whistlekick Martial Arts Radio

On episode 28 we're joined by a very well-known martial artists, Mr. Mike Chat. Mr. Chat is probably best known for his role as the Blue Ranger in Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue, but there's a lot more on his resume. From television to movies to the competition circuit, Mr. Chat has done just about everything there is to do as a martial artist. He's the co-founder of XMA - Xtreme Martial Arts - which has become a global martial arts system. Mr. Chat joined us by phone from California as we talk about all of it - honestly, we learn a lot about him during this episode. From the reverence he has for Sammon Hung to his adoration for his original instructor, Mr. Chat is very quick to give credit to others for helping him reach his successes. For full show notes, including Mr. Chat's movie picks, please visit: http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/028-mike-chat

Today's episode is with Mr. Cecil Washington, founder of the blended martial arts style of Cecil Ryu. Mr. Washington trains and teaches in Maryland. His background is diverse, with training primarily in Taekwondo and Judo. As passionate about the martial arts as any of our previous guests, Mr. Washington and I had a good chat, and one that went on quite a bit longer than what we recorded. I thoroughly enjoy talking to our guests, especially when they have interesting things to say. This conversation was full of wonderful tangents, the best reading list yet from a guest as well as wonderfully entertaining stories, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. For full show notes, please visit http://www.whistlekickmartialartsradio.com/027-cecil-washington

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

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/

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/

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/

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/

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.

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.

This week's episode is with Hanshi George Alexander, Shorin Ryu practitioner and president of the International Shorin Ryu Karate Kobudo Federation. His martial arts history dates back to 1964 and he's been very active ever since. Along the way, he's trained with some amazing people and racked up a long list of ranks held in different styles. He shared a lot of wonderful stories and I thoroughly enjoyed talking to him. Hanshi Alexander represents the "old school" of martial arts well and is truly passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience.

"Be the best person that you can be, and that's how you end up paying things forward, because you make somebody else better by being that way, too." This week's episode is with Master Leonard Yordan, a tae kwon do practitioner from Vermont. He and I go back quite a few years as I've trained with his Dad since 2006. But I didn't bring him on because of that relationship. Even before I knew him well I knew how unique he was. Master Yordan has a presence that draws others in. He's an exceptional martial artist and instructor, as anyone that has witnessed his classes or competition can attest to. That magnetic personality comes through in this episode with some incredible stories that get quite personal at times. We've heard from a few of Master Yordan's students in past episodes, specifically episode #2 and #15. Listening to these episodes as a set you can get a good idea of who Master Yordan is from different perspectives as his students mention him specifically. I've had the pleasure of training with "Master Y" on a number of occasions and have found him to be an exceptional instructor.

Episode 17 is with Sensei Earl Smith, an instructor & practitioner of Kenpo-Jujitsu as well as Escrima. I've had the opportunity to train with Sensei Smith a few times and I can honestly say that he loves what he does. His passion for the arts comes through in this episode as we find ourselves referring to love for the martial arts as a zombie-like infection. I admit, the analogy sounds odd, but when you listen, I think you'll understand it better. There are those that teach martial arts to better themselves, or for their job, or out of duty to pass on what they've learned. Every one of those reasons is honorable and valid, yet Sensei Smith seems to find a fourth reason - he truly loves martial arts.

"And we're all trying to do the same thing - we're trying to teach. To me, it just opened my horizons tremendously. And I think I'm a better teacher for it." This episode is with Hanshi Jim Smith, a Goju practitioner from New York and the founder of the Goju-Te style of Karate. Despite holding a 10th dan (degree) rank, Hanshi smith is as humble a black belt as I've met and also an avid competitor. In fact, I don't know of anyone that competes as actively as Hanshi Smith. It's clear that he loves martial arts and loves competing, so I was excited to get him on the show. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation as Hanshi Smith shared wonderful stories and great insights. I'm sure we could have talked all day, and I look forward to our next conversation.

On today's show we have Master Fred Forsberg, a tae kwon do practitioner from Vermont. As with many of the guests you've heard on the show, I know Master Forsberg somewhat as we train in the same group of tae kwon do schools. But, as with most people, there's a lot more to who they are than the bit they share on a daily basis, and Master Forsberg was no different. He welcomed me into his home and shared his stories, as openly and honestly as anyone has. Again, as with other guests, we see how martial arts training has helped him through some difficult times. So here we go.

"Have a blast. Have an absolute ball. Because it's something you can do absolutely forever, your entire life. And it's just fun... so do it." What can you say about Bill Wallace that hasn't already been said? An amazing martial artist, undefeated fighter and the greatest kicker ever...he truly deserves the name Superfoot. In his 70s, Mr. Wallace can still put his foot on your head before you can move, and without stretching. His is a legacy that has been well documented and I was completely honored to get the time to talk to him. In this episode, we hear stories about Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee, Joe Lewis and some other names you may recognize. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I did recording. Actually, that's probably impossible, but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless. Show Notes Here

Today's episode is with an amazing martial artist and a bit of a home-grown hero. Master LaPan isn't physically intimidating or aggressive, yet he's achieved tremendous success fighting across the globe. I can personally attest to his amazing footwork and dominance in the sparring ring. Yet, there's a lot more to this man than what he does in the ring and I was able to record him talking about it. I only knew Freddie (as he asked me to call him) a bit before we sat down for this episode, but I'd say I know him much better now. His story exemplifies the notion of getting up when knocked down. With multiple joint replacements at a young age, Master LaPan persevered where most would have quit. He continues to train and teach, most recently starting a competition seminar series titled Ultimate Edge. I missed attending the last seinar due to a prior commitment, but I'm looking forward to getting my turn at training with this gifted martial artist.

