The MartialFocus Podcast

Ajmal Mushtaq is a hugely successful businessman and entrepreneur. He has been at the centre of many multi-million pound deals and is one of the most sought after business gurus in the country. He is also a Tae Kwon Do black belts and former European Champion! Ajmal joins the podcast to discuss the huge benefits of martial arts training and the key links between martial arts training and life succ...

Jim Logan is a Second Degree Black Belt in Grandmaster Hee Il Cho’s Tae Kwon Do. He is also seventy years of age and still training three to four times per week. Jim joins the podcast to share his experiences and also talk about the benefits of training for the older generation.

One of the most impactful moments on the show... Full episode with Geoff Thompson is available on Youtube, Spotify and all major podcast platforms. Episode Twenty Four (Full Episode)

Steve Rowe is back on the Martial Focus Podcast! International Martial Arts Instructor, philosopher and author, Steve Rowe joins the show for the second time. His first appearance was one of our most enjoyed episodes and this conversation is even better! Steve has recently released his latest book ‘Soft Front, Strong Back’ which is available on Amazon. Episode Topics: * Martial Arts * Mindfulness...

Andy is a Third Degree Black Belt in Cho’s Tae Kwon Do. On Monday 23rd October Andy, alongside his daughter Rosie, is opening a new Tae Kwon Do school in Cambuslang, Scotland. He joins the podcast to discuss the new school and his journey to this point.

Andy Gillan is a Third Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. He has a keen interest in the use of movement to enhance and maintain health. Andy joins the podcast to discuss a range of martial arts subjects.

Damien Trainor is a 2 X World Muay Thai Champions and renowned coach. His elite coaching style has saw him coach fighters from the UFC, Bellator and many more of the world’s top promotions.

Martin Stepek joins the podcast for the third time! Martin is Scotland’s leading voice on Mindfulness. He is a coach, an author and a teacher. In this episode Martin discusses his introduction to Mindfulness, suggests ways to introduce mindfulness into your daily life and also touches poignantly on his family’s suffering during WWII.

Host Karim Belgacem is joined by two of his own students, Sean and Eamon, who have compiled a list of questions to put to him… This episode is a stand alone episode and although it seems a more focussed and personal podcast it covers all things martial arts. We hope that everyone will find it informative and enjoyable.

Master Mark Hutton is an 8th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. He is a leading voice in Scottish Tae Kwon Do and martial arts. Master Hutton joins the podcast for a very spirited and interesting conversation about all things TKD!

Gavin Mulholland is a 7th Degree Black Belt in Goju Ryo Karate. This last year he has been fighting his greatest battle after being diagnosed with Cancer. Gavin joins the podcast to discuss this battle as well as a range of other subjects. Gavin is one of the most respected Karate-ka in the UK.

The Man Behind The Mic In this special edition of the show, host Karim Belgacem is in the hot seat ANSWERING the questions instead of asking them! Host of this episode is Stevie Nisbet, Muay Thai coach, gym owner and friend of the show. We hope you enjoy and have a wonderful Christmas!

Lee Charles is a multi-time World Kickboxing Champion. He is also an actor and stuntman; working most recently with Sylvester Stallone on The Expendables 4.

Firdaws Nayimi’s family fled the Taliban when he was just three years old. After a sixteen day journey they found safety in Russia before his life eventually brought him to Canada and then the US. Currently he is one of the hottest prospects in MMA and hopes to one day represent Afghanistan in the UFC.

Dr. Stewart is Consultant Neuropathologist at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, and holds honorary Associate Professor Status at the University of Glasgow and the University of Pennsylvania. He joins the podcast to discuss the dangers relating to head injuries and concussion as well as the changing attitudes towards safety in sport and martial arts.

Steven Campbell is a PT and Conditioning Coach. As well as being an inspirational coach to people from all walks of life he is also the strength and conditioning coach to the UK’s greatest Muay Thai fighter and One Championship athlete, Liam Harrison. Steven joins the podcast to discuss health, fitness and everything in between! He also updates us on his new venture… The Midas!

Jamie Gray Sensei is a Fifth Dan Karate black belt. He is the chief instructor at Musashi Karate Club in Ayr, Scotland. Jamie has been practising Karate for forty years and counts Geoff Thomson, Peter Consterdine and Iain Abernathy as some of his closest influences.

Lisa QUARRELL is an ex-police officer turned cannabis oil advocate. Her son, Cole, has a form of epilepsy which required both brain surgery and a whole plethora of medication - none of which worked. After exhausting all other possibilities, Lisa turned to cannabis oil and turned her son’s life around. Lisa first appeared on the podcast away back in episode fourteen which is available on Apple Podc...

Cody Law is a professional mixed martial artist with a 4-0 record in Bellator. He fights out of the American Top Team and The Mat Factory in Pittsburgh, PA. Cody joins the podcast to discuss the phenomenal start to his MMA career!

Harry Flexman is the owner and inspiration behind Fight Dad! He is an exponent of the Filipino martial arts and joins the podcast to discuss his online martial arts platform ‘Fight Dad’ as well as a whole range of interesting subjects.

Stevie Nesbit has been involved in Muay Thai and Kickboxing for thirty five years. He is the head coach and owner of the Sit Ayuthaya gym based in Hamilton.

Grandmaster Philip Ameris is a 9th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. He is the Technical Director for the Action International Martial Arts Association and the senior student of Grandmaster Hee Il Cho. Grandmaster Ameris runs a full time, state of the art Dojang in Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Billy Brown is a life long martial artist and world renowned expert in JKD, Tae Kwon Do and many other forms of unarmed (and armed) combat. His Progressive Martial Arts Training System is extremely well respected throughout the world. Billy lives and teaches in Florida, USA.

Stephen Gell is a sixth degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He is one of the most respected martial artists in Scotland and joins the podcast to discuss a number of martial arts subjects.

Matt Chapman has been involved in the martial arts for over twenty five years. He is a former British MMA Champion and full time school owner. He is now one of the world’s leading online coaches with catalogs of instructional videos available. He also now helps instructors set up their own online platforms. Matt joins the podcast to discuss his career and to pass on some wonderful bits of advice f...