Episode 949 - Ins and Outs of Cross Training

SUMMARY
In this episode, Andrew Adams, Mark Warner, and Craig Wharem discuss the ins and outs of cross training in martial arts. They highlight the benefits of cross training, such as expanding knowledge and skills, making connections with other martial artists, and gaining a fresh perspective on one's own art. They also mention the importance of having an open mind, setting goals, and communicating with instructors. The downsides of cross training are also discussed, including potential financial costs and the need for beginners to establish a solid foundation before exploring other arts.

TAKEAWAYS
* Cross training in martial arts can expand knowledge and skills, provide fresh perspectives, and make connections with other martial artists.
* Having an open mind and being willing to learn from different styles is crucial for successful cross training.
* Setting clear goals and communicating with instructors can help guide the cross training process.
* Financial costs and the need for beginners to establish a solid foundation before exploring other arts are potential downsides of cross training.

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Episode 948 - Sensei Karen Guarino

SUMMARY The conversation covers various topics including Sensei Karen Guarino's background in martial arts, her experience working at a nature center and zoo, and her return to martial arts after a 16-year hiatus. She discusses the impact of martial arts on her confidence and ability to perform on stage. She also shares her love for animals and her work as a zookeeper. The conversation highlights the importance of networking and building relationships in professional development. Karen shares her journey from being a zookeeper to becoming a martial arts instructor and opening her own school. She talks about the confidence and willingness she gained from her martial arts training, which helped her embrace intimidating experiences. Karen also discusses her love for teaching and working with children, and her dream of combining her zookeeping and teaching skills. She shares her experience of starting a toddler program and the joy she finds in teaching martial arts with her husband. Karen's ultimate goal is to have a martial arts school with a small zoo where people can learn and interact with animals.  TAKEAWAYS * Martial arts can have a profound impact on confidence and performance in other areas of life. * Networking and building relationships are crucial for professional development. * Passions and interests can evolve over time, and it's never too late to pursue them. * Working with animals can be both challenging and rewarding. * Taking breaks and exploring different career paths can lead to new opportunities and personal growth. Martial arts training can give you the confidence to embrace intimidating experiences. * Teaching martial arts and working with children can be incredibly fulfilling. * Combining different passions, such as zookeeping and teaching, can lead to unique and exciting opportunities. * Opening a martial arts school requires dedication, hard work, and a love for teaching. * Having a supportive partner can make pursuing your dreams even more rewarding. 

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Episode 947 - Opening a New School

SUMMARY

In this conversation, Andrew Adams, Nick Taber, and Gregory Williams discuss the process of opening a new martial arts school. They share their personal experiences and motivations for starting their own schools, as well as the challenges they faced. In this conversation, Andrew, Greg, and Nick discuss the challenges of starting a martial arts school and share their experiences and insights. They cover topics such as insurance and liability, marketing and getting students, finding a location and the importance of community engagement. The hosts also mention the importance of teaching and how it can enhance their own martial arts journey. They also mention the Whistlekick Alliance program as a resource for martial arts school owners. Overall, they emphasize the need for careful planning, active promotion, and a strong connection with the local community.

 

TAKEAWAYS

• Opening a martial arts school requires careful consideration of factors such as location, insurance, and financial arrangements.

• Finding the right space for the school can be challenging, with factors like cost, availability, and suitability playing a role.

• Insurance is an important aspect to consider, as it can significantly impact the financial viability of the school.

• Deciding between a brick-and-mortar space and renting a facility depends on factors such as financial resources, long-term goals, and the local market.

• Teaching martial arts not only benefits students but also enhances the instructor's own martial arts journey.

• Consider insurance and liability protection for your martial arts school

• Word of mouth and social media can be effective marketing strategies

• Engage with the local community to promote your school

• Joining programs like Whistlekick Alliance can provide support and resources

• Maintain open communication and availability for your students

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Episode 946 - Coach Jeff Goodrum

