The Bruce Lee-inspired podcast The Jeet Kune Do Dialogues returns to bring you a martial arts history lesson with John Graden, Executive Director of the Martial Arts Teachers’ Association (MATA). MATA is a professional association for martial arts instructors founded by Graden in 2003. Gradens' success in leading the martial arts school business into the modern age garnered him major mainstream media attention including a cover story on the Wall Street Journal.
Jeet Kune Do is the martial arts style developed by Bruce Lee. The Jeet Kune Do Dialogues is hosted by Dwight Woods aka, the Jeet Kune Do Rebel is on a quest to show how Bruce Lee and his art and philosophy of Jeet Kune Do go way past the mere physical aspects of martial art. John Graden is a good fit for the show. Woods says, "Not only has John Graden been a business pioneer who helped thousands of martial arts school owners make a more comfortable living, but he has a direct lineage to Bruce Lee through his instructor Joe Lewis."
Graden was first called a “visionary” by MA Success Editor John Corcoran in reference to his creation of the first professional association, trade journal, and universal instructor certification program for the martial arts school business.
What many people do not know is that Graden is the highest-ranking protege of Bruce Lee student, Joe Lewis. He and his brothers are also the only three siblings to win world kickboxing championships.
Today, Graden’s focus is on raising the standards of teaching for martial arts instructors, "We are living in a time period where martial arts are evolving out of COVID-19 and in order to be successful, we as instructors must be constantly evaluating our teaching methods, curriculum, and business models."
In the past, Graden has taken the lead in helping martial arts schools and teachers in establishing and maintaining a high standard of excellence with his Martial Arts Teachers' Association Professional Instructor Certification. He has also been at the forefront of continuing education, leadership, and professional development for their members.
