Tri-Star Podcast Episode 27: Meet My Instructor (Interview with Grandmaster Wiles)

Most students never think about this: your instructor has an instructor too.

In this week’s Tri-Star Podcast episode, Mr. Brumitt and Professor Beane sit down with Grandmaster Wiles—Mr. Brumitt’s instructor, mentor, and a major part of the early story behind Tri-Star.

This conversation is packed with wisdom for students, parents, and anyone who wants to grow in character, faith, and leadership. It’s also a powerful reminder that real growth doesn’t come from self-promotion—it comes from staying teachable.

Listen to the Tri-Star Podcast here: Tri-Star Podcast hub

The big idea: the higher you go, the more you need a standard

One of the themes that comes up early is something we want every Tri-Star family to understand:

You never “graduate” from learning.

Grandmaster Wiles shares a conviction that shaped his entire journey:

• If you’re willing to test students for a rank, you should be willing to test for that rank yourself.
• If you want your students to stay humble, you have to model humility.
• If you want your students to respect the process, you have to respect the process.

In other words, leadership isn’t a title—it’s an example.

Why self-promotion misses the point

Parents, this matters for kids too.

In a world that tells children to chase attention, chase applause, and chase “status,” martial arts gives them something better: a path of earned confidence.

Grandmaster Wiles talks about how, in martial arts, rank is supposed to represent growth, maturity, and responsibility—not ego.

That’s why the testing process matters. It’s not just a hoop to jump through.

It’s a refining process.

Testing in Korea vs. testing in the U.S.

One of the most memorable parts of the interview is when Grandmaster Wiles describes testing in Korea.

He went in thinking he was prepared.

Then he realized quickly: the standard was different.

Why?

• The quality of technique was extremely high.
• Martial arts is part of the culture and lifestyle.
• The training was “old school”—direct, intense, and designed to build real ability.

Even though it was difficult in the moment, Grandmaster Wiles shares that it changed his perspective:

It made training feel real.

Not “do this for a test.”

Not “do this for competition.”

But “do this for life.”

Training changes with age (but the mission stays the same)

A lot of parents assume martial arts is only for young people.

This episode flips that idea.

Grandmaster Wiles talks honestly about what changes as you get older:

• Flexibility isn’t the same as it was at 25.
• Recovery takes longer.
• Some things take more preparation.

However, the purpose of martial arts doesn’t change.

True martial arts is still about being able to protect yourself, build discipline, and live with confidence and character.

The behind-the-scenes reality of high-level testing

Professor Beane asks a great question: what does it look like to prepare for a ninth-degree test?

Grandmaster Wiles explains that consistency is the foundation.

Then he shares some of the physical demands that come with that level of testing, including:

• Power breaks (like a multi-board side kick)
• Demonstrations (including advanced breaking)
• Multi-person sparring (in this case, nine-on-one)
• Forms, basics, one-steps, and self-defense

What stands out isn’t just the difficulty.

It’s the mindset:

You prepare because you respect the process.

Board breaking and brick breaking stories (and why he did it)

If you’ve ever seen Grandmaster Wiles break boards or bricks, you already know: it’s on another level.

In the episode, he shares stories from record-setting board breaks—including times he did it to raise money for charity.

He also talks about brick breaking and the physics behind it.

One of the biggest takeaways here is that these demonstrations weren’t about showing off.

They were often about serving.

Champions for Christ: using martial arts to share faith

This is one of the most meaningful sections of the interview.

Grandmaster Wiles shares how Champions for Christ began and how it grew into a powerful evangelistic ministry.

The heart behind it was simple:

God gives gifts—and those gifts can be used to serve Him.

The program combined martial arts demonstrations with a message about spiritual warfare, character, and the gospel.

It’s also a reminder that faith isn’t just something you talk about.

Faith is something you live.

A studio run by Christians… with doors open to everyone

This part is important for families to hear.

Grandmaster Wiles explains that his studio isn’t “Christian-only.”

Instead, it’s a studio run by Christians.

That means:

• Families of all backgrounds are welcome.
• Faith is not hidden or compromised.
• Respect is modeled, not forced.

He also shares a powerful point: people may not remember what you said weeks ago, but they will remember what you did—and how you did it.

That’s leadership.

Weekly challenge: stay teachable

Here’s your challenge from this episode:

Pick one lesson you heard and apply it this week.

• If you’re a student: stay consistent, even when it’s hard.
• If you’re a parent: look for the character moments, not just the physical skills.
• If you’re an adult: remember that growth comes from humility and reps.

And, of course, don’t forget Grandmaster Wiles’ Florida philosophy:

Don’t block with your face.

Listen to the episode here: Tri-Star Podcast hub

Watch on YouTube here: Tri-Star Podcast playlist on YouTube

If this episode encouraged you, share it with another Tri-Star family who needs a reminder that real leadership starts with staying teachable.