Living Martial Arts

Lucy Wolf is someone that I’ve known for some time. I consider her one of the stronger ladies that I have seen perform in TKD.  This podcast will give you a little insight into how she started and flourished in a time when TKD was more male-orientated. Mrs Lucy Wolf was surprised that I contacted her to appear on my podcast, and that shows to me that she’s not aware of how others have se...

Since 1996, Aidan Lee has been deeply committed to martial arts and Fitness, focusing on becoming the best student and teacher possible. His mission is to create a movement of 10 million Dads who lead by example. He uses Kickboxing to help Dads build a Warrior’s physique and Zen work-life balance so they can lead their families by example. He does this with Kickboxing, Fitness Coaching, and his si...

Paul started training in kung fu at the age of 10 for five years. As a young adult, he discovered Shaolin Qi Shi Kung Fu and achieved a high level within this style. He is now exploring the seven animal styles more deeply and learning internal Nei gong from a style called Yan Shou Gong. We had a great chat about his martial arts journey, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Please check out these...

Alfie Lewis talks to the Dark and the tall Master Along with the tall Master, we chat with Master Alfie Lewis about all things martial arts. As mentioned in my blog, I challenge anyone to find another person who is close to the level of passion that Master Alfie Lewis has for martial arts—not just his love and knowledge of his art but his extensive knowledge of other martial arts, too. I love seei...

Sandy Holt is a nice guy. I met him many years ago at an event in the north of the UK, and I felt like I’d known him for years.  After so many years, it was great to catch up with him again. I’m happy to say that sandy is still that nice guy I met many years ago and he continues to inspire me and many others by how he continues to live his martial arts journey. Sandy Holt is the Founder...

Michael Goodison talks to The Dark Master. Michael Goodison is a writer and a fighter. In his book Muay Thai: Peace, At Last, he documents his travels to Thailand. He is fighting an ever-present disinterest in the Western way of life. We talk about his journey, how he ended up in the spirit of Muay Thai, and some of the other challenges he outlines in his book. You can check out his book here: htt...

Jamie Clubb Talks to The Dark Master Jamie is the author of 'When Parents Aren't Around,' recognized as the most comprehensive guide to children's self-protection, and has established an excellent reputation for informed and evidence-based self-protection training. Jamie Mentions Mary Stevens, a former school teacher and Oxford University graduate who owns and runs Athena School of  Karate. &...

Natalie Jurado is a Magnesium Expert on a mission to spread awareness about this often-overlooked mineral. You see, it wasn’t that long ago that she spent most of her days constantly anxious, stressed and overwhelmed. Despite living a healthy lifestyle: eating organic foods, exercising and using healthy products, she was still dealing with health issues. Her doctors kept encouraging her to use pre...

Karen Findley is a very modest martial artist. I say that because she trained during the tough, brutal years of martial arts. Not only is that a real accomplishment, but the fact that she is a female makes it even more impressive. She’s also very matter-of-fact about her training and achievements and talks as if it was no big deal. Let me tell those who don’t already know that it is a huge deal an...

Rick Koenig embarked on a remarkable journey when he began martial arts training at 4. Growing up in New Jersey, Rick had a unique upbringing, as their father owned pizzerias, where they actively participated in running and working. In later years, Rick transitioned into the security world, working at nightclubs in Philadelphia and New Jersey. During this time, Rick had the opportunity to cross pa...

John Hanratty sensei has trained and taught Shotokan karate for over 54 years. He is the Chief Instructor for the Canadian Shotokan Karate Association and the National Coach. He is also past president and current Vice President of the World Shotokan Karate Association. Hanratty sensei was elected the 3M Coach of the Year in 1989 by Karate Canada and has been nominated for the Air Canada Sportsman...

Mr Lawrence Warry was a student from my early years as a young martial arts teacher. Specific individuals enter your school, and they immediately make a significant impact on everyone within your school, usually without even knowing the impact they’ve made. Lawrence Warry is one of those students who had a significant impact on my school because of his courtesy, humility, and willingness always to...

Master Mark Hutton is one of those people I love to chat with. He doesn't mince words and shoots straight from the hip; he is just the kind of person I like. Master Hutton is known throughout TKD circles as an inspirational character who practices what he preaches, which is another thing I like about him. I was pleased to catch up with him and chat about all things TKD and why returning to some of...

