January 30, 2017

Meet David Bartow of Karate USA in Johns Creek

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Bartow.

Thanks for sharing your story with us David. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My parents put me in the martial arts at age 9 to build my self confidence and learn to defend myself. My first year was a struggle as I only attended once a week. After my first year a new instructor came to teach and that was the lightning rod for me as a student. I started attending 4-5 days a week sometimes 2-3 classes a day. By age 14 I earned my first degree black belt and started teaching. Just as my master instructor motivated me I learned how to motivate others. Teaching was now in my blood.

I continued earning black belt degrees and at the age of 21 decided to open my own studio: Karate USA. The first year was difficult as it is with most new businesses. A 60 hour work week was standard. Many personal sacrifices were made to keep the operation going. As with many success stories hard work paid off. The school was so successful that I opened 2 more locations in the mid 90s. Our operation grew to 600 students before the end of the decade. Over the course of the next several years I sold 2 locations to my instructors. I had a young son now and wanted to spend time with him instead of spreading myself out in several places in town. It was a great decision. I was able to focus my energy on my best performing studio and still be at all my son’s events.

Now 28 years later I operate a 5000 square foot studio on the Johns Creek – Suwanee border teaching hundreds of kids taekwondo and jiu-jitsu. Martial arts is much more popular than it was when I was just 9 years old standing in a room full of adult men. One thing has stayed true. As with my teacher’s lessons in confidence and self respect I can still pass on these valuable lessons to the next generation of martial artists.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Success is never smooth. Over the course of 28 years, I dealt with plenty of adversity whether it be the downturn in the economy, replacing managers, opening a new location or just dealing with day to day operations. I believe having a good core group of people on your staff and a supporting family at home go a long way in building success over time.

Please tell us about Karate USA.
Karate USA specializes in classes for ages 4 through teen. We teach both taekwondo and jiu jitsu but we are much more than kicks and punches. Young students in the martial arts learn to focus better whether it be on an opponent or on a math test. Confidence and perseverance are improved through students testing in front of their family and peers on their journey to black Belt. Goal setting is a big part of Karate USA.

I’m most proud of my students. I have had an opportunity to watch these young people grow up even after achieving black Belt. Many earned scholarships to prestigious colleges, serve in high-ranking positions in the military and some have even started their own successful business.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Nothing. I believe you look forward and not look back. Sure there could be things I tweaked here or there but I am where I am. Even though at the time you may not like the struggle often those times are where you learn the most and appreciate the best.

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