'Attitude'
'Motivation'
'Inspirational'
MA1st is extremely proud to bring to you some of the most influential leaders of both the business and Martial Arts world. This stellar lineup of speakers will share with you years of experience, first-hand knowledge and revolutionary concepts that will lift business owners and staff alike to the pinnacle of success.
"This is an incredible group of individuals. Some of the best business innovators I've met."
Kyoshi Fred DePalma
Business Track - MA1st
Instructor Track - MA1st
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.
Both the DePalmas believe in putting their family first. The success of their schools along with the success of their staff allows them to take 3 months off each year to travel and vacation with their two sons Edge (19) and Dagger (16). This isn’t about bragging but rather demonstrating what is important to them.
Presentation Schedule
Date | Time | Session | Location |
---|---|---|---|
07/15/2017 | 03:30PM | Owner’s Only! - Training Your Staff for the Future, goals, MAP, Pay, etc… | TBD |
07/16/2017 | 10:30AM | Utilizing your assistance – the 5 second “Howdy Dowdy” – Team Huddle | TBD |
07/16/2017 | 03:30PM | How we make 20K on a FREE Tournament, How to host school activities that are financially good for you and benefit the students | TBD |
Shihan Robin DePalma
Business Track - MA1st
Instructor Track - MA1st
A 5th Degree Black Belt, Shihan Robin DePalma has been in the Martial Arts industry for 20 years and is currently the Corporate Manager or DePalma’s Team USA Martial Arts. She currently oversees 6 DePalma’s locations. She is in charge of the Manager Training, Marketing, Business Systems, Pro-Shops, event planning and statistics of each location. Her resume includes developing a Cardio Kickbox program of over 700 members, running one of DePalma’s most profitable locations, co-founding the 26 month SWAT – Mentor Leadership Program, Developing successful business systems for the DePalma’s organization and reaching a $200-$400 student value at any location she has worked at. She contributes her success to her love of the students and families and her passion for making a positive impact in their lives.
Presentation Schedule
Date | Time | Session | Location |
---|---|---|---|
07/15/2017 | 12:30PM | Info Call to Enrollment and the importance of options | TBD |
07/15/2017 | 03:30PM | The school tour, why it’s so important for the sale and how to sell benefits with it | TBD |
07/15/2017 | 04:30PM | Teach with C.A.R.E. | TBD |
07/16/2017 | 11:30AM | Planning your yearly calendar | TBD |
07/16/2017 | 12:30PM | Building Rapport with your Students, 4 Personality Types | TBD |
Master Henry Calantog
Instructor Track - DePalmas Team USA Martial Arts
Known simply as Master C, he is the TEAM Leader of DePalma's Team USA Martial Arts and, oversees instructor development, training and progress. He has over 20 years of martial arts teaching experience, and is currently the Head Instructor of the Desert Mountain Location. He is a direct student of Kyoshi Fred DePalma, and is one of his highest ranking students. An avid competitor, he has also coached several state and national champions. Amongst the instructors and students he is known for his enthusiasm, energy, leadership and motivation. He is a teacher first and foremost, and has dedicated his life to the personal development of others through the martial arts.
Presentation Schedule
Date | Time | Session | Location |
---|---|---|---|
07/15/2017 | 02:30PM | Superior Student Experience - Guidelines and Steps to a Fantastic Student Experience | TBD |
07/16/2017 | 09:00AM | How to Deal with “THAT” Student” WE all have students and parents that try our patience, and give us challenges. Learn how to communicate with them, and make them raving fans. | TBD |
07/16/2017 | 03:30PM | “The Empathetic Instructor” – Learn how to teach to each key learning style, every age group and different character types. | TBD |
Rod Darling
Business Track
Instructor Track
Rod Darling is the founder and chief instructor of International Goju Karate schools and a 3rd Dan Black belt under Tino Ceberano. Rod founded the IGKS in 2002 and has since taken on Paul Newton as a 50% partner, together they have grown the IGKS to over 1700 active students and growing rapidly with locations throughout Perth and also in Newcastle. Rod and Paul have also developed a kids karate program called ‘Kanga Karate’ which is aimed at 4 to 6 year olds. The kanga Karate program has grown from strength to strength and now has its own album of fun kids karate songs available on itunes and a live stage show. The pair have also developed a very popular fitness kickboxing program called ‘My Fitness kickboxing’ with 7 locations now in operation and plans for many more. Rod is a highly regarded kids karate instructor and is gaining a reputation in the industry as an expert facebook marketer.
