In 2024, Master Joseph Lupo Jr. walked onto the mats for what will likely be his last Taekwondo competition ever, The Mugung International Championships in San Andres Timilpan, Mexico. It was the toughest decision of his life, along with one of the most hard-fought battles he ever faced on the mats.

In this special episode, Master Joe steps out of the hot seat to be interviewed by Matthew Kaplowitz, co-founder of Press Record Studios, producer of this podcast, and video documentarian of the NYBBC since it opened its doors in 2010, about this milestone event that led up to his final match. Follow his journey as a 5-year-old competing for the first time at Bai's Battle of Pan Am in New Jersey, to representing the Moon S. Lee Taekwondo Institute under the guidance of his father, Grandmaster Joseph Lupo Sr., and later running his dojang as a master in the New York Black Belt Center. As part of the USA Masters Team, Master Joe journeys to Mexico, a trip that left him with unforgettable memories and experiences that vindicated his entire martial arts career.

The NYBBC's motto has always been, "A Leader Leads By Example, Not by Force." As a Leader, Master Joe must decide not only to be a full-time leader to his students but, most importantly, to his two young children. Come along on this competitive journey of sacrifice and dedication with the host—and now guest—of A Black Belt Way of Life.

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Master Antony Graf wasn't the most talented Taekwondo fighter in the room, but nobody could match his heart and determination. An athlete who ruled the Middleweight & Heavyweight division in the 2000s, and a multi-time International Open Gold Medalist, once Master Graf's competition days were over, he focused on building his career.

Now the owner of multiple TKD schools that train kids and adults, Master Graf has collected his philosophies into his book, "Whispers of Wisdom: Crafting Character through Mentorship and Storytelling Artistry." We discuss what he learned from his mentors, like Olympic Taekwondo champions Herb Perez and Juan Moreno, ways to shape the minds and bodies of young athletes, and how to stay motivated as an adult. Master Antony Graf's story is one of determination and having the self-belief and desire to succeed, no matter the

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A first-generation immigrant, Master Vincent Nguyen's life was molded by hardworking "dollar and a dream" parents who came from Vietnam to this country with $20. Through hard work, Vincent Nguyen's family embodies the "American Dream." With only 3 years of formal Taekwondo training as a teenager, Vincent Nguyen became a member of the Junior National Team for the United States in Taekwondo. Training alongside other National Team members and future Olympians at Grandmaster Jin Won Kim's Taekwondo Center in Houston, Texas, Vincent rose to the top of the Taekwondo ranks. Vincent carried this work ethic into his adulthood and career, always putting his faith in God first and foremost.

The Nguyen family is big, with five children and one on the way. Balance is the key component to making all this work. Vincent talks about balance, faith, and proper family values to get him through his hectic life, including teaching Taekwondo at Bang's Sport Taekwondo in Houston. A pioneer member of the USA Masters Team, he gives us what it means to be a master athlete and how the USA Masters Team and US Masters Cup can encourage an older athlete to a successful and healthy lifestyle. Vincent Nguyen's life in and out of the Taekwondo dojang is a special one that inspires all.

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