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

Hi Darryl, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have always had almost a ‘compulsion’ to create something. I absolutely love the concept of creating a vision, then bringing it to life. Although I can certainly operate under someone else’s guidance and leadership, very few things bring me more joy than being the captain of my own ship…………..whether the seas are rough or fair. 🙂

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The program that I have most recently created and am working to launch out into the world is HTK Krav Maga. While there are a good number of excellent Krav Maga/Self-Defense systems out there, I wanted something a little bit different.

I wanted a program that not only gave the instructors that are teaching the classes great tools and support BUT I wanted the individual students to have amazing and interesting tools to give them the best experience possible. Plus, I wanted to do a lot of the branding in a way that would draw ‘eyeballs’ that may not be interested in the more usual marketing of Self-Defense.

I’ve been in the business for over 30 years and have made probably every business mistake possible. But I believe that the lessons learned from falling on my face over, and over…….and over have given me the wisdom and insight to produce a superior product.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Favorite spots in San Diego

La Jolla Tide pools
Ruth Chris steak house
Cowles Mt hike
Torrey Pines
Whiskey Room
Harbor cruise
Whale watching
Highway 1 cruise up past Malibu

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve had several great mentors and leaders along my entrepreneur journey of Self-Protection and Fitness. However, I have to give a large amount of credit to my first actual business mentor: Master Maurice Orange

Website: CoachDarrylJohnson.com

Instagram: CoachDarrylJohnson

Facebook: djkicks71

Image Credits
New Wave Photography Alex Castro Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.