and wife team.

(embezzlement of funds or some sort of intellectual property

Operating their school is a second career for each of them. While

theft) can, after a number of strictly mandated notice steps best

their previous business lives allowed them to gain a great deal of

guided by legal counsel, ask that the employee take a polygraph

knowledge that ties nicely into school ownership, there are still

test.

issues they face that are foreign to them. When that happens, they contact me for an opinion.

Typically, we end our discussion with them telling me that

If the employee refuses and no proof exists other than the refusal to take the test, you cannot discharge, discipline or discriminate against that employee. In other words, an

they have, once again, given me fodder for a future column. My

employee’s refusal to submit to a polygraph test can never,

conversation with them last week was no exception.

in and of itself, result in any sort of punitive action against an

These school owners do everything they can to follow all rules and regulations. Shortcuts do not exist in their school. The laws

employee.

“So, Mr. Smarty-Pants Lawyer, what can happen if I violate

of the state where they are located permit pre-employment

the above rules?” The answer is clear that any non-exempt

drug screening, and detailed background checks including the

business that violates the EPPA is potentially liable for fines

prospective employee’s credit history. Such tools require that

exceeding $20,000 plus reinstatement, back-pay and attorney’s

the prospective employee consent, in writing, to such intrusive

fees and costs in any future litigation. The EPPA is not a “lion

action. These authorizations are always properly obtained.

you want to poke with a stick!”

My clients’ question was simple and the logic behind such

Finally, I trust that to some interior wall at your school, visible

question was unassailable: If they are permitted to see if

to your employees, is securely posted the state and federal

illegal drugs were coursing through the veins of a prospective

mandated employment notices discussed in prior columns. I

employee, and were permitted to inquire about the employment

trust that you also have the federally mandated poster outlining

and credit history of this prospective employee, why could they

the employee’s rights under the EPPA. If not, you are in violation

not subject him or her to a polygraph test as well?

of the EPPA and the possibility exists that you could be fined up

We live in times where one bad apple can spoil the barrel that is your school’s hard-earned reputation. Hiring someone with something to hide, such as illegal or inappropriate history

a five-figure sum. I suggest that each of you immediately take a short walk to where the posters are located to be sure you compliant with this requirement. e

with minors, domestic violence or an earlier, off-the-records legal infraction, seems imprudent. By subjecting a prospective employee to a polygraph test, the school potentially protects both its reputation and its students from an identifiable harm.

m Attorney Phil Goss, Jr. welcomes any email comments or questions at PhilGosslaw@gmail.com and will attempt to respond personally, time permitting.

Unfortunately, absent certain limited circumstances, you cannot require or even suggest that a prospective employee undertake a pre-employment polygraph test. A martial arts school does not, in the eyes of the law, merit an exception.

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INSPIRATION OVATION

Allowed to Make Mistakes

BY KAREN EDEN

“Years later, I walked into a Kmart and saw my kind and gentle friend as I knew him, but in the form of a collectable doll!

I picked the box up and smiled.

This toy version of Kurt Angle has proven my point.

You can only be good at the things you were allowed to make mistakes in.”

O

ne of the biggest lessons I learned in my broadcasting career didn’t come from me, but from my co-anchor, the renowned wrestler Kurt Angle.

You see, Kurt was homegrown from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and had just won Olympic gold for wrestling when I was getting my first major-market TV break alongside him.

I had worked a good 10 years in the business before finally making it in the “big leagues” of broadcast news. Kurt, on the other hand, was brought in as a promotional coup. The management was hoping that Pittsburghers would tune into our brand-new news program to see their history-making golden boy do sports.

I’m not telling you anything that Kurt wouldn’t tell you himself. It was a disaster in the making! As I sat with him night after night, I watched someone who had never anchored before try to pull off being a professional talent. Poor Kurt. He would get so frustrated reporting at times that more than one “s” bomb made it on air.

Then his greatest nightmare happened. Kurt’s monitor went down while he was in the middle of a sportscast. He didn’t realize that he was supposed to be flipping the hard copy script while reading the prompter, just in case something like this would ever happen.

I could feel his panic as the main anchor and I tried to help him find where he was at. If you happened to tune in that night, you would have seen a pale, sweaty sports anchor literally saying nothing while looking in the camera. And that was pretty much the end of Kurt Angle’s news career.

It was a horrible time for Kurt, but not really his fault. Why would anyone have someone who had never anchored before in his life just jump right into the 12th-largest TV market in the country?

By that time, I had paid my dues in the business. I worked years in various small and medium markets to finally have “arrived” in my career. I wouldn’t have expected Kurt to know broadcast news any more than I would have known how to wrestle. It was quite cruel to put him in that situation in the first place.

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But it’s also a lesson that I often extend to my students at the end of a hard class. The truth is, I was afforded the time to make my mistakes before getting to the “big leagues.” And trust me, I did! I’ve looked into the wrong camera, gotten my timing messed up, and been distracted a thousand times before learning how to stay cool anyway.

Kurt never got that chance. He was never able to hone his craft, and when he was offered a job in a city of three million viewers, he wasn’t allowed to make mistakes at that point.

In my martial arts system, you get a black belt after you put in the time, and that starts at a minimum of four years of training. If I wasn’t so adamant about that, I could make a lot more money in about half the time. But then, I would be putting my students in the same position as my friend Kurt Angle. They, too, wouldn’t be afforded the opportunity to make their mistakes and get good at what they do.

Well, if you know who Kurt Angle is, then you know that he ended up doing well for himself in the long run.

Soon after his disastrous news career, Kurt went on to sign a very lucrative wrestling contract with the WWE. Years later, I would walk into KMart and saw my kind and gentle friend as I knew him, but in the form of a collectable doll! I picked the box up and smiled. This toy version of Kurt Angle has proven my point. You can only be good at the things you were allowed to make mistakes in. e m You can contact Master Karen Eden at renedenherdman@gmail.com.

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