whistlekick Martial Arts Radio

You don't have to spend much time in the martial arts to see that we have a shadowy side. The infighting and tearing down of those that aren't that different from the rest holds the martial arts back. A Little Bit of Martial Arts Unity - Episode 177 On today's episode, we tackle a subject close to Jeremy's heart - building unity in the martial arts. This episode covers Where we could improve our mutual support as an industry. The harm that our current mindset has on us. Examples of other industries doing it better. How we can start making progress. On today's episode, we referenced Episode 105 - Helping People Find the Right Martial Arts School The magazine mentioned on the show is Taekwondo Life.

Mr. John Hackleman is a Kajukenbo aka Hawaiian Kempo practitioner. He's also the founder of the training center The Pit and respected MMA coach to well-known fighters including Chuck Liddell. Mr. John Hackleman - Episode 176 Kids in Hawaii can fight. The way I was treated in my High School, I was treated like the star quarterback for the football team because I was a martial artist fighter, I was a golden glove boxer. The teachers, the principal, the administration... You don't have to go far into the world of Mixed Martial Arts to hear of today's guest. Mr. John Hackleman has built a career out of training some of the best in the world and in the process, his facility, The Pit, has become legendary. The man some call the Pitmaster is more than a great coach, he has a foundation in Hawaiian Kempo (Kenpo). It was thanks to a past guest I was introduced to Mr. Hackleman, and our conversation was a great one. He's a no-nonsense sort of martial artist but pays homage to his roots in a way that some of the more modern practitioners don't seem to do. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with him and look forward to everything he has in store. Some time ago we told you about a book and course we released to help you hold the best martial arts events possible. The course is out, the book is out and it's time to step up your events. Find the print and digital versions of the book on Amazon and the course is available at KarateTournamentBook.com - not just for tournaments, and not just for karate, the book and course will help you make the most of any martial arts event you put on. For full show notes please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/176-john-hackleman/

The practice of martial arts forms can be a controversial topic. Whether you call them kata, poomsae (poomse), tul, patterns, routines, sequences, forms or something else, they're important to your development as a martial artist. Here are our top 10 reasons why they should be part of every martial artist's training. The Top 10 Reasons to Practice Forms - Episode 175 On today's episode of Martial Arts Radio we discuss the top ten reasons for practicing forms. Here's the outline: Forms have been around as long as martial arts has, so it's unlikely that their practice is a waste of time, for any style. Forms build muscle memory for techniques. Forms develop movement outside of the pressure of combat. Forms are something you can practice on your own. Forms add variety to our training. They're fun, or at least can be. Practicing forms helps develop physical aspects of martial arts. They help with the development of non-physical aspects. Forms make you think about what you're doing. Forms provide unification within a school or a system. Forms can prime central nervous systems conditioning and build stronger neural pathways.

Sensei Jesse Enkamp is the host of Karate by Jesse and a self-proclaimed Karate nerd. Sensei Jesse Enkamp - Episode 174 Generations of masters have come before us, and to not use their collective knowledge to improve our current understanding and practice of karate would be foolish in my opinion. If you spend any time on social media looking at martial arts content, you'll know today's guest. Sensei Jesse Enkamp is the mind behind all of the wonderful material coming out of Karate by Jesse, and he's as passionate a martial artist as we've ever had on this show. The self-proclaimed karate nerd talks about his past, his goals in the martial arts and why he cares so much about what he's doing. If you've ever wondered what makes this guy tick, you're about to find out. Let's welcome him to the show. Hey, do you like your shins? Do you hate clashing shins when you're sparring? If you do, you should check out our shin guards. Let's be honest, shin guards are sweaty, ours are, too. But, they're less sweaty than others and they actually stay in place. Not to mention we put an extra layer of foam right over your tibia - your shin bone - so you're sure to survive those brutal shin clashes. At events, I demo our shin guards by shin kicking door frames - full force. Check them out today at whistlekick.com

On today's episode, we discuss how martial arts belts are a contradiction - we respect them and hold them as important, yet our treatment of them varies between schools and even within a school

Coach Greg Amundson is a practitioner of Aikido, Krav Maga & Jujitsu as well as a CrossFit athlete & coach, and author. Coach Greg Amundson - Episode 172 "Being busy means we're at the mercy of other people. And being busy means that we're reactive. And being reactive is not the path of a warrior." Coach Greg Amundson's professional resume reads like a modern day James Bond - CrossFit athlete, author, law enforcement, DEA special agent, fitness coach, business owner. That's not even the entire list. Even more impressive, many of those things happened at the same time, and quite a few are still happening. A legend in the CrossFit world, Coach Amundson has deep roots as a martial artist. Roots, according to him, that have given him the ability to live the life he now leads. An amazing storyteller, Coach Greg Amundson took to our format and ran. Weaving together tales from his childhood, recent past and even appropriate legends he's been known to share in his classes. We discuss what it means to be a true warrior, and what the martial arts mind can accomplish. It was an honor and a privilege to speak with someone I've admired for a long time. ~jeremy Today we want to remind everyone of all the things we offer - and why we do it. We've never been secretive about our business model, which is all about growing the martial arts industry. See, it's our belief that the more people participating in martial arts, the more customers we'll have. That's why we bring you this podcast, our Martial Arts Memes site and, most recently, Martial Arts Calendar - all for free. As our martial arts realm grows, we all benefit. Thanks for supporting that vision.