Presentation Schedule
Date | Time | Session | Location |
---|---|---|---|
07/15/2017 | 02:30PM | Landing page that works | TBD |
07/16/2017 | 10:30AM | How to write ads that “actually” work | TBD |
George Fourie
Business Track
George Fourie, founder of MartialArtsMedia.com & The Martial Arts Media Business Podcast, is a computer programming nerd turned online marketer who found his passion for martial arts by following his young son’s martial arts journey. While keeping an eye on his son’s class and running his online business from his laptop next to the mats, George offered to help the school with their approach to online media promotions. While witnessing them achieve extraordinary results with a regular rush of new students signing up, George combined his newfound passion for martial arts and online marketing career to help all martial arts school owners attract the right students, double their signups and keep their existing students through internet and social media marketing.
What was initially a dad / son bonding activity through martial arts turned into an international service business helping some of the most sought after martial arts schools in the world.
Presentation Schedule
Date | Time | Session | Location |
---|---|---|---|
07/15/2017 | 12:30PM | How To Become The ‘Go To’ Martial Arts School Through Internet & Social Media Marketing | TBD |
Shihan Paul Veldman
Business Track
Instructor Track
Paul holds a 5th degree in karate, and began training at the age of 13 in Freestyle Karate. He later started training in the traditional karate of Shukokai, achieving his black belt in 1995.
Since then Paul has continued his love of karate, especially the focus, camaraderie, and personal growth it fosters. He has trained in kickboxing and boxing, and is still actively training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Philippine Martial arts and Sword.
Paul was a member of Victoria Police for 17 years. During his career he spent time as an operational general duties member, as a member of the Force Response Unit, and later as a Police Instructor and “Train the Trainer” in Firearms, Defensive Tactics, Conflict Management and Forced Building Entry. As part of these duties he would conduct research and development into Police Tactics and Training.
Presentation Schedule
Date | Time | Session | Location |
---|---|---|---|
07/15/2017 | 10:30AM | Customer Service * The best retention tool | TBD |
07/16/2017 | 12:30PM | Owner’s Only! – Business exit strategies | TBD |
Adam Meyers / Lance Douglas
Business Track
A team of martial arts coaches that integrate their backgrounds in physiotherapy, engineering, teaching and theatre to achieve a common goal; to innovate, explore and develop classes that not only end in a 'BANG!' but ensure the entire class from start to finish is a showstopper. With a collective three decades of coaching experience between them and endless hours of training and development, the team at Modern Sensei aim to share their innovations, tips, tools and stories to make every martial arts class in any Dojo, one not to be missed.
Presentation Schedule
Date | Time | Session | Location |
---|---|---|---|
07/16/2017 | 11:30AM | Three Keys to Unlock The Modern Coach | TBD |
Business Track
Business mentoring can be a highly effective way to improve business performance. This track will allow you to study with this world class assembly of Business mentors while they show you how to leverage their knowledge, experience, advice, counsel and industry know-how to drive your successful business model.
Instructor Track
Contrary to popular belief, it takes more than just having good kicks or good credentials to instruct martial arts for a living. Like most jobs, if you want to teach martial arts for a living... you need a good mentor, too! The 'MAIN' Event organizers have assembled some of the most motivate and skilled professionals in the world and they are here to instruct you.