🥋 Kickstart your consulting business today: https://www.blackbeltstartup.com/ When I started my first business, I thought my skills would speak for themselves. They didn’t… I had no tagline. No strong presence. Just a flimsy, forgettable business card. I realized two things early on: 1- Image matters: branding isn’t just for big companies–there are…

Lisa Solomon and Viviana Lezamiz are the longest-tenured parents of the NYBBC, with their children Alexa and Mikaela, students of the school since they were barely able to read or write. In 2025, their kids are high-level taekwondo competitors with many national championships under their black belts. Once little kids were inspired by the older comp…

Meet Stephen Eng in this episode and listen to how impactful receiving his Black Belt has been in his life. He attributes all his successes and positive relationships to his martial arts training and talks about how it was the best decision his parents ever made for him. 1:35: Introduction of Stephen Eng 2:14: His start in the martial arts 3:41: Be…

“If you define success by achieving specific things on a rigid path, then you set yourself up for disappointment. True success is process-oriented, goal-focused.” "In a finite game, the purpose is to win. In an infinite game, the purpose is to keep playing.” "Winning isn’t always the best indicator of success. Performing at your highest level is." …

Jori Pisilä, Head of Sales at Bayer Consumer Healt in Finland, 4th degree black belt in Boreal Han Moo Do What do martial arts and leadership have in common? Effortlessness, adaptability, and precision. In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, I sit down with Jori Pisilä—Head of Sales at Bayer Consumer Health and a 4th-degree black belt in …

🥋 Kickstart your consulting business today: https://www.blackbeltstartup.com/ Dragging people back to the office won’t fix a broken work culture. I learned that back in 2013. When two key team members had to relocate. I faced a decision: lose great people or adapt. I chose to adapt. We went remote before it was cool—way before the world was forced …

Master Mark Warburton is the owner of Sarnia Olympic Taekwondo located in Ontario, Canada. A shy introverted kid who never really found his footing in traditional sports like soccer, he preferred video games and pro wrestling. Enamored by wrestlers who used martial arts like The Great Muta, he decided to try martial arts in his local Karate school.…

Perseverance is a characteristic that can only be taught through placing your child in circumstances where they may want to quit or where they will fail. Parents often have difficulty watching their kids struggle, but it’s an important thing for them to experience. Listen to Kathy Sacoulas talk about how perseverance is gained through martial arts …

Your business can grow by 1,700% in 3 years. It sounds impossible, but research by Gallup states that "high delegators" achieve an average three-year growth rate of 1,751%. That's 112% higher than those who struggle to delegate. So, how can you become a delegating queen? In this live stream, we’ll talk about how to delegate tasks effectively withou…

January is lasting 6 months, I'm snowed in, and Trump's in office. Needless to say, there's a lot going on... Tune in for my rant about Southerners and Snow days, observations of the first 5 days of Trump's presidency, and specific suggestions for where we go from here. I had some whiskey while recording it...I'd suggest you'd get a drink too...…

Your best clients are slipping away while you're 'busy being busy.' If you focus too much on one thing, you risk damaging another. Being a business owner isn’t about running from one thing to the next; it’s about getting what’s critical out of the door with the best quality possible. Let's connect! 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferasalhlou/ YouTube…

Dr. Daryl Thuroff, DACM, LMT (Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine/Licensed Massage Therapist), is a 1st Degree Black Belt at the New York Black Belt Center. She's also a graduate of the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine with a doctorate in Eastern Medicine, Acupuncture, and Massage Therapy. Daryl helps her clients both mentally and physic…

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, host Aslak de Silva sits down with Claus Raasted—a creative powerhouse who has authored 46 books, organized over 1,000 events, and delivered 100 keynotes in just 100 days. Together, they dive into the art of getting things done in a world where action is the ultimate advantage. From making tough deci…

Learn how Tuhon Nick Sacoulas has seen martial arts impact his students and their families, how it’s impacted his parenting, and how the martial arts community he created has impacted so many lives, including his own. 2:53: the start of Progressive Martial Arts 5:00: How Tuhon Nick followed his passion 8:15: how martial arts has impacted his studen…

In this week’s live stream, we’ll cover how you can: 1. Build a financial safety net. 2. Turn your skills into a consulting business. 3. Land your first paying client. Let’s turn your layoff into a breakthrough. Let's connect! 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferasalhlou/ YouTube: @StartUpWithFerasبقلم Feras

Conservatives, Straight hair, and Self-hate OH MY! The natural hair movement has been stalled for a while now, but is the new political order the final bell's toll? On this episode, I discuss my observations about the rise of the straight-hair naturals, The "Gotta Be Me" Podcast controversy, the Red Pill manosphere's challenge to (Black) women, Tig…

