Why Coaches Matter—and Why I Rebuilt My Studio

I’ve either owned or helped run several karate studios in my life—some with resounding success, others with abysmal failure. Owning and operating your own business is fraught at best. At times it can feel incredibly difficult, and at other times unbelievably rewarding. In many ways, it’s a lot like raising kids.

After COVID shut down my last studio, I even swore I was done with martial arts. Yet somehow, I always find my way back.

Recently, I read an article in Men’s Health about the importance of coaches in young people’s lives. It struck a deep chord with me. I’ve always believed you can’t have too many positive role models for your kids. Even one of my mentors, Prof. G, often speaks about the importance of coaches—especially in the lives of young men. That message reminded me that I couldn’t stay on the sidelines. I felt called to rebuild my studio and create a new team.

The studio my wife and I run now is growing into a strong, successful program. I’ve been proud of its growth, its reach, and its impact within our community. We’re even working on rebuilding a tournament team. We’ve expanded from one competitor to seven. It might not sound huge, but to me, that growth is awesome.

This time, I’m focused on building not just a talented team, but a well-run one—one that provides great experiences for these kids through competition. I want to inspire them to do great things and help ensure that competition doesn’t break their parents’ bank accounts.

Anyone who competes knows how expensive travel sports can be. Registration fees, travel, lodging, equipment—it all adds up fast. Martial arts is no exception. And for those of us living in a rural area, travel isn’t optional; it’s the cost of participation.

That’s why the nonprofit Team MMAA was born.Our mission is simple: to provide excellent competitive experiences for young people in our community—opportunities they might not otherwise have. We’re not trying to create professional athletes. But I know firsthand how sports and competition shaped me into the person I am today. I believe strongly that our young men, especially, benefit tremendously from access to healthy competition. It helps them grow into the men—and women—we can all be proud of.

Eventually, I’d love to grow this team enough to provide access to competition for young people across the country. That dream is still a long way off… but goals are goals!

So, if you’re reading this, I’m asking for your support.Please share, follow, and subscribe.You don’t have to donate money to help the mission—your visibility and support are powerful on their own