This photo was taken back when I spoke frequently in the martial arts industry. I was on the cusp of breaking out into the national speaker circuit. I had just done a Tedtalk, and my resume was growing with some reputable companies like Facebook and Microsoft.

Excitedly, I showed this photo to my wife, eager to share my potential success. Her response, however, was unexpected. She asked me, “What is this for?” I explained that this was the perfect speaker shot that would surely lead to numerous bookings. Her next words, though, were a turning point in my journey.

Looking at her face, I asked her what was wrong. She replied, “This is not you.” There was no further discussion, but I knew what she meant.

Another defining moment was when I was at a pre-event speaker meeting at a significant martial arts event. I knew many of the speakers, and as we caught up, I found myself questioning the conversations I had. They centered around real estate, stock investments, cars, boats, and vacations we took.

It was a moment of awakening. I found myself in a quiet corner, engaging in a profound dialogue with myself. The question that echoed in my mind was, “Shouldn’t we be here, strategizing on how to make a real impact on the martial arts community and genuinely assist school owners?”

After the event, I returned home, but the questions and images of that event remained with me. I found myself scrutinizing that speaker photo I showed my wife and could hear her repeatedly saying, “That is not you.”

So I spent time not speaking at events, reduced social media exposure, and deeply reflected on WHY I am here in this position in the martial arts industry.

I have come to understand and continue to refine my calling or purpose. I am here to help educate and support martial arts school owners to achieve their version of success. It required me to realize there is no box and to look outside our industry for solutions that did not exist in our industry.

I was and continue to be challenged by the results the so-called gurus, consultants, and organizations are getting. Much like the disproportionate wealth in the world, the same exists in the martial arts industry. About ten to twenty percent of martial arts businesses generate eighty percent of the revenue.

My purpose is to help the eighty percent. I am dedicated to cultivating systems, strategies, and thinking that will help the single owner/operator get real results and achieve their goals.

I embrace that it is a much harder road to hough. It is challenging to work with the struggling martial arts school with less than one hundred students, right their ship, and get on a path of growth.

Being a third-generation small business owner, I have a deep kinship with the mom-and-pop martial arts school. You are my heart. To support you in growing from sixty-five students to two hundred and sixty gives me faith that I am doing good work.

I would never call myself a consultant or guru. I have never been into titles or accolades. I am committed to working alongside today’s small school owners to serve their communities better and help others live their best lives. If this resonates with your belief system, I hope we can work together one day soon.