Episode 46 - Mr. Chris Sutton

Mr. Chris Sutton - Episode 46

Reevaluate everything that you're doing to add value to yourself, to your family, to your bottom line. If it's working, keep doing it. If it's not, adjust it.

Today we're joined by Mr. Chris Sutton. With a broad and varied resume, Mr. Sutton is not the typical guest to Martial Arts Radio. But before you doubt his martial arts credibility, he holds a number of accolades, including being the last person to receive a black belt from Joe Lewis. Mr. Sutton has, like some of our other guests, extracted the self-defense aspects of his martial arts training and not only refined it, but developed it into a system all it's own. He tells some powerful stories and really opens up. You're going to like this one.

Today's featured product is the whistlekick Original Sparring Boot, which uses better materials and design to increase comfort and durability, all without that annoying toe strap. 

Show Notes

more stuff

COBRA Self Defense on YouTube, Facebook

Chris Sutton's Martial Arts & Fitness Inc.

Self Defense Training for Realtors

Become A Certified COBRA Instructor

www.BullyActionPlan.com

www.CobraFitCerified.com

Take The COBRA Academy Student Version On -Line

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Episode 45 - The Spiritual Side of Martial Arts

The Spiritual Side of Martial Arts - Episode 45

[The text below is excerpted from today's show]

Today we're talking about the spiritual aspects of martial arts. Let me be clear here - we're not talking about religion.

Martial arts isn't just a physical pursuit, as anyone knows. Martial arts is a method of personal development. This concept goes all the way back to the generally-accepted origin of what we today call traditional martial arts.

It was the Indian monk Bodhidharma who developed martial arts as a way of keeping the monks of the Shaolin temple in physical shape. He found that the monk's focus on meditation left them mentally strong but physically weak. So, he gave them a set of exercises to strengthen their bodies. The combat aspects were secondary even then, just as they are for most of us now.

Today's featured whistlekick product is our line of sweatshirts. We have several styles, including pullover and zip-up, in a variety of colors. Check them out at our web store.

It was the Japanese swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi, known to many today as the author of the Book of the Five Rings, who said that the more he looked for proficiency and efficiency in his training, the more he looked for proficiency and efficiency in all things. He began to look for the deeper purpose in everything that he did.

There's a story of a Master of the Japanese Tea Ceremony from the province of Tasa – a man without any martial arts skill but with great meditative and spiritual strength. He accidentally gave offense to a Samurai and was challenged to a duel...

Check out this episode!

Episode 44 - Sifu Angel Durinick

Sifu Angel Durinick - Episode 44

Always surround yourself with people who push you to make yourself a better person.

On today's episode we have Sifu Angel Durinick (Cummings) - a former competitor on the New England martial arts scene, which is how we connected with her. A lifelong martial artist training in multiple disciplines, Sifu Durinick joins us to share openly about her life. She speaks candidly about these difficulties and how her martial arts experience helped her.

This episode isn't a sob-fest, though. Quite the opposite, in fact. Sifu Durinick is clearly a strong and motivated woman, and you can't help but feel inspired listening to her speak.

Our featured product for this episode is our sparring gloves - comfortable, lightweight, durable and breathable.

Show Notes

Movies: Bloodsport, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, neither are available for streaming
Actors: Jackie Chan, Jet Li

The ladder scene that Sifu Durinick and I discussed wasn't from Rumble in the Bronx as I'd remembered, but from First Strike. Here it is below.

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Episode 43 - Talking Chuck Norris

Chuck Norris - Episode 43

We had some great feedback on our recent Bruce Lee episode, so we thought we'd give the same treatment to the legendary Chuck Norris. As with the other episode, we did a fair amount of research in an effort to give you information on the man that many know only by his role in Walker Texas Ranger or his endorsement of the Total Gym.

He is a legitimate martial artist and was a dominant competitor back in the 60s and 70s. He defeated a number of great names, including Joe Lewis, Skipper Mullins, Victor Moore, Ron Marchini and Steve Sanders.

