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. 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

    57 min

  2. 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

    49 min

  3. 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

    47 min

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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 - @xavier_s_hong Kingsheup & Charlie Hong - @team_hong2 @charztography Lorenzo Pragano - @lorenzo.pragano Renata & Anthony Pragano - @renata.rosa.507 Anna Mcgrade - @anna_mcgrade44 David Yehenara - @sirmuhu Carlos Campos Castro - @_los.c17 Team CTA - @teamcta

    1h 1m

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (35)

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
    35
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 New York Black Belt Center
  • Show Website
    A Black Belt Way of Life