We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brandon Toohey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandon , thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Hi, I’m Brandon Toohey. My goal, through martial arts instruction, is to inspire growth in my students, mentally, physically and emotionally, so that they can positively influence their communities. This goal was inspired because of the affect that martial arts has had on my life.

I began my martial arts training when I was 10 years old. My parents enrolled my brothers and I into a 6-week summer Karate training course. I was hooked after the first class. After a few weeks of classes I told some of my “friends” that I knew Karate. Big mistake. They shoved me around for a little bit and knocked me to the ground. As I was getting up I realized that I should have said that I was “taking” karate instead of saying that I “knew” it. Oh well, lesson learned.

Later on we tried out a TaeKwonDo class with a friend. My mom was very impressed with the instructor’s ability to connect with us and kept the class fun and well structured. She was so impressed that she signed up our whole family on the spot.

We all were heavily invested in our training. As our physical skills were developing so were our mental and emotional skills. Whether we were finishing up a tough class or getting ready for a belt test or tournament, we were being prepared.

Little did I know the benefits I was receiving from martial arts. When I got kicked hard or didn’t break a board, I was tenacious and would learn to get better rather than quit.. If I was anxious or nervous about a test or tournament I would focus on the task, prepare and face it with courage and determination instead of give up because it was hard. I started to become comfortable in uncomfortable situations and began to thrive in martial arts and in life.

When my wife Desirae and I started Round Rock TaeKwonDo it was our mission to inspire physical, mental and emotional growth in people through martial arts training.

Brandon , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started training in martial arts during the summer of 1996. Early on in my training I showed an interest in leading other students. At the rank of blue belt I was invited to assist teaching beginner student’s classes alongside my instructor.

As a teenager, I was extremely involved at my dojang (TaeKwonDo school). My passion for martial arts grew. I earned my black belt in April of 2001 and in February 2002 I began teaching. By April of 2004 I was coaching and instructing full time.

In May of 2011 my goal of owning and operating a martial arts school was achieved when Desirae and I started Round Rock TaeKwonDo

Since then, I have seen people change from being weak, unfocused and irresolute to being physically, mentally and emotionally strong and capable. It’s a great thing to experience and I’m glad that I can be a part in people’s transformation.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Martial arts has always been a passion of mine and since 2002 I have taught in some capacity or another. I developed a great reputation as an instructor in the Austin area. By 2009 I was teaching at 4 different schools a week. In 2011 my instructor said he wanted to sell me one of his schools. I was nervous and anxious, but knew this was the right next step. Less than a year into owning Round Rock TaeKwonDo, we were a top performing school in Central Texas and had to expand our space. In addition to increasing our enrollment, some of my students have won regional and national titles in TaeKwonDo competitions.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

During the summer of 2021 I was suffering greatly from a disk herniation in my lower back. It was excruciating. At the same time, we were dealing with some serious issues with our landlord and we left our lease. I was kept up with our students and trained them in a park close to where the school was for a few months. In the meantime, I was going to physical therapy for my back and looking for a permanent space to teach again. The 24/7 pain in my back and the fear that I may lose my school and srudents was so overwhelming. I almost lost hope. Seeing the community of my students each time at the park classes kept the spark alive. I eventually healed my back and we were able to negotiate with our landlord and we’re able to get back to business as usual.

Contact Info:

• Website: roundrocktkd.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/roundrocktaekwondo?igshid=YTY2NzY3YTc=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roundrocktkd/