Listen as we give you some real facts about the man and his past while answering questions such as - is he done making movies? How did he get started in acting? Was Tangsoodo really his first experience with the martial arts? And many more. You're not going to be a Chuck Norris expert when you're done listening, but you'll know more than you did before.

This episode's featured product is the NoSweat line of base layer tee shirts. 100% polyester, lightweight shirts are great under your uniform or for working out...or just hanging out.

For full show notes please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/043-chuck-norris/

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Episode 42 - Rabbi G

Rabbi G - Episode 42

No matter what you're facing in your life, you can breathe in the light and blow out the darkness.

Today's episode of Martial Arts Radio is a bit different. You may have noticed that from the title - we haven't had a guest that uses a religious title over a martial arts one. However, today is special. We're joined by Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg who prefers to be called Rabbi G. We've mentioned the organization Kids Kicking Cancer on the show before, but this time we have the founder as our guest. Rabbi G is a martial artist, but he's taken his martial arts training in a very different direction.

Rather than attempt to summarize his story, you should just listen. Rabbi G speaks at length about his past and the various occurrences that ultimately led to his founding of the Kids Kicking Cancer organization.

 

 

Show Notes

Book: A Perfect God Created an Imperfect World Perfectly: 30 Life Lessons from Kids Kicking Cancer

The Pfizer / Jonas Brothers video that Rabbi G mentioned

kidskickingcancer.org - The organization that Rabbi G founded

You can find Rabbi G on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Today's featured product, whistlekick Shin Guards

 

Rabbi G's Bio

Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg (Rabbi G) holds a First Degree Black Belt in the Korean art of Choi Kwon Do. He first provided a therapeutic martial arts program when he was the Director at Camp Simcha from 1990 to 2002. Having lost his first child to leukemia at 2 years old, Rabbi Goldberg brings his personal experience and sensitivity to dealing with children and families facing life-threatening illness. His commitment to ease the pain of very sick children and his dream of bringing healing through the empowering focus of the martial arts resulted in the creation of the Kids Kicking Cancer organization in June, 1999. Rabbi
Goldberg was a recipient of the Robert Wood Johnson Community Health Leader's Award (2004) and the McCarty Cancer Foundation's Humanitarian of the Year Award (2004). He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Wayne State University School of Medicine. Rabbi Goldberg received his BA from Yeshiva University, summa cum laude. Ordination and graduate training were also at Yeshiva University.

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041 - The Martial Arts in MMA

Where is the Martial Arts in MMA?

On today's episode, we go deep into the world of mixed martial arts. There's a lot of talk lately about martial artists being bad fighters, the uselessness of traditional martial arts and a lot more. We explore those topics and a lot more as we separate the MMA from the TMA (traditional martial arts). This may prove to be a controversial episode, so hold on.

This episode's featured product - our t-shirts. 

UFC 5 - Royce Gracie and Ken Shamrock

Sage Northcutt

Ronda Rousey refuses to touch gloves with Holly Holm

Movie Pick - All the best "my art is better than yours" movies are unavailable on Netflix, so this week's pick doesn't quite fit the theme of the show. Mortal Kombat

 

Check out this episode!

Master Antony Graf - Episode 40

I couldn't be happier with what we're doing, but I just don't want to be the person that is too comfortable. I want to try and grow and expand.

On today's show we're joined by Master Antony Graf, an amazing taekwondo practitioner from Florida. He was an alternate to the Olympic USA Taekwondo team in 2004 & 2008, a 7x member of the US National Team and Pan Am Games team, he took a silver medal at the 2007 Pan Am Games in Rio de Janeiro, was twice on the ESPN "Titan Game" team, named USAT Athlete of the Year and has earned a multitude of medals in domestic and international competition.

Master Graf is also a martial arts school owner in Miami, Florida as well as a founding partner in Juice Athlete Compound - a company developed to offer programming and resources to athletes. We spend time talking about his competitive career, of course, but also go into his past and his love of the arts. It's a great episode, so check it out.

