whistlekick Martial Arts Radio

Sensei Robert McQuade is a martial arts practitioner and instructor from Philadelphia. He is the head instructor at Action Karate martial arts school. It was the struggle and the persistence and the perseverance that I had to show in the next six months in training every single week in training, even though I didn't want to, that's what made it mean more. Sensei Robert McQuade - Episode 248 Every kid that was enrolled by their parents in a martial arts class wasthrilled to go because of some great karate movies or even video games. Sensei Robert McQuade was nothing like those kids because he never wanted to go to a martial arts class. Strangely enough, he not only went, but became a great instructor.

In this episode, Jeremy talks about the importance of avoiding to use your martial arts skills against an individual. Importance of Not Doing - Episode 247 The goal of martial arts is to not use your skills in an actual situation. We hear this concept all the time from seasoned martial arts instructors and practitioners but how do we really do it? In this episode, Jeremy explores the possibilities of avoiding getting in trouble in places that are usually hostile such as bars through the use of observation and predictive skills. Listen to this episode as Jeremy shares his personal experience with not doing.

Sensei Nick Nicholson is a Kempo practitioner, instructor and a former Marine from Chicago, Illinois. Sensei Nick Nicholson - Episode 246 Martial artists usually start their journey into the martial arts when their parents ask them to train, or even force them. Sensei Nick Nicholson's story would not be the same with a number of individuals. With some early days getting into scraps other children, Sensei Nicholson's parents decided not to send him to any martial arts school, fearing it would make the situation worse. Sensei Nicholson is now the founder of the Family Kenpo Academy, a former Marine, and he's eventrained in some other martial arts disciplines. Listen to Sensei Nicholson's journey.

In this episode, Jeremy talks with Sensei Rob Domaschuk who recently completed his #30DaysofKarate. 30 Days of Karate with Sensei Rob Domaschuk - Episode 245 In this episode, we take a slightly different turn from the usual Thursday episode. Today, Jeremy talks with Sensei Rob Domaschuk and his 30 Days of Karate. Sensei Domaschuk completed a 30-day karate training for at least one hour every day. Sensei Domaschuk shared how he's able to complete this inspiring task and the lessons that he learned from it. Listen to find out more.

An-Shu Stephen Hayes is a martial arts practitioner and instructor from Ohio. He is the founder of the martial art To Shin Do. An-Shu Stephen Hayes - Episode 244 Finding our passion sometimes takes a leap of faith. An-Shu Stephen Hayes did just that by traveling to Japan in search of a master that would teach him ninjutsu. An-Shu Hayes practiced several karate disciplines and became a renowned author on the art of ninjutsu before he founded To Shin Do. He is a very dynamic story-teller and his stories are certainly inspiring. An-Shu Steven Hayes is an exciting guest to have on the show, listen to the story of his martial arts journey.

In this episode, Jeremy talks about the significance of epiphanies in our journey as a martial artist and his own personal experience. Martial Arts Epiphanies- Episode 243 Have you ever had a "light bulb" moment? A moment when you learn something better than what you are currently doing not only in your martial arts practice but in life as well? Epiphanies in the martial arts are good especially if that improves your art but others see it as a regretful realization of the past. In this episode, Jeremy shares some of his epiphanies and how are they important. Listen to find out more.

Shihan Mike Sartwell is a martial arts practitioner and instructor from New Hampshire. He is the current owner of NIMMA and one of its top instructors. Shihan Mike Sartwell - Episode 242 Shihan Mike Cartwell is a dedicated martial arts instructor at the National Institute of Modern Martial Arts (NIMMA). He is formerly a Physical Therapist before he became a full time martial arts instructor. How many times have we been confronted with choosing between career or martial arts? Shihan Mike Sartwell definitely had one and he has chosen the martial arts rather than his professional career. Listen to learn his story.

In this episode, Jeremy talks about the effects of self-doubt and how to manage its effects for our development. Dealing with Self-doubt - Episode 241 Everyone of us, at least one point in our life, has experienced doubting ourselves whether at school, family or at work. Self-doubt is very counter-productive because it limits our growth and development and it hinders our progress. Martial artists are not exempted from self-doubt because going into martial arts is usually scary especially for first-timers. In this episode, Jeremy shares his experience as well as ways to overcome self-doubt. Listen to learn more.

