Black Belt Parenting

About Black Belt Parenting

This podcast is delivered by Kathy Sacoulas, a martial arts instructor and mom who wanted to build a community to support parents through their journey. Using her experience as a nurse and martial arts instructor, she uses martial arts concepts to help guide parents through the different stages of their children’s lives. The podcast is an extra support system for parents and endeavors to build a community that offers guidance and conversation in a judgment-free zone. Join us as we grow together, and help us raise kids that are thriving in all areas of their life!

Publisher

Kathy Sacoulas

Category

health & fitness · kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Sept 2024

Latest episode

3 Mar 2025

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Mar 2025

   COMPETENCE = CONFIDENCE

   The development of confidence in our martial arts students is an important characteristic that parents look for when enrolling their children in our school. Listen as Kathy Sacoulas discusses how we help kids develop confidence and how you can do the same at home. Allowing the kids to feel competent and not giving them false praise are topics she discusses at great length. 1:33: Competence 1:50: The importance of not developing a FALSE sense of confidence 6:00: We start developing confidence in kids at the young age of 3 8:14: Helping students live into their goals through our language 9:55: Helping develop communication skills that develop confidence 14:36: How we develop confidence on the mat 23:01: Applying these principles at home For more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.com (http://blackbeltparentingpodcast.com/). The video version of this show is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcast) Follow Kathy on Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/ (https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/) Twitter: https://www.x.com/BBParentingPod (https://www.x.com/BBParentingPod) Visit progressivemartialarts.com (http://progressivemartialarts.com/) for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martial arts journey. This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com (https://PressRecordStudios.com) for more information on their media production services.

2. 

   17 Feb 2025

   Black Belt Success Story - Stephen Eng

   Meet Stephen Eng in this episode and listen to how impactful receiving his Black Belt has been in his life. He attributes all his successes and positive relationships to his martial arts training and talks about how it was the best decision his parents ever made for him. 1:35: Introduction of Stephen Eng 2:14: His start in the martial arts 3:41: Benefits from training in the martial arts 5:15: What kept him motivated to keep training over all his years at the school 8:13: How martial arts helped him navigate through tough times and develop good relationships 10:13: How the Black Belt test affected his life and how it continues to affect him 13:15: How he’s applied the lessons from martial arts to his life and the successes that have resulted 16:09: Stephen’s advice for kids who want to quit martial arts 20:00: How teaching classes at PMA affected him; how mentoring other children led to his own leadership development 24:00: The importance of representing PMA in the community 24:48: Why Stephen is big on showing attribution and remembering where he came from For more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.com (http://blackbeltparentingpodcast.com/). The video version of this show is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcast) Follow Kathy on Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/ (https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/) Twitter: https://www.x.com/BBParentingPod (https://www.x.com/BBParentingPod) Visit progressivemartialarts.com (http://progressivemartialarts.com/) for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martial arts journey. This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com (https://PressRecordStudios.com) for more information on their media production services.

3. 

   3 Feb 2025

   Help Your Child Develop GRIT and Set them up for Success in life!

   Perseverance is a characteristic that can only be taught through placing your child in circumstances where they may want to quit or where they will fail. Parents often have difficulty watching their kids struggle, but it’s an important thing for them to experience. Listen to Kathy Sacoulas talk about how perseverance is gained through martial arts and how we can apply it to our parenting. 1:24: Perseverance defined/Grit Defined 2:30: immediate gratification counters the development of perseverance 2:40: how martial arts develops perseverance in students 4:38: the journey is more fruitful than the destination 5:29: trust the process 5:50: Moving the students through phases of training shows their perseverance 6:26: Sparring as an example of developing grit and perseverance 9:15: You must lean into discomfort to gain perseverance 11:00: The importance of failure 14:28: applying these principles to parenting For more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.com (http://blackbeltparentingpodcast.com/). The video version of this show is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcast) Follow Kathy on Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/ (https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/) Twitter: https://www.x.com/BBParentingPod (https://www.x.com/BBParentingPod) Visit progressivemartialarts.com (http://progressivemartialarts.com/) for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martial arts journey. This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com (https://PressRecordStudios.com) for more information on their media production services.

4. 

   20 Jan 2025

   Stories From A Martial Arts Master: Interview with Tuhon Nick Sacoulas

   Learn how Tuhon Nick Sacoulas has seen martial arts impact his students and their families, how it’s impacted his parenting, and how the martial arts community he created has impacted so many lives, including his own. 2:53: the start of Progressive Martial Arts 5:00: How Tuhon Nick followed his passion 8:15: how martial arts has impacted his students over the years 13:42: How training is a metaphor for overcoming life’s challenges 17:00: Advice to parents in martial arts 19:49: How becoming a parent has impacted him as an instructor 22:00: Martial arts is a process 23:40: how martial arts has impacted his own parenting 29:50: How Progressive Martial Arts has evolved and it’s impact on him For more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.com (http://blackbeltparentingpodcast.com/). The video version of this show is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcast) Follow Kathy on Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/ (https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/) Twitter: https://www.x.com/BBParentingPod (https://www.x.com/BBParentingPod) Visit progressivemartialarts.com (http://progressivemartialarts.com/) for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martial arts journey. This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com (https://PressRecordStudios.com) for more information on their media production services.

