Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Martin.
Hi Justin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into teaching martial arts began in 2010. I started as a Taekwondo instructor in the Franklin, TN area. Over time, my passion for teaching, coupled with my belief in the benefits of martial arts for mind, body, and spirit, inspired me to create something larger than what I was a part of at the time. I was training in a martial arts style called Han Mu Do, a holistic art that focuses on more that the physical aspects of training martial arts. Mindfulness, philosophy, and history coupled with a physical practice helps students to become the best versions of themselves while trying to improve the world around them.
In 2016, my wife and I opened Harvest Martial Arts in Downtown Franklin. From the start, I wanted it to be more than a martial arts school—it was meant to be a place where families could train together, where children could build confidence and leadership skills, and where adults could challenge themselves physically and mentally in a supportive community. We named it Harvest to reflect the principle that you get out of life what you put into it, a philosophy that guides our training and our culture.
We opened our new location, The Harvest Concept, in 2021 and since opening, we’ve grown to offer Jiu Jitsu, traditional Korean archery, HIIT kickboxing, and personal training. I’ve also worked to preserve and promote Han Mu Do on a larger scale, serving as the Business Director for the World Han Mu Do Association and sitting on the board of the U.S. Han Mu Do Association. Our school has produced black belts junior and adult, competed successfully in national events, and created outreach programs for local schools and community centers.
Today, The Harvest Concept is both a martial arts school and a pillar in our community—rooted in Korean tradition but open to all who want to train, grow, and improve themselves. We continue to expand our programs, connect with our community, and share the message that martial arts is not just about learning to fight, but about cultivating strength, discipline, and optimism for life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s definitely been a rewarding journey, but not always a smooth one. Like most small business owners, I’ve faced my share of challenges—balancing the roles of instructor, business owner, and marketer all at once can be a juggling act. Early on, it was a challenge to grow the school while still keeping the quality, connection, and personal touch I wanted for each student.
There have also been outside challenges— being open minded while adapting through the pandemic, have an influx of competitive businesses, and keeping programs fresh and relevant while staying true to our traditional roots. As martial arts and culture evolves, there’s always the temptation to follow trends, but I’ve worked hard to preserve the philosophy and culture of Han Mu Do while still meeting the needs of today’s students.
Another ongoing challenge is time—finding enough hours in the day to manage the business, teach, train myself, spend time with my family (which is super important to me!), and contribute to the larger Han Mu Do community. But each of these challenges has shaped The Harvest Concept into what it is today. They’ve taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of building a strong support system—both inside the school and in the broader community.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Harvest Concept. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Harvest Concept is a martial arts and wellness school in Downtown Franklin, TN, dedicated to helping people strengthen their bodies, sharpen their minds, and grow in spirit. We specialize in Han Mu Do, a comprehensive Korean martial art founded by Dr. He-Young Kimm, and we also offer Jiu Jitsu, traditional Korean archery, HIIT kickboxing, and personal training. Our programs are built on the idea that martial arts training should develop not only physical skills, but also character, discipline, and optimism.
We are known for blending traditional values with modern training methods. We hold to the roots of Korean martial culture—its forms, philosophy, and etiquette—while also creating a welcoming, family-friendly environment where students of all ages can succeed. You might see a 6-year-old earning their first belt alongside an adult who’s returning to martial arts after decades away. Our instructors are highly trained, but more importantly, they’re invested in our students’ growth on and off the mat.
What sets us apart is our community-driven approach. We aren’t just a place where you come to work out—we’re a place where friends and families train together, where kids learn leadership by example, and where adults find support and challenge in equal measure. We also extend that reach outside our walls, working with local schools, aftercare programs, and organizations like the Boys and Girls Club to bring martial arts to children who might not otherwise have access.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that we’ve created a culture that people feel connected to. The name “The Harvest Concept” comes from the principle that you reap what you sow—if you put in effort, dedication, and positivity, you’ll see growth and results. Everything we do, from the way we teach a class to the way we show up for our community, reflects that philosophy.
For readers, I’d want them to know that The Harvest Concept isn’t about being the toughest fighter in the room—it’s about becoming the best version of yourself and making a better world for all. Whether you’re looking for a high-energy kickboxing workout, a traditional martial arts program with deep cultural roots, or a place for your child to build confidence and discipline, you’ll find it here in a supportive, goal-focused environment.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, my vision is to keep growing The Harvest Concept as both a martial arts school and a community hub. We want to reach more families in Franklin and the surrounding area, expand our outreach programs into more schools and organizations, and continue making martial arts accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
On the Han Mu Do side, I’m focused on preserving and sharing the art on a larger scale. As part of the U.S. and World Han Mu Do Associations, I’m working on projects that modernize our teaching resources, connect schools worldwide, and create opportunities for black belts and instructors to teach in their local communities.
We also have exciting cultural plans—most notably, I’m preparing for an immersive trip to South Korea this year. I’ll be training, visiting historical sites, and learning directly from traditional martial arts masters. I plan to bring those experiences and techniques back to our community through performance experiences, teaching, and “The Harvest Concept,” book.
Brand-wise, I see The Harvest Concept continuing to grow —while still feeling like a family. Long term, I’d like to help my students open additional locations and create more pathways for our teenage students to step into teaching and leadership roles providing part time rewarding jobs to our community.
The heart of it all is the same as when we started—helping people grow stronger, more confident, and more connected. The way we get there will keep evolving, but that mission will always stay the same.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theharvestconcept.com
- Instagram: @theharvestconcept
- Facebook: @theharvestconcept