Mr. Jordy Delage is a French Aikido practitioner who lives in Japan. Mr. Delage is also the founder of Seido Shop, a Japanese company that provides Aikido equipment. The only difference between sports and martial arts in human evolution, is that, in martial arts you're going to teach that (commitment). In sports, at some level people just realize it (commitment)... Mr. Jordy Delage - Episode 240 There is something magnificent about Japan even more than its food and martial arts. Mr. Jordy Delage has definitely found out that Japan's culture and people have been influential in his decision to move to this foreign country. Mr. Delage founded Seido Shop, a company that manufactures Aikido equipment locally. Having endured hardships as a child, Mr. Jordy Delage's martial arts story is interesting and inspiring as well. How many times do we hear people say that they became involved with martial arts because of a romantic interest? Listen to find out more.

In this episode, Jeremy talks about the importance and benefits of meditation when it is practiced alongside martial arts. Meditation & Martial Arts - Episode 239 Meditation and the martial arts have often been associated with each other because of their long history together such as the monks who practice martial arts since the beginning. However, meditation has been overlooked my many martial arts practitioners because of the fast-paced world we are living in. It is neglected because of a simple reason- we are easily distracted. Jeremy talks about the benefits of using meditation not only for martial arts but for daily life as well. Listen to learn more.

Grand Master Mark Shuey is a martial arts practitioner from California. He is the creator of the American Cane System. I learned in martial arts, it wasn't being tough. There's a lot more to it about maturity, taking care of the family, taking care of yourself... Grand Master Mark Shuey - Episode 238 Martial arts is a path many take when they want to learn self-defense and protect yourself from aggressors. This is definitely not the path Grand Master Mark Shuey was taking when he first started martial arts. Grand Master Shuey was a weightlifter, wrestler and wasn't always known for being a pacifist. He started with Chuck Norris' system and from that point, his journey as a martial artist was solidified, in not only winning championships but also creating his own cane system. Grand Master Shuey truly had an adventurous ride, but it was worth it. Listen to the story of tough-guy-turned-martial-artist, Grand Master Mark Shuey.

In this episode, Jeremy brings you the fourth installment of the question and answer series. Question & Answer #4 - Episode 237 Jeremy answers these questions from the listeners: Why do non-martial artists think that martial arts makes people violent? Why is there so much disagreement in the martial arts? What would you do differently if you could go back in time? How do you define success?

Sensei Mikel LaChapelle is a multi-discipline martial arts practitioner based in New Hampshire. Sensei Mikel LaChapelle - Episode 236 The Karate Kid movie has been influential to a lot of martial artists, it's even a common reason people start martial arts.. Sensei Mikel LaChapelle is one of those, because after seeing the film, and with the help of people he met along the way, he became a truly passionate martial artist.. He's practiced different karate styles, taekwondo Hapkido and more. Sensei LaChapelle is a one of a kind individual with an absolute thirst for learning new things even with the achievements he's had to this point in his life. Listen and find out more about today's guest, Sensei Mikel LaChapelle.

In this episode, Jeremy talks about how can you get the most out of your body through improving mobility and flexibility. Flexibility & Mobility in Martial Arts - Episode 235 Being an effective martial artist is not just about brute strength and power. It's also about flexibility and mobility. It's about having the dexterity and ability to perform the movements and activities that are exclusive to martial arts. There is no point to a lot of power if you can't be mobile and flexible enough to hit the target. In this episode, we talk about ways to improve as martial artists. Listen as Jeremy discusses some of the activities that you can do for your improvement.

Sensei Guillaume Erard is an Aikido practitioner and instructor from France but living and working in Japan. Sensei Guillaume Erard - Episode 234 One's love for Japan may range to sushi and ramen or even anime but Sensei Guillaume Erard is a bit different. His deep affection for Japanese culture was so strong that he decided to live and work there. Sensei Erard started his martial arts path with Judo during his childhood years and eventually transitioned to Aikido. Having said that, Sensei Erard's passion for the martial arts has indeed brought him to a different part of the world. Listen to his life story.

In this episode, Jeremy talks about how you may improve your forms in the martial arts for competition or even if you just love forms. Understanding the Space Between Movements in Forms - Episode 233 A lot of us martial artist especially those who are starting, may look at forms as something that is memorized and taken step by step to be able to achieve perfection. Most of the time, this isn't the case because great martial artists do not just memorize the forms, they know it by heart and they give so much importance to the "space" in between movement. These are the intangibles that may be unknown to us but we see and feel them when great martial artists perform. Take a listen and know where is the devil in the details!