 

For full show notes please visit http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/040-antony-graf/

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Episode 39 - Talking Bruce Lee

On today's episode, we dive into a bit of Bruce Lee's past and what ultimately made him the martial arts icon he is today. Could we ever have another like him? What might have happened if he lived on? We tackle these questions, more and also offer up some facts about the legend that you may not know about.

 

For full show notes, please visit http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/039-bruce-lee

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Episode 38: Master Tanya Panizzo

Master Tanya Panizzo: Episode 38

Instead of worrying on the belt, or worrying about your promoting and your ranking, be present in the moment. What do your feet feel like when they step onto the mat?

Master Tanya Panizzo is a lifelong martial artist and instructor in the WTF style of Taekwondo. As a school owner, promoter and competition coach, Master Panizzo displays her passion for the martial arts by helping to bring the best out of those she trains and trains with. After ten years in the automotive industry, she realized that her heart was not in her engineering job but in taekwondo. Listen as she discusses the whirlwind that was her life as she made this transition, the challenges involved and the success she has seen.

Show Notes

Movie: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Unavailable for Streaming)
Actor: Jackie Chan

Though we were unable to find video proof, it does appear that Bruce Lee was a skilled dancer - specifically the Cha Cha.

Books: Living the Martial Way, The Book of the Samurai, Protecting the Gift

The kid imitating Bruce Lee's nunchaku routine from Game of Death.

MidWestTaekwondo.com & on Facebook

FightingSpiritSafety.com

Check out this episode!

Episode 37: November 26th, 2015

November 26th, 2015 - Episode 37

This episode has nothing to do with Thanksgiving.

• We'll be interviewing the founder of the Kids Kicking Cancer organization mentioned on episode 35.
• If you haven't checked out Episode 36 with Mr. John Graden, you should. Some of his points have a few people riled up which is creating great discussion.
• Into the Badlands is out, and it's pretty good!

Today's featured product is the whistlekick Sparring Helmet. It's a more comfortable, longer-lasting take on the sparring helmets many of you are wearing.

“You may train for a long time, but if you merely move your hands and feet and jump up and down like a puppet, learning Karate is not very different from learning a dance. You will never have reached the heart of the matter; you will have failed to grasp the quintessence of Karate.” – Gichin Funakoshi

Movie of the week - Tai Chi Master starring Michelle Yeoh and Jet Li, available for streaming on Netflix.

News

Russian Martial Arts School Teaches How to Use the Selfie Stick as a Weapon

Wushu Hoping to be Olympic Sport

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Episode 36 - Mr. John Graden

I think the decision to join a school starts with the leadership, so the first style to evaluate is the teaching style of the instructor.

Mr. John Graden is nothing if not a well-known figure in the martial arts community. The founder of several martial arts associations, student under numerous legends and now best-selling author, Mr. Graden knows the martial arts at several levels. A revered consultant on martial arts business, Mr. Graden joins us today to give a glimpse into his martial arts path. Having trained with high-caliber martial artists like Walt Bone and Joe Lewis, you know he has great stories. Not only does he deliver them, but with a sense of humor, too. Throughout the conversation Mr. Graden is ready to challenge martial arts convention and make you think with his logical criticisms of some of the ideas many martial artists (myself included) hold dear. This is an episode you may well be listening to more than once.

Your host, Jeremy

Show Notes

Movies: Enter the Dragon (unavailable for streaming), Raging Bull (unavailable for streaming), Excalibur (unavailable for streaming)

MartialArtsTeachers.com - Martial Arts Teacher's Association
JohnGraden.com - Mr. Graden's personal website, including rare photos and links to his books
john@johngraden.com

Mr. Graden mentioned the Batman/Green Hornet crossover episode. It's titled "A Piece of the Action" and was released in 1967. Here's a clip with some highlights from that episode.

Check out this episode!

November 19, 2015 - Episode 35

Featured Product - whistlekick Sparring Gloves. More comfortable, cut shorter & more durable than the competition. Check them out at our store.