I once tried to do everything on my to-do list in a single day. But I ended up binge-watching martial arts videos instead. Trying to tackle everything at once is a sure way to get nothing done. Let’s prioritize your tasks so you can take on more clients! Check me out on YouTube: @StartUpWithFerasبقلم Feras

In 2024, Master Joseph Lupo Jr. walked onto the mats for what will likely be his last Taekwondo competition ever, The Mugung International Championships in San Andres Timilpan, Mexico. It was the toughest decision of his life, along with one of the most hard-fought battles he ever faced on the mats. In this special episode, Master Joe steps out of …

As a nurse with a public health degree, Kathy Sacoulas presents how important health and wellness are in the parenting journey. Looking at the whole child and not just their physical, she talks about ensuring kids look after their wellness: mind, body, and soul. She also discusses the importance of the parents’ wellness as it impacts the child. 1:4…

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, host Aslak de Silva and AI expert Edgar Perez delve into why artificial intelligence is reshaping the business landscape, much like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu revolutionized MMA. BJJ became essential for success because it introduced a completely new dimension to the fight, forcing athletes to adapt or lose…

I'm fast approaching forty, and I still have days where I'm questioning whether my outfit looks too masculine. I have spent years questioning what is femininity, and specifically, what is BLACK femininity and why does it look and feel so different from White femininity? Listen as I discuss a few pivotal moments in my childhood that molded and shift…

I watched the Beyonce Bowl, and like most of the Beyhive, I have thoughts and theories. Tune in for my rambling string of consciousness as I focus on two things that really incited me to chorus. This "Unbuttoned" version of the Black Belt Belle pairs well with Episode 1 entitled "No Beyoncé, the Music Isn't Enough: We Need the Visuals"...and your f…

Kathy Sacoulas discusses the importance of encouraging independence at each stage of a child’s development and how difficult it is for parents to let go during the process. Creating independence does lead to better self-esteem, self confidence and how the martial arts is a great example of this. 1:15: Parenting begins with total dependence. 3:34: Cre…

Master Antony Graf wasn't the most talented Taekwondo fighter in the room, but nobody could match his heart and determination. An athlete who ruled the Middleweight & Heavyweight division in the 2000s, and a multi-time International Open Gold Medalist, once Master Graf's competition days were over, he focused on building his career. Now the owner o…

"Fear is not my enemy; it is a friend. Fear is only allowing me to see an aspect of myself I was not willing to look at." "The only moment you can truly live or die is now. So why waste time on the past or worry about the future?" "When you remember who you are, you don’t need to discover yourself; you just need to align with your spiritual origin.…

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, we sit down with Guðrún Snorradóttir, an executive coach with a background in applied positive psychology and a passion for future-focused leadership. Drawing parallels between martial arts and leadership, we explore topics like building resilience under pressure, mastering emotional intelligence, le…

A first-generation immigrant, Master Vincent Nguyen's life was molded by hardworking "dollar and a dream" parents who came from Vietnam to this country with $20. Through hard work, Vincent Nguyen's family embodies the "American Dream." With only 3 years of formal Taekwondo training as a teenager, Vincent Nguyen became a member of the Junior Nationa…

Respect is one of the numerous reasons people do the martial arts. As one trains over time, it’s a characteristic that automatically becomes part of the student. In this episode, Kathy Sacoulas discusses how she sees this process occur and how parents can use this as a tool at home. 1:25: Respect Defined 1:53: Martial arts begins and ends with resp…

Beyoncé told us "Shut the hell up about the visuals," and I am distraught! Follow along as I explore and expound on the missed opportunity for Afro Futurism and the BIGGEST criticism I have of Cowboy Carter that she could have fixed with a visual album. In this episode, I discuss how I use Beyoncé in my African American Studies course, and why I ha…

A mental health counselor by day and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA practitioner by night, former Invicta FC Atomweight Champion Jillian "The Lionheart" DeCoursey chats with Master Joe in the Black Belt Way of Life Studio. We learn how she balances her career as a business owner and professional mixed martial artist en route to becoming a …

Learn from Kathy Sacoulas and Tara DeSuze about the importance of having partners in parenting. Creating partnerships with teachers, coaches, other parents, and your community are so important in raising children. 2:20: Introduction of Ms. Tara (AKA PMA Mom) - a PMA mom who eventually became a PMA teacher and staff member 6:56: The Power of Communi…

"Joy is a trainable skill, and like any martial art, it requires practice, especially in the face of discomfort and chaos." "Your obstacles are your greatest teachers. Like the samurai seeking out the master swordsman, life’s challenges are here to test and refine you." "Gratitude cuts through the noise and brings you into the present moment—becaus…

Meet Sensei Charles Jardines, a 6th Degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate under Sensei Toyotaro Miyazaki. A Karate pioneer in the United States. Besides his accolades in martial arts, Jardines is a retired member of the greatest law enforcement community in the country with the NYPD, and a former teacher from St. Francis Preparatory in Fresh Meadows…

