My Dad Wrote a Book: Victory For Life
September 2026 · Updated September 21, 2026 · 3 min read
My dad wrote a book. Grand Master Sergio Von Schmeling, the founder of Victory Martial Arts, released Victory For Life: 7 Life Skills To Victory on September 1, 2026. If you have followed me for a while, you know martial arts is a big part of my family. I grew up on those mats, so here's a little of the story behind the book.
The book's launch artwork describes it as a #1 Amazon bestseller in Martial Arts.
The launch materials also state that 100% of proceeds benefit The Victory Legacy Foundation. You can read more about the foundation and its work in Paraguay in my separate foundation post.
Victory For Life: 7 Life Skills To Victory
By Grand Master Sergio Von Schmeling, founder of Victory Martial Arts. The link below goes to the paperback edition.
See the book on Amazon → As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Who my dad is
My dad's story starts in Paraguay. He was the seventh of ten kids and grew up with almost nothing. He started helping support the family as a little boy, and he found martial arts at twelve. In 1988, my parents sold everything they owned and moved to the United States with my brother.
He founded Victory Martial Arts in 1993 and has spent more than thirty years teaching and leading the organization. He is a ninth degree black belt. At Victory, the focus goes beyond what happens on the mat to the life skills students can carry with them.
What the book is about
You don't have to practice martial arts to read this one. The book brings together stories from his life and lessons about values, relationships and leadership. The description talks about the victories and failures that shaped him, and how those experiences became practical tools.
According to the official book page, the seven life skills are discipline, respect, self-esteem, communication, belief, honesty and gratitude. The book is written for parents, young people and people leading a family, a team or a business.
Why this one is personal for me
I started martial arts around age three and earned my third degree black belt in Taekwondo. I grew up inside Victory, watching kids come through the school. So when I introduce the author, I'm also introducing my dad and a part of my family's story.
Take a look at Victory For Life
If you want to read more, you can find the book through my Amazon link below.
See Victory For Life on Amazon → As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Frequently asked questions
When was the book published?
Victory For Life was published September 1, 2026. The Amazon link above goes to the paperback edition.
Who wrote it?
My dad, Grand Master Sergio Von Schmeling, the founder of Victory Martial Arts and a ninth degree black belt with more than thirty years of teaching.
Do I need to do martial arts to enjoy it?
No. It is a personal-growth book built on real stories and practical life skills, written for parents, young people and leaders.
What is it about?
It connects stories from his life with seven life skills: discipline, respect, self-esteem, communication, belief, honesty and gratitude.
Janet
Florida creator and the face behind Planet Janet TV. I grew up in martial arts, and I share family, travel, and lifestyle moments behind the scenes. Come say hi on Instagram.
The foundation behind the book's giving
A look at the Victory Legacy Foundation and its work in Paraguay.
Read about the foundation →Sources: official book page, Victory Martial Arts history, Amazon book listing, and the book launch artwork.
More of my finds are in my Amazon storefront.