We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Justin Lee Ford a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Justin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I am a strong advocate for purposeful action. Your energy and effort gain much more leverage when you move with presence and intention—this is how momentum is built. The next project I am working on, which I believe is especially meaningful, is the relaunch of Cup of Kick, a martial arts website hosting podcast episodes and articles.

The journey began in January 2014 when I started Cup of Kick as a personal blog—a space to collect and explore the ideas swirling around in my mind. What excites me most about the impending relaunch is the evolution from a personal blog into something much bigger than one person. Since I entered the world of martial arts literature, I have had the opportunity to work with premier organizations and publications, such as Black Belt Magazine and MASuccess Magazine. These experiences have been a blessing, and now, I’m thrilled to extend the fruits of this success to others.

Cup of Kick has transformed into a community-driven website that not only gathers wisdom but also fosters connections among martial artists worldwide. Across the globe, there are countless exceptional martial artists whose voices remain unheard and whose stories go untold. My mission for Cup of Kick is to usher in an era that elevates the collective consciousness of this big ol’ martial arts world.

The term “community” holds immense significance. Knowledge is not just about information consumption; it’s about creating elevated insight and inspiring action. Cup of Kick, in my view, is more than a platform—it’s a space for the martial arts community to collectively craft something that can change the world.

Justin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Justin Lee Ford—a professional martial artist who wears many hats. I contribute as a writer for martial arts magazines and online publications, perform for TV and film, and serve as a coach for students of all experience levels. These diverse roles have taken me around the world and connected me with truly amazing mentors, friends, and students who hold a special place in my heart.

During my teenage years, I envisioned a life filled with achievements that many deemed impossible, coupled with a mission to help others surpass their limitations. It’s incredibly easy to fall into complacency, accepting dissatisfaction and believing that greater things are reserved for better people.

And actually, I agree—better things are for better people.

More importantly, I believe you have the capacity to become that better version of yourself who CAN achieve those greater things.

One can accept who they are while simultaneously holding themselves accountable to improve—that, to me, is the essence of self-love.

Belief and behavior are intertwined, and my goal is to blaze a path forward in life, inspiring others to take action in their own pursuits. The relaunch of my website, Cup of Kick—a community-driven martial arts platform hosting podcast episodes and web articles—is a source of pride for me. You are capable of more than most dare to imagine, and Cup of Kick is here to spotlight excellence and provide opportunities, especially for individuals like you.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Definitely. When I was younger, I felt like I could unlock all of the secrets of the world by simply working harder, and I could work hardest by going at it alone.

How. Incredibly. Wrong.

In my pursuit of progress, I discovered that this belief, while rooted in enthusiasm, was holding me back. I didn’t fully embrace the strength of a larger community or the power of a close-knit circle of friends. Over time, my belief that one person could do everything gradually broke away. Nowadays, I recognize that true strength is built on awareness of weaknesses and the humility to seek help from others in overcoming them.

If I had to offer advice for the journey of life, it would be to keep that hunger inside you burning, but be sure to match it with the humility to ask for help and feed yourself what you need. Not everyone will be the right companion on your journey, but that’s where awareness and wisdom come into play.

Express excellence and be a paragon for the positive change you seek. The right people will enter your life—don’t turn them away.

Is there a mission driving your creative journey?

Ooooh, I love this question!

My current driving thought is to “unleash myself and empower the world”. I believe a life well lived is akin to that of a superhero, somebody who has the capacity to change the world and inspire individuals. It is this driving thought that directs me to take massive action and move in atypical ways.

Conventional education and effort will only reap standard results. I believe in empowering yourself by learning to add self-education and intrinsic joy to your life journey. Study the words and actions of others; you don’t have enough time on earth to make all the mistakes that impart important lessons, after all.

If you are a coach or truly anyone with a public presence, seek to have students, not followers. It isn’t about how many people dedicate their lives to you; it’s about how many people can now live their own lives fully because of you.

Contact Info:

• Website: cupofkick.com
• Instagram: @cupofkick
• Facebook: @cupofkick
• Youtube: @cupofkick

Image Credits
CaSandra Rumbaugh, Luke Dejores, StaciAnne Grove