Podcast Summary: How I Built My Small Business
Episode: Johnny Rickard – Train for Life: Martial Arts Wisdom from THE REFINERY NZ
Host: Ann McGinty
Date: August 26, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features Johnny Rickard, founder of THE REFINERY, a martial arts and community dojo in Raglan, New Zealand. Johnny shares his journey from bullied child and school teacher to cancer survivor and full-time dojo operator grounded in Maori values. More than a tale of entrepreneurship, this conversation explores healing, self-mastery, community, and living in tune with both self and land.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Johnny’s Early Story: From Bullied Child to Martial Artist

• Born severely premature and small; bullied at school
• Parents enrolled him in martial arts to build confidence and self-defense
• Martial arts offered connection, happiness, and a sense of belonging

“School wasn’t a very comfortable place for me… So my parents took the bull by the horns and sort of said, hey, you got to go do some kind of martial arts…” — Johnny Rickard (01:04)

Pivotal Life Changes: Health and Career

• Taught school for 15 years but grew disillusioned as education became less personal
• Diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2019: “questioning my own mortality”
• Key turning point: advice from his father after attending a sensei’s funeral
• Chose to leave teaching and make martial arts his full-time vocation

“Are you crazy, dude?… are you, like, I can’t just quit my job.” — Johnny Rickard (02:41)

• Built dojo on ancestral land, but initial years were financially tough (“rice and noodles and fish cakes for the first eight months to a year”)

Finding Purpose & Fulfillment (05:41–07:22)

• Cancer and life shifts led Johnny to a more authentic, joyful state
• Views THE REFINERY as a space for people to “refine” themselves
• Emphasizes ongoing, communal growth—physical, mental, emotional, spiritual

“Whatever comes into a refinery leaves as something different... If you, as a person, can keep that awareness alive…that is a huge beneficial mindset.” — Johnny (06:27)

• Reports being “the happiest I have ever been in my entire life.”

Ancestral Land and Community Stewardship (07:42–12:25)

• The dojo is built on ancestral Maori land reclaimed by Johnny’s grandmother after decades of struggle against the government
• Feels obligated to share the land and its energy with all, emphasizing respect and togetherness

“That space isn’t my space. It’s not our family space… It’s a space that we as Kaitiaki, we’re the ones who look after that space and it’s our obligation to share that...” — Johnny (10:45)

• Financial stability took 2–3 years; credits deep ties within Raglan for his support network

A Day at THE REFINERY (12:49–14:42)

• Early morning classes (starting 6am), personal training, school groups, children’s and adult classes
• Flexible midday break for rest and surfing
• Surfing and martial arts are intertwined as vehicles for resilience and connection
• The dojo also hosts traveling groups; always open and welcoming

Martial Arts: Beyond Punches and Kicks (14:50–19:24)

• Family’s ethos: Martial arts as building relationships, not just physical fighting
• Emphasizes conquering oneself over others
• Critiques commercialized fight culture and champions togetherness, support, honest self-reflection

“Victory in life lies not in conquering others. It lies in conquering yourself.” — Johnny (16:26)

• Surfing (learned at 45) brought new fulfillment and community bonds

Community as Happiness (19:24–20:38)

• Johnny’s awareness of community grew after his cancer experience
• Now sees himself as a facilitator, setting an example of openness and positivity

“If I could walk down the street and say hello to everyone, if I could shake as many hands as I could possibly shake…then maybe you could set an example for others...” — Johnny (20:11)

Life Advice for Younger Self & Entrepreneurs (20:57–25:04)

• Would urge his younger self to “believe in yourself,” take risks, and not fear failure
• Advocates honest self-appraisal, trusting the process, and embracing turns and setbacks as part of growth

“There is no failure in picking something up and running with it… you’re only going to maybe not get things as right as you would possibly want them to be. But that’s the learn.” — Johnny (22:17)

Mental Health, Connection, and Practical Wisdom (25:53–29:43)

• Encourages young people to combat isolation by seeking connection—family, sport, community
• Importance of building support networks before hitting crisis
• Advocates engagement with nature for calm and clarity

“Go hang out in spaces that are healthy…when the challenges hit, then you have the support of these people…” — Johnny (27:01)

• Deep empathy for youth facing societal pressures, stresses importance of wholesome environments

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Martial Arts & Personal Growth:
  “It’s not about the punches and kicks. Never has been in my eyes, it never will be.” — Johnny (16:08)
• On Fear and Starting Anew:
  “You can be 45 and pick up a surfboard. You can be 50 and start a new business… Beginner’s mind is a gift, not a weakness.” — Ann (29:43)
• On Stewardship:
  “That space isn’t my space… It’s our obligation to share that with people as long as… they need to be respectful.” — Johnny (10:45)

Standout Timestamps

• Johnny’s rough childhood and start with martial arts: 01:04–02:08
• Cancer diagnosis and life shift decision: 02:14–05:11
• Meaning of THE REFINERY and personal happiness: 05:41–07:22
• History and stewardship of the land: 07:42–12:25
• A day at the dojo (routine and flow): 12:49–14:42
• Philosophy of martial arts, self-mastery, community: 14:50–19:24
• Johnny’s advice for his younger self: 20:57–25:00
• Wisdom for young people and mental health: 25:53–29:43

Key Takeaways

1. Success is Rooted in Connection: True fulfillment comes from building authentic relationships—martial arts, like life, is about self-mastery and community.
2. Embrace Beginner’s Mind: Never let fear of being new or imperfect hold you back; growth comes from trying, failing, and trying anew.
3. Nature & Community Heal: Prioritize real-world connection, both with community and the earth, to cultivate resilience—especially amid modern pressures.
4. Stewardship is Sacred: View your spaces, legacy, and gifts as something to share and enrich others’ lives, not just your own.
5. Believe in Yourself: The journey is neither quick nor straight, but self-belief, adaptation, and openheartedness are the compass.
6. Build Networks Before You Need Them: Life’s inevitable hardships are easier when you’ve already fostered support and belonging.

For listeners seeking inspiration, authentic growth, or ideas for community-centered business, this episode is both a masterclass and a moving meditation on what matters most.