Coach Daniel Wu is an actor, director and former Wushu competitor best known for his role as Sunny in AMC's Martial Arts show, Into the Badlands. Coach Daniel Wu - Episode 171 "Fighting against somebody and you're backed into the corner it's up to you to figure out how to get out of there. You can give up, you can get knocked out, or you can fight your way back out. And, eventually, you figure out how to fight your way back out, and you learn from that. That is a direct correlation to life in general." Listeners know I've been a fan of Into the Badlands since it aired. In fact, prior to even airing, I was excited. Based on what I'd seen in trailers I was talking about on this very show. Here we are, a couple years later and Season 2 is about to air. As part of the promotional efforts for the show, AMC reached out to us and asked us to host Miss Emily Beecham (who plays The Widow) and Mr. Daniel Wu (who plays the lead character, Sunny) on the show. We said yes, of course, and here we are. Coach Daniel, as he asked me to call him when I explained our traditions and etiquette for the show, didn't shy away from any subject that came up. We had some great conversation about martial arts philosophy and about how martial arts training changes as you age (which was fairly consistent with how we presented it on Episode 160) Our conversations range from his upbringing to his admiration for the likes of Jet Li, Jackie Chan & Bruce Lee. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. ~jeremy For photo, video & show notes from this episode and others, please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/171-daniel-wu/

Miss Emily Beecham plays Minerva (aka The Widow) on the AMC Martial Arts show, Into The Badlands. Miss Emily Beecham – Episode 170 I was blessed to have AMC approach us and inquire about interviews for both Miss Emily Beecham and Mr. Daniel Wu. Of course, we said yes, and did what we could to make schedules work (which, as you might imagine, was a bit difficult due to their extensive commitments.) It was an honor to speak with Miss Beecham, and we get some good insight into her character, Minerva, better known as The Widow. We discuss what it's like on set, her injuries, the way she views her character, and a lot more. It's a fun conversation and one that gives you some great behind-the-scenes information into not only her life, but her character and the show overall. For photos, video, and other show notes on this and other episodes, please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/170-emily-beecham/

Sensei Damion Lupo is a long-time Aikido practitioner, author and the founder of Yokido, a fusion of Yoga and Aikido. Sensei Damion Lupo - Episode 169 "If I'm in on something, you better look out, because I'm going all the way to wherever it is." It's funny how things happen, sometimes. I was practicing some self-defense with a friend a couple months back and we got to talking about Yoga. Our conversation steered towards the similarities between martial arts and yoga, and the synergy that existed between the two. He mentioned someone who had fused them - a martial arts and yoga hybrid. Just a short time later, completely by coincidence, I was speaking with the very man he spoke of, Sensei Damion Lupo. All of our guests are different, if you've listened to more than a few episodes, you know that. I enjoy finding common ground with each of our guests, but I also really appreciate where we differ. It's these different perspectives that have the most to offer me, and I found a fair amount of that in my time with Sensei Lupo. With a foundation rooted in martial arts, he views the world - and all its parts - with an attention that few people seem to have. Did you know we sponsor the website MartialArtsMemes.com? Whenever we find a great martial art meme or someone sends one to us, we post it at our Martial Arts Memes website. Do check it out, have a laugh, and don't forget to send us any that we're missing! For the rest of the show notes & other episodes, please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/169-damion-lupo/

For show notes and other episodes, please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/168-tradition-new-martial-arts-progress

Sempai Alysa Giudici - Episode 167 Remember to always be a role model. To always just be humble and work hard no matter if anyone's watching or not. It was from a news article online that I first discovered Sempai Alysa Giudici. We've had some younger martial artists on the show, and she certainly fits that profile. Every one of them has a common thread, though - their dedication to martial arts far surpasses their years. Sempai Giudici showed a maturity in the news article that inspired me to reach out. We chatted a bit and I knew that she belonged on the show. Here we are. Our conversation is both expected and unexpected. On the one hand, we have a passionate martial artist who has no trouble describing their love for what they do. On the other, her focus and dedication are not typical of individuals her age, even martial artists with years of training. She's an exceptional individual and someone I greatly enjoyed speaking with. We're proud to announce the release of the first edition of the book version of our Martial Arts Event course. How Not To Hold a Martial Arts Tournament is available on Amazon as a Kindle eBook, and soon to be available in print. The advice in our book and course is equally applicable to events of all sizes & all styles. While much of the book and course talks about competition, the instructions will be just as helpful for other martial arts events such as seminars.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a martial arts movie release in 2000. The film has had a strong cultural impact on martial arts in the US. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Movie - Episode 166 Starring Michelle Yeoh, Chow Yun Fat, Ziyi Zhang In this episode you'll learn about: What is Jet Li's connection to the movie? What language issues led them to dub the movie in some areas? What unexpected person edited the subtitles? Who did the stunts? What book series does it come from? What famed director choreographed the fight scenes? And more!

