Rising Stars: Meet Hiroko Hattori Holland of Hendersonville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hiroko Hattori Holland.

Hi Hiroko, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Japan, where I met my husband while he was stationed there with the Air Force. In 2012, we moved together as a family to Colorado Springs, CO. Wanting to ensure I could protect myself and my daughters if needed, I took a Women’s Self-Defense class through Universal Kempo Karate Schools (UKKS). That experience sparked my passion for Kempo, leading me on a journey of continuous learning and self-improvement—physically, mentally, and spiritually. In 2022, we moved to Hendersonville, TN, where we chose to put down roots and become part of this wonderful community. With the encouragement and support of my Kempo instructors and my family, I decided to open our own UKKS branch.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road to get this far. There have been many mental and physical struggles that I’ve had to overcome along the way. Running a small, family-owned business was never something I imagined for myself, so I had to learn everything from the ground up. Fortunately, the city of Hendersonville is filled with amazing, supportive business owners and people who have helped me navigate what I needed to do to get things moving. It takes an incredible amount of effort and commitment, which led me to re-learn my priorities and set boundaries in order to continue being my best self, both physically and mentally.

I’m also a mother to two wonderful daughters and a wife to my amazing husband of 18 years. They are my reason for everything, and I always make sure I’m there for them in the best possible way. Finding the right balance between taking care of myself, being a good mom and wife, and running a business has been a huge challenge. But I’ve always believed in taking on challenges that push me to grow and make me a better person in the end.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m the owner and Head Instructor at Universal Kempo Karate Schools Hendersonville branch, where I teach and share the art of Kempo Karate. My journey began with a simple desire to learn self-defense, but it quickly grew into a deep passion for the art and its philosophy of continuous self-improvement.

I specialize in practical self-defense and Kempo training, helping students develop not just physical skills but also mental and spiritual strength.
What sets me apart is the balance of discipline and care I bring to my teaching. As a mother and former school teacher, I have a strong background in child development and actively research ways to help children grow into healthy, well-rounded individuals. I incorporate research-based activities into my classes to help students develop essential life skills like focus, confidence, resilience, and problem-solving. My goal is to create an environment where students not only learn martial arts but also gain the tools they need to succeed in life.

I’m most proud of the community we’ve built within our school. It’s more than just a place to train—it’s a space where people support and inspire one another. Running a small business comes with its challenges, but the reward of seeing students grow both in skill and in character makes it all worth it. My goal is to continue learning, growing, and sharing this incredible art while providing a space where students feel empowered, supported, and part of something truly special.

What does success mean to you?
I define success as continuous growth and making a positive impact on others. In martial arts, success isn’t just about earning belts or acquiring skills and techniques—it’s about the journey of self-improvement, resilience, and discipline. As an instructor, success means seeing my students gain confidence, develop life skills, and overcome challenges, both in Kempo training and everyday life.

On a personal level, success is about balance—continuing to learn and grow while staying true to my values. Loving and being there for my family, running a business, guiding my students, and contributing to my community are all meaningful parts of my journey. As long as I’m able to do these, I feel fulfilled and truly successful.

Contact Info:

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