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 of multiple TKD schools that train kids and adults, Master Graf has collected his philosophies into his book, "Whispers of Wisdom: Crafting Character through Mentorship and Storytelling Artistry." We discuss what he learned from his mentors, like Olympic Taekwondo champions Herb Perez and Juan Moreno, ways to shape the minds and bodies of young athletes, and how to stay motivated as an adult. Master Antony Graf's story is one of determination and having the self-belief and desire to succeed, no matter the

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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 National Team for the United States in Taekwondo. Training alongside other National Team members and future Olympians at Grandmaster Jin Won Kim's Taekwondo Center in Houston, Texas, Vincent rose to the top of the Taekwondo ranks. Vincent carried this work ethic into his adulthood and career, always putting his faith in God first and foremost.

The Nguyen family is big, with five children and one on the way. Balance is the key component to making all this work. Vincent talks about balance, faith, and proper family values to get him through his hectic life, including teaching Taekwondo at Bang's Sport Taekwondo in Houston. A pioneer member of the USA Masters Team, he gives us what it means to be a master athlete and how the USA Masters Team and US Masters Cup can encourage an older athlete to a successful and healthy lifestyle. Vincent Nguyen's life in and out of the Taekwondo dojang is a special one that inspires all.

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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 world champion at the age of 38 and how her late start in martial arts did not deter her from beating Jessica Delboni to win the 105lb belt. DeCoursey breaks down what goes into a championship fight camp from proper dieting, nutrition, having a mental health coach, and, most importantly - the right team around you in a gym like Long Island MMA and Eric Ruiz from Ringsport Muay Thai. Plus, how she was able to use her own career as a mental health counselor to help herself and others in life to become a better person in and out of the cage. This is one episode you will not want to miss!

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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, New York. If that wasn't enough, he has now joined the humanitarian fight with Habitats for Humanity to help those in need. And by the way, he still instructs Karate students all over the country! Amazing story with an amazing man. In this episode, he dives into and captivates us with stories of the ups and downs in life, how Karate helped him become the man he is, and how it helped him through the struggles and dark moments.

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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 become a champion, father, and Taekwondo master. All while staying true to himself, sacrificing time and travel, and remaining loyal to his family, friends, and craft.

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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 is a prime example of a black belt way of life, and hopefully, his story can help you embark on your journey to earn your black belt.

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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.

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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 the Black Belt Way of Life podcast on:

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