A Black Belt Way of Life

New York Black Belt Center
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Philosophy
  • Updated Biweekly

The most important lesson Master Joseph Lupo Jr. received from his father was, "A black belt is worn around your heart, never your waist." This quote became the foundation that Master Joe lives by, and the basis for his show. Master Joe is a sixth-degree Taekwondo black belt and owner of the New York Black Belt Center in Queens, NY since 2010. With over four decades of knowledge and insight, Master Joe interviews guests in and around the martial arts world, sharing their life experiences and philosophies to motivate listeners to become a black belt in whatever path they walk.

  1. Aug 5

    Sergeant Louis Davis - Armed Forces Taekwondo Champion and Historian

    Coming from the great state of Minnesota, Master/Sergeant Louis has been enamored with the martial arts since he was a child. The initial imprint came from his father, a practitioner of the Jidokwan style of Taekwondo. With the "Green Hornet" television show capturing his eye, he knew martial arts was something he really wanted to get into. Dabbing into various styles of Kung Fu and other arts, before he knew it, he got into point-style sparring. Once he started training in an Olympic-style Taekwondo school, as a green belt, he volunteered at the 1993 USA National Championships in St. Paul, Minnesota. This is where his Taekwondo journey and life changed forever. Enamored by seeing the Armed Forces Taekwondo Team enter the arena, he knew this was his calling. He enlisted into the military and began basic training at Fort Hood, Texas, and came under the tutelage of Master Michael Bennett. Training alongside some amazing team members, he began to travel with the team to places like Germany and Korea. He highlights Germany. He was in awe of their "tenacity" in training. He adopted this style of fighting, and it brought him success around the globe in military competition and at the USA National Champions, where he became a 2x National Champion in the Middleweight division. At the height of his success, duty called, and he was deployed to Iraq. Sergeant Davis makes it very clear that service to our country always came first. Upon retiring from the military, he found his true calling. He became enthralled with keeping the history of the Armed Forces Taekwondo alive. He wrote a book and dug deep into the initial beginnings of the program. Through traveling and exploring deep into the internet, he has made this project happen. With the hopes of inspiring future generations of Taekwondo practitioners to join the military through Taekwondo as he did. For more info of our podcast and Sergeant Louis Davis click below: "One Team. One Fight. One Family. - The History of the Armed Forces Taekwondo Team" - https://a.co/d/02WAQaC6 "First Look - Armed Forces Taekwondo Team" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I2lsYRo08A YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@blackbeltwayoflife Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/276fCOHsnHb8YcakObQqWP?si=6cf665afac1043eb Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9d314fb1-51bb-4232-b3ab-60247520f343/a-black-belt-way-of-life Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-black-belt-way-of-life/id1769633501 Best Martial Arts/Mooto USA - https://bestma.us Kickfit Taekwondo shoes - BBWOL at checkout for a discount - https://www.kickfit.us Press Record Studios - https://pressrecordstudios.com/ New York Black Belt Center - https://nybbc.org/

  2. Jul 22

    Carl Coulanges - Documenting Taekwondo Through The Sports Hit List

    Carl Coulanges is a born and raised documentary filmmaker from Queens, New York. His love for sports & pro wrestling led him to a career in media and broadcasting. He turned that love and passion into teaching. After graduating from St. Francis College, his degree in media earned him an internship at PBS. In an industry where networking is essential, Carl was able to make those connections to further his career. Now a professor and admin at Iona University, he decided to take his love for sports and pro wrestling to create his own channel, The Sports Hit List. A sports & pro wrestling channel on YouTube and social media that offers sports debate on everything current, past, and future of sport. Martial Arts came into his scope of work through a mutual friend and student of Master Joseph Lupo Jr. Never having been involved in martial arts, in particular Taekwondo, led to intrigue. A casual conversation and some video work done at a Black Belt promotion exam led to the start of the "Master Joe" documentary. A piece that he has shown to his students countless times as a learning piece. More documentaries have ensued from this one piece focusing on competition and Military Taekwondo. Storytelling is an art; Carl Coulanges is a master of this art. For everything BBWOL and The Sports Hit List, click below: The Sports Hit List - https://www.youtube.com/user/CoulangesProductions "Master Joe" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvacFwaY6a0&t=866s "Master Joe - Journey to Korea" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qMI65CYgog "First Look - Armed Forces Taekwondo Team" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I2lsYRo08A YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@blackbeltwayoflife Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/276fCOHsnHb8YcakObQqWP?si=6cf665afac1043eb Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9d314fb1-51bb-4232-b3ab-60247520f343/a-black-belt-way-of-life Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-black-belt-way-of-life/id1769633501 Best Martial Arts/Mooto USA - https://bestma.us Kickfit Taekwondo shoes - BBWOL at checkout for a discount - https://www.kickfit.us Press Record Studios - https://pressrecordstudios.com/ New York Black Belt Center - https://nybbc.org/