Mr. Andrew Freund is a sumo practitioner and the promoter of the US Sumo Open with a background in kendo, tai chi & aikido. Mr. Andrew Freund - Episode 165 "And when I reflect back on it, if someone had done something only for business, they might get great results, but there would probably be something lacking in terms of integrity, the authenticity and the passion." It hit me one day that there's a martial art we never talk about in traditional circles. It's rarely in media and yet, it seems like the traditions are older than our interpretations of most traditional martial arts. So it was I went looking for someone we could talk to about the art of Sumo. When you research Sumo in the United States, you inevitably find information about today's guest. As a sumo practitioner, event promoter, talent agent and so much more, Mr. Andrew Freund has dedicated his life to the art of Sumo. It was very clear after some research that this was the man to have on the show, and I'm so pleased he accepted the invitation. Did you know we have several different styles of t-shirts available right now? That's right. With sizes that will fit nearly anyone, there's probably one you'd love to wear. Check out our shirts, and everything we offer, at whistlekick.com

We bring back two past guests that are passionate about martial arts competition - Master Huzon Alexander and Mr. Richard Osborn. We chat about what we're doing wrong - and right - in the current competitive landscape. Conversations on Martial Arts Competition - Episode 164 On today's episode we discuss the following subjects and more: What is the landscape of martial arts competition today? What elements of martial arts competitions are we getting right? Where could we improve with competitive martial arts? How have things changed for the competitive martial art scene over the last few decades? [app_audio src=""] You can find Master Huzon Alexander & Mr. Richard Osborn on their previous episodes, linked by their name. We talk about two individuals we're hoping to have on the show soon - Mr. Ross Levine & Mr. Raymond Daniels. For full show notes & other episodes, please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/164-martial-arts-competition/

Sensei Ando Mierzwa is a longtime martial arts practitioner and the host of the Fight for a Happy Life podcast. Sensei Ando Mierzwa - Episode 163 "If your tricks aren't working, you better find new tricks." My first experience with Sensei Ando was sort of a strange one, at least, not one you might expect. In an effort to promote martial arts podcast overall, we put together a post we titled "Best Martial Arts Podcasts." It's no secret that we're not the only martial arts podcast, and I honestly listen to several of them. I always liked the material Sensei Ando included in his episodes, so we put him on the list. That led to some social media conversation and a number of emails. A bit over a year later we connected again and decided it was time that we get to put him through our questions. That brings us to now when we have a chance to hear from the man who reminds of the importance of a smile at the end of each one of his episodes. What are you wearing right now? If it's not a pair of our Cloud9 sweatpants, you're not as comfortable as you could be. :) Find them at whistlekick.com, and buy yourself two pairs... otherwise, you're not going to want to take them off long enough to wash. (In all seriousness, this is a complaint we hear from parents that have purchased a pair for their children!)

25 Drills to Improve Your Martial Arts Forms - Kata, Poomsae, Tul, Patterns, Routines... etc Martial Arts Forms Drills - Episode 162 On today's episode, we tackle 25 different ways you can improve your martial arts forms. See the list below, but listen to the episode for explanations, notes, and a few tangents. Practice performing your martial arts forms... With your eyes closed Facing different directions Backwards Mirrored (Left becomes right) Both mirrored & backward For the rest of the list, please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/162-martial-arts-forms-drills/ On today's episode, we referenced Episode 158 - Resistance Training for Martial Arts. You may also want to check out Episode 113 - Different Training Environments.

Mr. Randy Moy is a practitioner of Chinese martial arts from Massachusetts, with a beginning in Wing Chun and current training in Tai Chi. Mr. Randy Moy - Episode 161 Martial arts is a life practice. That doesn't mean you practice for the rest of your life, but I think what makes things powerful with me is that it's really incorporated into my life. Today's guest is a thoughtful martial artist. Mr. Randy Moy struck me from the outset as a very contemplative person and someone with a lot to share. Today's episode brings us inside his life and his transition from Wing Chun to Tai Chi. While today's episode isn't full of high-impact stories, it's easily one of the most quotable interviews we've had. We've started making some of our podcast episodes available as eBooks. Do you know a martial artist that doesn't have an interest in listening to these shows, but might enjoy reading some of the best ones? Be sure to recommend our books. Our first interview - none other than Bill Wallace - is available here. Find our eBooks on Amazon in the Kindle store. For show notes and other episodes please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/161-randy-moy/

In this episode, we explore real-world strategies for continuing martial arts training as your body ages. Tips and mindset advice for the older martial artists, or those that hope to be. Martial Arts Training As You Age - Episode 160 Sleep Smarter Book Episode 77 - Martial Arts Recovery & Rehab

Mr. Jon Call is better known by his online handle Jujimufu. With deep roots in traditional martial arts, he's gone on to fame for his tricking, strength, flexibility, and general athleticism. Mr. Jon Call aka Jujimufu - Episode 159 I can still get stronger, I can still build more muscle, I can still learn new moves. I'm still 31, I've got more years in me before I see a slower decline. I first learned of today's guest through an online video someone shared. I was stunned at his strength and flexibility, especially considering his large size. It was clear this was a man with extreme athleticism. While I'm no tricker, I admire the movements many of them are capable of and I see the influence they've had on martial arts competitions. It wasn't until I heard him on fitness podcast that I learned Mr. Jon Call started his journey as a traditional martial artist. The man many know only as Jujimufu, who gained notoriety on America's Got Talent for doing a split across two chairs while holding a weighted barbell overhead, came from the same beginnings as most of us. When I heard more of his story I knew we had to have him on the show. For full show notes, with lots of photos and videos and more, check out: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/159-jon-call-jujimufu/

