What is your current position?
Kaicho Director - Yamagawa Martial Arts
Association, Owner/Operator - DOJO Martial Arts
Do you consider this job something you
are passionate about?
Absolutely! Has been my dream
since childhood.
What is the most difficult thing about
your job?
Menial tasks such as billing, cleaning,
and marketing. I hate chasing people for money and feeling like a bill
collector.
What is the most rewarding thing about
your job?
Changing lives and having people learn
to believe in themselves. I took a handicapped kid who couldn't run and
made him a State Champion, an abused young girl and restored her confidence,
and the look on a child’s face when they finally get it right.
What are some of your accomplishments?
World Martial Arts Magazine - Karate
Master of the Year
Martial Arts World Hall of Fame
International Hall of Champions
World Head of Family Sokeship Council
Hall of Fame
Diamond Lifetime Achievement Award -
Southeastern Martial Arts Hall of Fame
Martial Arts World Expo Heavy Hitter
Award
School of the Year - Florida League of
Martial Artists
3X Florida State Champion
Students have won over 50 State,
National, and World Championships
What advice would you recommend to
someone interested in pursuing this field?
Train Hard and Train Every Day.
There are no shortcuts. Hard work always beats talent when talent refuses
to do hard work.
What type of training prepares you for
a career like this?
A lifetime spent studying the martial
arts with the best teachers you can find.
What makes a good leader within your
industry?
Honesty and Dedication. But most
importantly, being able to praise and encourage your subordinates
Do you find that you need to separate
your emotions from your job?
Negative emotions should be controlled
and released on the bags during private training. Conversely, Happiness
and excitement should be shared, as it will spread like wildfire.
Do you have to negotiate deals within
your industry? If so, what advice can you offer to close a successful deal?
When buying, pretend your not that
interested, when selling, give the client an idea and let them think it’s
theirs, take the word "I" out of your vocabulary and ask questions
which allow them to say it often.
Do you have any additional comments you
would like to offer?
Find a job you love and you'll never
work a day in your life.
After interviewing Kevin, I have a new
found respect for what he does. He is a true leader, mentor and role
model throughout the Martial Arts community. His passion for Martial Arts
is what drives his students to be the absolute best they can possibly be.
There is a mutual respect between teacher and student. A respect that
continually reciprocates, resonates and fosters integrity amongst the Masters
and Students at the Dojo.