  3. Jun 24

    For the Love of the Game - Making Sport Taekwondo Better with Master Mark Warburton

    Master Mark Warburton returns remotely to the new and improved Press Record Studio from Sarnia, Canada. Tonight's topic? Making Taekwondo better from the grassroots through the elite level. All the criticism is constructive and done out of a lifelong love for the sport. Master Mark Warburton has dedicated his life to Taekwondo coaching and competition. He has been through every rule change thrown at all the athletes and coaches. He is vocal on social media outlets regarding these issues and now brings it to our podcast for the world to watch and listen to. Master Mark Warburton does not bash the modern game of Taekwondo. He acknowledges the past and those who shaped the landscape for all of us to have a platform. Always keeping martial arts principles at the forefront of everything expressed from his point of view. An opinion that carries weight and is to be respected. For everything, A Black Belt Way of Life and Master Mark Warburton, click below: Sarnia Olympic Taekwondo - https://www.facebook.com/sarniatkd/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@blackbeltwayoflife Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/276fCOHsnHb8YcakObQqWP?si=6cf665afac1043eb Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9d314fb1-51bb-4232-b3ab-60247520f343/a-black-belt-way-of-life Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-black-belt-way-of-life/id1769633501 Best Martial Arts/Mooto USA - https://bestma.us Kickfit Taekwondo shoes - BBWOL at checkout for a discount - https://www.kickfit.us Press Record Studios - https://pressrecordstudios.com/ New York Black Belt Center - https://nybbc.org/

  4. Apr 29

    A Life Lesson: A Health Scare Turns Master Joe Into A Student

    Living a healthy lifestyle, both inside and outside the four walls of the New York Black Belt Center, is a priority for Master Joseph Lupo Jr. Master Joe often uses analogies when explaining certain things to students. One such analogy is something his mother (the head chef and owner of L'Italiano Trattoria) always says, "we eat first with our eyes, then our mouth." Master Joe often refers to this because, upon entering the dojang, it's important that the student or potential student see a "model" of health. Master Joe takes great pride in his physical appearance. All through hard work, lots of exercise, proper nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle. But that all changed when Master Joe took it upon himself to get checked by a cardiologist due to some family occurrences that transpired this past year. What he found through blood work and an exam called a "calcium score" changed his life. High cholesterol and a dangerously high calcium score, all through genetics. Master Joe's saving grace was a healthy lifestyle and, as the doctor put it, "a beautiful heart." With the help of his amazing guest, Dr. Daryl Thuroff, Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Acupuncturist, and Licensed Massage Therapist, Master Joe has decided to turn this life-altering experience into a learning lesson. Dr. Daryl, a past guest on BBWOL, gives her perspective from an Eastern medicine standpoint while not arguing or fighting with the Western medicine approach. Daryl sides with Western Medicine and offers how her approach can aid and help in this process. Knowledge is power. The more we know, the better we can approach any obstacle that comes our way. Forever teaching us, we are always students. For everything BBWOL, click below. Dr. Daryl Thuroff DACM, LMT - https://www.yinovacenter.com/team/daryl-thuroff-dacm-l-ac-lmt/ Dr. Daryl would also like to mention - The LAD or "widowmaker," which refers to The Left Anterior Descending Artery which is the largest coronary artery. Press Record Studios - https://pressrecordstudios.com/ Official Apparel Company - https://bestma.us Kickfit Taekwondo shoes - use promo code BBWOL at check out for a discount - https://kickfit.us New York Black Belt Center - https://nybbc.org