Kids Kicking Cancer - remember we've already confirmed with the founder to be on the show. Look for that in the next few weeks.

If you haven't already, please check out Monday's episode with Mr. Richard Osborn. We talk a lot about competition and how it's shaped him.

Movie pick - Ip Man, available for streaming on Netflix.

Lastly, here's the quote and the image I mentioned: Martial Arts is one of the rare pursuits that will give back exactly, and only, what you put in.

Check out this episode!

Episode 34 - Mr. Richard Osborn, Jr.

I'm still growing as a martial artist, I'm still trying to build. And I'm still trying to bring people along with me...

Today we're joined by Mr. Richard Osborn, a taekwondo practitioner, school owner, competitor and event promoter from Missouri. Mr. Osborn speaks warmly about his time as a competitor, often waking up early to travel hundreds of miles to attend an event. We've had some guests that have had strong ties to the competitive world, but perhaps none has been more influenced by their time in competition than Mr. Osborn.

 

For full show notes, please visit http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/034-richard-osborn

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Episode 33 - November 12, 2015

Today's episode of Martial Arts Radio is new - our first ever non-interview episode. We'll be releasing one of these per week, but we need your help. We want to make this a great show, and just as you all have helped guide us with guest suggestions and other feedback, we want to ask the same of you here. Please give it a listen and let you know what you like and don't like about it.

Today we talk about AMC's upcoming show, Into the Badlands, which debuts Sunday.

Today's quote:

There is a difference between a fighter and a martial artist. A fighter is training for a purpose: he has a fight. I'm a martial artist. I don't train for a fight. I train for myself. I'm training all the time. My goal is perfection, but I will never reach perfection. - Georges St-Pierre.

Movie Pick:

Falcon Rising starring Michael Jai White

We end the show talking about the strong possibility that Karate will become an Olympic sport when Japan hosts in 2020.

Check out this episode!

Episode 32: Sensei Robb Buckland

If we lead with a fighter's heart, that's all we can ask for. To change one student's life... that's a big thing.

I'll set the scene for you. We just finished up a day of exhibiting at a martial arts tournament and went out to eat with the promoter and a few others. I come back from getting my food at the buffet and see a man sitting at the chair across from me. The man is quite a bit larger than anyone else in the room, and when he shakes my hand, it becomes lost in his. Sensei Robb Buckland is, in a word, intimidating. However, the smile on his face evened out any intimidation I felt.

Throughout our meal, Sensei Buckland shared amazing stories with everyone at the table. He holds a black belt from Joe Lewis and knows many of our past guests very well. I knew that this man needed to come on the show as a guest, and he was quite willing. The stories on today's episode are as wonderful as any we've had, but they carry with them a sense of humor that (arguably) no guest has. There were times I had to mute my microphone to keep from laughing over his words, and I suspect you'll find yourself laughing as well.

That doesn't mean that you should question Sensei Buckland's skill. He is a skilled and legitimate martial artist and has trained with a vast number of amazing practitioners. A Google image search of his name will show you the legendary friends he has, and listening to this episode will help you understand why he has earned their respect. Enjoy.

 

For full show notes, please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/032-robb-buckland

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Episode 031: Mr. Cory Rose

Everybody thinks they know who they are, but I thought I knew who I was, too. And then I realized that I didn't, really.

Today's episode features Mr. Cory Rose, a taekwondo practitioner from Oklahoma. Mr. Rose is a longtime martial artist with a great story. We don't want to give away too much, but Mr. Rose credits his life to the arts, and in a far different way than other guests have done. We had a great conversation and discuss how martial arts has influenced his life as well as connected a number of dots on his path. A humble man, Mr. Rose opens up about every subject that comes up, which makes for a great episode.

