Hi there, everyone! Today, we have a very special guest joining us, the owner of Keller ATA Martial Arts.
Get ready for an interesting conversation where we'll dive into their journey, the uniqueness of their martial arts school, and their role in the community. It's a conversation that will inspire you and give us a behind the scenes sneak peek, so let's jump right in!
Can you tell us about your journey to opening Keller ATA Martial Arts?
Sure thing! We've been running our place for 16 years now. It all began with my family - my niece, my daughter, and me. Now, it's still a family thing, with my husband and me in charge.
That sounds cool! What was your reason for starting your own martial arts school?
Well, I used to work at other martial arts schools, but I thought I could do better. I wanted to make a place where everyone, no matter their age or skill, could learn martial arts, build confidence, and feel like they belong.
Your business has a unique name, Nicosia Family Taekwondo. How did you come up with it?
Nicosia Family Taekwondo is named after my family because they've always supported my dreams. We also operate under Keller ATA Martial Arts to serve our community better.
What classes do you offer at Keller ATA Martial Arts?
We have classes for all ages and fitness levels. We start with tiny Tigers and go all the way up to adults. We also have special classes for things like using weapons and doing gymnastics with martial arts. We even have classes for people with different abilities. It's not just about martial arts; it's about learning important life stuff.
Your motto is "We're not just a school, we are family." What makes your place special?
That motto is super important to us. We've created a close-knit group where students and parents help each other out. We're like one big family, not just a regular school.
Community involvement is great! Can you tell us some special things your business does for the community?
We like to give back. We've done things like safety days, collected food for people in need, and even offered free self-defense classes. It's our way of saying thanks to the people in our area.
Tell us about your education. Where did you learn all this cool stuff that led to you opening a martial arts school?
Well, I was homeschooled during high school and got my GED. After that, I tried some different things. I even joined the Navy for a bit. But it was when I signed up my daughter for martial arts classes that I really got into it. Taekwondo opened up a whole new world for me.
Tell us about the challenges you faced in your journey to starting your business?
In the beginning, it was really tough. I didn't know much about the business side of things. Then, the recession hit, and that was a real teacher. We had to make some tough choices and tighten our belts. It was hard, but it made us stronger.
What's your proudest moment as a business owner?
Celebrating our 15-year anniversary in 2022 was a huge moment. Seeing former students succeeding in their lives was the best part. It reminded me why we do what we do - to change lives, not just teach martial arts.
Can you share what you love about the area where you decided to open your business?
Being close to Old Town Keller is great. We're proud to serve this diverse community, and it's a wonderful place to be.
Any advice for those starting their own business?
Be ready for a year with little income and don't try to make everyone happy. It's impossible. Lean on friends and family when you need help and stay open to new ideas.
Share a quote with us that brightens your day and why it's special to you...
"Today not possible, tomorrow possible." by H.U. Lee is a gem. It reminds me that with some prep and hard work, the impossible becomes possible. H.U. Lee, the founder of the American Taekwondo Association, is the genius behind it. Personal victories mean more than shiny medals.
And that's a wrap on our delightful conversation with Keller ATA Martial Arts! We've learned about their incredible journey, their dedication to creating a family-friendly martial arts school, and their community involvement. It's a true testament to the power of following your passion and giving back to those around you. Thank you for sharing your story with us, and we look forward to seeing Keller ATA Martial Arts continue to thrive and make a positive impact in the community!
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Facebook: www.facebook.com/kellerata
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kelleratamartialarts
Website: www.kellerata.com
Address: 102 Navajo Drive Keller, TX 76248
Phone: (817) 337-9493
Email: kelleratamartialarts@gmail.com
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