  5. Apr 1

    Master Jeff Pinaroc: Bringing a Lifetime of Experience and Taekwondo Success to the USA Masters Team

    Master Jeff Pinaroc's Taekwondo journey began in Chicago, Illinois. But it wasn't until he moved to Dallas, Texas, and set foot into Chang Lee's Taekwondo, where he was surrounded by and began training with Taekwondo champions like Dae Sung Lee, Clay Barber & James Villasana, that Master Pinaroc's Taekwondo career took off. Fighting in both junior and senior divisions by the age of 13, he qualified for the 1988 Olympic Team Trials. The inaugural Olympic Games for the sport of Taekwondo. After he decided to retire from a successful competition career, he turned his attention to developing champions. He did just that, taking a young boy named Stephen Lambdin and turning him into an Olympian representing the United States at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. One would think what is left for someone who has accomplished so much in the sport taekwondo, becoming the head coach for the USA Masters Team. A group of athletes where egos are checked at the door and camaraderie is paramount. Master Pinaroc's story is one of a truly endless Taekwondo journey. Make sure to follow our guest, production company and everything BBWOL: Master Jeff Pinaroc - https://www.pinaroctkd.com USA Masters Team - https://usamastersteam.org Black Belt Way of Life Podcast YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/@blackbeltwayoflife Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/276fCOHsnHb8YcakObQqWP?si=694b07f440014ac9 Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-black-belt-way-of-life/id1769633501 Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9d314fb1-51bb-4232-b3ab-60247520f343/a-black-belt-way-of-life BBWOL Show Producer - Press Record Studios - https://pressrecordstudios.com Official Apparel Company - https://bestma.us Kickfit Taekwondo shoes - use promo code BBWOL at check out for a discount - https://kickfit.us New York Black Belt Center - https://nybbc.org

  6. Mar 18

    William Findley: Bringing Kombat Taekwondo to Karate Combat & MMA

    Fresh off a 22-second head kick knockout in Karate Combat, Mr. William Findley joins the BBWOL podcast studio remotely from Eddie Alvarez's Underground King's MMA school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. William started Taekwondo at the age of 4 with his parents by his side. The support from his parents and many years of Taekwondo training, support, and aspirations led to a 2023 National Heavyweight Gold Medal and an invitation to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. When there, William learned of the inner workings of the academy program and realized their ideas did not co-align with his. That is when Kombat Taekwondo began, and William made the jump to the cage. Successfully winning his first 3 professional matches, representing the United States with pride all over the world, he made a huge decision to take his training to the next level. Joining former UFC champion Eddie Alvarez and his team. William understood the sacrifice. Traveling an hour going to and from the gym. With a "warrior mindset" and a dream of becoming the best, or in his words, "dominate", the future is bright for William. Always carrying his flag, his family name, and the Taekwondo torch proud every time he steps into the arena. Make sure to follow BBWOL and the @taekwonsymbiote !!! Instagram - https://taekwonsymbiote/ Underground Kings MMA - https://newtownpi.com Black Belt Way of Life Podcast YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/@blackbeltwayoflife Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/276fCOHsnHb8YcakObQqWP?si=694b07f440014ac9 Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-black-belt-way-of-life/id1769633501 Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9d314fb1-51bb-4232-b3ab-60247520f343/a-black-belt-way-of-life BBWOL Show Producer - Press Record Studios - https://pressrecordstudios.com Official Apparel Company - https://bestma.us Kickfit Taekwondo shoes - use promo code BBWOL at check out for a discount - https://kickfit.us New York Black Belt Center - https://nybbc.org

