Latest Episodes

#24 | Retention Through Repetition: Kicking Drills That Keep Students Excited

Never Boring Kicking Drills: How to Keep Students Fired Up (with Alex Wong)In this episode of Black Belt Banter, host Master Jimmy Hong and resident expert Master Tony Chung welcome special guest Ale...

February 17, 2026 • Season 1 • Episode 24 • 54:50

#23 | Growing Pains: The Truth About Scaling Martial Arts Schools — Insights From a 36-Location Owner

In this episode of Black Belt Banter, hosts Jimmy Hong and Master Lee sit down with Sensei Solomon Brenner, founder of Action Karate, to discuss what it really takes to scale a martial arts school. With over 30 years of experience and 36 locati...

February 03, 2026 • Season 1 • Episode 24 • 57:21

#22 | Monthly Tuition vs. Paid in Full: Which One Actually Grows Your Martial Arts School

In this episode of Black Belt Banter, Master Jimmy Hong joins Master Lee and Master Jeung to break down the debate of monthly tuition versus paid-in-full programs. They discuss cash flow, stability, lessons from COVID, and how to balan...

January 20, 2026 • Season 1 • Episode 22 • 1:01:02

#21 | Maximizing Martial Arts Impact: The Face-to-Face Marketing Advantage

In this episode of Black Belt Banter, hosts Master Jimmy Hong and Master Lee discuss effective face-to-face marketing strategies for increasing enrollment in martial arts schools. Master Chan shares insights from his experience running multiple...

January 06, 2026 • Season 1 • Episode 21 • 47:07

#20 | What Martial Arts School Owners Can Learn from High-Level Athletes

What if the habits that create Olympians could also build a school that runs on rhythm instead of adrenaline? We sit down with Coach Tim Thackeray—seven-time U.S. national team member, Pan Am Games gold medalist, and USA Taekwondo’s Director of...

December 22, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 20 • 48:58

Fan Mail

Hello Master, I hope you’re doing well. I’ve been listening to your podcast for over a month now, and I truly appreciate the topics you cover—especially those related to leadership, teaching, and building a successful martial arts school. I’ve learned a great deal from your insights. Allow me to briefly introduce myself. I am a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Shotokan Karate, 37 years old, originally from Egypt, and I hold a teaching certification. My goal is to continue improving my ability to work effectively with both children and adults, helping them develop strong martial arts skills and character. Currently, I work with a Taekwondo school as well as a Karate school, gaining hands-on experience in teaching and school operations. My main source of income at the moment is driving for Uber, which allows me to support my family while I work toward my long-term goal of opening my own martial arts school. I’ve heard you mention your courses and coaching related to martial arts leadership and business development, and I would be very interested in learning more. I’m eager to become more efficient, professional, and prepared to build a sustainable martial arts business in the future. If there is any guidance, program, or direction you would recommend, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for all the value you share through the podcast. Kind regards,

Perth Amboy, New Jersey