Meet Michael Ahn

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michael Ahn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Michael , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I didn’t! I’m surrounded by truly exceptional people which keeps me humble and hungry. I lean into the imposter syndrome and let it fuel my passion. With all the great business owners and competitors around me I’ll always feel like I don’t belong, and I’ll keep working like I don’t belong. I don’t ever see that feeling going away and I use it as motivation.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I own a martial arts school with a primary focus on Brazilian Jiujitsu, Kickboxing, and MMA in South Jersey. I came to own the business quite organically; I’m a lifelong martial artist and started teaching in my mid 20’s as a source of income. I quickly learned that teaching is as fun as training and formed some lifelong friendships with my students.

After moving back to the USA during covid the goal was to open a place where everyone felt welcome to pursue their dreams. Getting into martial arts can be intimidating for most people and I wanted a school where people could be themselves. Whether you want to be a world champion or just want to have fun while getting in shape I want people to know that whatever they’re looking for we’re the school that can make that happen, and while you’re here you’re going to have a great time.

I really think that accepting atmosphere makes us special. It’s great to see a stranger come in and eventually become a friend. I know how martial arts changed my life for the better and I’m hoping to share that with as many people as I can

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Teaching: Teaching is a skill that I didn’t necessarily set out to acquire but rather stumbled upon. There were some poor lessons in the early days! But just like anything else it’s a combination of trial and error, research, and fortitude. You have to be willing to try new things and be open to constructive feedback. Never settle for your best because your students always deserve more

2. Lack of people skills: Something I’m currently working on is learning how to talk to people. By no means am I a natural extrovert so striking up a conversation with someone who’s interested in improving their lives through martial arts can be daunting. I have to remind myself that it’s not about me and my comfort and what we can do to help better this person’s life

3. Passion: I still make sure I train every day. I want to remain passionate about what I’m teaching and not have it be all about the business. It may not be the best strategy to make a lot of money in the short run but I feel it’s important for long term sustainability. There’s nothing worse than being part of a program where the head instructor had just checked out and sees everyone as a means to pay the bills

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m always looking for someone to help me in the areas I’m new to. Marketing, sales, social media, these are things I never considered before opening a gym. I’m at the point where I don’t even know what I don’t know! I’m fortunate to have a few very successful business mentors that are willing to guide me but I am constantly trying to network with people that can help me and vice versa in areas I am unfamiliar with

Contact Info:

Image Credits

David Stedman

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