In this episode, we explore why resistance training is so beneficial in martial arts, how to get started, equipment to consider and what to watch for so you can get the most out of the time while reducing your risk for injury. Resistance Training for Martial Arts - Episode 158 Topics from today's episode: What is resistance training? Benefits of resistance training for martial artists. Places resistance training shows up in martial arts Why martial artists need more physical conditioning. How often should you train like this? How to avoid getting "too big." How to train and what to train. Training at a gym vs at home and what equipment to use. How to incorporate resistance training into a martial arts class. The importance of keeping the training varied, but not too varied. Why full range of motion movement is important. Training for power, speed, and strength. Why martial artists do well with physical conditioning training. You should check out the blog post we wrote to accompany this episode at whistlekick.com, titled The Top 10 Bodyweight Movements For a Martial Arts Class.

Sensei Roberto Davila is an Arnis & Jujitsu practitioner from Massachusetts, born in Puerto Rico. Sensei Roberto Davila - Episode 157 I don't think the guy on the street is going to care if I have injuries or not, so I have to find new ways, as I'm slowing down, you know , to make it more simple and very effective. I had heard stories of today's guest months before I had spoken with him. Months, even, before a listener to the show suggested him and introduced us. The martial arts world can be very small, and today's interview again reminds me of that. I've known Sensei Davila's instructor for some time, as we were introduced by a few past guests. [His instructor's interview was lost due to technical issues and we're in the process of rescheduling.] Sensei Davila holds nothing back in this episode as he talks about two very different times in his life. Early on, he was a troubled youth, engaged in some of the worst behavior someone can. After finding martial arts, however, he changed. This dramatic shift is seen in the stories he tells and the emotion with which he tells them. It is an honest, open and thoughtful episode that I hope you enjoy.

On today's episode, we tackle the importance of having an instructor, no matter what your rank and experience. Everyone Needs a Teacher - Episode 156 On today's episode, we discuss why it's so critical that every martial artist has someone to learn from - at least one person. Jeremy riffs without a transcript on this installment of the show, talking about some of his varied training experiences and encouraging listeners to take responsibility for their training, even if that makes difficult decisions or having tough conversations. On this episode, Jeremy references past guest Sensei Earl Smith from episode 17. For other episodes please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/156-everyone-needs-teacher/

Mr. Charles Murdock is a Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) practitioner with roots in Aikido and Karate. Mr. Charles Murdock - Episode 155 "You know, he always had this idea of these three legs on a stool. You had your work life, you had your family life and you had your training life. And that when something was going off in one of them you could always lean on the other two." The more time I spend with this show, and meeting martial artists - in person and virtually - the more I realize the lines between location and style are blurry. It is from these blurry lines that today's guest comes to us. Instructor to a personal friend of mine, Mr. Charles Murdock is a practitioner of Historical European Martial Arts - often called HEMA - who started life with Asian martial arts. He talks to us today about those roots and what he's up to today, and how it all comes together. Today's product of note is a second mention of our new Horizon colorway of sparring gear. We have some great new photos that really showcase the incredible depth and variances in the swirl color process. Check out all four colors at whistlekick.com

On today's episode, we tackle why repetition of forms is important, how all martial artists could improve with a single focus, ways to improve your sparring and how to self-train with weapons. Question & Answer #2 - Episode 154 In this episode we handle these four questions: If the newer martial arts forms a student learns contain more complex and advanced movements and sequences, why continue to work on the old ones? What is one thing could all martial artists improve? I find sparring overwhelming, how do I get better so it doesn't feel so daunting? My school doesn't teach martial arts weapons but I want to learn how to use them, at least a little. What can I do? If you like this format, check out our first question & answer show.

Miss Elise Lenahan is a taekwondo black belt as well as a black belt in the Marine Corp Martial Arts Program (MCMAP). Miss Elise Lenahan - Episode 153 Martial arts isn't just about your form or anything like that, it's about your mentality towards it. If you don't come into it with an open mind, I think sometimes it's really difficult to work with other people, because you're like, you're not supposed to do it that way you're supposed to do it this way. But, sometimes you didn't see that this other way has another advantage for somebody else. Today's guest is someone I've known for years, but she's on here for a reason. Miss Elise Lenahan is the only person I know - though there are certainly others - to have earned a black belt in a traditional martial art (in this case Taekwondo) and a black belt in the Marine Corp Martial Arts Program (MCMAP). On this episode, we discuss what the process of attaining each was like for her, the differences between the two and what she's taken from her varied experience as a martial artist. Today's featured product is our sparring gloves. When we developed the gloves, we took a hard look at why everyone else's gloves seemed to fail so quickly. Through our better materials, smarter design and extra reinforcement, we've created gloves that simply don't fail. Personally, my pair is now 4 years old. I may not spar as much as some of you out there, but these have had some use. You can learn more about our gloves and maybe get yourself a pair at whistlekick.com For full show notes, please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/153-elise-lenahan/

