Kyoshi DePalma started teaching the martial arts for his instructor in 1981 and went on to open his own school under his instructor’s guidance in 1986. He had 4 schools in CT before selling them to the managers and heading out to AZ in 1991 to open schools there. In AZ he oversees 8 locations that are either owned by him or franchised to his students. Over his many years of being involved not with just his schools but the Martial Arts industry, Kyoshi has spoken for many of the leading Martial Art Companies such as EFC, MAIA, NAPMA, UP, MAUI and others. Currently Kyoshi spends his time running his schools and the MA1st Company where he gets to talk with and personally coach school owners worldwide. If you wish to speak with a Martial Artist who has had and still has successful schools and loves to share, then Kyoshi F. DePalma is the person you need to know.

Kyoshi DePalma spent time with the USMC and currently spends his time overseeing his schools, head instructor training, Pro indoor football team NAZWranglers and personally working with school owners worldwide through MA1st coaching. His 37 years of owning and operating multiple locations has given him the experience to help others achieve their goals. He specializes in staff development, business systems and family time.

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A 5th Degree Black Belt, Master Robin DePalma has been in the Martial Arts Industry for 26 years. She is currently the corporate manager of the organization, 8 locations. She oversees manager training, marketing, business systems, pro-shops, event planning and statistics of each location.

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Michael Bank is a martial arts school owner and financial coach who helps people understand the financial principals needed to create passive income that exceeds their paycheck giving them the ability to live the life they truly desire.

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Cat Zohar has been training in Martial Arts since 6 years old. She's owned and operated studios along the East Coast over the last 20 years. In her career she's specialized in bringing Member Engagement practices to the martial arts community. She currently resides in Columbia, SC with her boyfriend Mike Bank and two dogs. When she's not busy running one of the most profitable martial arts studios in South Carolina, she can be found pursuing her hobbies of pottery, yoga and travel.

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Dave Kovar is known worldwide as the Teacher of Teachers. An 8th degree Black Belt and still growing, he has dedicated his life to the martial arts, earning Black Belt ranks in 10 unique martial art styles. He has grown a phenomenal team of employees that serves students based in California. Dave Kovar's focus for the last several years has been to give back to the industry he loves so dearly – providing resources and training for school owners around the world.

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Cris Rodriguez

Business Track

With 29 years of Martial Arts Experience and 22 years of Teaching Experience, Professor Cris Rodriguez is a 1st Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, 3rd Degree TKD Black Belt, and Co-Owns Gracie PAC MMA, a BJJ & MMA School in Tampa, Florida, with her wife Stephanie.She has been obsessed with Internet Marketing for the past 10 years and is the Founder of Grow Pro Agency, a Digital Marketing Agency for Martial Arts Academies with over 270 clients. As a Partner in Marketing with Schools, their core focus is to help school owners gain the freedom they want in their business. She is also the Digital Marketing Consultant for the Martial Arts Industry Association and runs her own Mastermind Program called “The A Team”. She is a best selling author of the book “The Best Known Dojo” and hosts the “7 Figure CEO” Podcast. She earned her Elementary Education Degree from the University of South Florida which has helped her to become an expert in Children’s Jiu Jitsu Training & Development. Cris lives in Tampa, Florida with Stephanie and their three sons Darion, Nate, & Cruz.

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Chris Nott Family Knowledge Action LLC (FKA)

Instructor Track

Chris Nott is the CEO of Family Knowledge Action and founder of the STX program. He is the Master Kali Instructor at FKA Martial Arts in Margate, Florida. Chris is passionate about learning, training, teaching and developing his students to become the very best versions of themselves. He has been teaching and training martial arts for over forty years. Guro Chris has taught all over the USA, Australia and; the UK. He holds the rank of Black Celt in Jeet Kune Do, is a certified combat fitness coach and Haganah FIGHT instructor and currently ranked as Lakan Gure in Pekiti Tirsia Kali. Chris is an active member of the Pekiti Tirsia Kali World Federation. "To be a great teacher you must constantly strive to be an even greater student".

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Master Will Schneider is a multi location martial arts school operator in central KY; with plans to expand into Florida. He has trained in the martial arts for 35 years; and an owner for over 20 years. Holds Black Belts in Tae Kwon Do, Krav Maga, Hapkido, and a Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Schneider is known for his success in hiring outsiders, business systems, staff incentive plans, and curriculum designed to scale to more locations. He's a former executive director for the London/Laurel YMCA; and a former licensed MMA, Kickboxing, and Boxing Promoter and referee in the state of KY. His hobbies include: sporting events, concerts, traveling, reading, and golf.

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Nelson has over 10 years working in the martial software business and 5 years working for Spark membership. He is one of the company's pioneers who has helped shape Spark to the company it is today. Nelson has been part of all departments of Spark and has gained a full understanding of martial arts business owners' pains and needs and makes it his mission to continue helping improve the software to ensure clients are not only happy, but also are able to grow their business and take back their time by using Spark. Nelson has started his Journey in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey at a school that runs Spark and that not only helps him understand the impact these schools have on their communities and students, but also how Spark can continue improving to offer both the school and the students the best experience. If there is any question related to Spark Nelson knows the answer. If there are problems he knows how to fix them or find a workaround.

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• Bachelor in fitness economics • Business manager • Marketing manager • Sales & service manager • Sports & fitness administrator • Quality manager • Human resources manager martial arts several organizations • State recognized sports teacher • 6th Dan Karate, • 6th degree Black Belt Krav Maga • black belt kickboxing & kung fu • State approved instructor: military – police combat and tactics • 2-time world champion weapons (ISKA) • National Champion point fighting

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In 2004 Doug Rankin opened a martial arts club in Warner Robins, GA. The following year he opened Apexx, a company that provides martial arts, fitness, and after school/summer camp. Doug has had an impact on thousands of lives for many years and wants his legacy to continue. Doug is a #1 bestselling author with his first book “The Straight-A Honor Roll” & "It'll Be Easy They Said", serial entrepreneur, owner of Splinters Axe House, Owner of Dojomax, speaker, 6th Degree Black Belt, and your host of the Apogee Summit.-

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