From Martial Arts to Business Mastery: Ray Hughes on Resilience & Entrepreneurship

In this candid episode of What Keeps You Awake.TV, host David Hooser sits down with Ray Hughes—martial artist and school owner of 40+ years—to unpack the parallels between building a business and earning a black belt. From failing fast (and growing too fast) to buying his first building with grit and guidance, Ray shares why every founder needs a sensei—“one who has gone before”—in business and in life.

🎯 Inside This Episode:
• The “stages” of business—and why each comes with a new nightmare
• Sensei mindset: finding mentors in finance, real estate, marketing, and ops
• Lessons from scaling too quickly (and how to avoid productivity collapse)
• Team over solo: military-style structure, roles, and clear protocols
• Sales without the sleaze: be authentic, solve problems, make friends
• Why founders must work “24/7”—not hours, but awareness and curiosity
• The Scottsdale story: SBA financing, dark days, and resilient execution

📌 Key Takeaway: Business is a contact sport. Build your base, find your sensei, and keep getting up.

🔔 Subscribe to What Keeps You Awake.TV for more real-world wisdom from entrepreneurs who’ve been in the arena.

📣 Drop a comment: Who’s your “sensei” in business—and what’s the best lesson they’ve given you?

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#RayHughes #WhatKeepsYouAwakeTV #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #MartialArts #Sensei #Resilience #Leadership #Mentorship #Sales #Grit #Scottsdale #FounderMindset