Mrs. April Pettengill, Sensei Katie Jordan and Miss Jessica Henderson return to discuss topics related to women's involvement in the martial arts world. Conversations on Women in Martial Arts: Part 2 - Episode 152 Last week's Part 1 of the two-part series on women in the martial arts was our best-ever debut for a Thursday episode. We knew there was demand for these conversations but we had no idea how much. Thank you to everyone for sharing and listening. If you haven't heard it, please check out Conversations on Women in Martial Arts: Part 1. There's no need to hear part 1 before part 2, as they're completely independent shows. We hear from Mrs. April Pettengill, Sensei Katie Jordan, and Miss Jessica Henderson along with host Jeremy Lesniak as they discuss a number of topics related to women and gender differences in the context of martial arts. We discuss everything from classes to uniforms to psychology, with the hope that both male and female listeners will come away with a better understanding and give some thought to subjects that affect us all.

Soke Joe Droual is a long-time martial arts instructor from New York. His background includes karate, jiu-jitsu, Kobudo and kung fu. Soke Joe Droual - Episode 151 The master teacher is the master student, and we're always learning. And I think that that ties in with the martial arts community realizing that their whole lifetime is learning something that is very old, the traditions are showing respect and kindness to everybody and to themselves. Self-development and that is actually, that grounding and that respect, I think, is at the heart of all martial arts. Soke Joe Droual comes to us from Long Island, New York. A long-time practitioner and instructor, Soke Joe has dedicated his life to martial arts - and you can hear it in his words. On today's episode, we hear why Soke Joe Droual continues to train after so many years, why martial arts is like music and his views on the personal development side of martial arts. We've seen a lot of sparring gear head out of the warehouse lately - even more so than the weeks leading up to Christmas. Remember, we have four colors now and not a single pair of boots has that silly toe strap. If you want sparring gear that lasts longer and gives better grip on the floor, whistlekick boots are what you want. Find them online at whistlekick.com

We unpack some of the differences - and similarities - between male and female martial artists with two past guests, Renshi Lisa Magiera and Master Amanda Meltzer. Conversations on Women in Martial Arts: Part 1 - Episode 150 Over the last few months, we've had some listeners ask for more group conversations. Feedback on the Women in Martial Arts episode was very positive, and some listeners asked for more discussion, with women. We've combined those two ideas and brought back Renshi Lisa Magiera and Master Amanda Meltzer to discuss a few subjects related to women in martial arts. This is not an episode that's "for women," and I suspect it will make a lot of people think about some things, regardless of gender. During this episode we reference our past episode on Helping People Find the Right Martial Arts School.

Sensei Cheryl Murphy is a competitive karate practitioner, best known for her sparring and being a member of Team USA. Sensei Cheryl Murphy - Episode 151 Being able to pull myself up from my bootstraps. Of course, you still have your support system, in order to thrive from. A lot of our guests come from referrals of past guests, and so it was we were introduced to Sensei Cheryl Murphy. We've heard from a number of martial artists who enjoy competing - and some who compete at a very high level. You may see Sensei Murphy at the Olympics in 2020, though, and that would be a first for our guests. As a competitive kumite fighter, Sensei Murphy travels the world sparring. She has numerous national and world titles to her name, but here on the show we learn why competing is so important to her, why she's still passionate about martial arts and how her Mom has been such a strong influence on her life. You know whistlekick as making awesome sparring gear - and we certainly do that. But we also have a line of apparel that you should check out. Comfortable sweatpants, functional t-shirts and a lot more. Find everything we offer at our online store at whistlekick.com

For show notes please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/148-theodore-roosevelt-judo/

Mr. Michael Staples is a well-respected authority on Chinese martial arts, with several books to his credit. He's written about and studied Kung fu, White Crane and other styles with some of the American pioneers. Mr. Michael Staples - Episode 147 ...but Ron is like a ballet dancer. He's just snipping things left and right, he's not getting hit at all. He's being carried into unique angles. At one point he just kind of pops up in the air and flips around with the back of his head and just smacks Steve in the forehead. We've been fortunate enough to have a number of guests on the show that have talked about the early days of martial arts in America. Today's guest brings us that perspective on the Chinese martial arts and his early days training in California. We hear several times how Mr. Michael Staples life was altered dramatically, and seemingly by forces beyond understanding. What you hear in today's episode is the story of someone who was destined to be the martial artist they became. Our sparring helmets are the most comfortable head protection you'll ever wear in a martial arts class. If you don't like them, we'll give you your money back. With free shipping every day, there's no risk. Check them out at whistlekick.com For full show notes please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/147-michael-staples/