 

For full show notes, please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/031-cory-rose

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Episode 30 - Master Gordon White

On episode 30 we're joined by Master Gordon White, a WTF taekwondo practitioner, instructor, school owner, organization president and former international-level gold medal competitor. That's quite the resume. (For those of you unfamiliar with taekwondo, no, WTF doesn't stand for that thing you may think it does - it stands for World Taekwondo Federation, which is the style of taekwondo sparring that's in the Olympics.) Master White and I are extended taekwondo family, as both he and my instructor trained under the same man. I guess that makes him my Uncle. Well, whatever it makes him, we had a great conversation and really dug into some deep subject matter. I hope you enjoy this episode.

~jeremy

http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/030-gordon-white

Check out this episode!

Kyoshi Dave Kovar

I probably still do tons wrong, I still don't have all the answers, but I'm a lot better than I was ten years ago.

On this episode, we have Kyoshi Dave Kovar, an exciting martial artist, and an incredible teacher. I met Kyoshi Kovar back in July at the Super Summer Seminars event, the same place I met Sensei Katie Murphy and a number of other amazing martial artists. I was fortunate enough to work with him during a self-defense seminar and I was blown away. His reputation is certainly deserved.

Kyoshi Kovar was kind enough to appear on the show and we had a great conversation. As with most of our guests, he absolutely loves the martial arts, but I might venture that his love is greater than most. Not content with being a great martial arts instructor, Kyoshi Kovar is now regarded as an excellent instructor of instructors - both of martial arts skills as well as martial arts business.

~jeremy / Founder & Host

For full show notes, please visit:

http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/029-dave-kovar

Check out this episode!

Episode 28 - Mr. Mike Chat

On episode 28 we're joined by a very well-known martial artists, Mr. Mike Chat. Mr. Chat is probably best known for his role as the Blue Ranger in Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue, but there's a lot more on his resume. From television to movies to the competition circuit, Mr. Chat has done just about everything there is to do as a martial artist. He's the co-founder of XMA - Xtreme Martial Arts - which has become a global martial arts system.

Mr. Chat joined us by phone from California as we talk about all of it - honestly, we learn a lot about him during this episode. From the reverence he has for Sammon Hung to his adoration for his original instructor, Mr. Chat is very quick to give credit to others for helping him reach his successes.

 

For full show notes, including Mr. Chat's movie picks, please visit: 

 

http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/028-mike-chat

Check out this episode!

Episode 27: Mr. Cecil Washington

Today's episode is with Mr. Cecil Washington, founder of the blended martial arts style of Cecil Ryu. Mr. Washington trains and teaches in Maryland. His background is diverse, with training primarily in Taekwondo and Judo. As passionate about the martial arts as any of our previous guests, Mr. Washington and I had a good chat, and one that went on quite a bit longer than what we recorded. I thoroughly enjoy talking to our guests, especially when they have interesting things to say. This conversation was full of wonderful tangents, the best reading list yet from a guest as well as wonderfully entertaining stories, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

 

For full show notes, please visit

http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/027-cecil-washington

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Episode 26: Shihan Christine Bannon-Rodrigues

When we decided to launch this podcast, and it became clear I'd be the one hosting it, I had a few goals. First, I wanted our show to be something martial artists loved to listen to. Second, I wanted to bring on world-famous guests that would lend credibility to the show. Third, I wanted to interview my martial arts heroes. I can't promise we've done the first, but I can certainly say that the second and third goals have happened. The latest in that line of heroes is Shihan Christine Bannon-Rodrigues.

Shihan Bannon-Rodrigues is a legend in the martial arts world, having achieved every goal she set out for in the sport martial arts world. I remember her from the 90s, as a teenager on the competitive circuit. Everyone knew who she was, especially in New England. Some would refer to her by first name only, and everyone knew who she was.

Pardon my gushing here but it truly was an honor to speak to Shihan Chris, as she asked me to call her. We had a great chat and she was very open with her stories. Shihan Christine Bannon-Rodrigues is an incredible martial artist that has rounded out her resume with competition, instruction, acting, stunt work and choreography. I hope you enjoy listening to our conversation.

