Martial arts can be a transformative learning experience that connects with many aspects of life. The physical aspects of training can lead to improved fitness, coordination, and self-defense skills, while the mental and emotional aspects of training can lead to increased discipline, focus, confidence, and resilience. Additionally, the philosophical teachings of martial arts can provide guidance for personal growth and development, such as the concepts of humility, respect, and perseverance.
Robert Nichols, founder of Union UTA Martial Arts in Union, New Jersey, believes that martial arts can be a lifelong pursuit, and encourages his students to see it as more than just a hobby or a way to stay in shape. He believes that the mental and emotional benefits of training can be just as important as the physical benefits, and that martial arts can be a tool for personal growth and development throughout one’s entire life.
For Robert, martial arts are not just a job, but a way of life. He is passionate about sharing the lessons he has learned through his training with others, and hopes to inspire his students to become lifelong learners and seekers of personal growth. Often saying, “It’s not about what you are studying, just that you are studying something.”
Robert Nichols is an accomplished Chief instructor with a proven track record of working in the professional training and coaching sector. He possesses expertise in coaching, entrepreneurship, team building, public speaking, and management. Although he admits that he did not have a strong educational upbringing, but learning the value of self education later in life and through experience.
Prior to taking on the responsibility of running Union UTA Martial Arts/SAMI-X of NJ, Robert was employed in the same job he held during his college years. After completing high school, he found himself aimlessly attending community college while also working at a supermarket. Though he had been practicing martial arts for several years, he had never considered it as a career option. However, his life took a sudden turn when a close friend, Alan, offered him some valuable advice during an afternoon of training and conversation. Alan encouraged Robert to pursue a career as a martial arts instructor, but Robert initially planned to ignore the advice. However, the next day, Alan passed away suddenly from a heart attack, leaving Robert deeply affected by his friend’s last words. Robert decided to take his friend’s advice to heart and went to his instructor the next day in search of a job. From there, the course of his life changed significantly.
The Beginning
Union UTA Martial Arts started as a traditional Taekwondo school when it first opened in 2001. It focused on point sparring, form training, and tournaments. However, as Robert’s training expanded to other areas, the school evolved and introduced a comprehensive “Leadership Development Program.” Currently, the school is considered a modern martial arts system that emphasizes personal protection skills and development. In 2017, Robert became a member of SAMI Combat Systems, a well-known organization throughout Europe, founded in Vienna by Peter Weckauf. This system allowed the school to expand its adult training programs and offer a wider variety of hands-on martial arts and law enforcement training. More importantly, SAMI reignited Robert’s passion for training and enabled him to grow in areas he had not previously explored. The impact on the school has been tremendous.
Over the years, Robert’s perspectives on martial arts and the industry have shifted. He believes that many traditional concepts and ideas have become outdated and require adaptation to the modern world. Robert does not believe that teaching traditional martial arts is the most effective way to convey the lessons he wants his students to learn. In his opinion, people’s learning styles have evolved as a result of technological advancements and societal changes. Although he values the traditional lessons of the martial arts, he thinks that the way we present information should evolve with the times to ensure maximum benefit for our students.
Robert also opposes using the term “master” or its many variations in martial arts. He believes that it is preferable to teach students to use terms like “Mr.” or “Ms.” or “sir” and “ma’am” to show respect, which they can use in their daily lives. He believes that it is important for what we say, teach, and do to remain pertinent both inside and outside the school.
Responsibilities with Leadership Role
As the Chief Instructor of a martial arts school, Robert understands that running a small business involves wearing many hats, including cleaning, marketing, bookkeeping, and other tasks essential to keeping the business running smoothly. In addition to these responsibilities, he also focuses on planning testing cycles, special events, and classes, both in terms of monitoring student progress and staff development. The team is an integral part of the school’s culture and attitude, which is why Robert believes that the program should not revolve solely around him as the instructor. The team/staff at Union UTA are the one’s that make the school work. Robert says, “The creativity, passion, and drive of our instructor staff is really what makes things work here. We make all our decisions as a team. I’m not the one out teaching every class, so the team has to be invested and decide on that we teach and the policies we have. They are the ones making it work on a daily basis.”
When students enroll in the program, they are joining a community as a whole, and all members must work together to create a positive and supportive environment. The product that they are creating includes the right mindset, attitude, community, as well as what they teach and how they teach it.
Insights on Life and Work
At this stage of his career, Robert’s focus is on making a positive impact on people’s lives. For him, there is a fundamental difference between making an impact and making an impression. Changing people’s lives for the better requires a different mindset and approach. Keeping people motivated can be both the hardest and most rewarding part of the job. It’s easy to motivate someone when they first start training because it’s a new and exciting experience. However, keeping them motivated during tough times, when life gets in the way, is much more challenging. Being motivated is not just about saying positive things and telling people, “You can do it.” It’s about leading by example and demonstrating a positive mindset in your own life.
Robert emphasizes the importance of continuously setting goals for oneself to stay motivated and to set an example for students. He believes that school owners and chief instructors must find ways to challenge themselves and keep testing in different systems, educating themselves, and finding new ways to improve. For Robert, this has included earning black belts in the SAMI Combat Systems and writing an Amazon bestselling book. In May of 2022, “Earn a Black Belt in…An Average Guy’s Guide to Life,” was released. Becoming an Amazon #1 seller and award winning book within weeks. Although now having 2 number 1 books is a highlight of his career, one of the most rewarding moments was witnessing his daughter test for her black belt in 2022, exactly 20 years after he earned his own. Robert believes that by constantly striving to improve, instructors can lead by example and motivate their students to do the same. “Success is not an accident,” he says, “and its not something that just happens once and you let it go. To be successful you have to keep grinding, keep evolving, and keep striving for more. It doesn’t matter if you’re talking about money, prestige, or personal fulfillment, it all takes work.”
Expanding the Reach
Robert has a plan to step back from the daily operations of his school within the next few years. He envisions expanding the school into multiple locations, creating opportunities for his team to establish long-term careers in the martial arts industry. This would enable him to travel more and teach SAMI-X seminars while also offering consulting services to smaller schools. Robert recognizes that many instructors in the industry have not been taught how to run a business effectively. Robert is of the opinion, “So many of our instructors taught us how to teach. They taught us how to motivate and how to help students achieve ranks and goals. But they didn’t teach us how to run businesses. Those are the schools I want to help.” Having acquired valuable knowledge and experience, he desires to share this expertise with smaller schools and help them succeed.
Robert Nichols is available for public speaking events, SAMI-X seminars, and martial arts consulting. Contact him at Nichols@unionuta.com at www.coachrobertnichols.com and follow on Instagram @coachrobertnichols @unionuta @samiunion
Written by Steve Sanchez.
