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.

Check out this episode!