success is not something you hope for.
It is something you train for!
What if the principles that create success in martial arts could be applied to every area of your life?
For centuries, martial arts have developed discipline, focus, resilience, and mental strength. Yet too often, these powerful principles remain confined to the dojo—never fully translated into business, leadership, or everyday life.
In Be the Master of Your Life, Lou Markstrom bridges that gap.
Drawing on over four decades of martial arts training and decades of experience working with leaders, organisations, and high performers, Lou reveals 11 powerful principles that drive unstoppable success—both on and off the mat.
Through real-world stories, practical insights, and timeless philosophy, you’ll learn how to:
Commit fully and eliminate hesitation
Learn faster by studying those who have already succeeded
Develop the discipline to do the work—consistently
Step into challenge instead of avoiding it
Adapt under pressure and stay in control
Build momentum and persist through obstacles
Set goals that stretch your thinking and your results
Prepare strategically to win before the moment of action
Surround yourself with the right people who elevate your performance
Access the deeper source of your power—the indomitable spirit within you
Because success is not something you hope for.
It is something you train for.
This is not a book about martial arts techniques.
It is a guide to mastering your mindset, your actions, and your life.
Whether you are a leader, entrepreneur, professional, or someone simply looking to raise your standards, this book will challenge you to think differently, act more decisively, and move forward with purpose.
Praise For Be The Master of Your Life
‘How you train is how you fight.’ This book clearly shows how that same principle applies to business and life — where discipline, preparation, and daily habits determine performance when it matters most.”
— David Bybee, 3x World Kickboxing Champion | Head Coach, US Olympic Kickboxing Team & Founder, American Mixed Martial Arts
“An inspiring read I would recommend for everyone. Practical principles that when applied will have a significant positive impact on your personal and professional life.”
— Bastian Uber, Chief Digital & Information Officer | Martial Artist
“A must read for executives, law enforcement, and anyone looking to improve their performance and results. All fields of work will benefit from the lessons in this book. It combines martial arts principles with practical business, relationship, and life strategies, presented in a clear and applicable way.”
— Timothy Hollywood, Retired Captain, NYPD | 8th Degree Black Belt
“Success takes discipline, the courage to risk failure, and the humility to learn from it. This book shows how these principles can be applied to achieve real results in business and life.”
— Andrew Wheeler, Chief Information Officer | Kyokushin Practitioner
“The lessons learned on the mats can have a profound impact on our careers, personal goals, and daily life. This book brings those lessons to life through captivating stories, relatable examples, and practical wisdom.”
— Donnie Jeffcoat, Founder, Shaolin American Self Defense Academy | Martial Artist & Actor
About the Author
Lou Markstrom is an internationally recognised business leader, executive advisor, and martial arts Grand Master with over four decades of experience developing people and performance. Over the past 40 years, he has worked with more than 50,000 individuals across global organisations including Deloitte, American Express, Verizon, Channel 7, Allianz, and government agencies throughout Australia and the United States. He is the Founder and Director of Results Group International, named one of the Top 10 Organisational Development firms in the APAC region.
A 7th Degree Black Belt and Grand Master with over 40 years of martial arts experience, Lou has spent decades teaching and developing students of all ages. His work has been featured in leading martial arts publications, and he has been inducted into multiple Halls of Fame recognising both his martial arts and professional achievements.
Blending martial arts philosophy with real-world business experience, Lou helps individuals unlock their potential, strengthen their mindset, and achieve unstoppable success.