The M.A.I.N Event Tempe, AZ April 30, 2021 - May 1, 2021

Brough to you by -

Click on the presentor image to view a detail biography, Tempe presentation topics and schedule.

'Attitude'

'Motivation'

'Inspirational'

Mentors & Instructors

MA1st and Spark Membership are 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
04/30/2021 07:00PM Letting students know what is expected of them Salon A
05/01/2021 02:00PM Preparing yourself, your school, your staff for the future - What I've learned to do over the past 35 years of operation Salon C
PLATINUM Sponsor

Master Robin DePalma

Business Track - MA1st

Instructor Track - MA1st

A 5th Degree Black Belt, Master 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
05/01/2021 11:00AM Increase Student Value 50$ above tuitions Salon C
05/01/2021 03:00PM Keeping Students Excited About Training Salon A
PLATINUM Sponsor

Ron Sell

Business Track - Spark

Ron Sell is a 7th Degree Black Belt and has owned multiple martial arts schools for over 23 years. He’s the founder and creator of Spark Martial Arts Software for school owners, helping hundreds of school owners manage, grow and make more money. His expertise in helping school owners grow comes from his vast experience marketing, enrolling, teaching and retaining thousands of martial arts students by building automated systems using software. “I’ve been a martial arts school owner and an instructor all of my life. I’ve seen the impacts that martial arts school owners make in their communities. I’ve also seen far too many school owners struggle, and it’s not right, and not their fault. They deserve success. And my mission is to help them achieve their wildest dreams.”

Presentation Schedule

Date Time Session Location
04/30/2021 03:00PM SPARK training with Ron Sell Salon C
05/01/2021 12:00PM What 've learned from running a multi million $$ software company that can be directly applied to Martial Arts business for big growth. Salon C
05/01/2021 04:00PM 10 things that MUST happen every class Salon A

Professor Jeff Wilber

Instructor Track

Jeff Wilber began his training in the martial arts as a student of Kyoshi DePalama in Arizona. After nearly 30 years of teaching, he continues to be a dedicated student of the martial arts while also passing on the knowledge, skills and opportunities to his team that were passed on to him by his instructor. Professor Wilber brings a high level of organization and discipline that allows school owners to also produce a repeatable and predictable outcome of success.

Presentation Schedule

Date Time Session Location
05/01/2021 12:00PM The difference between a coach and a cheerleader Salon A

Shihan Derek Morris

Business Track

Derek Morris is the owner of The Hidden Dojo in Lancaster, California where he teaches Japanese Jujutsu and Swordsmanship. Derek is fluent in Japanese which has allowed him to forge strong relationships with some of Japans most famous martial arts masters. He travels to Japan twice a year to continue training and also give students the opportunity to go along and experience the Japanese culture for themselves. He is passionate about personal development and dedicated his life to the process of self-mastery and teaching it in a straight forward and enjoyable way so all may reach more of their infinite potential.

Presentation Schedule

Date Time Session Location
05/01/2021 10:00AM Derek Morris *Owners Only* - Entrepreneuship 101: The fundamentals to build a business and a great life Salon C

Stephen Stewart

Instructor Track

Stephen started training in the martial arts at the age of four and continued all the way through to his black belt. Although he took an extended break during his teen years, the lessons he learned from karate had a lasting impression on the growth and development of his life. He graduated at the top of his class from Arizona State University in 2012, with a Bachelors degree in both Biology and Sociology. After working for AMC Theatres for several years to support his way through school, his karate past came full circle when Kyoshi DePalma offered him the opportunity to start training again and begin teaching classes. This was the chance of a lifetime, and as fate would have it, he was presented with another opportunity in 2013 to take over the Power Ranch location. For him, it’s hard to imagine life without martial arts. And after almost four years of running the Power Ranch school, he wouldn’t have it any other way. His location earned “Karate School of the Year” in 2015, and in 2017, Power Ranch grew to its highest active count ever! He is grateful for these amazing honors, but what he cherishes most is the pride that his students bring him each and every day. The karate school is his second home, and it would never be the same without its Power Ranchers!

Presentation Schedule

Date Time Session Location
04/30/2021 08:00PM Organizing your time and tasks Salon A

Salih Jahic

Instructor Track

Salih started training in the Martial Arts in 1997 and continued when he moved to the United States in 2000. He has earned a Green Belt in Ryukyuan Karate, Black Belt in Taekwondo, and a 3rd Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo. Salih started teaching with his current instructor, Professor Wilber in 2007, and fell in love with empowering students through the Martial Arts. In addition to his Martial Arts Career, he graduated from Iowa State University, with Supply Chain Management, and Management Information Systems degrees. He has worked as an Internal Consultant, Project Manager, Leadership Development Lead, and a Demand Lead. Within his various roles, he has designed, and implemented computer systems, trained staff and leadership team to operate these systems. Developed six sigma and lean production strategies, as well as communication strategies to allow executive leadership teams to have a clear insight into production, storage, and demand data; through this process they were able to make better informed leadership decisions. In September 2015, he opened up my first Martial Arts School. Within 2 years, the school grew to over 200 students, and has started to make a big splash in the community. His passion for teaching, developing relationships within the community, and his team shines through, as he wase able to maintain this number for over 4 years.

