Over the years, martial arts has shaped not just my physical capabilities, but my mindset, my values, and how I approach life. A good friend and mentor, Dave Kovar, once told me: “Be a martial artist first, a teacher second, and an entrepreneur third.” This simple statement has had a profound impact on how I live and work.
To be a martial artist first means becoming a master at life itself—living with purpose, discipline, and focus. Martial arts, for me, is much more than learning techniques or acquiring belts. It’s about facing the challenges life throws at you with resilience, humility, and courage. The principles I have learned on the mats—whether they are covered in soft padding or hard tiles—mirror those required to navigate the human experience. They have taught me to stand tall in the face of adversity, to face fear, and to keep pushing forward.
The dojo has always been more than a training space. It has been my arena, a place where I tested my will, honed my skills, and learned the art of living strong. It’s here, amidst the sweat and struggle, that the warrior mindset truly came alive for me. I found that my greatest personal growth came not from victories but from the battles fought—the ones that pushed me to my limits and demanded my very best.
Why do I teach? That’s an easy answer for me. I teach because the lessons I have learned are not meant to be kept to myself. The knowledge, the experiences, and the wisdom gathered on my journey have immense value. And there is at least one person out there who needs to hear it—from me and only me. That is my driving force.
Teaching martial arts has always been about more than just teaching others how to fight. It’s about teaching how to live, to endure, to find inner strength, and to overcome life’s challenges. I am deeply committed to this work because it goes beyond techniques—it’s about transforming lives.
Over the years, the role of teaching has changed for me, especially in the past year. The school I helped build since 1999 has gone through significant transitions, and I find myself in a new chapter of my journey. Yet, the call to teach is as strong as ever. I’m reminded daily of the impact teaching has on others, but also how it feeds my own soul. There’s a deep fulfillment that comes with guiding others to their potential.
However, Dave’s wisdom about being a martial artist first resonates now more than ever. Before I can teach effectively, I must always be learning and growing myself. I must embody the principles I want to pass on. Then comes teaching—passing on what I’ve learned. Finally, the entrepreneur role ensures that my teaching and learning are sustainable. This delicate balance between the three has allowed me to stay grounded while growing, to give back while receiving, and to continue this lifelong adventure of living strong.
As I prepare for my next chapter, both as a martial artist and a teacher, I’m reminded of why I started on this path in the first place. It was never about accolades or business growth; it was always about mastery—mastery of the self and mastery of life. And that journey, like martial arts itself, never ends.
In closing, I hope this reflection encourages you to think about your own journey. What are you mastering? How are you contributing to the world? And most importantly, who are you becoming in the process?
As Dave Kovar advised me, remember to be a martial artist first. Master yourself, live with purpose, and then share that knowledge with others. That’s how we build a legacy of living strong.
Feel free to follow my Living Strong Adventures podcast or check out my Epic Living Strong Warriors playlist on YouTube at YouTube.com/peterliciaga. Stay strong and keep moving forward!
