NEW PORT RICHEY, FL, June 2, 2026, John Graden, Black Belt Coach, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Graden has distinguished himself as a transformative figure in the martial arts industry, having been called the "Teacher of Teachers" and the "Instructor of Instructors." With more than 50 years of experience, he has become an influential leader, mentor and innovator. He is the founder of the National Association of Professional Martial Artists (NAPMA), the Martial Arts Teachers' Association (MATA), and multiple instructor certification and personal development programs used internationally. A former member of the U.S. kickboxing team, Graden has authored numerous books and led efforts to standardize instructor training across the martial arts industry.

Since 2003, Mr. Graden has also been associated with the Martial Arts Teachers' Association, furthering its mission to professionalize martial arts education. His leadership brought school owners together through conventions that drew up to 2,300 participants to Clearwater Beach, Florida, helping them balance the preservation of martial arts traditions with the practicalities of running successful businesses.

In addition to his work with the association, Mr. Graden has served as a speaker and trainer for Seconds Out since 2003. He has delivered keynote addresses and training sessions on self-defense and personal safety through USA Self Defense from 1990 to 2024 and owned USA Self Defense from 2006 to 2020. His expertise extended into digital marketing as the co-founder of Generate More Leads, Digital Agency, from 2010 to 2024.

Graden was born in Fort Hood, Texas, and grew up in a military family. He began martial arts training in 1974 at the Florida Karate Academy in Largo, Florida. After earning his black belt in 1978, he began teaching and co-instructed an accredited karate course at St. Petersburg Junior College (now St. Petersburg College).

Educationally, Mr. Graden's journey began at age sixteen when he was inspired by martial arts films and sought out training despite financial obstacles. He became a dedicated student at Florida Karate Academy by exchanging cleaning services for lessons—a formative experience that shaped his work ethic and commitment. Although he left high school after being named Student of the Year up to his brown belt level, he soon taught an accredited karate class at a local college, impacting students' academic performance through martial arts instruction.

In addition to his formal education, Mr. Graden is a certified hypnotist through Omni Hypnosis Center, has a COBRA Defense Instructor Certification from Chris Sutton's CobraSelfDefense Inc. and holds credentials from the Martial Arts Teachers' Association. Overall, he credits his success to maintaining focus on pragmatic action while avoiding distractions or illusions often present in martial arts culture—a philosophy that has guided him throughout his career.

The origins of Mr. Graden's passion for martial arts can be traced back to his teenage years working at a gas station, where he resolved not to follow a path marked by dissatisfaction. A dental accident in childhood fostered introspection and observation skills that later fueled his drive to break out of his shell through martial arts training. Inspired by witnessing martial artists overcome larger opponents on screen, he pursued instruction with determination—eventually becoming a world champion kickboxer alongside his two younger brothers, all three earning black belts and making history as the first trio of sibling world champion kickboxers, according to their instructor.

Outside his professional work, Mr. Graden's civic engagement includes volunteering with Palm Harbor United Methodist Church since 2012, serving as a self-defense instructor at The Chapel in 2017 and providing training in self-defense, confidence drills and de-escalation techniques for foster children. His contributions have been recognized with honors such as a Token of Respect for His Influence in Martial Arts in 2000 and a Plaque of Appreciation for demonstrations conducted for Microsoft executives.

As an author, Mr. Graden has published several influential books on martial arts instruction, business development and marketing, including "Black Belt Management," "How to Open and Operate a Successful Martial Arts School" and "The Art of Marketing Without Marketing." He is currently writing "Choose Your Battles Wisely," a book for teens and young adults that integrates lessons in social skills, verbal defense and sound decision-making.

Mr. Graden enjoys writing, playing golf and running outdoors in warm weather in his personal life as hobbies. He maintains aspirations to expand his presence in media through podcast tours while continuing efforts that help young people develop essential life skills beyond digital screens. His dual focus on commercial success and non-commercial service reflects an enduring commitment to empowering others—whether through professional instruction or volunteer initiatives—while remaining open to offering services pro bono when possible. Mr. Graden hopes his journey from high school dropout to successful entrepreneur and influential leader in the martial arts industry will inspire others to recognize the opportunities available to them in the United States and pursue their goals with determination and self-direction.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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