Rebecca Hanser is a director, writer, producer, and actress based in London for screen, stage, and mocap. She is known for the feature films Portal to the Abyss (2024), Parasitus (2021), Blade of the Assassin (2021) and the short films Third Life Crisis (2023), the award-winning Ghosted (2022) and A Tribute to Frida (2021). At an early age, she already loved films and says she learned English by "...

Duncan Perry commenced his martial arts journeys in the 1970s. He’s very modest and a nice guy. Although I don't know him well, I suspect he's an excellent, caring teacher. Like many of us who started back then, he gained inspiration from watching the kung fu series on TV. He started Lau Gar Kung Fu with Sifu Frank Linch as a youngster in the brutal days of martial arts. His Karate journey began i...

Mike Ilderton is a lovely gentleman who has practised several Japanese arts. He is the oldest martial artist with whom I have spoken.  He has a genuine love for the traditional side of his art, which reflects the time he has spent in practice and the era in which he started his journey.   Mike Sensei is an inspiration to all of us who love and practice martial arts. It’s great...

It's great doing this podcast because I get to chat with many different kinds of people from all combat backgrounds. My guest on this one was a nice guy who was introduced to me through a mutual friend. I have to say, I enjoyed our conversation. Lee has had experience with several different martial arts. At one point in his journey, he turned to swimming and weight training to get his physical fix...

I came across Team Tizick many years ago through a mutual friend. I found them very eager and keen to learn, and they also seemed passionate about passing Taekwon-Do on to others. They currently run and manage their dojang with classes that appeal to all ages. They are incredibly active in all areas of martial arts and, judging by their Facebook posts, are very busy supporting their students on th...

Danny Dowling is an unusual guest because he no longer does martial arts. However, he did pursue his journey from childhood to his older years. That journey saw him reach the highest levels of competition and eventually become part of the GB Taekwondo squad.  Danny talks about the reality of being a GB competitor who must keep performing to retain his funding. It’s very tough at the top,...

Mike Lambert talks to The Dark Master Mike wished to be a stuntman since he was a kid, growing up with television programs such as The A-Team and martial arts movies. Mike got involved with martial arts at the age of 13. He started practising Tae Kwon Do, Boxing and Kickboxing and went to compete. Talented as he is, he won many tournaments and titles. Some of those are 5 Times British Tae Kwon Do...

With over 30 years of martial arts experience, Geoff has been training in contact karate and kickboxing since 1987, gaining his 1st Dan Black Belt in 1992, 2nd Dan in 1998, and 3rd Dan in 2003 (with a Grade A-). In 2010, he was awarded his 4th Dan Black Belt by ECKA; in 2016, he was awarded his 5th Dan Black Belt by WAKO GB. In 2021, he passed the Mushin Kai black belt grading conducted by Sensei...

The Dark Master catches up with his friend, Grandmaster Don Dalton, for another chat. Under the Presidency of Grandmaster Master Don Dalton, the rise of ITF UNION has been meteoric. In over six years, the organisation has propelled itself into the forefront of the art with astounding growth made during that time. ITF UNION is now in more than 60 countries, with new members constantly joining. GM D...

Master Mark Houghton talks to The Dark Master Mark Houghton (known as “Ho-Mak” in China) has been a highly respected name in the martial arts, stunt and movie industry for decades. He’s one of the old-school masters of the Hung Gar lineage and is in fact, the official direct successor to the late legendary Hong Kong martial arts master, stuntman and action/fight choreographer extraordinaire, Lau K...

Now in his seventies, with more than 60 years Martial Arts experience, Vince Morris is a leading authority in the world of karate and his effective no-nonsense approach to his art has earned him worldwide respect. He regularly taught Tactical Officer Protection courses at the Antwerp Police Academy and for a variety of other Law Enforcement agencies which has brought him many commendatio...

First and foremost, Master David Sheppard is a lovely person. Like many martial arts teachers I know, he’s passionate about giving his students all the help and support they need and much more. He’s one of those guys who continually goes the extra mile. I first saw Master Sheppard many years ago when he was a young lad making his way up the ranks as a competitor. At that time, he had a unique figh...