Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Golino-Crisco aka Master G.
Hi Michelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am Master G, a title earned after 38 years of dedication, shared by only a dozen women internationally. As a 7th-degree black belt under the International Taekwon-Do Federation, my life’s mission is empowering souls, transforming lives through authentic taekwondo and impactful self-defense.
For 25 years, I served around 500 individuals through my martial arts school. Since founding A Charity Empowered to Save Souls (ACETSS.org) in 2021, over 5,000 lives have been empowered. Our nonprofit was founded on the belief that everyone deserves an opportunity to benefit from martial arts training, all ages and all abilities. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Losing my father to gun violence as a teen and experiencing personal tragedies shaped my commitment to building safer communities. My martial arts journey began in 1980 in New Haven, CT, where I became one of the first female black belts. At 18, while studying accounting at Quinnipiac University, I earned a spot on the USA Women’s Taekwon-Do Team and began teaching for extra cash. From training with Taekwon-Do’s founder, General Choi Hong Hi, to competing in Madison Square Garden, to two US World Championships, I gained the confidence to open my first dojang in 1997. I later earned my fifth through seventh degrees from Grand Master Hwang Kwang Sung, the second-highest ranked Taekwon-Do practitioner in the world as our founder passed in 2002. The next year I earned a spot once again on the USA World Team in my early 30’s. My teammates where 18 to 20, I was now a wife and mother to two daughters, and holding down an accounting job between training sessions.
Today, I teach over 300 individuals weekly as a mobile martial arts instructor. More than half present with varying disabilities. I lead self-defense lunch & learns, offer free programs to those in need, coach students from ages 3 to 83, speak at health fairs, conferences and annually at the National Amputee Coalition reaching thousands. I also offer our athletes a pathway to World Championships. Inspired by the staggering statistic that a violent crime occurs every 25.6 seconds in the U.S., my passion and faith drive our nonprofit’s mission to empower souls and transform lives. This is no longer a one-woman operation, today I am supported by a dedicated team of athletes, donors, and volunteers.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Transitioning from a full-time accounting career to part-time in order to pursue my passion for martial arts has been one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced. It was a difficult decision because it meant giving up a stable, predictable career path for the uncertainty of entrepreneurship. I’ve had to learn how to balance both professions, which has involved a lot of careful time management and, at times, financial strain. Accounting still plays a crucial role in my life, but my passion for martial arts drives me forward, despite the challenges.
Another ongoing struggle has been finding reliable spaces to teach. Since I don’t own a studio, I often have to rent spaces, which leaves me at the mercy of other people’s schedules and unforeseen closures. Weather can disrupt outdoor classes, and events or activities in the rented spaces can force me to reschedule or cancel sessions. This unpredictability can be frustrating for both me and my clients, as it impacts consistency in training.
Building a student base during Covid was also a challenge. Unlike a traditional studio where students walk in, I’ve had to actively market myself and network to find businesses who are looking for mobile, on-location training. This required a lot of trial and error, as well as patience, to establish a steady group of martial arts partnerships. In the early stages, there were times when I doubted whether I could grow the business enough to make it sustainable after having served over a thousand hours free.
Managing finances is another aspect that has required a steep learning curve. Transitioning from a stable income in accounting to fluctuating earnings in martial arts instruction meant that I had to become more strategic about budgeting and planning. I’ve had to reinvest in equipment, travel, and marketing while still maintaining a safety net from my accounting work.
Lastly, the irregular schedule that comes with being a mobile instructor can sometimes be overwhelming. Juggling availability, travel time, and my own commitments can make for long, unpredictable days. Flexibility is a core part of what I offer, but it also means adapting to last-minute changes and being prepared to adjust on the fly.
Despite these struggles, I’ve found that each challenge has helped me grow—not just as an instructor, but as a business owner and individual. The rewards of seeing my students progress and being able to pursue something I’m passionate about make every hurdle worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m fortunate to be recognized as a Certified International Instructor in authentic Taekwon-Do, with expertise that has attracted students from around the world. Orlando is a global destination, and I’ve become a go-to instructor for visitors who want to train with a master during their stay. I fill that unique gap, offering training to both local and international students and instructors who seek high-level instruction. It’s always an honor to share my knowledge and passion with martial artists who travel from across the country—and sometimes the globe—to train with me.
What truly sets me apart, however, is my dedication to teaching anyone and everyone. For the past 27 years, I’ve been committed to creating a space where martial arts is accessible to people of all ages and abilities. In my classes, you’ll find students as young as 3 and as old as 73, training together and supporting one another. I specialize in working with students with autism, Asperger’s, cerebral palsy, and other special needs. It’s incredibly rewarding to see these individuals, who may not feel at home in a traditional martial arts environment, thrive and gain confidence in their training. Our self-defense workshops also reach and empower the LGBTQ community, senior citizens, ‘at-risk’ teens and trauma survivors. Our self-defense workshops focus not on punching, kicking, sweeping and tossing, but on a scientific method of escapism whereby anyone can execute techniques to protect their own boundaries.
I believe everyone deserves an opportunity to benefit from martial arts training, and I’ve dedicated my career to making it accessible to those who are often overlooked or underserved. My teaching philosophy is rooted in the idea that, regardless of age or ability, anyone can benefit from the discipline, confidence, and empowerment that martial arts provides. It’s this inclusive approach, combined with my expertise and passion for the art, that I’m most known for. Miracles and Motion is a launching soon online to reach the masses, those with body shame, those without transportation, those who wish to gather with like-minded individuals to train together under expert guidance in a judgement-free zone.
I am most proud to have empowered thousands in just three years of our young non-profit life.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I like to blend personal growth with purpose-driven tools to stay motivated and balanced, both in my work and life. My number one app is Pandora; I use it daily to create a positive atmosphere with jazz and Christian music—genres that bring me both peace and inspiration. For deeper insights and guidance, General Choi’s Taekwon-Do Encyclopedia is an indispensable reference that I turn to regularly. Its structured approach reminds me to stay disciplined and grounded, especially in my work with our nonprofit.
I also incorporate Mindvalley and The 6 Phase Meditation Method by Vishen Lakhiani, both of which help me stay focused and connected to my goals. A turning point for me was ‘Halftime’ by Bob Buford; it played a huge role in kickstarting my nonprofit journey, encouraging me to pursue a life of impact and service.
Spiritually, I keep The Holy Bible close by, both on my phone and in my briefcase, for moments of reflection and inspiration. I gain additional perspectives from podcasts like Young and Profiting by Hala Taha, Grant Writing Simplified with Teresa Huff, and Chaplain Lecia Gray’s talks, each offering valuable insights on personal development, growth for nonprofits, and overcoming life’s challenges.
These resources together help me stay centered, spiritually nourished, and continuously learning, which I believe are essential qualities for doing my best work.
Pricing:
- Taekwon-Do Membership: Individual training starting at $95/month; Family training (up to four members): $125/month
- Self-Defense Empowerment Seminars: Includes escapism, de-escalation and weapons disarmament; pricing ranges from $350 to $750 (based on group size and event length)
- Private Lessons: starting at $50/hour
- Nonprofit Outreach Collaborations: Serving trauma survivors, the LGBTQ+ community, senior citizens, at-risk teens, and individuals with disabilities; free of charge with donations encouraged
Contact Info:
- Website: www.EmpowerWithMasterG.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tkd.masterg
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empowerwithmasterg/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/empowerwithmasterg/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmpowerWithMasterG
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/world-class-taekwon-do-lake-mary
- Other: https://www.acetss.org/online
Image Credits
Jhamez Holmes
