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/

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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/

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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/

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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.

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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.

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