Meet Hiroko Holland | Owner and Head instructor at a Martial Arts School

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hiroko Holland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hiroko, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
Even with the hardest work, sometimes things do not go the way you planned or hoped. That is when you should think about “re-routing” the course of your life or career. The word “give up” has a negative sound to it but it is not always a bad thing. Sometimes giving up your current path is necessary to be on the right path. After a long hours/months/years of hard work, take time to reflect. Is it going towards your goal? If so, keep going. If not, it may be time to think about the path you are on. Know that there is more than one way to reach your goal.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am the owner and head instructor at a martial arts school. I am originally from Japan and I became an exchange student when I was in high school to study in the states. I have been teaching in educational settings for 18years and have a background in child development and performing arts. I am also a mother of 2 daughters. With my broad background, our school is proudly serving a family friendly, fun and safe learning environment for children from 4years and up to adults of any ages. I love that I can incorporate research based activities and methods in my class to help the kids grow healthy in all aspects of development, while nurturing them to become a good human being.
I have been training Kempo-Karate for 10 years in Colorado and California, and when my family and I moved to Hendersonville Tennessee, my instructors and my husband encouraged me to open up my own school. I was surprised to find out how much work needs to happen to run a school and everything was a learning opportunities for me. It was and still is overwhelming but I am lucky to be in a great community where business owners help and support each other so I had a lot of guidance from them.
Lessons I’ve learned along the way is that it is okay to ask for help. I started with zero knowledge of running a business. This is my second year as a business owner and I learned a lot from people. They were willing to help and very supportive. So look for your support system and throw yourself in.
Our school is all about connections, support, and growth. We encourage each other and uplift each other to be better. It is an amazing community to be a part of and I am here to serve the community and the people I truly love.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start with a nice walk on Station Camp Greenway. It has creek running and so many critters and animals are there. I love hearing the music of the nature there, it is so soul soothing. Then I would take them to Grand Ole Opry show followed by walking Broadway! It is a must see when people come to Nashville!! Seeing and enjoying the history and the scene of country music is a good place to have a good time.
There are some nice fancy restaurants in downtown Nashville but I really like the restaurants that are more comfortable setting such as Alberto’s and Cafe Rakka. Alberto’s atmosphere is so romantic yet serene, it is a hidden “house” that offers super tasty Brazilian cuisine. Cafe Rakka has the best falafel and hummus. They are perfect for lunch and they are not shy with portion sizes so I could easily share my favorite dish with my friends.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many instructors from Universal Kempo Karate Schools across the United States and Barbados Island helped me be who I am today. Especially my direct instructors, Assistant’s Chief Instructor Scott A. Sova and his family, and Professor Jesse C. Manegdeg and his family are the ones whom I’d like to dedicate my gratitude for my Kempo Journey. For my life itself, my husband and my daughters, and my parents who gave me so much are the people who helped me get where I am today. Without their support, encouragement, and love, I would not be who I am or where I am today.

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