For many people, faith can feel like belief, knowledge, or tradition. However, when you look at the life of Jesus, it becomes clear that following Him is something much deeper—it’s a daily way of living.

In this episode, Professor Brumitt and Professor Beane break down what it truly looks like to follow Jesus in real, practical terms. From the way we speak, to how we respond under pressure, to how we serve others—following Jesus isn’t about perfection, it’s about direction.

We talk through key biblical examples, the difference between knowing and following, and simple steps you can start practicing today: time in Scripture, honest prayer, serving without expecting anything back, forgiving quickly (with wisdom and boundaries), and choosing obedience one day at a time.

Whether you’re new to faith or you’ve been around it for years, this conversation will challenge, encourage, and ground you in what it really means to live like Jesus.

Key Scriptures Mentioned

* Matthew 4:19

* Luke 9:23

* Luke 10 (The Good Samaritan)

* John 13 (Jesus washes the disciples’ feet)

* Matthew 4 (Jesus tempted in the wilderness)

* Romans 6:23

But here’s the real question: Are we just trying to fill time… or are we trying to build a kid?

In Episode 21 of The Tri-Star Podcast, Professor Brumitt and Professor Beane unpack the difference between doing and becoming—and why martial arts, when it’s taught the right way, can become a training tool for life.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

* The simple framework: Activity vs Becoming

* Why most programs end when class is over, but martial arts can carry into everyday life

* How martial arts supports whole-child growth (physical, mental, emotional, character, life skills, and social skills)

* Respectful comparisons: martial arts vs team sports, dance, music, gymnastics, and academic clubs

* Why the uniform doesn’t guarantee the outcome: the system and the people do

* The 6 green flags to watch for during your child’s trial (structure, coaching, engagement, safety, standards-based progress, and intentional character development)

* What to expect in week 1 vs week 2 of your trial

* The key questions to ask at the end of your trial

Grab the free guide (printable)

Download: How to Choose the Right Martial Arts School for Your ChildIncludes: 5 misconceptions, 6 green flags, 6 red flags, and 5 questions to ask any school.

Link: https://tristarkarate.com/choose-martial-arts-school/

New episodes drop every Wednesday.

In this episode, Professor Brumitt and Professor Beane explain why that frustration doesn’t mean you’re failing — it means you’re parenting. Real growth doesn’t come from one big speech. It comes from ten thousand small conversations over time: reminders, encouragements, corrections, and little moments of connection that slowly shape your child’s character.

You’ll hear a powerful anchor from Proverbs 15:1 (“A soft answer turns away wrath…”), plus practical tools you can use immediately:

* Why calm + consistent beats intense

* How to use teaspoon bites instead of emotional lectures

* Why the what without the why feels like “because I said so”

* How pre-decided phrases (parenting “SOPs”) help you respond without losing control

* Why repair is leadership — and how apologizing teaches your child how to reconnect after a hard moment

Want a free chapter from Duane’s book 10,000 Conversations? Visit tristarkarate.com/10K to download it.

In Episode 19 of The Tri-Star Podcast, Professor Brumitt and Professor Beane break down what “healthy failure” actually looks like (not shame, not punishment, not quitting) and give you a simple framework you can use the next time your child is frustrated, embarrassed, or disappointed—so they learn to bounce back, try again, and build earned confidence that lasts.

You’ll hear why modern kids often struggle to bounce back (fewer unstructured challenges, more adult intervention, faster entertainment, less boredom, and fewer natural consequences), and why removing obstacles doesn’t build strength—it builds fragility. Then we share the “controlled adversity” model inside the Tri-Star studio and a simple, practical framework parents can use in real time: normalize the feeling, ask a growth question, and redirect to the next step.

Listen or watch here: https://tristarkarate.com/podcasts/

New episodes drop every Wednesday.

In this episode, Professor Brumitt and Professor Beane unpack why comfort isn’t evil—but it is addictive. You’ll learn how the brain is wired to chase ease, why kids can feel overwhelmed by boredom, correction, or failure, and how adults fall into the same comfort patterns through scrolling, snacking, procrastinating, and avoiding hard conversations.

Most importantly, you’ll hear the difference between harmful stress and healthy discomfort—the kind that builds confidence, patience, and grit. Martial arts provides what modern life often removes: safe struggle inside a supportive structure. And you’ll leave with a simple weekly challenge to choose one small discomfort on purpose—because comfort feels good today, but growth feels good for life.

Listen or watch here: https://tristarkarate.com/podcasts/

New episodes drop every Wednesday.

Because belief without skill doesn’t hold up under pressure. Real confidence comes from competence—putting in the reps, failing safely, adjusting, and proving to yourself that you can handle hard things. You’ll hear why martial arts is such a powerful confidence-builder (awkward first, progress later), how controlled failure creates emotional strength, and how parents can “come alongside” their kids instead of rescuing them from every struggle. The conversation also applies to adults: anxiety often comes from lack of preparation, and the path forward is the same—commitment, courage, capability, then confidence. Your challenge this week: pick one area you want more confidence, identify the skill you’ve been avoiding, and start practicing.

New episodes drop every Wednesdays

Alexis shares the moments that shaped her most: the friendships and fun that made the studio feel like home, the discipline that built resilience, and the powerful lessons that came from failing a test and choosing to come back stronger. You’ll also hear how martial arts helped her push past self-doubt, build real confidence, and carry those skills into big goals—including earning the title of Miss Chicago’s Teen and launching a major community service initiative. If you’re a parent wondering what your child can become with the right environment, this one will leave you encouraged.

New episodes drop every Wednesdays.

In Episode 14 of The Tri-Star Podcast, Professor Brumitt and Professor Beane break down a healthier, more creative way to think about AI at home.

