We had the good fortune of connecting with John Park and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I had to take over the family business. It was going to close. My father started his 1st studio in America in 1971. In the late 1980’s he gave his 3 studios to his senior students. They were all Fighting Champions who were on the US National team. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean you know how to run a Martial Arts business. So two studios shut down and the home studio didn’t pay rent for 6 months. I took over the home studio with only 11 paying students with mounds of debt. It took 2 years to turn it around. It was a necessity to take over the family business, not a whim.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
You’re not just teaching people how to kick and punch. You’re teaching them how to be a better person through self control, humility and honor.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Spend time and ask how they are doing. Show them the sites in Austin, depending on the person what type of food and I wouldn’t know what type of restaurant.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Family. Without support, it’s easy to fail.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.