Meet RJ LoPresti

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

RJ, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I feel incredibly blessed to have found my passion in life without even having to search for it. Training Martial arts was always a natural part of life for me. As a young child, I was enamored with the Power Rangers and begged my parents to enroll me in classes as soon as I was old enough. Little did I know that those early years of training would ignite a fire within me that would burn bright for a lifetime.

Years of dedication and discipline led me to become an instructor myself, and it’s been an honor to share my passion with others. Running my own martial arts business has allowed me to create a space where people can grow, learn, and transform themselves, both physically and mentally. It’s a privilege to witness students’ journeys, see their confidence soar, and watch them develop into strong, capable individuals.

My personal mission statement is “Provide an opportunity for a profoundly positive change in the way people think, act and treat each other, to as many people as possible, with compounding results.” Martial arts allows me to live out this purpose in a meaningful way. By teaching discipline, respect, and self-control, I hope to inspire my students to become positive forces in their communities. Through martial arts, I strive to create a ripple effect of kindness, empathy, and understanding that will spread far and wide.

Every day, I’m grateful to be living my dream, surrounded by the energy and spirit of martial arts. It’s a journey that requires hard work and perseverance, but one that fills my heart and soul with purpose and joy. I’m humbled to be a part of this community, and I look forward to many more years of sharing my passion with others.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a martial arts instructor at Choe’s HapKiDo, I have the privilege of witnessing transformation on multiple levels. Not only do my students benefit from the physical, mental, and emotional growth that martial arts training provides, but their loved ones also reap the rewards. I’ve seen families strengthen their bonds, friends encourage each other’s progress, and individuals build a sense of community that extends far beyond the dojang.

Choe’s HapKiDo, with 9 locations and counting, is built on a foundation of respect, loyalty, and personal development. Our philosophy emphasizes the importance of self-improvement, discipline, and mutual respect. We strive to create a welcoming environment where students of all ages and skill levels can learn, grow, and support one another.

From our Little Ninjas program for young children to our Adult Martial Arts classes, we cater to individuals seeking physical fitness, self-defense skills, or simply a new challenge. Our expert instructors guide students on their journey, helping them develop confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset.

At Choe’s HapKiDo, we believe that martial arts training extends beyond the mat. Our aim is to empower individuals to become positive forces in their communities, fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and kindness. No matter where you live, I strongly recommend you look for a quality martial arts school and join us on this transformative journey and discover the power of martial arts for yourself!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey as a martial arts student, instructor, and business owner of Choe’s HapKiDo are:

1. Self-discipline – Consistently pushing myself to improve through rigorous training and personal development has helped me become a better instructor and role model for my students.

2. Compassion – Cultivating empathy, kindness, and understanding within my schools and beyond has created a supportive community that extends beyond the mat. I encourage others to practice compassion by showing kindness and actively seeking ways to give back to the community.

3. Perseverance – Overcoming challenges and staying committed to long-term goals has taught me the importance of resilience and determination in achieving success.

My advice to those early in their journey is to develop self-discipline by setting goals and consistently working towards them, practice compassion by showing kindness and understanding others’ perspectives, and embrace perseverance by facing challenges head-on, learning from setbacks, and staying committed to your goals. By focusing on these qualities, you’ll build a strong foundation for your journey and develop the skills necessary to achieve success in all aspects of your life.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I am deeply grateful to Grandmaster Choe, the founder of Choe’s HapKiDo, and Master Murphy, my instructor, for their invaluable guidance and mentorship. Grandmaster Choe’s wisdom, patience, and dedication to the art have been a constant source of inspiration and motivation for me. His teachings have not only helped me develop my technical skills but also instilled in me the importance of discipline, respect, and self-improvement. Master Murphy, on the other hand, has been an exceptional mentor, providing personalized guidance and pushing me to reach my full potential. His ability to break down complex techniques and concepts into understandable terms has been instrumental in my progress.

Both Grandmaster Choe and Master Murphy have played a significant role in my development as a martial artist and a person, and I am forever grateful for their support and leadership. Their guidance has not only helped me achieve success in martial arts but also translates to other areas of my life, including business and personal relationships, allowing me to approach challenges with confidence, discipline, and a growth mindset.

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