- Saturday, August 8, 2026
- Arlington Expo Center
- 1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington TX 76011
Reserve Your Spot Today!
Space is limited. Select your ticket below.
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At Level Up 2026, attendees will experience more than a traditional martial arts seminar. This event combines elite training, leadership development, and practical business education into one immersive experience designed for long-term growth. Whether participants are students, instructors, parents, or school owners, every session is built to strengthen skills, develop confidence, and provide real-world insight from experienced martial artists and successful academy leaders.
What You’ll Experience at Level Up 2026
Elite Martial Arts Training – High-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, and Kickboxing seminars led by experienced black belts and academy leaders.
Leadership & Personal Development – Build confidence, discipline, communication, mentorship, and leadership skills that extend beyond the academy.
Martial Arts Business Education – Learn proven strategies for marketing, student retention, instructor development, and long-term academy growth.
Learn from Proven Operators – Gain practical insight from successful martial artists and academy owners with decades of real-world experience.
Youth Leadership & Future Instructor Development – Interactive leadership and business experiences designed to inspire the next generation of martial arts professionals.
Community, Networking & Growth – Connect with motivated students, instructors, and school owners in a high-energy environment focused on growth and excellence.
Leadership Development
Attendees will learn how to become effective leaders inside a martial arts academy and in everyday life. Training will focus on communication, responsibility, discipline, mentorship, and influence — equipping participants to lead in the academy, at home, at school, at work, and within their communities.
Martial Arts Business Education
Practical education for school owners and instructors, Level Up provides real-world education on running a successful academy, including:
Marketing strategies Lead generation systems Revenue growth Retention structures Instructor developmentBuilding leadership pipelines Youth Vision & Business Simulation
Young participants will experience a gamified leadership and business track designed to teach the fundamentals of running a martial arts academy in a way that is engaging and age-appropriate. Students will gain insight into what it means to be an instructor, a leader, and a school owner — preparing the next generation of martial arts professionals.
Speakers
Orlando Waugh
With martial arts experience dating back to 1987, Orlando Waugh brings decades of leadership, discipline, and instruction in both Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A dedicated husband and father, he joined the TXBBA family in 2002 and became a founding member of the TXBBA Franchise Group in 2021. Orlando is widely respected for guiding students through transformative journeys from white belt to confident martial artists and leaders.
Sarina Waugh
Sarina Waugh began her martial arts journey in 1994 and has become a respected leader in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts education. Alongside her dedication to family and mentorship, she brings decades of corporate finance and auditing experience from organizations including General Electric and American Airlines. As a founding member of the TXBBA Franchise Group, Sarina is recognized for her commitment to developing strong communities and empowering others through martial arts.
Donnie Bedore
Donnie Bedore is a seasoned martial artist and entrepreneur with black belts in Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Combining over 25 years of corporate leadership experience with a passion for mentorship, Donnie transitioned from major corporations to help build a lasting legacy within the martial arts industry. His expertise in leadership, business development, and personal growth continues to inspire students, families, and future school owners.
Nick Pahanish
A lifelong martial artist since 1996, Nick Pahanish is a respected leader in both Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As a devoted husband, father, and mentor, he has spent decades helping shape martial arts communities alongside some of the industry’s most influential figures. Nick played a key role in the development of TX Black Belt Academy’s management systems and is passionate about empowering students and instructors to reach their highest potential.
Train With Elite Martial Artist
High-level training, leadership development, and business education all in one immersive event.
Event Overview
The Black Belt Leadership Conference is a high-impact training and networking experience designed for martial arts leaders, instructors, and academy owners. Attendees will gain advanced training, business insights, and valuable connections within the TXBBA community.
Date: August 8
Check-In Begins: 8:00 AM
Main Event: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Dinner & Awards: 6:00 PM
Registration Options
TXBBA Members
Leadership Member:
$249$99.00 (60% Off)Non-Leadership Member:
$325$129.00 (60% Off)
Non-TXBBA Academies
General Admission:
$497$199.00 (60% Off)
Event Schedule
Morning
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Check-In10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Martial Arts Training
Afternoon
- 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Break For Lunch – Meal Not Inculded 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Business Training & Networking4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Event Concludes
Evening
6:00 PM
Dinner & Awards Ceremony
Vendor & Sponsor Opportunities
Sponsor Package — Starting at $250
Sponsors receive:
Vendor booth presence
Direct exposure to academy owners and leaders
Inclusion in the Event Passport Promotion
Brand visibility during networking sessions
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More Than A Seminar!
A full-day martial arts leadership and business experience designed for long-term growth.
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TXBBA
Frequently Asked Questions
Level Up 2026 is designed for martial arts students, instructors, school owners, parents, and aspiring leaders looking to grow both on and off the mat.
No. Attendees of all experience levels are welcome, from beginners to experienced instructors and academy owners.
The event will include training and seminars in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Kickboxing, and leadership-focused martial arts instruction.
Yes. In addition to martial arts seminars, attendees will gain practical insight into leadership, personal development, and martial arts business growth.
Attendees should bring appropriate training gear, water, and anything needed to comfortably participate in seminars and workshops throughout the day.