I consider myself truly blessed to have grown up on a hunting farm in South Africa. Those early years were shaped by the outdoors—nature was my playground, and movement was instinctive. I was constantly on the go, swimming in natural springs, hiking across vast mountainous landscapes, and challenging myself with rock climbing. Being active wasn’t just a pastime; it was the foundation of who I was.
Throughout my school years, I threw myself wholeheartedly into every sport available—tennis, hockey, gymnastics, cross-country, and athletics. If it got my heart racing and allowed me to move, I was in. But when I transitioned into university life, my priorities shifted. Like many students, I focused on earning my degrees, and my exercise routine inevitably slowed down. Then came the demands of work, and before I knew it, the athletic part of my life had taken a back seat.
It wasn’t until my mid-thirties that I felt the pull to return to a more physically active lifestyle. I joined a gym, and not long after, I walked into a dojo. That single decision—to step into martial arts training—became the greatest gift I’ve ever given myself. It transformed my life completely, and I remain deeply grateful for that turning point.
Now, a decade later, I’m proud to say that I’m still going strong. I’ve earned my third-degree black belt in Tang Soo Do and a first-degree black belt in Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan. Martial arts has become more than a passion—it’s a way of life. I continue to teach wherever I go, blending my love of travel with my dedication to the craft. In the process, I founded MMAM—Meticulous Martial Arts Mastermind—a community built around discipline, excellence, and shared growth.
In 2023, I hosted my very first MMAM Hall of Fame in Dallas, Texas. It was an unforgettable event that brought together a global community of achievers across film, music, martial arts, publishing, and more. Inductees traveled from all corners of the world to celebrate their journeys, and the atmosphere was electric—one of joy, honor, and mutual inspiration.
There’s a mountain in South Africa that holds special meaning for me. I climb it often, and it just so happens to be shaped like a lion. It’s where I go to train, meditate, journal, cry, and pray. Fittingly, during my early years of martial arts, I was given the nickname Lioness. Long before I noticed the mountain’s feline silhouette, I had already been scaling its paths. Discovering the resemblance was a beautiful affirmation that I was aligned with my path—heart, body, and soul.
When my beloved mother passed away in 2020 from Stage 4 brain cancer, I felt compelled to create something in her honor. That’s when I launched my podcast, Meticulous Moments. Its purpose is simple but powerful: to facilitate Community Upliftment Through Leadership Development. Through this platform, I’ve had the privilege of meeting and learning from extraordinary individuals across the globe. Each conversation leaves me more inspired than the last.
My goals for the future are rooted in expansion and impact. I want Meticulous Moments to reach even further—currently, it streams in 196 countries—and I aim to keep growing the MMAM community with even more meaningful connections and events. I envision the MMAM Hall of Fame becoming a landmark celebration in the world of martial arts and personal development, remembered as one of the most fabulous gatherings in history.
If my story resonates with you, I warmly invite you to be part of the journey. Visit my website at www.meticulousmoments.com, follow me on Instagram at @juanita.kapp, or connect with me on Facebook at facebook.com/juanita.kapp.54.
Let’s create a better tomorrow—together.
Osu.
