Leo Barahona’s story is currently unfolding with a big new new goal. A U.S. Veteran who owns a martial arts school in Texas, Leo’s teachings go far beyond learning the physical skills. It’s also about creating a safe space, a community, and teaching the philosophy and wisdom of martial arts.

Leo’s impact to the world is about helping people understand themselves and giving them the knowledge, skills and self-esteem to be successful and to make their own impact in the world.

Now, Leo is transforming his for-profit business into a nonprofit. This move will allow him to expand the options, to fund more students at no-charge to them, to create new specialized courses for various groups in need, and to grow the community beyond Texas.

Leo’s passion is for helping people because that’s what people did for him in his youth, and without it, he wouldn’t be where he is today.

In this interview with Christopher Swan, Leo shares his experiences, how they connect to his ongoing mission, and how he’ll make a bigger impact.