SUMMARY Jeremy chat with his guest, Coach Jeff Goodrum, and discusses his love for martial arts and the open-mindedness it brings. He talks about the importance of being a student and constantly learning, as well as the impact of his instructors and upbringing on his mindset. Coach Goodrum also touches on his experiences with fighting and the entertainment aspect of martial arts. He reflects on his journey through different martial arts styles and the influence of his father. He talks about his journey from being a college dropout to starting his own martial arts school and mentoring kids. He shares how his mother's support and his passion for music and martial arts motivated him. Coach Goodrum also discusses the importance of having a mentor and how he wants to be that mentor for kids who don't have a support system. He emphasizes the need for kids to have positive role models and learn how to be heroes in their own lives. He also talks about the challenges of formalizing his training program and the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement. He discusses the importance of seeking help and mentorship in business and martial arts. He highlights the benefits of working with the Small Business Development Center and emphasizes the value of learning from experienced individuals. Lastly, he also talks about the need for education and knowledge in entrepreneurship and the importance of finding a balance between different aspects of life. He shares his vision for his martial arts school and the impact he hopes to have on his students. Overall, the conversation explores themes of mentorship, education, personal growth, and community building.  TAKEAWAYS * Martial arts fosters an open-mindedness and willingness to constantly learn and improve. * The influence of instructors and upbringing plays a significant role in shaping one's mindset. * Fighting can be both entertaining and a valuable learning experience. * Being a student and constantly seeking knowledge is important in martial arts and in life. * Following one's passion and making decisions based on personal fulfillment is crucial. Having a support system and a mentor can make a huge difference in a person's life. * Kids who don't have a support system need positive role models and mentors to guide them. * Formalizing a training program and starting a business can be challenging but rewarding. * Continuous learning and self-improvement are essential for personal and professional growth. Seeking help and mentorship is crucial for success in business and martial arts. * The Small Business Development Center offers valuable resources and support for small businesses. * Education and knowledge are essential for entrepreneurship. * Finding a balance between different aspects of life is important. * Martial arts can teach valuable life skills and help individuals cope with trauma. * Building a strong community is a key aspect of martial arts. * Being open to learning and seeking guidance from experienced individuals is beneficial in personal and professional growth.

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Episode 945 - 2 Schools of Thought: Uniforms or Not

SUMMARY

In this episode, Jeremy and Andrew discuss the pros and cons of training in a traditional martial arts uniform versus something else. They explore the benefits of uniformity, such as setting behavior expectations and creating a sense of belonging. They also discuss the downsides, including the restriction of movement and the expense of purchasing multiple uniforms. Additionally, they touch on the importance of training in street clothes to understand the differences in mobility and footwear. Overall, they emphasize the importance of context and individual preference in choosing a training attire.

TAKEAWAYS

• Wearing a traditional martial arts uniform can help set behavior expectations and create a sense of belonging.

• Training in a uniform can restrict movement and may not be practical for real-life self-defense situations.

• Training in street clothes is important to understand the differences in mobility and footwear.

• The expense of purchasing multiple uniforms can be a downside.

• Context and individual preference play a significant role in choosing a training attire.

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Episode 944 - Wyatt Meriwether

SUMMARY In this conversation, Jeremy sits down with Wyatt Meriwether and discusses various topics including martial arts, strongman training, ballet, and the importance of consistency in training. They talk about the balance between flexibility and strength, the dangers of certain exercises, and the need for dedication and perseverance in achieving goals. Wyatt also touches on the challenges of being a performer and the impact of personal experiences on one's career choices. He talks about his journey from joining the military to becoming a modern Army combatives instructor. He shares his experiences in basic training, his decision to join the Marine Corps, and his eventual transition to the Army. He also discusses his time at the Defense Language Institute. Wyatt highlights the challenges and rewards of the program and the respect he gained from his superiors. Alongside his professional journey, he discovered a passion for strength sports, particularly strongman competitions. His love for the process and the challenge of getting stronger drives him in his pursuit of becoming a top-tier strongman. He also has a background in kinesiology and is interested in the intersection of ballet and martial arts. The conversation explores the relationship between structured movement disciplines like ballet and martial arts. It emphasizes the importance of understanding how the body moves and the benefits of diverse movement training. Wyatt shares his experience in ballet, martial arts, and circus training, highlighting the similarities and transferable skills between these disciplines. He encourages martial artists to explore other movement practices to enhance their skills and overall well-roundedness.  TAKEAWAYS * Consistency and dedication are key in achieving success in any discipline. * There is a balance between flexibility and strength, and finding the right combination is important. * Certain exercises in strongman training and martial arts can be inherently dangerous, but with proper training and safety precautions, the risks can be minimized. * Personal experiences and childhood trauma can shape one's career choices and focus. * Embracing hard work and difficult challenges is necessary for growth and improvement. * He has overcome challenges related to alcohol and found solace and purpose in strength sports, particularly strongman competitions. * Wyatt's educational background in dance, healthcare, and public health has informed his professional pursuits and shaped his perspective on health and wellness. * Diverse movement training can enhance martial arts skills and improve overall performance. * Understanding proprioception and how the body moves in space is crucial for martial artists. * Non-combative movement practices like ballet, gymnastics, and acrobatics can provide valuable tools for martial artists. * Being a well-rounded practitioner involves exploring different movement disciplines and continuously learning and evolving.