 

For full show notes please visit http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/026-shihan-chr…nnon-rodrigues

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Episode 25 : Sifu Alan Goldberg

Today we're joined by Sifu Alan Goldberg. You may know Sifu Goldberg from a variety of ways, be it as the publisher of Action Martial Arts Magazine, The Annual Hall of Honors 
gathering in New Jersey or as a highly acclaimed Wing Chung instructor. As with all of the guests we have here on Martial Arts Radio, Sifu Goldberg loves the martial arts. But unlike other guests, he's 
found numerous ways to make it part of his life. From teaching to his events to helping others build their businesses and promote movies, Sifu Goldberg is as busy a man as I've met. We had a great 
conversation and I enjoyed my time with him.

 

Full show notes available at 

http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/025-sifu-alan-goldberg/

Check out this episode!

Episode 24: Sensei Samuel Gagnon

 Today we're joined by Sensei Samuel Gagnon from Montreal, Canada. Sensei Gagnon is an accomplished kenpo karate martial artist as not only a competitor, but also as a coach and instructor. He's been involved in a number of martial arts teams, and has several world titles under his belt. His story is one of a man that truly loves the martial arts and he's dedicated his life to it. It's hard not to feel sentimental listening to him talk about the sport and the lifestyle that means so much to him. 

 

For full show notes please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/024-sensei-samuel-gagnon/

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Episode 23: Sensei Terry Dow

I first met Sensei Dow during the planning stages of our Superfoot Seminar, with Bill "Superfoot" Wallace (who was on the show). Through that process I learned we had a lot of mutual martial arts friends and what a great martial artist he is.

Sensei Dow operates a martial arts and fitness studio in Manchester, NH that is also the official Northeast headquarters for Superfoot Systems - the kickboxing system created by Bill Wallace. Those are certainly big shoes to fill, but I can personally attest that if anyone can fill them, it's Sensei Dow.

As with all of our guests, though, it was more Sensei Dow's story that I wanted to hear. Sure, his relationship with Superfoot was a critical part of his life - but how did he meet him? What chain of events led him to where he is now? Well, we have the answers in this episode.

For full show notes please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/023-sensei-terry-dow/

Check out this episode!

Episode 22: Sensei Katie Murphy

I first met Sensei Katie Murphy at the 2015 Super Summer Seminars in Herkimer, NY. I met a lot of tremendous martial artists that weekend and made some good friends, that's for sure. There was something about Sensei Murphy that stuck with me, though.

Katie Murphy is the real deal; a kind person, an exceptional martial artist and a gifted teacher. I took away a lot from my time in her seminar that weekend and I knew I had to reach out to her to be on the show. Fortunately, she agreed and we had a great time recording this episode. Sensei Murphy offers an inspiring martial arts tale that is full of candor and complexity. Many listeners will surely relate to things that she says about her time training, including such challenges as dealing with boredom in the martial arts. I hope you enjoy this episode.

 

For full show notes, please visit http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/022-sensei-katie-murphy/

Check out this episode!

Episode 21: Professor Brannon Beliso

This episode is with Professor Brannon Beliso, a Kenpo Karate practitioner, instructor, school owner and martial arts consultant from the bay area of California. Professor Beliso grew up with martial arts, first training under his father, Lenny Beliso. We talk about his early childhood and love for the martial arts, some missteps he made on his path and how all of it combined to bring him to where he is today.

If there's one thing you'll pick up instantly from Professor Beliso, it's his passion for life. It's clear that this man loves what he's doing and where he is. If you're feeling down or in need of some inspiration, this will be a great episode to listen to.

For full show notes please visit the episode page of our website.

Check out this episode!

Episode 20: GrandMaster Victor Moore

This episode is with an amazing man, GrandMaster Victor Moore. Often referred to as Vic Moore, this man is the real deal and some have referred to him as "the Jackie Robinson of Martial Arts." I must confess that I originally found some of his stories difficult to believe. When we first spoke, which was a week before we recorded this episode, I was floored at what he said. After that lengthy phone call I went off to do some research. I scoured the internet and spoke with martial artists that remember the 60s and 70s. I came back with a unanimous sentiment - GrandMaster Moore is the real deal, and what he says is the truth.

