When I started in martial arts – over 32 years ago – or, even as I worked my way through Georgetown University I never would have imagined that martial arts instruction would become my profession rather than just my passionate hobby.

When I founded Mile High Karate in 1983 it was an alternative to using my degree in International Economics to land in Banking or work for a corporate giant such as Procter and Gamble or IBM. Instead I moved from Washington , D.C. to Denver to open commercial martial arts schools.

My instructors and friends all thought I was crazy.

My key martial arts instructor gave me encouraging words that went something like this: “well, you can play karate for a few years then get a real job!” I’m sure you can imagine how satisfying it was to make them all “eat crow.”

In the year’s since it’s founding Mile High Karate has achieved a truly international reputation for combining student quality with financial success. We’ve been the leading martial arts instruction organization in this region since inception.

At one time or another I’ve been featured in all of the industry’s trade publications and have been a sought after speaker and consultant throughout North America – and, the world. More recently I’ve written several well received books on martial arts school operations and teaching that have been well received throughout the United States, Canada, and as far away as New Zealand, Australia, Tokyo, UK, Germany, and even South Africa.

In Denver Mile High Karate has taught over 25,000 students directly in our commercial facilities and have introduced our program to kids in all of the major public and private schools – impacting well over 200,000 kids and their families in some small way. We’ve been featured on all of the major TV news programs – and, in the local newspapers. We’ve even hosted Chuck Norris and other celebrities in the industry.

Honestly, when I pursued martial arts to a high level it was as an athlete – with intentions to follow in the path of my mentors (Jeff Smith, Pat Worley, and others) to become a professional fighter and competitor. I was soon to grow out of that rather narcissistic focus and to realize the potential for true significance through teaching. I’m certain that I’ll never win another championship trophy in tournament competition – and, many of my friends would humiliate me in seconds in a grappling match – however, that’s not what I do as a career – or, frankly even as a hobby anymore.

My focus for Mile High Karate since the early 1980’s has been Elementary age children – and, their families. Teaching character, values, self esteem, focus, and goal setting skills. We’ve developed a program that greatly enhances a child’s achievement in school and contributions at home and in their community. To further enhance that mission Mile High Karate students have contributed to Children’s Hospital, local Public and Private Schools, and Chuck Norris’ Kick Drugs Out of America.

Honestly, I can think of no other way to combine financial growth and security – with true significant contributions to individuals, their families, and the local community. Our direct impact on our students is huge – the ripple effect throughout our communities is immeasurable.

Many times in the past 20 years I have been criticized for being “too commercial,” “for being in martial arts ‘only for the money.’” Or, for running “a Belt Factory” – or, the McDonald’s of martial arts. To those critics I answer – I am in business to make money – I am in the Martial Arts Business because it combines the ability for me to make a satisfactory income with the ability to impact a huge portion of my community in a positive way. Honestly, I have the capability to make more money in some other industries – but, not enough more to encourage me to turn my back on what I love.

Why would I want to work in a career that I was less passionate about in order to support my martial arts school as a hobby? Alternatively, my wealth from martial arts is only in proportion to the number of students I serve and the depth of their enthusiasm for my service. Or, as Zig Ziglar is fond of saying: “You can get everything that you want in life – if you help enough other people get what they want.

Personally I believe that the broader significance of a career as an educator far outweighs my own youthful enthusiasms for becoming a better fighter and high-end athlete. The personal satisfaction that grows from watching a beginner grow into a Black Belt and a shy and withdrawn child grow into a community leader makes all the difference in the world. I cannot imagine having spent that last 20 years selling real estate, marketing fast food, or working in a corporate bureaucracy – I hope all martial artists will transition into this perspective. I hope many instructors will join my mission to expand our influence and develop a career that combines financial rewards, team-work, family, and contribution.