ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A Q&A with Master Phillip Blackman of Blackman’s Championship Martial Arts.

Q: How long have you been coaching?
A: 6 years part time. 28 years full time.

Q: What is your background in this sport?
A: 41 years of continuous training in various martial arts styles.

Q: What are one or two things that the team does in training that are keys to their success?
A: We challenge them with attainable goals, and support their journey.

Q: Name a person who inspired you to play/coach this sport.
A: Grand Master Jun Chong.

Q: Please describe the most memorable games/tournaments/championships your team has won.
A: Personally, earning my degrees of Black Belt. More importantly seeing students achieve goals that they felt they couldn’t.

Q: How do you encourage the team after a disappointing loss?
A: Be very transparent with their commitment to their preparation or lack of.

Q: Describe your proudest coaching moment.
A: Seeing my wife test for her 4th degree black Belt.

Q: What is the biggest life lesson you’ve learned from being a coach?
A: Not all students are the same. Everyone has their own journey on the same path.

Q: What legacy do you hope to leave as a coach?
A: I would like to think that the challenges I put my students through were life changing and that it helped them become a “Champion in Life”

Q: Please share a quote with a message of advice or support for the team. 
A: “Where the focus goes, the energy flows.”

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