There are a few people in the martial arts that have interacted with a number of the greats. We've had some of them on this show, but no one to this time has known more of the greats than this man. I had a lot of fun listening to his stories, and you'll hear through the episode that I learned to just listen when he spoke. Even today he is a force in the martial arts and one that I was honored to speak with.

We discussed quite a few famous people in this episode, including Bruce Lee, George Dillman, Rod van Clief, Skipper Mullins, Jhoon Rhee, Melvin Wise, John Osaka, Ron Williams, Ray Hughes, Harvey Eubanks, Mike Foster, Ed Parker, Robert Trias, Joe Lewis, Mike Stone, Bill Wallace.

Show notes here.

Check out this episode!

Episode 19: Hanshi George Alexander

This week's episode is with Hanshi George Alexander, Shorin Ryu practitioner and president of the International Shorin Ryu Karate Kobudo Federation. His martial arts history dates back to 1964 and he's been very active ever since. Along the way, he's trained with some amazing people and racked up a long list of ranks held in different styles. He shared a lot of wonderful stories and I thoroughly enjoyed talking to him. Hanshi Alexander represents the "old school" of martial arts well and is truly passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience.

Check out this episode!

Episode 18: Master Leonard Yordan

"Be the best person that you can be, and that's how you end up paying things forward, because you make somebody else better by being that way, too."

This week's episode is with Master Leonard Yordan, a tae kwon do practitioner from Vermont. He and I go back quite a few years as I've trained with his Dad since 2006. But I didn't bring him on because of that relationship. Even before I knew him well I knew how unique he was. Master Yordan has a presence that draws others in. He's an exceptional martial artist and instructor, as anyone that has witnessed his classes or competition can attest to. That magnetic personality comes through in this episode with some incredible stories that get quite personal at times.

We've heard from a few of Master Yordan's students in past episodes, specifically episode #2 and #15. Listening to these episodes as a set you can get a good idea of who Master Yordan is from different perspectives as his students mention him specifically. I've had the pleasure of training with "Master Y" on a number of occasions and have found him to be an exceptional instructor.

Check out this episode!

Episode 17: Sensei Earl Smith

Episode 17 is with Sensei Earl Smith, an instructor & practitioner of Kenpo-Jujitsu as well as Escrima. I've had the opportunity to train with Sensei Smith a few times and I can honestly say that he loves what he does. His passion for the arts comes through in this episode as we find ourselves referring to love for the martial arts as a zombie-like infection. I admit, the analogy sounds odd, but when you listen, I think you'll understand it better.

There are those that teach martial arts to better themselves, or for their job, or out of duty to pass on what they've learned. Every one of those reasons is honorable and valid, yet Sensei Smith seems to find a fourth reason - he truly loves martial arts.

Check out this episode!

Episode 16: Hanshii Jim Smith

"And we're all trying to do the same thing - we're trying to teach. To me, it just opened my horizons tremendously.  And I think I'm a better teacher for it."

This episode is with Hanshi Jim Smith, a Goju practitioner from New York and the founder of the Goju-Te style of Karate. Despite holding a 10th dan (degree) rank, Hanshi smith is as humble a black belt as I've met and also an avid competitor. In fact, I don't know of anyone that competes as actively as Hanshi Smith. It's clear that he loves martial arts and loves competing, so I was excited to get him on the show.

I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation as Hanshi Smith shared wonderful stories and great insights. I'm sure we could have talked all day, and I look forward to our next conversation.

Check out this episode!

Episode 15: Master Fred Forsberg

On today's show we have Master Fred Forsberg, a tae kwon do practitioner from Vermont. As with many of the guests you've heard on the show, I know Master Forsberg somewhat as we train in the same group of tae kwon do schools. But, as with most people, there's a lot more to who they are than the bit they share on a daily basis, and Master Forsberg was no different. He welcomed me into his home and shared his stories, as openly and honestly as anyone has. Again, as with other guests, we see how martial arts training has helped him through some difficult times. So here we go.

