Life & Work with David Muhammad

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Muhammad.

Hi David, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My father started our martial arts school over 40 years ago with the intention of using martial arts to give back to his community. He had no visions of turning it into a full-time business. Instead, the goal was to service those who would benefit from the teaching but lacked access to the resource.

Over the years, our model has evolved into a profitable business that still maintains the mission and values of its origin. We provide classes for youth and adults and have launched a non-profit arm called The Sankofa Leadership Initiative that works to empower youth with leadership skills through martial arts training.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
NO! The road is still a beautiful struggle. My father, nor myself, have any formal business training. We are a Pop & Son business that has overachieved since day 1. Our biggest issue has always been capital based. Many of our desires to innovate are limited by a lack of financial capacity.

Therefore, the desire to staff help has been slowed. The pandemic definitely highlighted issues that previously existed. When we reopened, post-shutdown, we struggled to pay our lease. Thankfully, we are under a very supportive leasing tenant. Now, we are trying to tighten up our accounting side of the business and gradually grow our staff.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an educator by profession. I have served in multiple roles as an educator.

I taught for 11 years in the Shawnee Mission School District, worked for the non-profit LEANLAB Education, taught virtually at KC Girls Prep, worked as Dean of Students for Pembroke Hill Middle School, and am now the Dean of Student Services for the Middle and High School at The Barstow School. Along with this, I am a hip-hop artist and have released several projects under the name “Brotha Newz”.

I think I am known for being willing to lead challenging discussions and working to build community. I am not afraid to get uncomfortable and push into difficult topics. I am most proud of my family. I have an amazing wife and 2 amazing daughters.

What matters most to you? Why?
Building community! I feel that it is our only vehicle for healing systemic oppression. We have to find creative ways to build micro-communities at every opportunity we have. This has to be an intentional process that works to connect people of diverse backgrounds, but with similar desires to improve mankind.

Contact Info:

• Website: kcintegritykarate.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcintegritykarate/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCIntegrityKarate/

Image Credits
David Muhammad and Rudolph Muhammad