Tale of the Dragons (Martial Arts Podcast)

We have an extraordinary guest whose journey has taken him from his early training in Modern Arnis to becoming one of the most respected instructors in Filipino Martial Arts. Grand Master Datu Tim Hartman began his formal martial arts journey in Modern Arnis and became a direct student of the legendary Grand Master Remy A. Presas, known affectionately as “The Prof.” Before his passing, Grand Maste...

The UKKS Gathering — 26th Annual GatheringThe UKKS Gathering, the 26th Annual Gathering of Unified Kempo Karate Systems—a weekend dedicated to martial arts, fellowship, tradition, and the continued growth of the martial arts community. Masters and practitioners from across the Midwest come together for an unforgettable weekend featuring martial arts seminars, belt promotions, training, and a speci...

Today, we’re taking on a debate that martial artists have argued about for generations: Who belongs among the greatest of all time? We’re counting down our Top 10 Martial Artists of all time — the men and women whose skill, dedication, innovation, teaching, and influence left a permanent mark on the martial arts. But we’re going even bigger… Who makes the Mount Rushmore of martial arts? Four icons...

Get ready for a trip back to the golden age of martial arts movies! In this episode of Tale of the Dragons, we count down 10 of MY most memorable martial arts films from the 1980s and early ’90s—movies that delivered unforgettable fight scenes, larger-than-life heroes, iconic villains, and plenty of inspiration for martial artists everywhere. From classic kung fu and ninja action to tournament bat...

Today, we're honored to be joined by CJ Maricle, founder and instructor of Maricle Martial Arts. Known for his passion for teaching, commitment to personal growth, and dedication to developing strong martial artists both on and off the mat, CJ has built a reputation for inspiring students to reach their full potential. In this episode, we'll dive into CJ's martial arts journey, the les...

I am honored to welcome a respected martial artist, teacher, Sensei Joseph Findlay of Barongan Kempo School of Karate. Through years of dedication to the martial arts, Sensei Findlay has helped shape students not only in self-defense and discipline, but also in character, confidence, and leadership. Join us as we explore his journey, the philosophy behind his Barongan Kempo journey, and the lesson...

The Journey of Martial Arts with Professor Angelito "Bobby" Barongan Exploring the roots and evolution of martial arts through a personal lens. Welcome to this week’s edition of Tale of the Dragons, where we dive deep into the life and martial arts journey of Professor Angelito "Bobby" Barongan. His story is both inspiring and enlightening, reflecting the rich traditions and ch...

On this episode of Tale of the Dragons, we're honored to welcome Mr. John Garrison, a dedicated martial artist whose journey has been shaped by discipline, tradition, and a lifelong commitment to Taekwondo. As a Chung Do Kwan Taekwondo black belt under Master Tony Breese, John represents the values that have defined generations of martial artists—respect, perseverance, humility, and service. J...

Today, we're honored to be joined by Shihan Ed Brizzolara, a highly respected martial artist whose journey spans decades of dedicated training, teaching, and leadership in both Karate and Jujitsu. From the dojo floor to mentoring generations of students, Shihan Brizzolara has built a lifetime of experience rooted in discipline, perseverance, and the true spirit of martial arts that landed him...

Tale of the Dragons welcomes rising Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu star Kendall Nelsen as she shares her journey from dedicated competitor to representing Team USA on the international stage. With her debut on the World stage in France this October on the horizon, Kendall discusses the discipline, sacrifice, and mindset required to compete against the world's best. This inspiring conversation explores re...

Faith. Resilience. Purpose. In this inspiring episode of Tale of the Dragons, we sit down with Kyoshi Jason May to discuss his remarkable journey through martial arts, unwavering faith, and his courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Jason shares how discipline, perseverance, and a warrior mindset have helped him overcome adversity while continuing to inspire others. This powerful conversa...

In this powerful episode of Tale of the Dragons, we sit down with Dr. Gregory Vecchi—former FBI Crisis Negotiator, former Unit Chief for the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit, accomplished firearms expert, and a martial artist with over 40 years of experience. Dr. Vecchi shares remarkable stories from the front lines of crisis negotiation, insights into human behavior under extreme pressure, and t...

