Episode 1101 - Evolving Reasons for Martial Arts Training

SUMMARY

In this episode, Jeremy and Andrew discuss the evolving reasons for martial arts training, emphasizing the importance of soft skills, community, and emotional resilience. They explore how societal trends have shifted perceptions of martial arts, moving beyond self-defense to focus on personal growth and community building. The conversation highlights the value exchange in martial arts training and the necessity for schools to provide compelling reasons for students to engage in their programs. They explore the evolving landscape of martial arts, emphasizing the importance of redefining success beyond physical skills. They discuss the shift towards non-physical benefits, such as mindfulness and community, and how these elements can enhance the martial arts experience. The conversation highlights the need for instructors to communicate these benefits effectively to attract and retain students, ultimately fostering a more supportive and engaged martial arts community.

TAKEAWAYS

• The reasons people train in martial arts have evolved over time.

• Community and emotional resilience are key benefits of martial arts training.

• Traditional martial arts offer more than just physical benefits.

• Meditation can be a significant aspect of martial arts practice.

• Youth programs teach discipline and focus that benefit adults too.

• Performance anxiety is a common struggle that martial arts can help address.

• Martial arts training provides a sense of belonging and community.

• The value exchange in martial arts is crucial for student retention.

• Schools must compete with various activities for students' time and money.

• Success in martial arts is often misdefined by physical outcomes.

• Non-physical benefits are becoming increasingly important in martial arts training.

• Martial arts can serve as a healthier coping mechanism for stress.

• Traditional martial arts can adapt to meet various personal needs.

• Effective marketing should highlight the holistic benefits of martial arts.

• Students should recognize the value of their training beyond physical skills.

• Instructors must balance physical training with emotional and mental support.

• Engaging students in mindfulness practices can improve retention and satisfaction.

 

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Episode 1100 - John Borter

SUMMARY

In this episode, Andrew Adams speaks with John Borter about his journey in martial arts, starting from his late entry into Taekwondo to his current focus on Irish stick fighting. They discuss the challenges of transitioning from student to instructor, the differences between various martial arts styles, and the cultural aspects that influence Irish stick fighting. Borter shares insights from his experiences, including teaching at Wally J's 90th birthday celebration and the unique principles that differentiate Filipino martial arts from Irish stick fighting. In this conversation, John Borter discusses the rich history and cultural significance of Irish stick fighting, tracing its roots back to centuries of occupation and oppression in Ireland. He explains how the British penal laws impacted the Irish population and led to the development of stick fighting as a means of self-defense and community expression. Borter highlights the Shillelagh as a traditional weapon and its evolution over time. He also emphasizes the role of social media in reviving interest in Irish stick fighting and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Doyle system for future generations.

 

 

TAKEAWAYS

• John Borter started martial arts at 28 due to work schedule.
• Borter gravitated towards Hapkido for its joint locking techniques.
• He trained with Professor Wally J in Small Circle Jiu Jitsu.
• Borter transitioned to Irish stick fighting after closing his school.
• The transition from student to instructor was natural for him.
• Borter emphasizes the differences between Filipino and Irish stick fighting.
• He believes that each martial art has unique principles and techniques.
• Cultural aspects play a significant role in Irish stick fighting.
• Irish history is marked by centuries of occupation and cultural suppression.
• The British penal laws severely restricted the rights of Irish Catholics.
• Irish stick fighting evolved as a response to oppression and cultural loss.
• Faction fights were a form of social expression and community bonding.
• The Shillelagh is a traditional Irish weapon made primarily from blackthorn.
• Blackthorn is favored for its durability and historical significance in stick fighting.
• Social media has played a crucial role in reviving interest in Irish stick fighting.
• Maintaining the integrity of the Doyle system is essential for its legacy.
• Future growth of Irish stick fighting is expected while preserving its core traditions.

 

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Episode 1099 - 2026 State of the Martial Arts

In this episode, we’re bringing you Jeremy’s 2026 State of the Martial Arts Address and what we could do to move forward.

 

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Episode 1098 - Larry Tatum

SUMMARY

In this conversation, Larry Tatum shares his extensive journey in martial arts, spanning over 60 years. He discusses how he began his training at a young age, the impact of Ed Parker's Kenpo school on his life, and the importance of respect and discipline in martial arts. Tatum emphasizes the role of martial arts in personal growth, teaching, and embracing reality, while also highlighting the significance of communication in teaching martial arts effectively. In this conversation, Jeremy Lesniak and Larry Tatum delve into the intricacies of teaching martial arts, exploring the cultural significance of techniques, the ethical responsibilities of instructors, and the personal growth that comes from teaching. Tatum shares insights from his extensive experience, emphasizing the importance of understanding the emotional and ethical dimensions of martial arts. He also discusses his journey as a writer, highlighting the therapeutic aspects of reliving experiences through storytelling. The conversation culminates in a reflection on the spiritual dimensions of teaching and the profound impact it can have on both instructors and students.

 

TAKEAWAYS

• Larry Tatum has over 60 years of martial arts experience.