This episode isn’t about replacing thinking, replacing parenting, or letting a screen raise your kids. It’s about using AI as a tool—like a calculator, a library, or a notebook that never gets tired—to spark creativity, learning, and connection.

You’ll hear practical, real-life ideas you can try right away, including: - Using AI to generate creative writing prompts that get kids off screens and back to pen-and-paper storytelling - Turning family time into “thinking time” with custom trivia, riddles, and choose-your-own-adventure games - Helping kids learn faster by asking AI to explain school topics with cartoons, metaphors, and quizzes - Using AI as a safe way to practice communication (apologies, assertiveness, and hard conversations) - Offloading the mental load with meal planning, schedules, chore charts, and vacation ideas

The big takeaway: the danger isn’t AI—it’s passive consumption. When families co-create instead of consume, creativity expands.

Listen or watch here (choose your platform): https://tristarkarate.com/podcasts/

New episodes drop every Wednesdays.

In this special interview, Professor Brumitt and Professor Beane sit down with Tri-Star parent Allison Chandler (homeschool mom and former teacher) to talk about parenting, partnership, and playing the long game. Allison shares how her family first found Tri-Star through a birthday party, why the character development stood out immediately, and what she’s learned after years of watching her kids grow—on and off the mat.

You’ll hear practical, real-life takeaways on: - Why process matters more than progress (and how kids build a “bank” of experiences they’ll draw from later) - How to help kids handle failure without believing they are a failure - What it looks like to parent with structure… and still let them go - Why having a trusted “village” matters—and how instructors can better understand what families carry outside the studio

If you’re a parent wondering whether martial arts is “worth it,” this episode is a powerful reminder that the real payoff isn’t just belts—it’s lifelong confidence, resilience, and leadership.

Listen or watch here (choose your platform): https://tristarkarate.com/podcasts/

New episodes drop every Wednesday.

You’ll hear three powerful moments from Scripture and what they teach parents, leaders, and instructors about how to speak with clarity, dignity, and purpose:

* Call people by name and speak with dignity (Luke 19:1–10, Zacchaeus): connection grows when people feel seen, respected, and valued.

* Be calm, clear, and decisive in chaos (Mark 4:35–41, the storm): your calm presence helps steady everyone around you.

* Use words to restore and heal (John 21:15–17, Jesus and Peter): the right words at the right moment can rebuild what was hurt.

The episode closes with a practical challenge for families from Ephesians 4:29—to speak in a way that builds others up according to what they need—and a reminder that communication is a skill we can practice and improve.

Listen here: https://tristarkarate.com/podcasts/

New episodes drop every Wednesday.

Using Scripture as the foundation, they walk through four powerful biblical principles that can transform communication at home, at work, and in every relationship:

* Wisdom before words (Proverbs 18:13): listen fully before you respond—and seek clarity before conflict.

* Grace and salt (Colossians 4:6): balance compassion with truth, especially when correcting kids or leading others.

* The tongue sets direction (James 3:4–5): words can build people up or burn things down—tone and intent matter.

* A gentle answer (Proverbs 15:1): de-escalation is strength, and questions can redirect heated moments.

You’ll also hear practical, real-life examples from parenting and the martial arts studio—plus a preview of Part 2, where the conversation goes deeper into Jesus’ example as the master communicator.

Listen or watch here (choose your platform): https://tristarkarate.com/podcasts/

New episodes drop every Wednesday.

Beane reveal how simple, intentional family systems can turn stress into confidence and connection for everyone in your household.

This episode dives deep into: - How to identify routines that need a tune-up - The game-changing power of weekly family meetings - Why letting kids help design routines creates real buy-in - Simple, repeatable systems for smoother mornings, evenings, and everything in between - The truth about why structure actually creates more freedom (not less!)

Whether you’re a parent looking for calmer mornings or just want to build a stronger family legacy, you’ll walk away with practical steps you can test at home—starting this week.

Listen now and subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday!

https://tristarkarate.com/podcasts/

You’ll hear why willpower fades, how decision fatigue holds families back, and practical ways to turn chaos into calm with systems at home, in school, and on the mat. From bedtime routines and visual reminders to lesson plans and family rituals, learn how to build the structure that sets everyone up for success.

This is part one of a two-part series on systems—listen in and get ready to transform your habits by upgrading your environment. Plus, take on this week’s challenge to self-audit your family’s routines and start building one system that truly serves you.

From the Reset Ritual for emotional self-regulation to the Gratitude Sandwich that boosts resilience, you’ll discover how small actions—done consistently—create lasting change. We share parent stories, practical tips, and the science behind why these habits work for both kids and adults. Plus, you’ll get this week’s family challenge to put one habit into action and see the transformation for yourself. Listen in and start building unstoppable character—one day at a time.

Discover how martial arts training, intentional parenting, and the right questions can help kids become confident, self-governing leaders who do the right thing—whether someone’s watching or not. If you want to raise a child who stands on their own two feet, and you’re ready for action steps you can use right away, this episode is for you. New episodes drop every Wednesday at https://tristarkarate.com/podcasts/

Hear real stories of transformation, including Miss Brooks’ incredible journey, and learn what parents should look for when choosing a martial arts school for their child. Whether you’re considering martial arts for the first time or wondering if your child should continue, this episode will help you understand the deeper value of the martial arts journey. New episodes drop every Wednesday at https://tristarkarate.com/podcasts/

Discover why ages 3-8 are critical for identity formation, how neuroscience and developmental psychology support our approach, and what parents can do at home to reinforce these life-changing lessons. Whether your child struggles with confidence, needs leadership skills, or you simply want to raise a kind and courageous human being, this episode offers practical strategies backed by real parent testimonials and proven results. New episodes drop every Wednesday at https://tristarkarate.com/podcasts/