Every quarter, the Go2 Karate Recognition Board honors a martial artist whose life and leadership rise above the ordinary. This month, we recognize a man whose impact reaches far beyond the walls of his schools — Grand Master Sergio Von Schmeling.

Grand Master Von Schmeling is a 9th Degree Black Belt and the founder of Victory Martial Arts, one of the most respected and successful martial arts organizations in the United States and Worldwide. Born in Paraguay, the seventh of ten children, he began working at age seven to help support his family. Though raised in poverty, his parents instilled in him a belief that would shape his destiny. That greatness was possible through discipline, faith, and perseverance.

At the age of twelve, he discovered martial arts. By eighteen, he had earned his Black Belt and quickly distinguished himself as one of the most accomplished martial artists in his country. He opened his first school soon after, building leaders and expanding into multiple successful locations. In 1993, he brought his vision to the United States. What began as a single school has grown into more than 45 locations nationwide, with the Victory curriculum now taught in over 1,000 schools worldwide.

For more than three decades, his mission has remained unwavering. That is to inspire, educate, and elevate children, families, and communities to reach their highest potential. His life skills–based philosophy develops confident, disciplined leaders grounded in respect, integrity, and perseverance. He is truly a mentor of mentors and a Master of building people as much as programs. His leadership, wisdom, and example have taught us lessons that extend far beyond martial arts.

His story is also a powerful reminder of how opportunity and exposure can shape a life. Grand Master Von Schmeling often reflects on a moment from his childhood when his family had just moved from the countryside to the city. The school in his poor neighborhood was full, so he was sent to one several miles away in a much wealthier district. There he was invited to a classmate’s home and experienced things he had never seen before — electricity and finished floors. That experience opened his eyes to a different way of living and planted a seed that would influence his ambitions for the rest of his life. As he often explains, people cannot want what they have never seen.

That belief continues to guide Victory Martial Arts’ culture today. By exposing students and instructors to higher standards, leadership opportunities, and a strong sense of community, he has created an environment where people grow not only as martial artists but as individuals. Over decades of dedication, Grand Master Sergio Von Schmeling has shown that, at its highest level, martial arts is truly the art of living.

It is with great respect that we recognize Grand Master Sergio Von Schmeling for his legacy of excellence and those lives he has truly transformed.

Born in rural Paraguay in 1964, Grand Master Sergio Von Schmeling rose from poverty to become the founder and CEO of Victory Martial Arts, one of the largest organizations in the U.S. Discovering Taekwondo at age twelve, he opened his first school in Paraguay by eighteen, fueled by a lifelong obsession with growth and faith. Today, he oversees over 40 schools and the Victory Legacy Foundation, dedicated to philanthropy in South America. A dedicated student of Tony Robbins, Sergio continues to innovate, teaching that true martial arts is the “art of living.”