We were lucky to catch up with Sule Welch recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sule , thank you so much for making time for us today. We can’t wait to dive into your story and the lessons you’ve learned along the way, but maybe we can start with something foundational to your success. How have you gone about developing your ability to communicate effectively?
Effective communication begins with empathetic listening. My ability to communicate effectively is rooted in life experiences that shaped this outlook and allow me to improve my ability to be an empathetic listener and strong communicator. I come from a lineage of entrepreneurs and teachers. Growing up Reston, VA, a planned community outside Washington, D.C. where I was born, exposed me to diverse cultures and people. As I expanded my world view at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA I found a training ground for effective communication, healthy intellectual and creative tension. During my matriculation at Morehouse and upon graduation I took on various professional roles in the service industry, organizational culture, marketing, sales and gained opportunities to lead and contribute to teams. These experiences honed my communication skills across cultures, departments, regions (domestic and international) and allowed me to meet people who have kept me on the edge of my comfort zone, allowing me to grow as a communicator. My personal experiences with martial art Instructors and students have enhanced my ability to be the best martial art teacher, professional coach and community leader I can be. The gift to inspire and educate children, even before becoming a father, taught me the importance of meeting children where they are and learning from them as a valuable form of communication. During my graduate study at Georgia State University I developed a business plan for a martial art training studio. Once I fully dedicated myself to teaching (2004) I began to attract students who were in search of the deeper benefits of martial art training beyond the physical realm. I feel my calling is to equip people with tools through martial art to improve their health and overall quality of life. It is my honor to reach others by sharing the mental and physical tools I’ve gained through my experiences and create a platform for community development. The enjoyment I’ve gained over the last 20 years (The Welch Martial Art Experience, Inc. est. 2003) seeing youth go from elementary school to college, adults go from college to their first job, and seniors citizens relying less on medication and more on movement to treat chronic illness is a tremendous gift. When people share the things they are going through at home or work and express their appreciation for the time, training and passion I put into my work and say “I can’t imagine life without the training I provide at TWE” it confirms I communicating at the highest level which is to inspire others.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
The mission of The Welch Martial Art Experience (TWE) is to TRAIN (Teach, Research, Apply, Inspire, Nurture) people on the benefits of martial art training for healthy living. Today TWE offers a comprehensive Juniors Martial Art (TWE Juniors) program, small group and private adult martial art classes. Currently Sule (a.k.a. Sifu, Guro, Professor, Instructor and Coach) has earned multiple teaching certifications in various Martial Art disciplines: Hapkido, Wing Chun Kung Fu, Filipino Martial Art, Jun Fan Gung Fu & Jeet Kune Do, Capoeira, Tai Chi, and Boxe Francaise Savate. Once I realized not everyone wants a black belt but everyone wants to be strong and healthy, I began to focus on developing programs for youth and non-martial artists. To date my 3 most successful ventures are “Martial Fitness®” the ‘Fight For Your Health’ featured on “Atlanta’s Biggest Loser – Mom’s Edition on 11-Alive WSBTV,” and “Martial Fitness® with Coach Sule’ on AIB TV, ” a DVD “Capoeira for Active Adults” series, and operating as the Chairman for my non-profit Balanced Motion, Inc. to teach discipline and healthy habits throuh martial art training in disadvantaged communities.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Education – learn something new about yourself or someone else everyday until your time on earth is done Integrity – strive to communicate openly and keep your word to yourself and others
Discipline – be consistent in the face of challenges and always do your best
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
We are always open to working more collaboratively with community partners. We have developed some relationships after launching our First Saturdays Community Day program in 2023. The Community Day format allows us to invite outside vendors and small business owners to showcase their products and services at The Welch Center on the 1st Saturday of each month from 9-1pm. This 1-day per month offer also gives non=members a chance to sample all of our training programs for a nominal investment of time and resources. We are also actively seeking public or private grants to build out the infrastructure, website, street signage and expand the promotional mix for our non-profit Balanced Motion, Inc. When we have been able to secure grants in the past we have been able to also offer scholarships for disadvantaged youth to enroll in martial art training classes with TWE located inside The WECH Center.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thewelchexperience.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balancedmma?igsh=MWY3OXJsbmx1amFidg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewelchexperience/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sule-welch-6276775/
- Other: www.balancedmotion.org
Image Credits
Carrie Photography1 JMG Media
