Billionaire CEOs trained in martial arts
Martial arts training has many physical and mental benefits that improve overall health and quality of life.
However, recent examples show that there is also a strong connection between martial arts practice, and succeeding in business.
In fact, some of the most successful CEOs are either actively training in martial arts or have a strong background that includes a black belt rank.
In this article, we are going to take a closer look at the successful CEOs who are trained in one or more combat systems. We will also explore how martial arts training helps you develop 5 crucial business skills.
Dan Schulman
Dan Schulman is an American businessman known for his role as the President and CEO of PayPal Holdings. Under Schulman’s guidance, PayPal expanded its services beyond its traditional online payment platform.
Schulman was recognized by Fortune magazine as Businessperson of the Year in 2018. As a committed leader, he also received positive reviews from employees, leading to his inclusion in Glassdoor’s list of highest-rated CEOs in 2018. A recognition based on anonymous employee feedback and satisfaction.
One of the secrets that makes Schulman better than other CEOs is that he uses martial arts philosophy in business. Since a young age, he has been training in Krav Maga, an Israeli hybrid combat system known as one of the most practical for real-world fighting.
However, Krav Maga is also intense, aggressive, physically and mentally hard and complex. The system is a mix of striking, grappling, and weapon-based training with the focus being on realism and drilling-specific self-defense situations.
In one of the interviews, Shulman said the following:
“There’s a philosophy in martial arts which is, ‘Never stand still.’ Standing still is asking to be hit. You always have to be willing to take some risks going forward. You can’t stand still”
Mark Zuckerberg
Mark Zuckerberg is a co-founder and CEO of Facebook, one of the world’s leading social media platforms. He launched Facebook in 2004 while studying at Harvard University. Under his leadership, the platform has grown into a global phenomenon, connecting billions of users and reshaping online communication.
Zuckerberg has remained a key figure in the tech industry. He is continuously innovating and is now steering Facebook’s evolution into Meta Platforms, Inc., with a focus on the development of the metaverse.
Zuckerberg is also known for his interest in physical fitness and has occasionally shared updates about his workout routines. During the pandemic lockdown, he used both of his social media platforms to announce that he is actively training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
While being a guest on the Lex Fridman podcast, Zuckerberg said that he is training between three and four times a week. He trains under the close guidance of the legendary 5th-degree black belt, Dave Camarillo, and is currently a blue belt.
In 2023, he competed in his first BJJ tournament where he won gold and silver medals for the Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu team. Apart from BJJ, Zuckenber also occasionally trains in MMA and is a regular guest at the UFC events.
In 2023, he even accepted a challenge to fight Elon Musk in an MMA match. But this event is yet to be materialized.
Alex Karp
Alex Karp is the co-founder and CEO of Palantir Technologies. A prominent American software company specializing in data analytics.
The company is known for its data integration and analysis platforms. It offers solutions for big data analytics, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism. The software has been utilized by various government agencies, including the CIA, FBI, and the U.S. military.
Despite the shortage of free time that comes with being a successful businessman, Karp is regularly training in different sports, including martial arts.
In his youth, he practiced martial arts such as jujutsu (Japanese jiu-jitsu), and Aikido. In one of the interviews, he said that he would often jump on his co-founders of Palantir and put them into different submission holds.
He also keeps Tai Chi swords in his offices but luckily he never used those to play with his friends.
But in recent years, Karp has switched his focus to aerobic activities. In one of the interviews, he revealed that he often skis 5 hours a day, and is also doing a lot of long-distance running and swimming.
As a result of all of these activities, he has a 7% body fat, the same as the most successful Olympic swimmer, Michael Felps.
Adena Friedman
Adena Friedman is the President and CEO of Nasdaq, a leading global provider of trading, clearing, exchange technology, listing, and public company services. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Williams College and an MBA from Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University.
Friedman has received recognition for her leadership and contributions to the financial industry. She has been featured on various lists, including Forbes’ Most Powerful Women in Finance.
But what a lot of people don’t know about Friedman is that she is an accomplished martial artist. At one point in life, she decided to enroll her sons in martial arts. After taking them to the Taekwondo academy, she decided to give it a try too. Friedman quickly fell in love with the classes, so much so that she went all the way to reaching a black belt rank.
In her own words, training in martial arts helped her become more fearless in business.
How Martial Arts Training Improve Business Skills?
Discipline and Focus
Martial arts require a high level of discipline and focus. Practitioners must adhere to strict training regimens, learn specific techniques and skills, and maintain a high level of concentration during the practice. This disciplined mindset can translate directly into the business world. It helps individuals to stay focused on their goals, manage time effectively, and adhere to deadlines.
Stress Management
Martial arts is a great stress reliever. Learning to control and channel stress during intense training sessions can help individuals develop resilience in high-pressure situations. Especially in business.
The ability to remain calm and emotionally stable under stress is a valuable skill in business. It helps individuals make rational decisions based on facts and make rational decisions. This directly improves their problem-solving and leadership skills.
Confidence and Leadership
Martial arts training is a confidence booster. Though mastering techniques, overcoming challenges, and improving fitness, the rise in self-esteem will naturally follow. This is crucial for business where being confident is the most important skill of a leader.
Martial artists often develop strong leadership qualities, as they learn to lead by example. They have the skills to communicate effectively and motivate others from their training group to stay on the right track.
Teamwork and Communication
Many martial arts involve training with partners or in a large group where everyone is equal. This fosters teamwork and effective communication, as practitioners must focus on helping each other toward individual goals, and provide constructive feedback.
These skills are essential in a business setting, where working and communicating with other coworkers is crucial for achieving objectives and solving problems.
Adaptability and Resilience
Becoming a skilled martial artist requires a high level of adaptability. Practitioners constantly need to adapt to new techniques, workouts, people, instructors, etc. In order to grow, they also need to continuously self-evaluate their journey and look for improvements.
This adaptability transitions well into the business world, where unpredictable challenges and changes are common. Martial artists often become more resilient, learning to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to new situations, and thrive in dynamic environments.
Positive Mindset
Martial arts training often emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset. Practitioners learn to approach challenges with a can-do attitude and develop mental resilience. Inside the gym, there are no mistakes, just lessons to be learned.
This positivity can extend into the business world, helping individuals maintain optimism in the face of obstacles, build a constructive work environment, and inspire others.
