An Inspired Chat with RJ LoPresti

RJ LoPresti shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning RJ, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
One of the biggest misunderstandings about martial arts is that people often view it as just another extracurricular activity, similar to soccer, football, or other seasonal sports. While those activities are fantastic and teach valuable lessons, martial arts is fundamentally different. HapKiDo—and really, martial arts in general—is designed as a lifelong system of education and personal growth.

We don’t operate in “seasons,” and there isn’t really a “good time to take a break,” because the training is meant to build layer upon layer, much like academics. You wouldn’t pause your child’s math education for six months and expect them to pick right back up without gaps; martial arts works the same way.

Of course, not every student will train forever, but the goal is for them to take what they learn—discipline, focus, confidence, resilience—and apply those lessons for the rest of their lives. That’s why it’s such a powerful investment.

I also like to explain it this way: some people think of earning a black belt as a natural “end point,” but taking a break right after black belt is like getting your driver’s license and then never getting behind the wheel. The real growth and freedom come after you’ve earned the license—black belt is the beginning of a deeper journey, not the finish line.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is RJ LoPresti, and I own and operate Choe’s HapKiDo Martial Arts and Shape Up Kickboxing. Our schools serve kids, teens, and adults by helping them build confidence, discipline, and resilience through HapKiDo training, as well as fitness and empowerment through kickboxing.

What makes us unique is that we don’t just teach kicks and punches—we teach a system of life skills designed to carry over into school, work, and family life. For kids, that might mean developing focus and respect that helps them thrive in the classroom; for adults, it’s often about rediscovering confidence, fitness, and stress relief in a supportive community.

I started this journey because martial arts had such a powerful impact on my own life, and I wanted to share that with others. Over the years, I’ve been proud to watch countless students transform—shy kids becoming leaders, adults finding strength they didn’t know they had, and families bonding through training together. Right now, I’m focused on growing our impact locally by helping more people experience martial arts not just as an activity, but as an education and a way of life.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
One of my earliest memories of feeling truly powerful was when I earned my black belt at about 10 years old. The journey wasn’t easy — like most kids, there were plenty of days when I wanted to quit or “take a break.” But my parents kept me on track. They knew what was best for me, not just what was interesting to my 6–10 year-old mind. They drove me to class, encouraged me when I got discouraged, and made sure I stayed consistent even when I didn’t feel like it.

Looking back, I realize that support made all the difference. When I finally tied that black belt around my waist, it wasn’t just a symbol of my own hard work — it was also a reminder of how much my family believed in me and pushed me to finish what I started. That feeling of accomplishment, of knowing I could overcome challenges and grow stronger, was one of the first times I understood what “powerful” really meant. It’s also why I’m so passionate today about creating that same kind of support system for my own students.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me something that success alone never could: the value of the struggle itself. Especially in the beginning, the “suffering” of hard work, discipline, and pushing past my own limits built a kind of strength and perspective that success by itself can’t provide. I remember early in my martial arts training, there were days when every class felt like a test—physically, mentally, and emotionally. But it was in those moments of struggle that I learned resilience, patience, and the ability to keep moving forward even when things were difficult.

The truth is, when people achieve success without first experiencing that struggle, it rarely lasts. Without the lessons of perseverance, grit, and consistency, success can feel fragile or fleeting. But when you’ve worked for something through sweat, frustration, and sacrifice, the success becomes rooted in who you are. It’s not just an achievement you can point to—it’s a transformation that can’t be taken away.

That’s why I’ve come to see the hard days, the exhausting practices, and the moments of doubt as the most valuable parts of the journey. Success is simply the visible result of growth, but it’s the “suffering” that forges the character to sustain it. In martial arts, as in life, the struggle is what makes the victory meaningful.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
When I think about character, the people I admire most are my parents. They didn’t just tell me what was right—they showed me, every day, through their actions. They raised me to work hard, to always do the right thing, and to speak the truth, even when it was hard or uncomfortable.

But beyond teaching me personal discipline, they taught me about responsibility to others. They showed me the importance of standing up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves, and of respecting the beliefs and dignity of others, even when I didn’t agree with them. Their example taught me that true strength isn’t about power or control—it’s about integrity, empathy, and protecting what’s right, no matter the cost.

Those lessons continue to guide me in life and in my work. In martial arts, in teaching, and in leading, I try to honor the values they instilled by helping others grow, standing up for fairness, and fostering respect in every space I’m a part of.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m teaching class or sparring. It might sound strange, but even in the midst of punching, kicking, and grappling, there’s a quiet calm I can’t find anywhere else. I remember one class in particular: students paired up for some intense sparring. I moved from partner to partner, correcting technique, demonstrating counters, and keeping everyone safe. Every second demanded my full focus—if I let my attention slip, I could literally get hit in the face.

And yet, in that intensity, there was a strange stillness. My mind wasn’t wandering, I wasn’t thinking about emails or errands—every thought was fully dedicated to the moment: reading a student’s movement, guiding them in real time, anticipating the next action. That total immersion creates a deep, almost meditative sense of peace. Time seems to slow down, like athletes describe when they’re “in the zone.” It’s a mindfulness that comes only from movement, challenge, and connection. That’s why, no matter how stressful or busy life gets, I always find my way back to the mat—it’s where I feel centered, present, and at peace.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://TryKarateClasses.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rj_lopresti/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rj-lopresti
• Twitter: https://x.com/rj_lopresti
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrKarateGa/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/InstructorRJLoPresti
• Other: https://RJLoPresti.com
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