Professor Melody Shuman is a world champion martial arts practitioner, coach and instructor from the state of Louisiana. She was also a Disney employee and founder of the Little Ninjas program that so many of us know. I believe that competition is really how you measure yourself. Win, lose or draw, you become a better version of yourself because of the energy and effort it takes to compete... Professor Melody Shuman - Episode 232 Size is considered an advantage in most sports including martial arts. The bigger you are, the more likely you'll be victorious, whether that's in competition or a self-defense situation. When it comes to Professor Melody Shuman, winning is not about your size, it's about hard work and a little bit of luck. She wasn't gifted with height, but it didn't stop her from competing in tournaments and ultimately becoming a martial arts champion. Professor Shuman's story is nothing short of amazing because she embodies the notion that size doesn't matter.

In this episode, Jeremy talks about how people can make self-defense a non-violent and non-injurious practice. The Need for Self Defense Strategies that Don't Injure Others - Episode 231 Most of us plan to incapacitate an attacker when they intend to hurt us, which is how most instructors taught us self-defense. It has become a standard that we hurt our attacker if the situation arises. But, what if we could actually defend ourselves without being violent? Some of you may think it's a crazy idea but Jeremy has some tips on how not to be violent in the context of self-defense - and why it's so critically important to have these types of movements at our disposal. So take a listen and learn how!

Sensei Sascha Raeburn is a Taekwondo practitioner and an award-winning actress who hails from Australia. Sensei Sascha Raeburn - Episode 230 From childhood dreams to living that dream. Sensei Sascha Raeburn has imagined herself a martial artist since she was a child, playing her favorite video games and imitating the characters in them. From that point, Sensei Raeburn knew that she was going to make it. As a taekwondo practitioner, she uses her art not only in training, but also in her career as an award-winning actress. Sensei Raeburn is a multi-talented woman who's used her martial arts as the foundation of her career. Let's listen to her life story and her journey to the martial arts.

In this episode, Jeremy talks about why people struggle with sustaining long-term goals and what we should do about it. Why People Struggle with Unending Pursuits Like Martial Arts - Episode 229 Many of us are eager to start something that would benefit ourselves like a nutrition program. We want to be healthy and all that but how many of us actually go a long way through the program? In martial arts, practitioners seem to be fixated on the goal of getting that black belt and then they're done. Martial arts should be a life-long pursuit and not just a black belt goal. Listen to Jeremy and join the discussion!

Sensei Hal Pierce is a martial arts practitioner and instructor from Maine. He trains and teaches multiple martial arts disciplines including karate and judo. Sensei Hal Pierce - Episode 228 Many martial artists start their journey after seeing an impressive display on television or in a movie. Sensei Hal Pierce is no different. Martial arts movies were his gateway into training, and he's still bringing that passionate attitude to the arts years later. Today he practices multiple martial arts disciplines and is known for sharing that knowledge, a passion I can personally attest to. Sensei Pierce is fond of the application of traditional arts through MMA and loves working with kids. His story is both inspiring and relatable, so let's take a listen.

In this episode, Jeremy talks about respect at martial arts events. As the cliché goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Rome - Episode 227 Arrogance and pride may get in our head sometimes, leading us to look down on people around us or what they're doing. When we're invited to a friend's house, we must definitely follow the rules set before us. The same goes for martial arts events. We are invited because there is a certain level of respect that is given to us and it must be reciprocated by behaving in a way that's appropriate, even if it's not what you feel is best. Respect shown to the event organizer and the participants is paramount. Hence, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Take a listen!

Kyoshi Brent Crisci is a karate practitioner and teacher from Maine. He is the founder of United Martial Art Academies. To me, that's what sport karate does. It builds that type of integrity and it build that kind of pride. Kyoshi Brent Crisci - Episode 226 In this episode, we talk with Kyoshi Brent Crisci who is also known as "Kicks" in the martial arts world. A very seasoned martial arts practitioner and instructor, he worked with some of the greats in the martial arts during his younger years. It was during those experiences he learned not only the material, but the importance of passing on to the younger generation. Kyoshi Crisci is a fighter and a survivor of one of life's most challenging battles, which is why we're so honored to have him today. Listen to Kyoshi Brent Crisci as he tells his very inspiring story.

This episode is a rebroadcast of Episode 51 of Fight for a Happy Life with Sensei Ando Mierzwa where he interviewed Jeremy about more of his personal side and of course, how to fight for a happy life!

