Who You Become
The late, great Jim Rohn taught that it’s not about what we get on the road to success- but about who we become.
That got me thinking about my Blackbelts, and the Blackbelt journey itself.
You can watch the video here or read on.
The Blackbelt Leadership Quest isn’t about getting the Blackbelt, or next degrees thereof;
it’s about who we become along the journey.
Blackbelt Leaders are not only able to defend themselves, but develop the Blackbelt Superpowers of Focus, Respect, Discipline, Confidence, Gratitude and Vision.
The physical Qualities of a Champion: speed, focus, power, accuracy, intensity, and excellence!
The Blackbelt principles of Courtesy, Modesty, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit!
And exude the Blackbelt Leadership attitude, outlook, and lessons they have learned along the way!
I am so proud of and grateful for all my Blackbelt Leaders, Masters, Sensei, and staff!
I’m proud of every student on the journey!
If you’re not yet, Join Us!
Prepare To Live; Empower To Lead!
Grand Master Stephen J. Del Castillo
Founding Master Instructor, Krav Maga Martial Arts
TampaKravMaga.com StephenDelCastillo.com
GrandMaster Stephen Del Castillo’s KMMA is an American Martial Arts and leadership development academy that also happens to teach the most practical self defense. Based on Grandmaster Del Castillo’s 40+ years of martial arts experience, the system incorporates the best of Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Kickboxing and Krav Maga technique, training methods and philosophies.
As importantly, the Blackbelt Leadership curriculum draws upon decades of progressive leadership experience and training, academic training in philosophy, communication and psychology, and over 24 years creating confident and competent Blackbelt Leaders. These “products of the product” are now leaders in their academic, business and military careers, as well as right here in our own Blackbelt Leadership Academy.
ALL of our instructors are Blackbelt Leadership graduates of the program; the same one that they now help teach.
Our system not only develops fitness and self defense skills in youth and families, but also focus, respect, discipline, confidence, gratitude and vision- plus character and leadership skills.
We prepare students to survive and thrive in any situation, and empower them to lead- where they’re at and into their futures!
We are a family academy, so parents can join their children on the blackbelt leadership journey- getting in the best shape physically, mentally and spiritually, while also having fun and learning very practical self defense! And, while classes are broken into groups so that each age can get exactly what they need, the whole family gets to train together!
These are just a few of the features that make our American Martial Arts and Leadership Academy so special!
The Krav Maga Martial Arts Headquarters is in Lutz, FL at 1900 Land O’ Lakes BLVD and now our new location in 8836 US 19, Port Richey! Krav Maga Martial Arts serves Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Port Richey and surrounding areas.
See stephendelcastillo.com for more information and to order my book, Developing Your Superpower, Meditations on Mastery, Volume 1.
Also, check us out on Fun4TampaKids & on Go2Karate.com
But don’t take our word for it! Read the testimonials below:
We love Krav Maga Martial Arts! The Sensei are incredible and we love the fitness, fun, practical self defense and most importantly the character development program for our girls. We have seen tremendous improvement in their focus, respect, discipline and confidence, and attribute much of it to this program. Jonathan and I also really love that we get to train with our kids and will be Blackbelts together! I highly recommend KMMA for children, and encourage their parents to join them too!
Sarah Caldwell, Assistant Principal of Hammond Elementary School, Blackbelt Leadership Student, wife of Jonathan Caldwell and mother of Caroline and Charlotte all future Blackbelts as well!
The KMMA team is extremely welcoming and very eager to help elevate students of all ages and experience levels. In my opinion, some dojos can be a little overwhelming or intimidating, but not KMMA. The staff does a great job of immediately making you feel included as a part of the family. Through personal experience, I highly recommend the KMMA Leadership program as it continues to help me excel in my career with each Leadership seminar. I take away key factors in being a better, more balanced employee, father, husband, role-model and person all together.
If you are interested in martial arts, would like to improve yourself physically and mentally, help your child do better in school and at home and have fun while learning the art of self-defense, look no further than KMMA!
