Ep. 24 | Roy Kurban — A Life of Martial Arts, Leadership & Public Service

What does it mean to dedicate your entire life to serving others?

Some people spend decades mastering a martial art. Others dedicate themselves to serving their communities through military service, law enforcement, education, or public office. Very few people devote themselves wholeheartedly to all of those paths.

In Episode 24 of Coffee Time with Carlos Machado, Master Carlos Machado sits down with Roy Kurban for one of the most thoughtful and inspiring conversations on the Coffee Time podcast to date.

Roy's journey spans more than half a century and reflects the very values that martial arts were always meant to teach: discipline, humility, perseverance, integrity, leadership, and service. From competing during the golden era of American karate to serving in the United States Army, working in law enforcement, presiding as a Texas Justice of the Peace, and mentoring generations of students, Roy has consistently lived a life dedicated to helping others become better people.

Throughout this wide-ranging conversation, Carlos and Roy revisit the formative years of martial arts in America—a time when legends such as Chuck Norris, Joe Lewis, Alan Steen, Pat Burleson, Skipper Mullins, Steve Sanders, and many others were helping define competitive karate and inspiring countless practitioners around the world.

Roy shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from those early tournaments, reflecting on the camaraderie, intensity, and pioneering spirit that helped shape modern martial arts. He explains how competing against some of the best martial artists of his era challenged him not only physically but mentally, teaching lessons that would later influence every aspect of his personal and professional life.

Carlos and Roy also discuss what it means to build a successful martial arts school. Beyond producing champions, they explain how great instructors shape character and help students discover confidence that extends beyond the dojo. Whether someone trains for competition, fitness or self-defense, martial arts provides a framework for becoming a more capable human being.

The conversation naturally expands into Roy's distinguished career outside the martial arts world. After serving in the United States Army, Roy entered law enforcement and eventually served as a Texas Justice of the Peace. Those experiences provided countless opportunities to apply the same principles he learned through martial arts: remaining calm under pressure, treating people with respect, making difficult decisions fairly, and leading by example.

Carlos and Roy reflect on the importance of mentorship and the responsibility every experienced martial artist has to pass knowledge to future generations. They discuss the teachers who influenced their lives, the values they hope to preserve, and why humility remains one of the most important characteristics any leader can possess.

This isn't simply a conversation about karate or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It's a conversation about becoming the kind of person others can depend on. It's about embracing responsibility, respecting others, learning continuously, and recognizing that true success is measured by the lives we positively influence.

If you appreciate thoughtful conversations about martial arts history, leadership, personal development, faith, resilience, and lifelong learning, you'll find tremendous value in this episode.

About Roy Kurban

Roy Kurban is a lifelong martial artist, United States Army veteran, former reserve police officer, educator, and former Texas Justice of the Peace. Over the course of several decades, he has dedicated his life to serving others through martial arts instruction, public safety, judicial service, and community leadership.

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction

02:05 – The Golden Era of American Karate in the 1970s

17:38 – Chuck Norris and a Life-Changing Lesson

24:52 – Becoming a Texas Judge

31:55 – Leadership Beyond the Dojo

55:24 – Faith, Family & Living with Purpose

1:15:53 – Final Reflections

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