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. 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

    59 min

  2. 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

    1h 3m

  3. JAN 21

    Melvy Alvarez, Carrying the Taekwondo Family Torch into the Future

    Melvy Alvarez, a second-generation taekwondo practitioner and athlete, has represented the United States of America at every world-class level. To say you were a 10x National Team Member and an International Champion is no easy feat. But without the support and inspiration from his mother, Master Marina Aguero, a former National Team member from Argentina, and his teammates at the Connecticut Taekwondo Academy, none of this would've been possible. Melvy does not hesitate to remind the audience of those who helped and supported him. His humility knows no bounds. The character instilled in Melvy by his parents at a young age shaped him into the man he is today. Melvy's story is one of faith above everything and following the groundwork laid out by his mother. A former resident athlete who still competes, a college student at UConn, and now a business owner, Melvy's maturity has enabled him to balance life. He is inspirational to the Taekwondo community. A person who all young athletes can follow and admire. Subscribe below and check out everything BBWOL Mr. Melvy Alvarez - Connecticut Taekwondo Academy Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/teamcta/ 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 Special shout-out to the following amazing individuals follow them on Instagram Marlen Arevalo - @marlonaarevalo Marcus Bennett - @_marcusbennett_ Ian Hong - @Ianjhong_ Xavier Hong -...

    1h 1m

  4. 12/04/2025

    Master James Thorsten and the Rise of NYPD Taekwondo

    Master James Thorsten was born in Korea and came to the United States as a young child through adoption in 1976. Being a Korean American raised in the Bronx was not easy. Master Thorsten quickly needed to learn how to defend himself and have the confidence to survive the tough streets of the Bronx. His adopted family decided to give him a sense of culture. Master Thorsten began taking Taekwondo lessons at the world renowned Tiger Kim Taekwondo studio in the Bronx. Despite his Taekwondo training, there was still a lack of confidence, and also a fear of getting in trouble with the New York Police Department, since cops were not seen as friends or allies during that time . That fear of cops all came to an end with a chance encounter with a police officer who just wanted to speak to a young Master Thorsten.This encounter became Master Thorsten's inspiration to become a cop. As a police officer, Master Thorsten still trained in various styles of martial arts, but his true love and passion was always for Taekwondo. He achieved his rank of Master under Grandmaster YH Park. Master Thorsten's pursuit of serving the community led to the start of the NYPD Taekwondo Team alongside Lieutenant John Connolly. NYPD Taekwondo has become a place where law enforcement officers, who are current Taekwondo practitioners, can continue their training and compete under the NYPD Taekwondo Team banner. Through grants from the NYPD, children of all ages can train for free. Master Thorsten truly lives a life of service, even through his retirement. For everything BBWOL, NYPD Taekwondo, Press Record Studios and more, click below: NYPD Taekwondo Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561925888388 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nypdtaekwondo/ 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 Show Sponsor - Mr. Joseph Ferone of Weichert Realty - https://www.zillow.com/profile/josephferoneny Official Apparel Company - https://bestma.us Kickfit Martial Arts Shoes - Promo Code BBWOL at check for a 10% discount - https://kickfit.us/ New York Black Belt Center - https://nybbc.org

    54 min

  5. 11/13/2025

    Taekwondo in the Comic Book Universe - Grandmaster Michael Yuhasz

    Grandmaster Michael Yuhasz, owner of Adirondack Taekwondo in Clifton Park, NY, his Taekwondo journey in the early 1980s with the love of comic books. Working as a dishwasher in a local restaurant, his first paycheck was spent in a comic book shop with issues of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. These comics led Grandmaster Yuhasz into a Taekwondo school and inspired him to become a Taekwondo student, black belt, school owner, and now a 7th Degree Kukkiwon certified Grandmaster. Fast forward, still an avid collector of comic books with a network of connections in the comic book world, a day of comic book reading with his son gave Grandmaster Yuhasz the inspiration to start a comic book for his son. A character based on his love and passion for Taekwondo. The Straight Edge character was created initially for his son, not the public. Years later, the passion never wavered; it only intensified, with the help of some amazing individuals in the comic industry, Straight Edge and the Black Belt Adventures was created for the public with a successful sell out of its first run print. The comic book universe has just seen the beginning of Straight Edge, The Taekwondo world now has its first superhero! For everything BBWOL, our producers, our guest, and our sponsors click below : Adirondack Taekwondo - https://adirondacktkd.com Straight Edge and the Black Belt Adventures - https://straightedgecomic.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556531613065 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/p/Cju_Ja3gx9g/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link 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 Show Sponsor - Mr. Joseph Ferone of Weichert Realty - https://www.zillow.com/profile/josephferoneny Official Apparel Company - https://bestma.us Kickfit Martial Arts Shoes - Promo Code BBWOL at check for a 10% discount - https://kickfit.us/ New York Black Belt Center - https://nybbc.org