Zen in the Martial Arts is a classic martial art book written by Joe Hyams. It was recently selected as the #1 martial arts book by guests of this show. Zen in the Martial Arts - Episode 146 You can read our post on the Top Ten Martial Arts Books as selected by our guests. It's time for episode 146 of whistlekick Martial Arts radio, and we're going to talk about an amazing book that has come up in conversation a lot on this show – Zen in the Martial Arts. Not a reader? You should still stick around because this isn't a book review. Let me introduce myself. I'm whistlekick's founder but I'm better known as your host on this show. My name is Jeremy Lesniak. whistlekick makes the best sparring gear you can get as well as some great apparel and accessories for practitioners and fans of traditional martial arts. I'd like to welcome all of you new listeners and thank everyone that's come back. All our past episodes, show notes, and some other good stuff is at whistlekickmartialartsradio.com. From that site, you can sign up for our newsletter, and I hope you do because we offer exclusive content to subscribers, discounts and it's the only place to find out about upcoming guests. Today's episode has a full transcript available on the website. Short Summary of Zen in the Martial Arts Zen in the Martial Arts, for all of the impact it has had on several generations of martial artists, is short. It's 140 pages of a small book, and it's not small font. That might make you think that it's incomplete, or otherwise lacking, but that isn't the case. Reviews for the book continue nearly 40 years later, and on the popular book review sites, the poorest rating I could find was 4.1 out of 5. Amazon, which is known for having the most reviews, shows it as 4.6 of 5. There are 28 chapters, each one with a title that seems ripped from a classic kung fu movie – Empty your cup, Active Inactvitiy, Extend Your Ki. The chapters are short, most around 5 or 6 pages, and begin with a relevant photo. Most end with a bit of wisdom, like this one: "Life unfolds on a great sheet called Time, and once finished it is gone forever." The book discusses some great names from our history, including Ed Parker & Bruce Lee. The chapters tell stories from the author's time training. About the Author of Zen in the Martial Arts Joe Hyams, while beloved by martial artists for the book he wrote, was not best known as a martial artist or martial arts author. He was a writer, sure, but primarily a celebrity writer. During his career, he wrote or co-wrote books on Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Katharine Hepburn, Frank Sinatra and Chuck Norris. He studied martial arts for more than 50 years. Beginning with fencing and then, through an introduction by music composer Bronislau Kaper, met Ed Parker. He became one of Parker's first private students, then soon after, one of his first black belts. He trained privately with Bruce Lee for two years and introduced him to Hollywood. Hyams was a big piece of Bruce Lee's start in films. It's hard to believe that as big of an impact as this book has had, Joe Hyams' contributions to the martial arts community, via Bruce Lee, were so much greater. He died in 2008 at age 85. Why Zen in the Martial Arts is Special Most martial arts books are about martial arts or some metaphysical subject. Often times they're written by people who really know martial arts, but aren't so good at writing. Mr. Hyams was a writer and a skilled one at that. He wrote newspaper columns, books, movie scripts… Clearly a varied and masterful writer. He was also very good at conveying his point simply, something that the very best martial artists seem able to do. This book is 140 pages because Mr. Hyams didn't need more. While it has a tremendous amount of martial arts content, it's not a book exclusively for martial artists. According to Melissa Hyams, his wife at the time he passed in 2008, said the book "isn't really about martial arts. It's about life and philosophy, and how to turn a negative into a positive, how to defuse a situation by the way you handle it. That's what he'll most be remembered for." To illustrate this, I'll read to you one of the shortest chapters, "Anger without Action," which is just over one page: My History with Zen in the Martial Arts I don't remember when my Mother first picked up the book. I have vague memories of it being a gift, and it was likely a gift to her. She started training in 1985, so I'd guess it was in our home between 1985 and 1987. I would have been between 6 and 8, which seems about right. It was always out. Sometimes on the coffee table, sometimes in the bathroom. It was the first nonchildren's book I read and it's certainly the book I read most. I'd guess I've read it all the way through a dozen times. It was the bits of wisdom that struck me most. I memorized them before I understood most of them, and as I grew up, life and martial arts showed me what these parables meant. "When you seek it, you cannot

Mr. Kevin Galloway is a passionate martial arts instructor, school owner and tournament promoter. His stories show an immense dedication to the arts and his students. Mr. Kevin Galloway - Episode 145 You can tell a real black belt. They don't get too excited, they don't get too low, don't get too high. But what they have is the confidence to resolve any conflict, up until, "I'm just going to walk away." Way back on Episode 31 we had the chance to hear from a good friend of the show, Mr. Cory Rose. Since then he's been every bit as good of a friend, and today's guest comes from that friendship. Mr. Kevin Galloway is a longtime practitioner of both karate and taekwondo, now operating a school and hosting a competition in Oklahoma. Mr. Galloway opens up about life, his family, his students and what makes a good instructor. The stories range from the emotional to the humorous, and you'll probably find yourself laughing along - and maybe even tearing up. Today we're announcing a brand new colorway for our gear - Horizon. This is our first colorway using our exclusive UniqueDip color process, which guarantees that every single piece of gear is a little different from the rest, just as you are. Horizon is a slick blue and white blend that is sure to be a hit. Read more at the official announcement, here. Check it out, or the rest of our colors, at whistlekick.com For full show notes, please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/145-kevin-galloway/

Conversation and Strategies on Handling Challenging Martial Arts Students - Adults & Children Difficult Students - Episode 144 Today's episode is completely off the cuff - no notes, no transcript no guest - just host Jeremy giving you his thoughts on handling challenging individuals in your martial arts school. These tips apply whether you're an instructor, school owner or student. Thanks for listening.