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Episode 943 - The Legacy we Leave Behind

SUMMARY

The conversation (with Craig Wharem, Kellie Thomas, Mark Warner, Karen Guarino, Matt Nather, Victor Guarino) revolves around the topic of legacy in martial arts. The participants discuss what they hope to leave behind and what they want their students to take away from their teachings. They emphasize the importance of having fun, building self-confidence, and creating a sense of belonging. They also talk about the temporary nature of martial arts involvement and how to manage the emotions of students moving on. The participants share personal stories and insights on teaching from the heart and making a positive impact on students' lives.

TAKEAWAYS

* Legacy in martial arts is about leaving a positive impact on students' lives.
* Having fun and not taking oneself too seriously is an important aspect of martial arts.
* Building self-confidence and creating a sense of belonging are key goals in teaching martial arts.
* Managing the emotions of students moving on is a challenge, but it's important to support and encourage them.
* Teaching from the heart and making a positive impact on students' lives is crucial in martial arts.

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Episode 942 - Jake Miesner

SUMMARY Jeremy sits and chats with Jake Miesner after FTDMW in Kansas. Jake discusses his martial arts background and experiences. He shares his journey from starting martial arts to becoming a teacher and opening his own school. He emphasizes the importance of breaking down movements and keeping the learning process fun and simple. Jake talks about his transition from being a band director to starting his own martial arts school and the challenges he faced. They also discuss the business aspect of running a martial arts school and the need for growth and profitability. Roughly half of martial arts schools in the US are not profitable, but that doesn't mean they can't turn it around or that it's inherently wrong. It's okay to have a hobby that puts money in your pocket and brings you joy. Teaching martial arts and running a school require different skill sets, and it's important to recognize the value of both. Martial arts can provide physical and personal growth, and it can be beneficial for athletes in other sports as well. It's important to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for students and parents, and to involve parents in the training process. Assessments and subjective evaluations can help parents understand the progress their children are making. The goal is to create a sustainable business that allows for growth and expansion, while also prioritizing physical and mental well-being.  TAKEAWAYS * Breaking down movements and keeping the learning process simple and fun is key to teaching martial arts effectively. * Transitioning from a different career to starting a martial arts school can be challenging but rewarding. * Having high expectations and holding students accountable is important for their growth and development. * Running a martial arts school requires a balance between passion for teaching and the need for profitability. * Success in martial arts and other disciplines often comes from breaking down complex skills into simple components and gradually building upon them. Roughly half of martial arts schools in the US are not profitable, but it's okay to have a hobby that brings in some income and brings joy. * Teaching martial arts and running a school require different skill sets, and it's important to recognize the value of both. * Martial arts can provide physical and personal growth, and it can be beneficial for athletes in other sports as well. * Involving parents in the training process and creating a welcoming environment can enhance the student experience. * Assessments and subjective evaluations can help parents understand the progress their children are making. * The goal is to create a sustainable business that allows for growth and expansion, while also prioritizing physical and mental well-being.

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Episode 941 - The Why of Free Training Day Midwest

SUMMARY

Jeremy chats with Victor and Karen Guarino, hosts of Free Training Day Midwest, as well as Craig Wharem, Kellie Thomas, Matt Nather, and Mark Warner; presenters that traveled to Kansas from the east coast. They discuss their experiences with free training days and the sense of community and support they provide. They talk about the importance of connecting with other martial artists and the value of being part of a tribe. They highlight the barriers that are removed during free training days, such as rank, title, and lineage, allowing for authentic connections and vulnerability. The participants express their gratitude for the Whistlekick events and the ego-free environment they create.

TAKEAWAYS

* Free training days provide a sense of community and support for martial artists.
* Connecting with other martial artists and being part of a tribe is valuable.
* Barriers such as rank, title, and lineage are removed during free training days, allowing for authentic connections.
* Free training days create an ego-free environment where vulnerability and authenticity are encouraged.

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