Being recognized as the premier Personal Development Franchise, providing Character Education, Physical Fitness and a well-rounded Martial Arts Education.

We are dedicated professionals seeking leaders to become a part of our franchise family.

We want people:

• who believe in the power of the human potential and are inspired by setting an example of excellence;
• who are inspired by the pursuit of the American Dream of business ownership;
• who believe that “the cup is always half full” ;
• who love challenges and realize that with dedication and work any obstacle is an opportunity to grow;
• who want to be in the company of other positive people working together to achieve a common goal;
• who want their career to be an extension of who they are as a person ;
• who fully recognizes the power and pride of Leaving a Legacy.

Our success is simple: through excellent service, help people reach their goals.

Company History

As we look back, our beginning was indeed humble.  Teaching karate classes out of a one-car garage.  Only teaching one student at a time, because that is all we had space for.  In 1991, with $750 in the bank and dreams of unlimited possibilities, Chris Rappold opened the first Personal Best Karate^TM location in South Easton, MA.  With dedication, passion and a “can do” attitude the school started to grow and people were talking.

It seemed so strange back then to think that a “karate school” could become such a positive force in the community, a far cry from the old days of broken bones from kicks and punches.  Our goal was to integrate inspirational lessons into the physical classes so students would be touched on both a physical and mental level.  We also wanted the community to benefit from our presence, whether or not they had any interest in joining our school.  So we loaded up the cars with children and took them to the nursing homes to visit with the elderly.  This was the start of “creating experiences” for students.  We found this much more powerful that just a lecture.  “Leadership is Example” became the mantra on all levels of operations at Personal Best Karate^TM.

As the school grew, we added and refined systems and procedures.  The need for well-designed curriculum became a focus, since we were now teaching people of all ages.  Recognizing the possibilities for creating similar positive results, but realizing potential students were confined to limited geography, Personal Best Karate^TM expanded to two locations, then in 2001 added our most ambitious piece: “The Partners In Excellence Franchise Program.” 

From a small one-car garage to the leading Personal Development Franchise teaching Character Education, Physical Fitness and a well-rounded Martial Arts Education.  It is amazing what can happen when people are focused on a goal, dedicated to attainment and willing to give their Personal Best.

Our Founder

Christopher Rappold holds a 5th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and is a two-time World Champion. He has represented the United States of America as a top athlete in his sport on five different occasions in international competition. In 1995 and 1997, Chris received the prestigious “Martial Artist of the Year Award” by the International Martial Arts Association in celebration of his two world championships.  He is a graduate of Bridgewater State College with a degree in Physical Education. 

As Founder and C.E.O. of Personal Best Karate^TM, Chris took the attributes that made him a success in competition and integrated them with outstanding operational systems that are implemented and utilized at his centers. The franchise organization now has five locations and looks towards steady growth in the next few years. 

As an active community leader, Chris continues to extend his positive influence in the schools and throughout the community. His efforts have been recognized nationally by his representation as an Olympic Torch Bearer and having a U.S. Flag flown over the U.S. Capital in his honor. On a local level, most recently, he received the “Friend of Children Award” as an Inspirational Role Model. Under Chris’ direction, the “Turkey Brigade” (an effort to provide Thanksgiving dinners to needy families, which began in 1993) has provided almost 4,000 holiday dinners to families in need.  As a friend of the community, Personal Best Karate^TM is active each year in the “Toys For Tots” drive for underprivileged children and their families.  Through a scholarship program, Personal Best Karate^TM provides full tuition to children who otherwise would not be able to attend training classes. Additionally, Chris continues to be a positive force in the communities he serves by speaking at many of the local schools on subjects such as “Raising Self Esteem” and “Being Your Personal Best”; and by lending support to many other worthy organizations and projects.

Personal Best Karate^TM has been cited many times as a leader in the field of character development, physical fitness and self-defense for children and adults. Personal Best Karate^TM enjoys a national reputation of having impeccable business practices; as such, Chris has hosted national and international Martial Arts business associates who look to achieve a similar level of occupational/vocational expertise in their businesses.  In March of 2004, Chris earned the designation of Certified Franchise Executive (C.F.E.) from the International Franchise Association.  He is the first person in the Martial Arts industry to have earned this honor.