Grand Master James Faralli is a Hapkido instructor and the force behind the American Hapkido Alliance. Grand Master James Faralli - Episode 224 I have an addictive personality, which translates as whatever happens to be that I am into, I have to be a hundred and ten percent... Most people struggle to move forward in life when they start out under unfortunate circumstances. Some even perpetuate the troubles that held them back. Today's guest, Grand Master James Faralli, is not one of those people. He belongs to an immigrant family from Germany that went straight to live on a military base and his experience was far from great. Grand Master Faralli is a military man who later on suffered an injury that would threaten his martial arts career. Let's listen to his extraordinary story of his journey of acceptance, hard-work, and resilience in the martial arts.

Mr. Julio Fernandez is an accomplished Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner who hails from Brazil, now living in Vermont, USA. Mr. Julio Foca Fernandez - Episode 222 Sometimes, our love for another career or sport can bring us to martial arts. This is true for Mr. Julio Fernandez who was a pro surfer prior to his commitment to the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He has called only one man his instructor, a man with a very recognizable name. Mr. Fernandez is a true multi-talented martial artist who has great love for teaching what he has learned. Listen to the episode to know more about the story of Mr. Julio Fernandez.

In this episode, Jeremy talks with Jan-Eric Wargelin from Helsinki, Finland. He is the founder of KickAI and a Taekwondo practitioner. KickAI - Interview with Founder Jan-Eric Wargelin - Episode 221 KickAi is an app-based hardware product for martial artists that helps in improving kicks. It allows you to record and analyze data of your training. Listen to Jeremy as he talks with Mr. Jan-Eric Wargelin about this innovative product, for us, Martial Artists! While we're excited for Kick.AI, please know that we are not officially endorsing the product. Further, we received no money for this episode nor do we receive a commission if you purchase. We simply wanted to share something new and exciting with our listeners.

Mr. Scott Bolon is a regular listener of the show and he is currently training in several martial arts disciplines. Mr. Scott Bolon - Episode 220 ...Martial arts is a grind, its about repetitions. Its about creating that natural automatic movement and so you can't burn out... Training with four different martial arts disciplines at the same time is not a simple feat. Our guest for today, Mr. Scott Bolon, is definitely a person on a mission to prove that failure is not a reason to quit but a fuel to success. Let us listen to the story of Mr. Bolon's journey into the martial arts and how he emerged as a winner despite how hard the situation in his life was.

In this episode, Jeremy talks about how whistlekick Sparring Gear and Apparel came into life. How whistlekick Gear was Born - Episode 219 Some of you listeners might be dying to know the whole story about how whistlekick Sparring Gear and Apparel become the go to gear that we love today. Well, this is your lucky day. Jeremy talks about the idea, the plan, and the product. Yes, from start to finish. You will know about the toughest as well as the happiest part of the journey in creating whistlekick. Let's listen to Jeremy as he unfolds the story of whistlekick.

Sifu Rick Wong is a martial artist and physical therapist raised in New York and now living in Massachusetts. Sifu Rick Wong - Episode 218 One's affinity for martial arts may come from their heritage. That is definitely the case for Sifu Rick Wong who fell in love with martial arts as soon as he saw Kung fu movies. Kung fu has taught him to be resilient with challenges, and to keep quitting off his list of options. Sifu Wong has trained with some of the pillars of Chinese martial arts, including the great Sifu Bow-sim Mark. Certainly, he has become successful with his career as a Physical Therapist, a father, and a martial artist.

In this episode, Jeremy talks about some of the things that make martial artists look bad for other people and martial arts itself. Top 5 Things Wrong with Martial Artists - Episode 217 We are not perfect. That is true for everyone of us whether be martial artist or not because it is simply how we are as people. We have mistakes that we commit and wrongs that we do. As martial artists, we must be open to be criticized for these things so that we have a bigger room for improving both our art and self. In this episode, Jeremy analyzes the common and most important things that we as martial artists do wrong. Listen to learn more!

Shihan Chris Casamassa is a martial artist, school owner, and actor best known for his role as Scorpion in the Mortal Kombat films. Shihan Chris Casamassa - Episode 216 ...After that you know martial arts, what I found is it's one of those things that if you don't use it, you'll lose it... Shihan Chris Casamassa as Scorpion[/caption] Nearly everyone loves movies, and for the majority of our listeners - and guests- martial arts movies are an opportunity to see the pursuit we're so passionate about brought to the next level. For Shihan Casamassa, though, everything is at that next level. His time in competition, his pursuit of acting, his writing, his teaching - all of them exemplify the whistlekick motto - never settle. He's worked with the best, and his acting had him side by side with legends, including some past guests of this show. Through it all, he's maintained an open mind and a willingness to continue working as hard as he ever has.