    1h 2m

  6. 10/30/2025

    Flex Theory: Stretching Life's Challenged With Andre Victorian

    Flex Theory is an athletic development and rehabilitation program that combines explosive strength, mobility, and flexibility. But before Mr. Andre Victorian could put these concepts together, he endured all of life's hardships.  Through the loss of his business and marriage, Andre needed to pivot. He knew what he was strong at and what he did well as a successful high-level Taekwondo athlete. He dove deep into what made the greatest athletes great in any sport. A self proclaimed science and math nerd, he broke down the concept of "flexibility" into its simplest form. Once simplified, he was able to spread his knowledge and create the business he owns today, Flex Theory. He has been instrumental in the advancement of athletes in all different types of disciplines, from taekwondo to hockey to football to soccer. He has also helped ex-athletes and everyday people live a more productive and pain free lifestyle through his program.     Learn about the man behind this incredible program. Flex Theory can change your life for the better and get you to the pinnacle of sport where you desire to be.  For everything BBWOL, click the links below: Flex Theory - https://www.skool.com/theflextheorymethod/about Andre Victorian - https://www.instagram.com/flextheory/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@FlexTheoryMethod/videos Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FlexTheory 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 Show Sponsor - Mr. Joseph Ferone of Weichert Realty - https://www.zillow.com/profile/josephferoneny Official Apparel Company - https://bestma.us Kickfit Martial Arts Shoes - Promo Code BBWOL at check for a 10% discount - https://kickfit.us/ New York Black Belt Center - https://nybbc.org USA Masters Team - https://usamastersteam.org

    52 min

  7. 10/09/2025

    Master DS Lee: Guiding the Next Generation of Taekwondo Athletes

    Master DS Lee, son of Texas Taekwondo pioneer Grandmaster Chang Lee, has dedicated his life to advancing the art and sport of Taekwondo. As the president of USA Taekwondo’s Texas State Association, one of the largest and most competitive regions in the country, Master Lee continues a legacy built on discipline, service, and leadership.    Growing up, watching his father struggle and then succeed by opening up Chang Lee's Taekwondo in 1980 in Mesquite, Texas, gave him the motivation to overcome any obstacle. A past high-level competitor, he won national championships, competed at the Olympic team trials, represented the USA on the collegiate national team, and was victorious in Pro-TKD. Once retired, he turned his attention to becoming a high-level coach, putting an athlete on the United States Olympic team and many athletes on all levels of the USA national team.   Master DS Lee has never hesitated to share his knowledge to not only grow USA Taekwondo's pipeline but also give back to the older athletic community by becoming its first-ever head coach for the USA Masters Team. In the words of USA Masters Team Captain Trinity Tongg Osborn, Coach Lee is a "true gem" to the Taekwondo world.  For everything BBWOL, click below - Chang Lee's Taekwondo Center Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ChangLeesTaekwondoCenter Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/changleestkd/ Texas State Taekwondo - https://www.txtkd.org 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 Show Sponsor - Mr. Joseph Ferone of Weichert Realty - https://www.zillow.com/profile/josephferoneny Official Apparel Company - https://bestma.us Kickfit Martial Arts Shoes - Promo Code BBWOL at check for a 10% discount - https://kickfit.us/ New York Black Belt Center - https://nybbc.org USA Masters Team - https://usamastersteam.org

    55 min

  8. 09/25/2025

    Just for Kicks: Soccer, Coaching, and Taekwondo with Chris Megaloudis

    Born and raised in Queens, New York, Chris Megaloudis has lived every side of the world’s game. Growing up in a soccer family, alongside his older brother Mike, the sport was a way of life in the Megaloudis household. His father, Mike Sr., served as his first coach and set the foundation for Chris to follow his own passion for the game. From playing on the streets of Astoria to competing in arenas around the world, Chris chased inspiration from legends like Ronaldo Nazário. The posters on his wall became fuel for a dream that turned into reality. He worked his way through local clubs, into Major League Soccer with the New York Red Bulls, and onto the international stage with the Puerto Rican National Soccer Team. Today, Chris has transitioned into a successful coaching career. He is a professional coach with the Long Island Rough Riders of USL Division 2 and also coaches at the collegiate level with the Molloy University Men’s Soccer Team. Beyond the professional ranks, he continues to dedicate himself to youth development, previously with the Auburndale Soccer Club and now with the Massapequa Soccer Club. For Chris, coaching is about more than training athletes. It is about teaching the game the right way, educating parents, and instilling the same love and passion that shaped his own journey. His mission is to give back to the sport that gave him everything and to help the next generation of players chase their dreams.  Head Coach Chris Megaloudis - https://www.instagram.com/chrismega23/ Molloy Mens Soccer - https://molloylions.com/sports/mens-soccer Long Island Rough Riders - https://liroughriders.com Auburndale Soccer Club - https://www.auburndalesoccerclub.org Massapequa Soccer - https://www.massapequasc.com For everything BBWOL click below  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 Show Sponsor - Mr. Joseph Ferone of Weichert Realty -  https://www.zillow.com/profile/josephferoneny Official Apparel Company - https://bestma.us Kickfit Martial...

    57 min
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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
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 New York Black Belt Center
  • Show Website
    A Black Belt Way of Life