Check out this episode!

Episode 14: Bill "Superfoot" Wallace

"Have a blast. Have an absolute ball. Because it's something you can do absolutely forever, your entire life. And it's just fun... so do it."

What can you say about Bill Wallace that hasn't already been said? An amazing martial artist, undefeated fighter and the greatest kicker ever...he truly deserves the name Superfoot. In his 70s, Mr. Wallace can still put his foot on your head before you can move, and without stretching. His is a legacy that has been well documented and I was completely honored to get the time to talk to him.

In this episode, we hear stories about Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee, Joe Lewis and some other names you may recognize. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I did recording. Actually, that's probably impossible, but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless.

Show Notes Here

whistlekick will be putting on an amazing seminar with Mr. Wallace in Rutland, Vermont on August 16th, 2015. For more information or to sign up for this amazing & affordable experience, please click here.

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Episode 13: Master Freddie LaPan

Today's episode is with an amazing martial artist and a bit of a home-grown hero. Master LaPan isn't physically intimidating or aggressive, yet he's achieved tremendous success fighting across the globe. I can personally attest to his amazing footwork and dominance in the sparring ring. Yet, there's a lot more to this man than what he does in the ring and I was able to record him talking about it. I only knew Freddie (as he asked me to call him) a bit before we sat down for this episode, but I'd say I know him much better now.

His story exemplifies the notion of getting up when knocked down. With multiple joint replacements at a young age, Master LaPan persevered where most would have quit. He continues to train and teach, most recently starting a competition seminar series titled Ultimate Edge. I missed attending the last seinar due to a prior commitment, but I'm looking forward to getting my turn at training with this gifted martial artist.

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Bill "Superfoot" Wallace Seminar Presented by whistlekick

Episode 12: Master Joe Lenahan

This episode is with Vermont tae kwon do instructor & school owner Master Joe Lenahan. Master Lenahan and I have been friends for many years and I'm lucky enough to train with him from time to time. He's been training quite a long time and is truly passionate about martial arts. Unlike many of our guests, he's a quiet person and it took a little convincing to get him on the show. But I'm glad that we did as he had great stories and insights to share, as I knew he would.

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Episode 11: Doshu Allan Viernes

Today's episode is with Doshu Allan Viernes, a martial arts instructor, competitor and school owner from Maine. I've known of Doshu Viernes for many years and even attended a sparring class with a friend at his dojo back in the 90s. He's the Grand Master of jukado, a style developed by his Mother.

Our conversation was a deep one as we explored the psychological benefits of martial arts training during his time in the military. He has some excellent insights that really got me thinking. Doshu Allan has great stories to tell and I'm sure we only scratched the surface during our discussion. I thoroughly enjoyed our time together and I hope that comes through.

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Episode 10: Master Brendan Goodall

This week's episode of the show is with a man I know very well, Master Brendan Goodall. I've known him for my entire time in tae kwon do and am happy to call him friend and brother. (We're not related by blood, but his family has been very kind to me). Past listeners will notice the lack of a formal title in addressing Master Goodall - and that was intentional. Brendan and I agreed that in order to give the best interview possible, it needed to be natural... and calling him anything but Brendan would have been unnatural.

We had a good time with this chat and in listening to it later, I think that comes through. This was also the first time using the portable recording studio, and I was quite pleased with the quality. Our discussion had some interesting turns, including a point where you get to learn a bit about me and my martial arts background. I truly hope this one is as fun to listen to as it was for us to record.

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Episode 9: Shihan Andy Campbell

This episode of Martial Arts Radio is with a man I've grown to like a great deal, despite only knowing him for a short time. Shihan Andy Campbell is about as passionate about the martial arts as anyone I've met, and he does nothing to hide that fact. As a full-time Shotokan karate school owner, he speaks openly about the joy he takes in sharing his knowledge. An accomplished martial arts competitor, Shihan Andy Campbell continues to compete alongside his friends, family and students.

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