Episode 123 - Jean-Claude Van Damme (Profile)

What are you doing? I know what you’re doing. You’re getting ready to listen to today’s episode of Martial Arts Radio. Well, here we are. Episode 123 is coming at you in just a moment, and it’s all about Jean-Claude Van Damme.

I'm whistlekick’s founder but I’m better known as your host, Jeremy Lesniak. whistlekick, if you don’t know, makes the absolute best sparring gear, apparel and accessories for practitioners and fans of traditional martial arts.  I'd like to welcome all of our new listeners and thank everyone that’s come back again.

All of our past podcast episodes, show notes and a lot more are at whistlekickmartialartsradio.com. From that site you can sign up for our newsletter, and I really think you should, because we offer exclusive content to subscribers, discounts and it's the only place to find out about upcoming guests.

When we take a look at our sales, we’re seeing a lot of our sparring helmets go out to people that do MMA, kickboxing and other sports that are really outside traditional martial arts. Why? Probably because there’s nothing more comfortable and protective than a whistlekick helmet. Just like the rest of our gear, it holds up amazingly well. Check them out at whistlekick.com.

 

For a full transcript, photos and other show notes, please visit:

 

http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/123-jean-claude-van-damme/

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Episode 122 - Renshi Craig Sargent

Renshi Craig Sargent - Episode 122

Over the last year and a half, there have been guests that I've wanted to get to know better. I've known today's guest for a few years, and despite quite a few conversations, I felt like there was a lot more than I knew. It wasn't more than 15 minutes into today's episode before I realized my instincts were correct- Renshi Craig Sargent had a lot more to say than I'd heard during our brief talks.

Right from the beginning, he opens up, and he takes us on a ride like few have with this show. I can say I know Renshi Sargent much better, now, and I look forward to seeing him more at tournaments and other events.

Today's featured product is our brand new Pro Hoodie. Comfortable, lightweight polyester fleece with a colorful logo and a little something extra in the hood. Find them on whistlekick.com

For full show notes, please visit:

http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/122-craig-sargent/

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Episode 121 - Question & Answer #1

On today's episode we answer four burning questions submitted by the audience.

Question & Answer #1 - Episode 121

Today’s episode will be a bit different- because we’re always trying to change things up and bring you some variety. If you follow us on social media, you know we ask a lot of questions – because we want to know what you think about things.

But through those questions comes conversation, and questions coming back to us. And today we’re going to answer some of the questions that you’ve written in. If you like this show and want to see more of this format, let us know and, ideally, send in a question yourself.

Here are the questions we tackle on today's episode:

Q: What do you think Bruce Lee’s career would have looked like if he was alive today?

Q: I’m 18 and love martial arts. I’ve been training since I was 9 but now I’m at college and don’t have very many options to continue my training. There’s a martial arts club on campus but it’s very different from what I’m used to. I’m missing my dojo back home but it’s too far to drive. What should I do?

Q: How long should I stop training if I become injured? I’ve recently messed up my shoulder and it’s getting better, but I really miss my training. Can I just go in and take it easy?

Q: If you had to spend the next year training alone with only one famous martial artist or actor, who would it be?

On today's episode, we mentioned our episode on Martial Arts training in a car, Episode 95.

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Episode 120 - Hanshi Bruce Juchnik

Hanshi Bruce Juchnik is a living encyclopedia. When you talk about the most famous martial artists - Joe Lewis, Robert Trias, Chuck Norris, Bill Wallace, James Mitose - he's right there in the mix. In some of the stories, he's on the fringes, but can tell you about the major players and what really happened. In others, he takes center stage and helps connect the dots on some of the most important elements of our past.

And history is very important to Hanshi Juchnik. He knows where he came from and he believes you should, too. As important as punching and kicking is, that's how important knowing your lineage is to Hanshi Bruce Juchnik. It was a pleasure to have him on the show and connect many of the different stories we've already heard, as well as point us in the direction of some guests we'll be having on in the future.

Today's featured product is our best seller - our sparring boots. No toe strap, double reinforcement, extra ventilation, durable materials, comfortable design... if you're used to other foam sparring boots, you'll be shocked at how much better these are.

For full show notes and other episodes, please visit:

http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/120-bruce-juchnik/

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Episode 119 - Group Chat: McDojos

McDojos, and all that they mean to the martial arts community, are the topic of conversation today on our first-ever group chat.

Group Chat: McDojos - Episode 119

Today's episode is a bit different - it's our first group conversation. A few weeks ago, we were approached by Sensei Robert Ingram. Sensei Ingram is the man behind the McDojo Life brand. McDojo Life is a martial arts entertainment group that brings you humorous martial arts content. Most of their content is published through social media. McDojo Life has quite a large following, and for good reason - their stuff is funny!

