Oct 24, 2017
Wade Pitts joins his guest Brannon Beliso in his studio in Millbrae, California.
Brannon Beliso first began practicing Martial Arts back in 1967. His father was his first teacher and taught him from his own home, in the studio in their basement. His first introduction was when he was only 4 years old and would have to sit in the kneeling position for 2 hours at a time, 4 times a week to prove he was ready to train. It was all about discipline — even from a young age. In ’79, at 17 years old, he earned his first black belt. Following that, he also trained in Kickboxing, Boxing, Jiu Jitsu, Kung Fu, and Eskrima.
Currently, Brannon has an 8th-degree black belt in Kenpo Karate and owns ONE Martial Arts school in Millbrae and San Francisco that he first opened when he was 38. He also is an author, consultant, and speaker.
Brannon is extremely passionate in helping both children and adults alike live their best life, whether that be in Martial Arts or not. In this episode of Bay Area Martial Arts, Wade and Brannon discuss Brannon’s background and journey in the Martial Arts, some of his early lessons, how he built his current business and brand, as well as how to live transparently and embrace the process of growing, learning, and building self-confidence through Martial Arts.
Key Takeaways:
[:38] Wade introduces Brannon and Brannon talks about his first introduction to the Martial Arts.
[2:15] Brannon’s background in Martial Arts
[9:13] The emphasis on the ‘art’ in Martial Arts
[10:52] Brannon’s early lesson in the Martial Arts
[13:53] Brannon’s journey into opening his first Martial Arts School
[17:09] Opening his second school and growing his business
[20:12] Building a community to support the business
[23:28] The steps Brannon took from being a Martial Artist to a Martial Arts instructor to being the owner of two Martial Arts schools
[26:14] Traditional Kenpo vs. American Kenpo and Brannon’s thoughts on where the style is going in the future for both children and adults
[30:16] Embracing the process of constantly learning
[33:44] Knowing thyself, having self-confidence, and growing as a Martial Artist
[35:18] Being transparent in his business — making his numbers public and building trust
[37:00] More about Brannon’s Martial Art schools and his additional revenue streams
[39:17] Brannon’s advice to truly apply yourself
[40:24] Where to find Brannon online
Brannon’s Links:
Live Learn Grow: Lessons of a Reluctant Tiger, by Brannon Beliso
The Adventures of Bray & Tey Focus, by Brannon Beliso
Mentioned in this Episode:
How the Mighty Fall: And Why Some Companies Never Give In, by Jim Collins
Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us, by Seth Godin
Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose, by Tony Hsieh
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal
Freedom, by Don Miguel Ruiz
and Janet Mills
Quotables:
“[I had to learn] how [to] go from being a Martial Artist to a Martial Arts instructor to being a small business owner to being an entrepreneur.” — Brannon Beliso
“Moving forward, if I’m going to evolve and … grow … I have to be vulnerable and I have to live from a place of humility and … gratitude.” — Brannon Beliso