John Warwick, KMMA 2nd Degree Certified Blackbelt and father of 1st degree Blackbelt Maddon
Not only are we having fun learning self defense but we are getting in great shape doing so. Instructors are always friendly and willing to go the extra mile. Classes are all ages so the whole family can travel the path to black belt together. You even get a free two week trial so you’ve got nothing to lose in coming to check it out.
Matt Kay, KMMA BlackBelt Leadership Student and Probationary Blackbelt, husband of KMMA Probationary Blackbelt Laura and father of KMMA Probationary Blackbelt, Sammy
The instructors and staff have been amazing! You can tell GrandMasters’ passion and truly genuine nature. When you have owners/instructors that engage with their students it makes a world of difference. All the Sensei are absolutely amazing with my daughter! Their patience and encouragement helped her achieve her next goal. The atmosphere is family and the students are respectful, well rounded, and encouraging. I highly recommend and am looking forward to seeing my daughter achieve her goals with the leadership, encouragement, patience, respect, and genuine care that this environment provides.
Melissa Bretz, Leadership Student, Mental Health Professional and future KMMA Blackbelt and parent of Abigail, KMMA Leadership Student and Future KMMA Blackbelt
My family and I joined KMMA almost two years ago. It has been such an amazing experience! I love that my husband, daughter and I get to train together as a family alongside other families as well.
KMMA has become like a second family. Everyone from the staff to the students are amazing to work with. I never thought that at my age I would be training to earn a black belt but everyone in the dojo is so encouraging and supportive. We have gained so much knowledge, discipline and confidence since joining. Lessons we learn in the dojo have helped all of us with our jobs, schooling and life outside the dojo. Glad we took this leap!
Ashley Ruggiero, mother of KMMA Blackbelt Hayden and Owner, Lulita’s Sweets
I am a firm believer that God will use anything to make us the person he wants us to be. Late in my twenties, I was diagnosed with ADHD. I had learned to compensate for ADHD, but I knew there had to be more to improving my life and being the person God called me to be. One day I set a goal to improve my focus, lower the stress level, and increase my confidence. As my daughter and I did KMMA together, through the Blackbelt Leadership program, my focus began to improve, my stress level lowered, and my confidence began to shine. I am also a firm believer that God will also throw in a bonus just to show you how good he is. Recently, my husband commented that he noticed how calm and courageous I had become. He noticed I was no longer codependent with certain areas of my life. I didn’t even know it at the time because I was so focused on my goal. Today I can say I have lowered my stress, improved my focus, improved my physical health, made new friends, become a better parent, strengthened my confidence, and have become a fearless, courageous leader. Though I have a goal of becoming a Sensi and later a Shihan, I have a long way to go. I never want to stop learning. I want my daughter to see how strong of a leader her mother is and serve as a role model for her. The Blackbelt Leadership program is just one way you can become the leader you need to be.
Dani Tredway, KMMA Leadership Student and KMMA Blackbelt , mother of Kelly, future KMMA Blackbelt
This is a very supportive atmosphere where the instructors and senior students all band together to help you on your journey to black belt excellence. I love the Blackbelt Leadership Program and the lessons Grandmaster and the team give all for success in school, work and life!
Dr. Michael Reisman, KMMA Leadership Student and 1st Degree Blackbelt, Certified
Ten years ago I brought my then 3 year old son and 6 year old daughter into the KMMA dojo to start a self defense program. What we received was so much more. I thought that self-discipline and focus might be an indirect benefit of training but how refreshing it is for a parent to discover that leadership skills are a primary benefit packaged within a fun, physical self-defense program. Grand Master delivers powerful leadership lessons that are relatable to kids and equally meaningful to adults. Seven years ago I decided that rather than check my phone or get some extra work done on Saturday morning that instead I would jump on the mat during the family class for fun and just to give it a try. I never regretted that impulsive decision to get a little exercise that day.