Presentation Schedule

Date Time Session Location
04/30/2021 06:00PM Teach 1-1 in a class of 30 Salon A

Cris Rodriguez

Business Track

With over 25 years of Martial Arts Experience and 18 years of Teaching Experience, Professor Cris Rodriguez is a 1st Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, 3rd Degree Black Belt in TKD and the Co-Owner of Gracie PAC MMA. She has studied Internet Marketing for the past 8 years and is also the Founder of Grow Pro Agency, a Digital Marketing Agency that runs FB and Instagram ADs for Martial Art School owners and is MAIA’s Digital Marketing Consultant. She is also the Co-Founder of Jitz University, an Online Business Training Portal for BJJ & MMA School Owners that has helped over 500 Academies across the world. She earned her Elementary Education Degree from the University of South Florida which has helped her to become an expert in Children’s Martial Arts Training & Development. Her mission is to help Business Owners serve the world with Integrity while profiting. Cris resides in Tampa, Florida with her wife Stephanie, two amazing sons, Nate & Darion, and has a third son, Cruz, on the way.

Presentation Schedule

Date Time Session Location
04/30/2021 07:00PM Social Media - The best known Dojo Instructor. Salon C
04/30/2021 08:00PM Social Media - Continued from 7:00PM session Salon C
05/01/2021 10:00AM BJJ, Using the STEDEYE Method when Teaching Kds Salon A

Michael Bank

Business Track

Michael Bank is a successful martial arts school owner with several appearances in the MA Success magazine. He is also a certified financial coach, focusing on smart money management and building a foundation for long term financial success.

Presentation Schedule

Date Time Session Location
05/01/2021 02:00PM Understand where you are -vs- where you want to be financially Salon A
05/01/2021 03:00PM Michael Bank *Owners Only* - Creating your pathway for Financial Independence Salon C

Sara Fried

Instructor Track

Sara Fried is a native of Arizona, wife, & a mom of two boys. She has her bachelors in athletic training & works at the Arizona State Veterans Home as a physical therapist assistant. Business mentor & a health + fitness coach, Sara helps others make self care a priority while managing a busy lifestyle!

Presentation Schedule

Date Time Session Location
05/01/2021 09:00AM Strength training and stretch with purpose and results. Salon A

Doug Rankin

Business Track

Doug is the CVO (Chief Vision Officer) for Apexx, a company that provides martial arts, fitness, after school and summer camp. Doug has had a positive impact on thousands of lives in his community and wishes to see his legacy continue for many years to come. He is a 2x #1 bestselling author with his books “The Straight-A Honor Roll” & "It'll Be Easy They Said", speaker, 6th Degree Black Belt, and host of the Apogee Summit held in Warner Robins, GA each August. He also co-owns Splinters Axe House, an axe throwing venue, in Warner Robins, GA.

Presentation Schedule

Date Time Session Location
04/30/2021 06:00PM The Importance of having a Sales Team Salon C

Hanshi John Geyston

Business Track

  1. Founder and Chief Master Instructor of John Geyston’s Martial Arts Academy since 1982·
  2. 9th Dan in Nippon Ketsugo Ryu Kenpo-Jitsu
  3. National Director for the Nippon Ketsugo Ryu Kenpo Jiu Jitsu Association
  4. Regional Training Center certifying Instructors for Royce Gracie in the RG 360 Self Defense curriculum
  1. Has taught over 6700 students in his academy
  2. January 2011 featured as Cover Story as fastest growing martial art academy in the USA by MA Success Magazine
  3. Director of New Schools for United Professionals (2001-2003)
  4. Director of Consulting for APS (2003)
  5. Authored Richland Community College Law Enforcement Curriculum self defense and survival manual
  6. Black Belt ranking also in Shudo-Kan (1985), Goju Shorei (1989), Kenpo (1990) Ju-Jitsu (1996) Nippon Ketsugoryu 7th Dan 1999, 8th Dan 2008, 9th Dan 2018
  7. Star and host of over 12 award winning videos (1994 to date)
  8. Featured in book "Martial Art Elite World"
  9. Featured in the book "Who's Who in the Martial Arts"
  10. Professors Hiltons, “Nippon Kestugo Ryu Ju-Jitsu" (2000)
  11. Featured in Martial Art Action Card 2000 Set" (Millennium Set 2000)
  12. Member of 5 International Martial Art Hall of Fames (1995 to date)
  13. Nippon Ketsugo Kai Board of Professors (1999 to date)
  14. Guest speaker on over 140 radio talk shows (1995 to date)
  15. Technical advisor to American Institute of Martial Arts (2001 to date)
  16. Executive Board member of International Brotherhood of Martial Arts.(2005)
  17. Authored and teaches Illinois State board of Education Defensive Tactics

Presentation Schedule

Date Time Session Location
05/01/2021 11:00AM When teaching it's more than the lesson! Salon A
05/01/2021 04:00PM Introductory Process to Increase your Opportunity to Convert your Trials into Members Salon C

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.

Check this page often for the most current roster of world-class speakers brought to you by MA1st and The 'Main' Event.