5. 

   6 Jan 2025

   Health and Wellness

   As a nurse with a public health degree, Kathy Sacoulas presents how important health and wellness are in the parenting journey. Looking at the whole child and not just their physical, she talks about ensuring kids look after their wellness: mind, body, and soul. She also discusses the importance of the parents’ wellness as it impacts the child. 1:45: Health is about the whole person (mental, physical, emotional, spiritual) 2:37: Health and wellness in the martial arts 7:57: Health and Parenting the WHOLE child 9:40: the importance of nutrition 14:08: Exercise and the importance of play 16:19: Resting your mind and body 17:33: Hygiene and health 19:00: Challenge them mentally (improving brain health) 20:00: The importance of communication and positive social circles in their health 21:14: Healthy forms of expression 22:49: Taking care of yourself as the parent 26:29: Advocacy in health, creating a partnership with health care providers. For more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.com (http://blackbeltparentingpodcast.com/). The video version of this show is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcast) Follow Kathy on Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/ (https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/) Twitter: https://www.x.com/BBParentingPod (https://www.x.com/BBParentingPod) Visit progressivemartialarts.com (http://progressivemartialarts.com/) for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martial arts journey. This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com (https://PressRecordStudios.com) for more information on their media production services.

6. 

   23 Dec 2024

   Let Your Child Do It Themselves And Stop Doing EVERYTHING For Them!

   Kathy Sacoulas discusses the importance of encouraging independence at each stage of a child’s development and how difficult it is for parents to let go during the process. Creating independence does lead to better self-esteem, self confidence and how the martial arts is a great example of this. 1:15: Parenting begins with total dependence. 3:34: Creating independence can begin very early with parents as their first teachers 4:15: Creating independence on the training floor in martial arts 6:12: The first phase of training 8:05: The second phase of training 10:48: The third phase of training 16:37: The role of self-motivation in gaining independence 17:00: Developing independence in the home 18:55: Independence requires an investment of time 21:59: Independence leads to self-confidence 23:56: Figuring out your individual child’s readiness at each stage of development 24:47: Trust leads to more independence and more trust between parent and child. For more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.com (http://blackbeltparentingpodcast.com/). The video version of this show is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcast) Follow Kathy on Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/ (https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/) Twitter: https://www.x.com/BBParentingPod (https://www.x.com/BBParentingPod) Visit progressivemartialarts.com (http://progressivemartialarts.com/) for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martial arts journey. This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com (https://PressRecordStudios.com) for more information on their media production services.

7. 

   7 Dec 2024

   Instilling The Important Characteristic Of Respect

   Respect is one of the numerous reasons people do the martial arts. As one trains over time, it’s a characteristic that automatically becomes part of the student. In this episode, Kathy Sacoulas discusses how she sees this process occur and how parents can use this as a tool at home. 1:25: Respect Defined 1:53: Martial arts begins and ends with respect. How respect developed in the martial arts culturally 4:54: Instilling respect via the martial arts 7:20: Using language to teach respect 8:42: Self-care = self-respect 10:24: Setting rules and boundaries 10:54: Positive communication 10:37: Humility and respect lend to openness in learning. 16:04: relating how we teach respect at the school to parenting For more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.com Thie video version of this show is available on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcast) Follow Kathy on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/ (https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/) Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/) Twitter - https://www.x.com/BBParentingPod (https://www.x.com/BBParentingPod) Visit progressivemartialarts.com for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martialist journey. This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com (https://PressRecordStudios.com) for more information on their media production services.

8. 

   25 Nov 2024

   05: I Need Help Parenting, Who Can I Turn To?

   Kathy Sacoulas and Tara DeSuze discuss the transformative power of partnerships in parenting, highlighting the importance of trust, shared mission, and community support for raising children.

9. 

   11 Nov 2024

   Helping Your Child Develop Self-Discipline

   Discipline is the number one reason parents want their kids to do martial arts, and martial arts is a proven way to develop discipline. Learn how Kathy Sacoulas and her fellow instructors help students develop discipline and how you can transfer those efforts to your home and your parenting. For more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.com (http://blackbeltparentingpodcast.com/) The video version of this show is available on YouTube: youtube.com/@blackbeltparentingpodcast (https://youtube.com/@blackbeltparentingpodcast) Follow Kathy on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/61558865227742 (https://www.facebook.com/61558865227742) Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast Twitter: https://www.x.com/BBParentingPod (https://www.x.com/BBParentingPod) Visit progressivemartialarts.com (http://progressivemartialarts.com/) for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martialist journey. This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com (https://PressRecordStudios.com) for more information on their media production services.

