Meet Bilal Malik | Sensei Billy Karate Instructor and NLP coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bilal Malik and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bilal, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was driven by a few key things. First, a deep passion for martial arts not just as a physical practice but as a tool for personal development, discipline, and empowerment. I saw how it changed my own life, and I wanted to offer that same transformation to others.

Second, I realized that working under someone else’s system or structure often limited how much of myself I could bring into the teaching. I wanted the freedom to build a school that reflected my values, my style, and my mission especially around creating safe spaces for both kids and adults, and using martial arts as a method for building confidence, preventing harassment, and improving overall mental and physical health.

Lastly, I saw a genuine need in the community. People were looking for authentic, practical self-defense, and for instructors who care. I knew I could fill that gap. So I took the leap not just to run a business, but to build something meaningful for men women and children.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My dojo isn’t just a martial arts school it’s a safe space for growth, empowerment, and transformation. What sets us apart is the way we combine traditional martial arts with modern personal development tools like NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming). We don’t just teach punches and kicks we teach confidence, awareness, respect, and resilience. Whether I’m working with a child learning discipline, a woman learning self-defense, or a corporate team learning about boundaries and prevention, the mission is the same: “Never Give Up. We Are Not Allowed To.”

I’m most proud of the impact I see in my students. Watching someone walk in with self doubt and slowly build confidence through training that’s everything to me. Seeing kids who used to be shy now lead warm ups, or adults who once felt vulnerable now walk with strength that’s real success.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I’ve faced setbacks visa issues, failed partnerships, even moments of deep self doubt. There were times when plans changed suddenly, like when a UK move fell through, or when I had to shift direction completely due to outside forces. But each time, I remembered why I started: to serve, to teach, and to never give up.

I overcame challenges by staying grounded in purpose. I leaned on my martial arts training, both physically and mentally discipline, focus, and adaptability. And I surrounded myself with mentors and students who reminded me of the bigger picture, like my mentor Master Jack Turner from USSD

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Stay authentic. Business isn’t just about money or branding it’s about people. It’s about relationships. If you serve from the heart, success follows.

What I want the world to know about my story is this: I was once a student with big dreams, and now I teach others to dream bigger. My brand isn’t just a dojo it’s a movement. A place where men, women, and children come to grow, heal, and fight not against each other, but for their best selves

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Week with My Best Friend SoCal to Colorado Edition

A journey through two homes, two cultures, and one unforgettable experience.

Days 1–3: Southern California – Where It All Began
Day 1: Upland / Inland Empire Roots
We’d start where it all began for me in Upland.
I’d take them to Red Dragon Karate my first dojo and introduce them to the place that ignited my martial arts journey.
We’d grab burgers or tacos from a local favorite like The Hat or In-N-Out, and maybe cruise down Route 66 for a nostalgia ride.

Day 2: Palm Springs Detour
Next morning, we’d cruise into Palm Springs for a relaxing day brunch, poolside chilling, and a tram ride up Mount San Jacinto. The desert views are surreal.

Day 3: Drive to Flagstaff via Route 66
We’d take the scenic Route 66, stopping in quirky little towns along the way. In Flagstaff, we’d explore the local brewery scene and enjoy some stargazing it’s a designated dark sky city!

Day 4: Monument Valley and the Four Corners
This day would be all about epic landscapes. We’d visit Monument Valley for jaw dropping desert views, snap a few photos at the Four Corners, and then crash at a cozy Airbnb nearby.

Day 5: Arrive in Colorado Durango to Colorado Springs
Entering Colorado, we’d explore the charming town of Durango, then head toward Colorado Springs. There we’d visit Garden of the Gods, and maybe drive up Pikes Peak.

Day 6: Fort Collins Bound
Finally, we’d make it to Fort Collins craft beer capital of Colorado! We’d do a brewery tour (New Belgium is a must), grab dinner in Old Town, and walk along the scenic Poudre River Trail.

Day 7: Chill, Explore, Reflect
A relaxed last day brunch at The Silver Grill, some light hiking around Horsetooth Reservoir, and catching some live music at a local venue like Washington’s or The Aggie.

This trip would be the perfect combo of SoCal energy and Colorado adventure. From palm trees to pine trees, every stop offers something unique. Fort Collins is the kind of place that surprises you laid-back yet full of character, with some of the friendliest and most interesting people you’ll meet.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Sensei’s Chris Casamassa, Jason Neu and Master Jeff Speakman who inspired me to start martial arts

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