  7. Feb 18

    Certified Life Coach Mildred Andaluz: Creating a Proper Mindset for Success

    Mrs. Mildred Andaluz is a Certified Life and Confidence Coach under the ACSTH (Approved Coach Specific Hours) with a master's degree in Counseling. Mrs. Andaluz is also the assistant community school director in the public Queens High School System. Her most important job and title is that of being a loving wife and amazing mother to your 3 beautiful children. During the pandemic, with the world in a massive pivot, Mrs. Andaluz decided to take her love for helping others to a new level. Inspired by her children, who were involved in travel athletics, she found life coaching as a way to help not only others but also her own children through the ups and downs of competitive sports. Sports is a microcosm of the big picture we call life, but can be used as a tool to build and create successful individuals. With the proper coaching, this is where someone like Mrs. Andaluz can help. Let's face it, kids do not always take to their parents' or coaches' opinions. At times, the delivery is not "proper" in their mind. This is where a coach, like Mrs. Andaluz, serves as a buffer to get that child or adult on the right track. For everything regarding our guests, podcast, producers, and sponsors, click below. Mrs. Mildred Andaluz Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/confidence_life_coach_ Gmail - lifecoachmildred@gmail.com A Black Belt Way of Life Podcast YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/@blackbeltwayoflife Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/276fCOHsnHb8YcakObQqWP?si=694b07f440014ac9 Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-black-belt-way-of-life/id1769633501 Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9d314fb1-51bb-4232-b3ab-60247520f343/a-black-belt-way-of-life BBWOL Show Producer - Press Record Studios - https://pressrecordstudios.com Official Apparel Company - https://bestma.us Kickfit Taekwondo shoes - use promo code BBWOL at check out for a discount - https://kickfit.us New York Black Belt Center - https://nybbc.org

  8. Feb 4

    The Blueprint Behind 15 Years of the New York Black Belt Center

    Founded in 2010 by Master Joseph Lupo Jr., the New York Black Belt Center has stood the tests of time for 15 years. Like anything in life, in order to succeed, it takes a village. Two of the most loyal and committed contributors to the success of the New York Black Belt Center have been Master's John Rodriguez and Chet Bridgewater. Both 5th-degree black belts and the highest-ranking students of the school. Masters John & Chet are the only students of the school to have opened their own locations under the name New York Black Belt Center, in Corona and Westchester, respectively. The trials and tribulations of running a business of any kind is no mystery. Covid was not easy, but we as a Wolfpack unit have persevered. We have stood the tests of time. The beauty of it, we have done it together while staying true to the art of Taekwondo. This special roundtable episode talks about a foundation that was laid in blood, sweat, and tears. This very foundation is the blueprint for a never-ending future to the New York Black Belt Center For everything BBWOL, New York Black Belt Center, & Press Record Studios click below. ⬇️ A Black Belt Way of Life Podcast YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/@blackbeltwayoflife Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/276fCOHsnHb8YcakObQqWP?si=694b07f440014ac9 Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-black-belt-way-of-life/id1769633501 Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9d314fb1-51bb-4232-b3ab-60247520f343/a-black-belt-way-of-life BBWOL Show Producer - Press Record Studios - https://pressrecordstudios.com Official Apparel Company - https://bestma.us Kickfit Taekwondo shoes - use promo code BBWOL at checkout out for a discount - https://kickfit.us New York Black Belt Center - https://nybbc.org

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The most important lesson Master Joseph Lupo Jr. received from his father was, "A black belt is worn around your heart, never your waist." This quote became the foundation that Master Joe lives by, and the basis for his show. Master Joe is a sixth-degree Taekwondo black belt and owner of the New York Black Belt Center in Queens, NY since 2010. With over four decades of knowledge and insight, Master Joe interviews guests in and around the martial arts world, sharing their life experiences and philosophies to motivate listeners to become a black belt in whatever path they walk.

Information

  • Creator
    New York Black Belt Center
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 New York Black Belt Center
  • Show Website
    A Black Belt Way of Life