In this powerful episode of Tale of the Dragons , we sit down with martial arts master Professor Randy Milhan to explore a lifetime dedicated to the martial arts. Professor Milhan takes us back to his roots, sharing unforgettable stories of learning judo from his grandfather in a setting that felt straight out of The Karate Kid . From old-school training methods and life lessons learned on the mat...

Welcome to Tale of the Dragons, where ancient wisdom meets the fire of modern transformation. I’m your host, Tommy Williams, guiding you into the hidden realms where discipline becomes power and stories become teachers. We will be joined by a true master of the martial path — Shihan Anthony Loos. His journey is carved through years of training, teaching, and awakening the warrior spirit in others....

There are so many benefits from the Martial Arts Culture, so the question should be, why are you not?

“What happens when a small teenager who was constantly picked on refuses to quit? What happens when pain becomes discipline… and discipline becomes legacy? Today on Tale of the Dragons, we sit down with Kyoshi Adam Gable — a martial artist with over three decades of experience spanning Kung Fu, Kempo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This is more than a martial arts story. This is a story about transforma...

Welcome to  Tale of the Dragons  — the podcast where legends speak, wisdom is earned, and the warrior spirit lives on. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Martial Arts legend Grand Master Ron Carlson — a man whose journey spans over 72 years of dedication, discipline, and leadership in the martial arts world. From joining the United States Marine Corps at just 17 years old to becoming a men...

This episode of Tale of the Dragons is a powerful podcast about transformation, humility, and redemption. It follows the journey of a wildly talented yet deeply arrogant young man whose confidence and ambition once blinded him from what truly mattered. After life brought him to his knees, he was forced to confront his ego, rebuild himself from the inside out, and discover the strength found in hum...

Not all legends seek the spotlight—some build it for others to stand in. Today, we honor Tony Breese. A warrior not just in skill, but in spirit. A man whose legacy wasn’t forged in moments of victory alone, but in the lives he shaped, the discipline he instilled, and the honor he carried every single day. He didn’t just practice martial arts—he lived its code. Respect. Perseverance. Integrity. Th...

From humble beginnings to the highest levels of honor, this is the journey of a true martial artist. Forged through discipline, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment, his path wasn’t built overnight—it was earned through years of grit, setbacks, and relentless pursuit of mastery. In this episode of Tale of the Dragons, we dive into the life of a warrior who rose from modest roots to become a Warrio...

In this inspiring episode, 9th Dan Hanshi Don Mathews shares the story of his humble beginnings and the journey that shaped his lifelong dedication to martial arts. From early challenges to decades of teaching and mentorship, Hanshi Mathews reflects on the values of discipline, perseverance, and humility that define both his life and his practice. A powerful conversation for martial artists and an...

Tale of the Dragons episode featuring Renshi Nathan Barongan explores the idea of legacy through the lens of disciplined training and personal growth. He compares traditional instruction to a foundational recipe—one that must be respected and learned thoroughly—while encouraging individuals to “add their own seasonings” by adapting techniques, mindset, and purpose to fit their unique journey. The...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Hanshi Colleen Barongan, a trailblazing martial arts master whose journey is redefining strength, leadership, and resilience. Through her wisdom and experience, she shares how martial arts can empower women to find their voice, build confidence, and break barriers—both on and off the mat. This conversation is a powerful reminder that true strength comes...

Our first of many interviews with Kodomo Trey Langham. We discuss his state championships and excellent choice of headwear... #martialarts #barongankempo #taleofthedragons

Today’s guest is Hanshi Don Mathews, 9th Dan, Founder and Executive Director of the Warriors Legacy Hall of Fame. The Warriors Legacy Hall of Fame was created to recognize martial artists who have dedicated decades to teaching, mentoring students, and strengthening their communities through martial arts. The organization honors instructors, pioneers, and leaders whose contributions extend beyond c...