• His journey began with judo and transitioned to Kenpo at age 15.

• Martial arts provided him with discipline and improved his academic performance.

• The culture at Ed Parker's school emphasized respect and acknowledgment.

• Training involved sparring with older, more experienced practitioners.

• Martial arts teaches students to embrace reality and break down emotional walls.

• Teaching should focus on communication and understanding beyond physical techniques.

• Larry emphasizes the importance of parables in teaching martial arts.

• He believes that martial arts can help individuals find their place in society.

• Cultural significance in techniques teaches ethical behavior.

• The more you teach, the more you learn.

• Martial arts instruction requires ethical responsibility.

• Teaching is not just about physical skills; it's about emotional understanding.

• Promoting students too quickly can hinder their journey.

• Writing about teaching is a therapeutic process.

 

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Episode 1097 - Are All Martial Artists Outcasts

SUMMARY

In this episode, Andrew Adams and Jeremy Lesniak explore the perception of martial artists as societal outcasts. They discuss the unique aspects of martial arts training that can be seen as strange by outsiders, the sense of community and belonging that practitioners find within their training, and the evolving perception of martial arts in society. The conversation emphasizes the importance of individuality and self-expression in martial arts, and how being an outcast can be empowering rather than negative.

 

TAKEAWAYS

• Martial arts can be perceived as strange by outsiders.
• Many martial artists embrace their identity despite societal norms.
• The commitment to martial arts often leads to a sense of community among practitioners.
• Injuries and physicality in martial arts can create a unique bond among practitioners.
• The perception of martial arts has evolved over time, becoming more mainstream.
• Soft skills are increasingly valued in martial arts training.
• Martial artists often feel a sense of belonging within their training community.
• The concept of being an outcast can be empowering for martial artists.
• Martial arts training can provide a sense of identity and purpose.
• Criticism from others often stems from their own insecurities.

 

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Episode 1096 - Sabrina Bliem "The Karate Shrimp"

SUMMARY

In this episode, Sabrina Bliem, aka The Karate Shrimp, shares her transformative journey into martial arts, starting at age 41, and how it became a vital outlet during challenging times. She discusses her transition into the online martial arts community, the challenges she faced, including dealing with a stalker, and how these experiences shaped her relationship with martial arts. Sabrina emphasizes the importance of creating a conducive training environment at home and shares her insights on maintaining consistency in practice, even amidst life's challenges. In this conversation, she emphasizes the importance of having a dedicated training space, the value of consistency, and overcoming the stigma associated with solo training. She discusses how personal experiences and challenges have shaped her approach to training and teaching, highlighting the significance of sharing stories and building an online community. Sabrina also reflects on rediscovering her passion for martial arts and the impact of being authentic and vulnerable in her content creation.

 

TAKEAWAYS

• Sabrina started karate at age 41 as a coping mechanism.
• She found a supportive community in martial arts.
• The online space can be liberating when starting out.
• Facing fears is a recurring theme in her journey.
• Dealing with online negativity is part of making an impact.
• Training at home requires creating a conducive environment.
• Consistency can be achieved through small, manageable steps.
• Five minutes of training is better than none.
• It's important to prioritize mental health and well-being.
• Solo training can be just as valuable as in-person training.
• Overcoming stigma around online and solo training is essential for personal growth.
• Rediscovering passion for martial arts can come from being authentic and vulnerable.
• You are stronger than you think, and resilience from martial arts translates to life.

To connect with Sabrina Bliem:
https://youtube.com/@thekarateshrimp
https://www.instagram.com/thekarateshrimp
https://www.facebook.com/thekarateshrimp
https://www.thekarateshrimp.com/

 

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Episode 1095 - Martial Arts from a Trauma Informed Space: Part 2

SUMMARY

In this Part 2 conversation, Andrew Adams and Paul Coffey discuss martial arts from a trauma-informed perspective, emphasizing the importance of understanding the physical and psychological aspects of self-defense. They explore various techniques that can be used to de-escalate situations without resorting to violence, highlighting the distinction between ceremonial and non-ceremonial violence. The discussion also covers the need for martial arts instructors to adapt their teaching methods to accommodate students with trauma backgrounds, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment. They delve into the complexities of violence, self-defense, and the importance of realistic training in martial arts. They discuss the different types of violence, the necessity of teaching practical self-defense techniques, and the significance of training in everyday clothing to prepare students for real-life scenarios. The conversation emphasizes the need for martial arts instructors to create a safe learning environment while also encouraging problem-solving skills in their students.

 

TAKEAWAYS

• Martial arts can be approached from a trauma-informed perspective.
• Physical techniques can be adapted for students with trauma.
• Non-ceremonial violence requires more responsibility from martial artists.
• Ceremonial violence in the dojo differs from real-world situations.
• Space and separation are crucial in self-defense scenarios.
• Understanding the difference between strikes and pushes is important.
• Instructors should present material that meets students' needs.
• Crisis intervention techniques can be effective in self-defense.
• Teaching should focus on de-escalation and control rather than aggression.
• Training in street clothes can be very different and should be practiced.

 

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