In this episode, Jeremy talks about the importance of taking a break from your martial arts training. Taking a Break from Martial Arts – Episode 215 Let us admit, we need to take a break sometimes from all the stuffs that we do like work, school and all other things that keep us busy. We can say the same about our martial arts training. Taking a break from the physicality of the art can give you a new sense of direction and make you feel refreshed. It can help us reflect on the right things so we can put them on the right perspective. Listen to the episode and find out how to make your breaks worthwhile.

Grandmaster David Oliver - Episode 214 ...You trained a lot longer, you got more experience in life than they are. And mainly, to be honest with them and not to try and make out that you're someone you're not. There are times in life where success doesn't seem possible. At a listener's suggestion, I reached out to GM David Oliver and invited him to come on the show. He accepted, but the hurdles we jumped through to make this episode happen were unlike anything I've experienced in the history of the show. From various technical issues to scheduling challenges, it seemed that some greater force was trying to keep me from speaking with him. Fortunately, Grandmaster Oliver was accommodating and we were able to work through everything. In the end, the episode came out great. This is a man with more than 50 years in Taekwondo. Someone who actually knew General Choi. He's dedicated his life to martial arts and now the organization he oversees has more than 25,000 members. It was an honor to speak with him and I hope you take as much wisdom from our conversation as I did.

In this episode, Jeremy talks about how humor and laughter can make martial arts both interesting and fun at the same time. Martial Arts Humor - Episode 213 Most people, especially those who are unfamiliar, look at martial arts as serious and physically challenging. In reality, it's actually very funny. From the names of the moves to teachers who use humor and even Chuck Norris "facts." If you can't laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at? This episode is all about the lighter side of what we do, and how it has an impact on not only who you are, but your training. Listen as Jeremy explains how laughter can make things better and more!

Sifu Jean Lukitsh is a Chinese martial arts practitioner from Boston with connections to some very famous martial artists. Sifu Jean Lukitsh - Episode 212 "I just saw a miracle, she held that woman up all by herself!" and I said, that wasn't a miracle, that was Kung Fu. They all laughed but its true. It was from a recent conversation with an upcoming guest that I learned about Sifu Jean Lukitsh. After exchanging a few emails I knew this would be one incredible interview. As the photos arrived featuring Sifu Lukitsh and everyone from Donnie Yen to Jackie Chan, it was clear that we'd hear some great stories. Having trained under Bow-sim Mark, Donnie Yen's Mother, Sifu Jean Lukitsh has ties to some incredible martial artists, but it was her passion and dedication that originally brought her to Boston. Did you see the latest issue of the newsletter? Over the last few weeks we've sent out only a few - we never want to spam you. Inside we've included really great discounts - more than 30% off. We've also made announcements about new products, events, sparring gear colors, upcoming episodes and more. Look, we all get a lot of emails, so we're careful about what goes in our newsletter. They're short, to the point, and from what we see in the numbers, people really like them. Sign up today at the website.

In this episode, Jeremy talks about a number of ways you can improve your martial arts events. Improving Martial Arts Events - Episode 211 Are you thinking about organizing an event for your martial arts school? Maybe, you are in the planning stage of your first event or already preparing for another one. Well, this episode is for you. Jeremy breaks down some of the important details of organizing a martial arts event including how to make their attendance worth their time and money. In the fast-paced world that we are living in, making these events worthwhile, not only for the students but for instructors as well, is definitely the way to a successful event. Listen to the episode and find out more!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Stationary Moving With your eyes closed Facing a mirror Aiming at a target For power on a heavy bag For speed (see Episode 203 - Developing Speed for more) With a moving target As part of a cardio workout Slowly With visualization In forms

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

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.

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.

For episode 200 we recorded and streamed live over both Facebook Live and Instagram. We saved the video, which you can watch below. You can also listen to the audio. Thank you to everyone that helped make the show a success, especially all of the listeners.

On today's episode, we bring you the third installment of our question and answer series, as well as give you some information on the upcoming episode 200. Question & Answer #3 - Episode 199 On this episode, we answer the following questions from listeners: How much do the skills learned in one martial art translate to another? Will the diversity of kicks used by Yair Rodriguez in his defeat of BJ Penn mean more interest in traditional martial arts like karate, taekwondo or kung fu? What is the right amount of contact for martial arts training? What would you say to someone that wants to start martial arts but feels that it's not something they're able to do?