Episode 210 - Mr. John Stork

Mr. John Stork is not your typical martial artist. Aside from training with two of the show’s wonderful guests, he is a talented circus and street performer with a solid foundation in martial arts. John’s love for the arts was drawn from his fascination in movies and television, just like many of us. An accomplished individual with great experiences, he shares his stories and aspirations here on the show.

We've mentioned our sparring gear on the show a fair amount - because it's our bread and butter. It's the thing we started making because we wanted it so badly, and it's the way we finance everything else, like this show. We've had a lot of support from listeners over the last couple years, but if you're a school owner or buyer for a pro shop, please check out our wholesale site. We'd love to earn your business.

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Episode 209 - How the World Sees Martial Artists

In this episode, Jeremy talks about how martial artists look from both outside and inside the martial arts.

How the World Sees Martial Artists - Episode 209

Let’s face it, there are different opinions about martial artists - both from a non-martial arts perspective and even from other martial artists. Does the world favor martial artists or do they just see us as violent individuals? This episode covers a controversial theme and you will have to listen to find out.

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Episode 208 – Sensei JD Swanson

Many of us dream of training with martial arts heroes – those we look up to so much. Sensei J.D. Swanson has done more than dream, he’s been fortunate enough to train with a number of karate greats. Sensei Swanson has been successful not only in martial arts but in academics, as a University Professor.

 

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Episode 207 - Why There Is No Right Way

Every one is unique and so is their training. However, we cannot seem to stop comparing our journey to other people’s journey and we criticize others to the point that we impose our ways on them. That simply makes no sense. There are different disciplines, combinations, and dynamics that go along with Martial Arts such that we cannot simply have a single, right way. Listen to Jeremy as he dissects Martial Arts as a unique experience for every artist and more.

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Episode 206 - Soke Newton James

As our show has grown, so has our reach. We're being listened to in more countries (134 at last count) and we're hearing from more international guests. Today's guest is both international and American, at least when it comes to martial arts. Soke Newton James was born in Jamaica, and that's when he found karate. Life finds him in the US now, and we're fortunate enough to have him on the show.

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Episode 205 - Martial Arts Basics Drills

In this episode, we'll go over Jeremy's Top 12 drills for getting better at martial arts basics.

Martial Arts Basics Drills - Episode 205

Let's face it, practicing your basics can get tedious. It doesn't matter how important you understand them to be, how fundamental they are, they're... basic. The more exciting they can become, they more you'll practice, and the better the martial artist you'll become. Here are Jeremy's Top 12 Drills for Martial Arts basics. Of course, there's much more detail in the episode.

1. Stationary
2. Moving
3. With your eyes closed
4. Facing a mirror
5. Aiming at a target
6. For power on a heavy bag
7. For speed (see Episode 203 - Developing Speed for more)
8. With a moving target
9. As part of a cardio workout
10. Slowly
11. With visualization
12. In forms

 

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Episode 204 - Dr. Peder Piering

Dr. Peder Piering is a Taekwondo practitioner from Wisconsin and author of the book Master Mental Toughness.

Dr. Peder Piering - Episode 204

Most often the competition is with yourself. Can I make this stretch a little bit further? Can I kick fraction of an inch higher?How can I not perfect your form but get that form does as well as it can possibly be done and this competition happens day in and day out.

Today's guest has a story that will resonate for many of us - especially those who started martial arts as an adult. Dr. Peder Piering discovered martial arts could not only bring his family closer together, it allowed him to rediscover the joy he had as a competitive athlete in his earlier years. As a sports psychologist, he's learned how each of the two sides of his life not only brings value to the other but to his clients.

Do you ever clash shins with a sparring partner? Bone bruises are some of the worst injuries a martial artist can face, and even most of the shin guards on the market don't fully protect against shin clashes. whistlekick Shin Guards are made double thick - but only over the tibia - your shin bone. The rest of the guard is well ventilated and the whole thing is shaped to fit your shins on day one, so they're comfortable and they stay in place. They're easy to clean and they can fit under or over your training and competition attire. Check them out at whistlekick.com

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Episode 203 - Developing Speed

We all understand the importance of getting faster as martial artists, but how often do we work on it? And if you want to work on it, how do you go about it? This episode covers a number of concepts and drills that will help you get faster at everything you do.

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Episode 202 - Mr. Ron Amram

Mr. Ron Amram is a multi-disciplined martial arts instructor and school owner from Australia with an excellent story.

Mr. Ron Amram - Episode 202

 I don't have a dial, I have a switch - it's on its off, you know there is no 30%, there is no 50%, there is no 70%, I do 100% right on. And with the Martial Arts at the moment, it's completely on.

When I first learned of Mr. Ron Amram it was on his blog, which is part of his school's website. As I read through an article I found myself nodding along - feeling like he and I could have had the same upbringing. I was reading an article written by someone who understood not only the traditions we hold dear in martial arts, but also made space for improving on those traditions where it made sense.

Which is why I am so pleased to have him on the show today. Mr. Amram is kind, open and funny. I enjoyed my time with him and I hope you do as well.

Need some sparring gloves? Our traditionally-styled martial arts gloves bring you more comfort than any other style of glove - they're breathable and lightweight, yet still tournament legal. Check them out at whistlekick.com - and yes we do ship internationally.

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