A Father’s Gratitude for a Blackbelt Leader
I want to take a moment today to share something very personal—and something I am deeply grateful for.
Many of you know my son, Shihan Winston, our Chief Instructor here at the Lutz KMMA Academy. What you may not know is that Winston quite literally grew up on the mats. For as long as he could walk, he’s been part of this dojo, this mission, and this family.
And I’ll tell you honestly—as a dad, I haven’t always done everything perfectly. But raising him in the dojo, in this program, in this culture… that is one thing I know I absolutely got right.
When Winston was young, he faced challenges—ADHD among them—and there were times when the path wasn’t easy. But what I saw in him, year after year, was something extraordinary:
He kept showing up.
He kept working hard.
He kept growing.
What helped shape him into the leader he is today wasn’t just martial arts—it was the guidance, mentorship, and influence of the many great KMMA Sensei and Shihan who poured into him along the way. I am forever grateful to every instructor and mentor who helped me raise him—not just into a Blackbelt, but into a man of character and compassion.
Today, Shihan Winston is a confident, competent Blackbelt Leader.
But he is also:
• patient and kind with students
• an outstanding martial artist
• an exceptional teacher
• a living example of perseverance
• and an inspiration—not just to our students, but to me as well
When he steps onto the mat to teach, I see the culmination of decades of work, love, guidance, and leadership. I see the fulfillment of the mission we started 25 years ago. And I see hope for the next generation of Blackbelts who look up to him every day.
I am proud.
I am grateful.
And I am excited to see him continue leading the academy with excellence, passion, and heart.
Thank you to all the families who allow him—and our entire KMMA team—to sow into your children. It is one of the greatest blessings of my life to watch this next generation grow just as Winston did.
With gratitude and respect,
Grand Master Stephen Del Castillo
Founder, Krav Maga Martial Arts
presenting Winston his Master sword earlier this year.