We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin Lee Ford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Many people believe they have to already be in the best shape of their life or have a deep understanding of martial arts in order to begin training. The secret is…that’s simply not the case.

People come to class or bring their children to start training because they see the need for improvement—whether that be in developing the bravery needed to follow their deepest dreams, the fun exercise needed in order to stay healthy and burn stubborn fat, or building the knowledge and skills for kids and adults to feel safe wherever they go.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I was twenty years young, I established a personal mission and set out with vigor to accomplish it. My mission: to experience as many things as possible in the world of martial arts over the next decade of my life—partly so that I could have what I felt to be a fulfilled life and also in large part so that I could become the martial art professional I believed would best be able to impact the world. I haven’t yet reached that mark of being thirty years old, however have already been blessed with incredible experiences such as training across the world, becoming a stunt performer, getting involved in martial art literature, and plenty more.

When people in the community reached out wanting to receive lessons, I agreed to meet at a park and teach. After accepting a handful of students and collaborating with close friends to split the teaching, it became evident that there was more momentum than expected.

As we’ve moved into an indoor location and grown, I’ve expanded my mission—to share the opportunities I receive and ensure that all of my students get a training experience unlike any other.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, of course I would have to say the ideal itinerary starts with training with us here at Martial Art HEROES!

Mind you, good training starts with good fuel and there are so many amazing food spots here in Atlanta! I was actually just recently talking to a student’s mom about one of my favorite sushi spots, Nori Nori. Aside from food and training, it is always a great time when visiting the Georgia Aquarium, walking through the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, or hiking up Stone Mountain.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It would be amiss for me to not give a shoutout to all of the martial art mentors and students I’ve had over the years. The only reason I’m able to call myself a martial art professional is because I’ve had incredible teachers who have taught me how to teach and amazing students who have given me extra inspiration to keep on sharing this incredible art.

Thank you to all whose story I’ve been blessed to be a part of, past and present!

Website: martialartheroes.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martialartheroes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartialArtHeroes

Image Credits
StaciAnne Grove, Luke Dejores, Samantha Impeartrice

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