10. 

    28 Oct 2024

    Do You Really Know Your Child? - The Importance Of Connection

    Learning about each child is essential in becoming an effective martial arts instructor. Kathy Sacoulas discusses how constantly learning about your child and connecting with them on a consistent basis can help you become a better parent and gives examples from her own teaching experience to show how important it is. 1:24: The introductory process in martial arts school helps us learn about the student in a holistic way 4:58: The most important part of teaching 8:40: in parenting, understanding each child’s needs is important 11:18: Communication happens not on the training floor but in the lobby, special events, and conferences. It is important for parents to be involved 13:46: Getting to know the child is a priority 16:38: The number one thing for parenting effectively is communication 17:27: Honest communication leads to authentic relationship with my kids 28:18 : Overcoming obstacles with communication For more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.com (http://blackbeltparentingpodcast.com/). The video version of this show is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcast) Follow Kathy on Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/ (https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/) Twitter: https://www.x.com/BBParentingPod (https://www.x.com/BBParentingPod) Visit progressivemartialarts.com (http://progressivemartialarts.com/) for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martial arts journey. This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com (https://PressRecordStudios.com) for more information on their media production services.

11. 

    14 Oct 2024

    Why Taking Care Of YOU Is The Most Important Part Of The Parenting Process

    This episode is all about you as a parent and how important you are to the development of your kids. Similar to the beginning of martial arts training, the development of the self establishes a firm foundation from which to grow. Kathy Sacoulas discusses the martial arts journey and how the foundation of great martial arts training begins with focusing on the self first. Timestamps 1:45-2:08: Comparing phase 1 part of training to focusing on self as a parent 4:26 -4:43: Good parenting can only come from taking care of oneself first 8:08: Basics are the most important part of your training and must be returned to consistently 13:33: Your state of being matters 15:29-16:04: You’re gonna use your kid as an excuse/ use them as your reason why 16:35: Stay engaged/Participate/Play! 17:54: Your Kids will do as you do 20:39: Building resiliency in yourself and your child 23:33: Building communities of support/role modeling good relationships 29:25: Are you where you want to be? For more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.com (http://blackbeltparentingpodcast.com/). The video version of this show is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcast) Follow Kathy on Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/ (https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/) Twitter: https://www.x.com/BBParentingPod (https://www.x.com/BBParentingPod) Visit progressivemartialarts.com (http://progressivemartialarts.com/) for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martial arts journey. This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com (https://PressRecordStudios.com) for more information on their media production services.

12. 

    30 Sept 2024

    Parents: Empty Your Cup! (Using the White Belt Mentality in Parenting)

    Kathy Sacoulas discusses the white belt mentality in this episode. This approach can be utilized not only in martial arts training but also in your approach to everything. In order to continue to grow and evolve as parents, we, too, must develop this mindset. Learn ways to empty your cup and clear your slate for your development as a parent. Section Breakdown: 4:18: White Belt Mentality Defined 5:08 - Emptying your cup 5:33 - Reflecting on your childhood/Examples For more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.com (http://blackbeltparentingpodcast.com/) The video version of this show is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcast) Follow Kathy on Facebook: - https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/ (https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/) Twitter: https://www.x.com/BBParentingPod (https://www.x.com/BBParentingPod) Visit progressivemartialarts.com (http://progressivemartialarts.com/) for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martial arts journey. This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com (http://pressrecordstudios.com/) for more information on their media production services.

13. 

    16 Sept 2024

    Intro to Black Belt Parenting Podcast

    Kathy Sacoulas, co-owner and program director of Progressive Martial Arts in Queens, NY, debuts her Black Belt Parenting podcast with this sneak peek episode. Learn her reasons for starting the show, why she believes parenting is similar to martial arts, and what you can expect with every new episode. For more information on the podcast, visit blackbeltparentingpodcast.com. (https://blackbeltparentingpodcast.com.) The video version of this show is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/@BlackBeltParentingPodcast) Follow Kathy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/ (https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Belt-Parenting-Podcast/61558865227742/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltparentingpodcast/) Twitter: https://www.x.com/BBParentingPod (https://www.x.com/BBParentingPod) Visit progressivemartialarts.com (https://progressivemartialarts.com) for more information on how you and your family can get started on your martial arts journey. This podcast is produced by Press Record Studios. Visit PressRecordStudios.com (https://PressRecordStudios.com) for more information on their media production services.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

1,669

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

54

Social presence

0

YouTube

68

Engagement

0

Contact Black Belt Parenting

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.