Mrs. April Pettengill is an ITF Taekwondo practitioner & school owner from Northern Vermont who started training later in life. Mrs. April Pettengill - Episode 143 The whole idea that you learn in martial arts, that you have integrity, and you do what you have to do and take responsibility for that, that...that's a big deal. Mrs. April Pettengill is not our typical guest. While she's a passionate martial artist, like everyone that comes on the show, she's not a lifelong practitioner. In her own words, she came to taekwondo later in life and originally didn't think it was for her. As time passed she realized that she'd found her calling, eventually taking over her instructor's school. She now teaches adults and children and seems to enjoy every minute of it. Today's product of note is our super-comfy sweatpants - Cloud9. Check 'em out! For full show notes and other episodes, please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/143-april-pettengill/

James Mitose (Profile) - Episode 142 It's time for episode 142 of whistlekick Martial Arts radio, and we're going to profile a man who's come up in several conversations over the last few months, James Mitose. Let me introduce myself. I'm whistlekick's founder but I'm better known as your host on this show. My name is Jeremy Lesniak. whistlekick makes the best sparring gear you can buy as well as some great apparel and accessories for practitioners and fans of traditional martial arts. I'd like to welcome all of you new listeners and thank everyone that's come back. All our past episodes, show notes, and some other good stuff is at whistlekickmartialartsradio.com. From that site, you can sign up for our newsletter, and I hope you do because we offer exclusive content to subscribers, discounts and it's the only place to find out about upcoming guests. Today's episode has a full transcript and some old photos of our subject. For transcript, photos, show notes & more, please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/142-james-mitose/

Grandmaster Rick Alemany is a prominent figure in the world of American Kenpo Karate. Grandmaster Rick Alemany - Episode 141 "I just set a goal that I wanted to be the best that I could be." It was from the efforts of two past guests that we get to hear from Grandmaster Rick Alemany today. Both Professor Brannon Beliso and Mr. Daniel Hartz coordinated with each other and with our guest. They then reached out to us to coordinate it. Personally, I'm glad they did, because I truly enjoyed my conversations with him. Prior to the episode recording, I had a few calls with him, to coordinate schedule and talk about the show. Each time I came away feeling that this man is someone special, and someone I was honored to speak with. I hope that you enjoy hearing what he says and that your reaction is as positive. For full show notes and other episodes, please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/141-rick-alemany/

...That doesn't mean the training of weapons is only for practical purposes, but for this episode, we are going to limit the conversation to that. We're actually going to restrict our conversation to non-obvious self-defense tools, which excludes firearms, stun guns and pepper sprays. While these are great tools, and I carry two of the three often, they're definitely weapons. It's hard to claim otherwise, which makes them a bit less appropriate for a martial arts conversation. For a full transcript, photos & show notes, please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/episode-140-self-defense-tools/

Past guest Master Brendan Goodall returned to chat with Jeremy about a variety of martial arts topics. Conversations with Master Brendan Goodall - Episode 139 For today's episode I had a chat with Master Goodall as we drove out to evening plans on Thanksgiving Day. We talk about a variety of martial arts subjects from motivation to instruction, to working with kids. You can check out our previous episode with Master Brendan Goodall, all the way back on Episode 10. Check out the show notes at http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/139-conversations-brendan-goodall/

We're all part of a martial arts family, simply by sharing the common bond of training for self-improvement. Martial Arts Family - Episode 138 For a full transcript and other episodes, please visit http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/138-martial-arts-family/

Sensei Brandon Benenati - Episode 137 I've known Sensei Brandon Benenati for a couple years, first introduced to him by Master Adam Grogin, from all the way back on episode 5. I had the chance to attend 2015's Super Summer Seminars with him and really enjoyed his personality and approach to martial arts. He's a dedicated, passionate martial artist who truly enjoys his life - and his training. On today' episode, we talk about where he's come from, where he's headed, and why martial arts continues as something he's pursuing. Our featured product today is our Original Sparring Gloves - the lightest, most durable (and comfortable!) sparring glove you can get your hands on. (Get it!) Available in several colors, find them over at whistlekick.com For more show notes and other episodes, please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/137-brandon-benenati/

Sensei Katie Jordan is a Shotokan karate practitioner from Maine, now living in Massachusetts. Sensei Katie Jordan - Episode 136 I really think competition makes people better. You see different fighters, you see different styles, you see what works for people and what doesn't. I first met Sensei Katie Jordan in 2015 at a competition. Since that time I've had the opportunity to watch her referee, compete and otherwise embody martial arts. Sensei Jordan is a woman who had dedicated her life to martial arts training, and that dedication shows. On today's episode, we hear about her deep love for the arts, for her instructor and for the many people she's met along the way. What we hear today is insight and passion that shows a tremendous level of maturity. Enjoy. Did you know all whistlekick products ship for free from whistlekick.com? Every single item you buy comes with free shipping - even exchanges. That means that even if you get the wrong size or color, we'll send you a replacement for free. We want to be sure that you love your whistlekick stuff, and free shipping makes it easier to love. Check out everything we have today at whistlekick.com For the rest of the show notes and other episodes, please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/136-katie-jordan/

Most of our guests are men, it's true. Some have even accused the martial arts realm of being inherently sexist. We talk about this and more today. Women in Martial Arts - Episode 135 On today's episode, we discuss why there are so few women on the show, sexism, the case against mandatory white training pants and a lot more. While this episode is not the grand conversation of women's issues in martial arts that we hope to have, it is the primer to set the stage for that conversation.

