This week we had a chat to Vladimir Grachev owner of Martial Arts Masters Academy. Vladimir and his team will be opening a Dojang in our park in January 2012.
PERSONAL
Q: How would you be introduced by a close friend at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, title, interesting fact etc.
A: Vladimir Grachev, Master & International Instructor VI Degree Black Belt – Taekwon-Do & Hapki-Do
Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything related to your family, children, their achievements, hobbies, interests etc.
A: That I play the Guitar.
Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?
A: I enjoy the beach, travelling and watching movies.
Q: Which book had the biggest impact on you and why?
A: The Bible. It’s important to train one’s Spirit and not just one’s mind and body.
Q: Who is/has been the most important mentor in your life and why?
A: I have different Mentors for different areas of my life, and so would not choose just one, as they each have had a great impact on my life. It’s more important that one has a Mentor/s.
Q: If you could invite any three South Africans to a dinner party, who would you invite?
A: (Smile) … it would still be my students and friends.
Q: Which gadgets do you personally use on a day-to-day basis and if you had to pick a single gadget you could not live without, which would it be?
A: I use all means of communication, but would have to say it’s my Cell phone … and maybe my Nun-Chucks (smile).
ABOUT MARTIAL ARTS MASTERS ACADEMY
Q: When was Martial Arts Masters Academy founded?
A: 1992
Q: What do you specialise in?
A: Training & Instructing in the Korean Martial Arts of Taekwon-Do and Hapki-Do.
Q: How do you find and retain a great team of employees?
A: When I choose a Team I look for someone that is passionate about their Martial Arts. A person who loves to study and is open to learning and who shows perseverance and patience. To retain a Team, I teach what it really means to be part of a Team.
Q: What has been the single biggest reason for your success?
A: Helping others to succeed in their own life.
Q: What relationship building tips do you have for other business owners?
A: In Martial Arts we have 7 Key Principles we teach. These principles, when understood and applied, guarantee greater success in business and life. Join my classes, and I will share these with you (smile).
Any additional comments you’d like to provide
A: The physical benefits or Martial Arts are many, yet often overlooked are the unspoken benefits that this sport in particular brings to a committed student. The discipline learnt in martial arts develops a deep respect and strength of character. Mentally one’s memory, focus and ability to sustain concentration increases dramatically, very important life and business skills.
As one continues to train in this art you discover and feel your inner power, understand your ability and how to use this wisely. Reaction times improve and one develops the art of remaining flexible, able to react quickly and accurately in any situation.
You discover many ways to overcome obstacles, lose your fear and develop greater levels of courage. You start to understand the purpose of your life and how to achieve that purpose. These skills build your personal power, increasing your success in life and business, which ultimately leads to a happier life
and a better lifestyle.
LIFE IN BALLITO AND CAMBRIDGE OFFICE PARK
Q: Where do you live?
A: I live in Ballito on the Dolphin Coast, and I enjoy living in a peaceful, beautiful environment, with clean air, great beaches and weather… and friendly people.
Q: Why did you choose to open your Dojang in Cambridge Office Park?
A: I enjoy the environment, the structure of the buildings, how organized everything is and the high-level of professionalism.