This episode is with Vermont tae kwon do instructor & school owner Master Joe Lenahan. Master Lenahan and I have been friends for many years and I'm lucky enough to train with him from time to time. He's been training quite a long time and is truly passionate about martial arts. Unlike many of our guests, he's a quiet person and it took a little convincing to get him on the show. But I'm glad that we did as he had great stories and insights to share, as I knew he would.

Today's episode is with Doshu Allan Viernes, a martial arts instructor, competitor and school owner from Maine. I've known of Doshu Viernes for many years and even attended a sparring class with a friend at his dojo back in the 90s. He's the Grand Master of jukado, a style developed by his Mother. Our conversation was a deep one as we explored the psychological benefits of martial arts training during his time in the military. He has some excellent insights that really got me thinking. Doshu Allan has great stories to tell and I'm sure we only scratched the surface during our discussion. I thoroughly enjoyed our time together and I hope that comes through.

This week's episode of the show is with a man I know very well, Master Brendan Goodall. I've known him for my entire time in tae kwon do and am happy to call him friend and brother. (We're not related by blood, but his family has been very kind to me). Past listeners will notice the lack of a formal title in addressing Master Goodall - and that was intentional. Brendan and I agreed that in order to give the best interview possible, it needed to be natural... and calling him anything but Brendan would have been unnatural. We had a good time with this chat and in listening to it later, I think that comes through. This was also the first time using the portable recording studio, and I was quite pleased with the quality. Our discussion had some interesting turns, including a point where you get to learn a bit about me and my martial arts background. I truly hope this one is as fun to listen to as it was for us to record.

This episode of Martial Arts Radio is with a man I've grown to like a great deal, despite only knowing him for a short time. Shihan Andy Campbell is about as passionate about the martial arts as anyone I've met, and he does nothing to hide that fact. As a full-time Shotokan karate school owner, he speaks openly about the joy he takes in sharing his knowledge. An accomplished martial arts competitor, Shihan Andy Campbell continues to compete alongside his friends, family and students.

On today's show we have Eddie Andujar, a karate practitioner from Massachusetts. I've gotten to know Mr. Andujar a bit from the martial arts events I visit through whistlekick, and really liked his story. Honestly, it's not always a happy one, even compared to some of our past guests. But it's a good story and there's a lot to take away from it. The martial arts has played a tremendous role in Eddie's life, and I think you'll agree that he's taken a lot from it.

Today's episode of the podcast features a great interview with a woman that I didn't know very well, despite having many mutual friends and acquaintances. Master Liza Jost is a long-time tae kwon do student from Vermont now living abroad. She's calling Germany home for now but was in Thailand during our interview. Our conversation was a great one and it's clear that she has maturity and insight beyond her 20-something years.

This week's episode of whistlekick Martial Arts Radio features an interview with a man I respect very much. As both an individual and a martial artist, Shihan Mello is great. I was lucky enough to meet him in my teens on the tournament circuit and then attend college in a town where I could train with him. I've always remembered those years fondly as I learned a great deal from him.

On this week's episode of whistlekick Martial Arts Radio we interview Master Adam Grogin, a lifelong tae kwon do student turned instructor, competitor and tournament promoter. I've very quickly learned what an impressive man he is and how dedicated he is to growing the martial arts in his area, through both competition and building relationships. Our chat was a great one and we discussed a lot of great points - his thoughts on competition and instruction, his martial arts heroes and he even tells some great stories about past tournaments. Enjoy!

This week's interview is with an old friend, Michelle Moreau, though her martial arts family calls her "Machina." She's a nine-year tae kwon do veteran and black belt hailing from Vermont. I'm not sure when I first met Machina, but she's been around as long as I've been training martial arts in Vermont. We had a good chat, and things got emotional when we talked about the struggles martial arts has helped her through. I'm sure you'll enjoy this episode.

Today's interview is with Master Huzon Alexander, a martial arts instructor from southern Vermont. I first met Master Alexander 20 years ago when we were both competing on the New England martial arts circuit. I stepped away from competition for a while, but when I came back to start whistlekick, he was one of the first people to offer his support. It only seemed fitting that he be the first guest on whistlekick Martial Arts Radio. In this episode we talk about Master Alexander's martial arts history, especially his time in competition. He's competed in more martial arts disciplines than anyone I know and had tremendous success. It's an inspirational interview with an inspiring man. I hope you enjoy it.

Today's interview is with Mr. Glen Stafford, a tae kwon do practitioner and a good friend. We met here in Vermont through affiliated martial arts schools, though he now lives in Tennessee. Mr. Stafford's story is one that spans four decades, a thousand miles and includes a pretty amazing journey through a medical setback. It's an inspirational interview and one that you won't want to miss.

Today's interview is with Sabumnim Jake Daniele, a tae kwon do instructor from Freeport, Maine. I met Sabumnim Jake on the IPPONE competition circuit in 2014. The first time I met him was at a tournament in Sanford, Maine, when we had our booths setup next to each other. This was the first event whistlekick operated the now-(sort of) famous pushup challenge. Sabumnim Jake saw that few people were engaging with it, so he pushed a lot of his students to participate, which made the whole day a lot more fun for us. In this episode of whistlekick Martial Arts Radio, Sabumnim Jake and I talk about his 20-year history in tae kwon do and how his martial arts school puts a strong emphasis on family. It's a great interview with a young man who will, I have no doubt, leave a strong and positive mark on the martial arts world through his lifetime.