Kyoshi Jose Dimacali - Episode 134 I'm not your friend, I say. I'm better than your friend - I'm your instructor. Because friends sometimes steer you the wrong way. Instructors are going to try to bring you to the right path. I first met Kyoshi Jose Dimacali in 2015 at the Twin State Martial Arts Championships. We were still offering the 60-Second Pushup Challenge, and Kyoshi was encouraged to participate by his instructor, Hanshi Richard Bernard. He absolutely dominated the men's division that day (74), and it was one of the few times that Hanshi Bernard didn't take away the victory. However, that was not the first time I had heard of Kyoshi. People spoke very highly of his skill and his dominance when it came to his forms performances. Over the next year, I had the opportunity to speak with him several times and I realized that not only is Kyoshi Dimacali an excellent competitor, but an excellent martial artist and a great person. Today's episode solidifies my opinions of him as he tells an emotional tale of martial arts, family, and motivation. I hope you enjoy it. ~jeremy Today's featured product is our pullover sweatshirt. Available in 5 colors, these cotton-blend hoodies hold up amazingly well and keep you cozy whether it's a bit chilly at the house or help you warm up before training. Find them at whistlekick.com

You can find lots of photos, a full transcript and other episodes at: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/133-michelle-yeoh/

Mr. Daniel Hartz - Episode 132 Mr. Hartz just after having Sensei Smith demonstrate a choke. Wearing a NoSweat Tee. You may recognize the name of today's guest from his appearance on Episode 100. Mr. Daniel Hartz was the interviewer for my episode of the show, and it's been an honor to have him back for his turn at the table. While there are no firm rules about who we have on the show, we generally only extend the invitation to black belts. Mr. Hartz recently earned his black belt at a weekend-long testing ceremony I was fortunate enough to participate in. On today's episode, we learn a lot about not only Mr. Hartz, but about what it is that draws people to martial arts and keeps them there. As a recent black belt, Mr. Hartz doesn't have the decades of training many of our guests do, which gives him a different perspective on training. He's very open about himself and his love for the arts, which I suspect will resonate for most listeners. It certainly did for me. ~jeremy Today's featured product is our polyester, base-layer shirt - NoSweat. They come in a variety of bright colors as well as traditional colors, like black, white & gray, which are great for wearing under your uniform while training. They help keep you more comfortable by wicking the sweat from your skin and letting it evaporate. Get yours at whistlekick.com For full show notes and other episodes, please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/132-daniel-hartz/

On today's episode, we discuss the important of etiquette in a martial arts class. We also tackle how to handle attending class with a different group of people, where martial arts etiquette might be different. Martial Arts Etiquette - Episode 131 For a full transcript and other episodes, please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/131-martial-arts-etiquette/

On episode 107 we released a profile of Sensei Fumio Demura. After several conversations with people that knew Sensei, it didn't seem likely that we'd be able to have him on the show. It's no secret that his health isn't great and, despite that, he's still very busy. So we went ahead and released our profile episode to honor him and all of his accomplishments. He's certainly a figure that martial artists should know. From that episode, the folks at The Real Miyagi, the documentary outlining Sensei's life, reached out to us. After some back and forth they were able to put us in touch with Demura Sensei by email... and the rest is (now) history. What follows is an uncut discussion between Sensei Fumio Demura and host Jeremy Lesniak.

Advice on how to handle martial arts related setbacks. Dealing with Setbacks - Episode 129 For more episodes, and a full transcript, please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/129-setbacks/

But that front kick that's done on a bag isn't truly owned by the student until they're in a free-thinking, sparring situation and they see the opening and they're like "Oh, now it's time for a front kick." Renshi Lisa Magiera occupies an interesting place in the martial arts world, at least for listeners to this show. Over the episodes, we've spoken of various guests in a familial sense, as they tie to my place in the martial arts world. We've heard from older siblings, Uncles, and others. Renshi Lisa Magiera is best described as my sister. Just a short time after I left Maine for College, Renshi moved to the area and starting training at the karate school I grew up in. She ultimately purchased it and continues to operate it today. She learned the same things by the same people, and we have many things in common because of that. Interestingly, we had very little overlap as my College visits to home rarely involved martial arts, as I was there for holidays and weekends. We've built a strong friendship over the last few years, though. This episode is a lot of fun, for both of us, and hopefully, everyone else enjoys it, too. ~jeremy Today's whistlekick product of note is our shin guards - pre-formed to the shape of your shin, comfortable, double-layered and very easy to clean. Check them out at whistlekick.com or on Amazon. For full show notes and other episodes, please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/128-lisa-magiera/