We also brought back a past guest, whistlekick's good friend & host of the Martial Thoughts podcast, Sensei Jaredd Wilson. Jeremy joins the two of them to discuss McDojos, integrity in martial arts instruction and instructors and a lot more.

For those unfamiliar with the term, a McDojo is a derogatory term that refers to a martial arts school that doesn't live up to the standards others set. It's completely subjective, and we discuss that as part of the show. We had a great conversation and all three of us enjoyed the time together. If you like this format, please let us know and we'll look at doing more of them. Thanks for listening and have an amazing day! 

During the episode, we talked about Episode 69, our episode where we talk about martial arts instructors & integrity.

On today's episode, we reference the Redneck Jiu Jitsu YouTube Channel

For More Information on Sensei Ingram and McDojo Life

You can find McDojo Life on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook & Twitter. Soon, the website McDojoLife.com will be active.

For More Information on Sensei Jaredd Wilson and Martial Thoughts

You can find Sensei Jaredd Wilson on Episode 76, his previous podcast appearance.
You can find the Martial Thoughts podcast here, website.

Check out this episode!

Episode 118 - Kancho Matt Brown

I first met Kancho Brown at a multi-instructor seminar in early summer of 2016. I was impressed with his skill, but more so his personality. We quickly became friends and I found myself thrilled at his stories and sense of humor. I knew he was someone that needed to come on the show, and we spent a few months coordinating schedules... BUT... he's here now and it's time for his tales. Let's welcome him to the show.

Today's featured product is our premium sparring glove - the best foam sparring glove available. Check them out, and all of our products, at whistlekick.com

 

For full show notes and other episodes, please check out:

http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/118-matt-brown/

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Episode 117 - Tony Jaa (Profile)

Hi. Guess what? It’s time for another episode of whistlekick Martial Arts Radio, and this is episode 117, and it’s our long-awaited profile of the amazing Tony Jaa.

I'm whistlekick’s founder but I’m better known as your host, Jeremy Lesniak. whistlekick, if you don’t know, makes the absolute best sparring gear, apparel and accessories for practitioners and fans of traditional martial arts.  I'd like to welcome the new listeners and thank everyone that’s come back again.

All of our past podcast episodes, show notes and a lot more are at whistlekickmartialartsradio.com. From that site you can sign up for our newsletter, and I really suggest you do so, because we offer exclusive content to subscribers, discounts and it's the only place to find out about upcoming guests.

You’ve probably heard me talk about our sparring gear before. Heck, it’s the whole reason I founded whistlekick. But what you may not know, unless you’re subscribing to the newsletter (hint-hint!) is that we now have our top-notch sparring gear in a brand new color. Blue! It’s an awesome blue, and the gear looks incredible. Check it out at whistlekick.com.

So, today we’re talking about Tony Jaa. When his name pops up, people think about the Ong Bak movies and his unique martial arts choreography. But how did he get started? What makes him tick? Well, I’ll tell you.

For full show notes, including photos, videos and the rest of the episode transcript, please visit:

http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/117-tony-jaa/

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Episode 116 - Mestre Efraim Silva

As with a number of our guests, it was from a news article that we first learned of Mestre Efraim Silva. Native to Brazil, Mestre Silva has been living in Connecticut for a number of years and has been spreading Capoeira throughout New England via his school. It took us some time to find a day to record as he's very much in demand teaching seminars throughout the United States.

It was, to be blunt, very much worth the wait. Mestre Efraim talks of his early challenges in Brazil, his struggles to open a school here in the US and the positive changes he has had in the lives of his students. It's a powerful episode and one that may leave you feeling inspired and, at times, overwhelmed. It certainly did for me. Enjoy.

~jeremy

Today's featured product is our full line of things to go on your head. Winter hats, ball caps - there's something for everyone. You can check out all of our hats at whistlekick.com

 

For full show notes and other episodes please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/116-efraim-silva/

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Episode 115 - Money & Martial Arts Competition

You’ve probably heard me mention our line of NoSweat shirts before. Super lightweight, incredibly comfortable, these go great under your uniform – and we carry black, white and gray just for that purpose – as well as any other time you want a comfortable, lightweight tee. You can also find them in red, blue, green and a few other colors. Check them out at whistlekick.com

We’ve talked on this show about competition and its role in martial arts. We ask our guests about their competitive experience and we’ve even done full episodes on martial arts tournaments.

One of the things I’ve seen lately on social media revolves around criticism of the way money is handed out at competitions. Some are calling for equal payouts for men’s and women’s divisions. Others are calling for parity between the adult and senior divisions.

Money is, of course, important. While I would agree with the adage, “money doesn’t buy happiness,” it’s hard to be happy when you don’t have any. Let’s explore the ties between money and competitive martial arts.

Check out this episode!