Grand Master’s Blackbelt Leadership Training Program is the secret to success! The exciting, educational and entertaining classes create the physical and mental toughness and leadership skills required to succeed on the Blackbelt test and in life!
And the built in Certified Instructor Training is a bonus! I never thought I’d actually teach but the training helped me with my leadership position at USF. It still does and now I get to help teach too!
If you are not part of the program yet, fix that!
Michelle Cummings, CPA and Controller, University of Florida Foundation, KMMA 3rd degree, Senior Blackbelt and proud parent of Luna, KMMA 1st degree Certified Blackbelt and Flynn, KMMA 2nd Degree Blackbelt Leader
From a parent, my child attends KMMA. She has been showing a complete turn around in home and school settings with leadership, confidence and determination! Absolutely love the skills she has acquired to become the BEST version of herself!
Nichole Derouin
The instructors were all amazing! They made it fun, interactive and overall the students learned something new and tried their best. That’s why I love the school.
Kevin Gouveia
Always a great class. Instructors make it fun and push you to do your best. I truly look forward to coming to every class.
Gary Brashier
One of my favorite things is challenging others and being challenged by others so that we can all bring out the best in ourselves.
Sensei Ayden Spenceley, KMMA 2nd Degree Blackbelt Leader
Great environment for families and individual training! I’ve been very impressed with the culture and quality of instructors at Tampa Krav Maga. My individual instruction has been outstanding, and the class atmosphere is one I’m happy to bring my children to and learn in.
LTC Jay Ellison, US Army (Ret)
The first time I stepped foot in the KMMA school, I was just a grateful parent that was able to find a last-minute location for my son’s birthday party in June 2020. Between Covid-19 and the rain pouring on the area from a tropical storm this was a valued commodity! Sensei Kyle and Sensei Sarah made the party fun and the kids were exhausted from all of the activity! Later that week, Grand Master Steve contacted me about a free 2-week trial. I thought this was going to be a great opportunity for my kids to get activity and have fun outside of the house. Then Grand Master asked if I wanted to try it, too. I will admit that I was shocked by the question. One look at me would let anyone know that I avoid physical activity. However, I agreed…somewhat out of shock, but there was a part of me that was curious.
When I arrived for my first class, the kids were excited…I was not so much. I was nervous about failing, I was afraid of looking like a fool, and I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to do it. I received quite a workout! I was able to keep up with the class to the best of my ability, I was thoroughly exhausted afterwards, I was covered in sweat, but most importantly I was happy. My husband commented that this was the most he had seen me smile all year (we all know 2020 has been quite a tough year). We signed up for our next class. The thrill of being able to do something physical while still enjoying myself was exhilarating! After meeting with Grand Master Steve, we (myself, my son, and my daughter) signed up to start working towards our blackbelt.
This has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. My family faithfully attends classes each week. We work on skills at home, too. We discuss our dreams and goals of becoming blackbelts. We also discuss the practical skills we are learning on our journey to becoming blackbelts. For me, one of the most important concepts I am learning is the act of perseverance. Many times during class I feel like I can’t do it anymore…but then I hear the 3 most powerful words echo in my head that we review at every class: YES I CAN!
I also want to give credit to the sensei’s that teach the classes. All of them are living examples of what we want to become. They are all great role models for not just myself, but me kids as well. My daughter actually wants to be just like Sensei Sarah when she becomes a blackbelt! The Sensei are great at teaching the skills on multiple levels. As a result, it is easy to follow and learn. All of the sensei’s use positive reinforcement! This helps someone like me continue to give my all even when I don’t know if I can (YES I CAN)!
I have gained a better attitude towards life and physical activity. I have gained control over my fear of failure. I have gained humility in accepting help. I have gained encouragement from seeing my fellow students succeed and earn their belts. I have gained friends. I have gained a vision for a better me.
Lynn Schrader, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) Blackbelt Leadership student, KMMA Probationary Blackbelt, mother of Belle, KMMA Probationary Blackbelt and Coda, KMMA Probationary Blackbelt