Discipline is the number one reason parents want their kids to do martial arts, and martial arts is a proven way to develop discipline. Learn how Kathy Sacoulas and her fellow instructors help students develop discipline and how you can transfer those efforts to your home and your parenting. For more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparent…

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, host Aslak de Silva welcomes Jason Shupp, the experienced leader of Ferguson Roofing and host of the From There to Here podcast, for a deep dive into the journey of leadership growth. Using the martial arts belt system as a metaphor, they explore how leaders progress from the early days of the "white…

"We know we can't make it; we don’t have the lifespan to know it all. But that’s what makes us warriors—we still choose to walk the path, even knowing we’ll never reach the end.” “The breath is the bridge—it’s the control point for your body, your spirit, and your mind. Mastering it gives you the reins to navigate any challenge, on or off the mat."…

On this week's episode of A Black Belt Way of Life, meet Master Chet Bridgewater. He is a founding member of the New York Black Belt Center, 4th Degree Black Belt, AAU National Team Member, USA Masters Team Team Member, and founder of the New York Black Belt Center Westchester. Follow his journey as he navigates through racism and self-struggles to…

Learning about each child is essential in becoming an effective martial arts instructor. Kathy Sacoulas discusses how constantly learning about your child and connecting with them on a consistent basis can help you become a better parent and gives examples from her own teaching experience to show how important it is. 1:24: The introductory process i…

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, Aslak de Silva is joined by Anna Kuusela (M.Sc. (Econ), ICF Executive Coach, Ex-Big4, and former ballerina), the founder and CEO of EDGE Leadership. Anna specializes in transforming the most influential leaders and leadership teams through creative insight, emotional intelligence, and relational mast…

"To always be yourself. Have faith in yourself. Don’t look for a successful personality and duplicate it. These are very strong pointers to truth, but they’re dismissed by a lot of people. If you understand this, it makes your life way more exciting and open to learning." – John Little Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Black Belt Podca…

With no direction and down the wrong path, Mrs. Rodriguez takes her troubled son John into Grandmaster Joseph Lupo Sr.'s Taekwondo school in search of a better life and guidance for her son. Learn how that event changed John Rodriguez's life trajectory and put him on a path to become a taekwondo master, champion, and teacher. Master John Rodriguez …

This episode is all about you as a parent and how important you are to the development of your kids. Similar to the beginning of martial arts training, the development of the self establishes a firm foundation from which to grow. Kathy Sacoulas discusses the martial arts journey and how the foundation of great martial arts training begins with focu…

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership podcast, host Aslak de Silva is joined by Dr. Elisabet Lahti, an expert in inner strength and the Finnish concept of sisu. They explore how sisu—a unique blend of determination, grit, and resilience in the face of adversity—can be applied to leadership challenges. Drawing from her research and persona…

Meet Frankie Yournett, a product of the tough streets of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Follow his journey of struggle and humility to a life of positivity at the New York Black Belt Center. Follow the Black Belt Way of Life podcast on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565583651797 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltwayoflif…

Kathy Sacoulas discusses the white belt mentality in this episode. This approach can be utilized not only in martial arts training but also in your approach to everything. In order to continue to grow and evolve as parents, we, too, must develop this mindset. Learn ways to empty your cup and clear your slate for your development as a parent. Sectio…

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership podcast, host Aslak de Silva sits down with executive coach and author Ritu G. Mehrish to dive deep into the concept of Leaders Block—a phenomenon where even the most seasoned leaders can feel stuck, uninspired, or disconnected from their purpose. Drawing parallels to martial arts, where practitioners…

“Train like a fighter, think like a soldier, fight like a warrior. I believe confidence has to be done with inoculation. In martial arts we have stress and aggression drills that inoculate us to pain, it’s like they give us a little bit of poison, and the next night a little more poison, then a year and a half later, when we are in the arena with r…

Master Joseph Lupo Jr. takes you along his journey and past to what has inspired him to tell his story about what a black belt represents and means, on and off the mats. Lessons taught to him by his father, who is also his original Taekwondo instructor, will last a lifetime. This is a simplistic message of positivity for the world to share. Follow …

Kathy Sacoulas, co-owner and program director of Progressive Martial Arts in Queens, NY, debuts her Black Belt Parenting podcast with this sneak peek episode. Learn her reasons for starting the show, why she believes parenting is similar to martial arts, and what you can expect with every new episode. For more information on the podcast, visit blac…

In this episode of the Black Belt in Leadership podcast, host Aslak de Silva sits down with Feras Alhlou, a seasoned entrepreneur, business strategist, and co-founder of E-Nor, a leading digital analytics consultancy that he successfully led to an acquisition by Dentsu, one of the world’s largest advertising and digital marketing agencies. With a p…