Les Bubka

Anxious Black Belt Podcast

Sports EN ↓ 335 episodes

Karate is not what you think! This martial art can be used in many ways, to build your physical strength or mental fortitude. It can be a dynamic sport or a recreational hobby, a self-defense or self-development tool. Join Les Bubka to explore the possibilities within Karate and its connection to mental health, and listen to conversations with different martial artists on various subjects.

Author

Les Bubka

Category

Sports

Podcast website

www.lesbubka.co.uk

Latest episode

Jun 30, 2026

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Episodes

#279 Fight Dad with Harry Flexman 25.09.2025

Harry is a martial arts student with more than 15 years of experience, and has been coaching for over 10 years, specialising in the Filipino Martial Arts of Kali, Panantukan, and Sikaran. Harry has earned two second-degree black belts - in Kali Sikaran, and Team Phoenix Kali Blend - and I have trained extensively in Muay Thai and Jeet Kune Do (JKD). I have experience (about a year in each) with Ol...

#278 Karate After 40: Golden Rules 22.09.2025

Karate After 40: Golden Rules Karate isn’t just for the young — it’s for life. In this video, we’ll cover the key principles to keep your training safe, effective, and enjoyable after 40. Whether you’re returning to the dojo or starting fresh, these golden rules will help you stay strong, mobile, and motivated. 👉 Special Offer: Get 15% off at Benson & Clegg with the code KARATE15 at checkout. Or...

#277 Mental Health Chat 18.09.2025

Title 1 The Mental Health Catch Up T-shirts & gear: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kfmhcic-shop.fourthwall.com/en-gbp/collections/all⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🧠 Karate for Mental Health – Train your body and mind! 📘 Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/43FgMf5⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎓 Course: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/2hNUD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✅ Free Action Plan: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/1b0Mk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🥋 Level up your training...

#276 Dojo Etiquette 15.09.2025

Dojo etiquette refers to the customs and respectful behaviours practised in martial arts training spaces. While the core values of discipline, respect, and safety are universal, the exact etiquette can vary between clubs, organisations, and styles. For example, some dojos may emphasise formal bowing rituals, while others adopt a more relaxed approach. Similarly, expectations around uniforms, addre...

#275 Finding the Way: A Path Through Karate Styles with Nick Girard 11.09.2025

Join us as we sit down with one of our students to hear his unique journey through three karate styles — starting with Goju Ryu, moving to Shorin Ryu, and finally finding his home in our style, Shin Ai Do, at All Round Karate. A story of growth, discipline, and discovering where you truly belong in martial arts. T-shirts & gear: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kfmhcic-shop.fourthwall.com/en-gbp/collections/all⁠...

#274 Responding To Your Comments 08.09.2025

Responding to your comments ! 🧠 Karate for Mental Health – Train your body and mind! 📘 Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/43FgMf5⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎓 Course: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/2hNUD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✅ Free Action Plan: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/1b0Mk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🥋 Level up your training – Explore all our courses: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/LesBubka⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 👕 Support the mission – Grab some merch! T-shirts...

#273 KFMH Update 04.09.2025

We have started our Open Session project funded by the Community Foundation for Surrey, where people can come and experience the benefits of Karate 🧠 Karate for Mental Health – Train your body and mind! 📘 Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/43FgMf5⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎓 Course: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/2hNUD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✅ Free Action Plan: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/1b0Mk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🥋 Level up your training – Explore...

#272 This is not Sparring! 02.09.2025

🧠 Karate for Mental Health – Train your body and mind! 📘 Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/43FgMf5⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎓 Course: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/2hNUD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✅ Free Action Plan: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/1b0Mk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🥋 Level up your training – Explore all our courses: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/LesBubka⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 👕 Support the mission – Grab some merch! T-shirts & gear: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kfmhcic-shop.fourthwall...

#271 Wing Chun with Sifu Vik Hothi 29.08.2025

Sifu Vik is the longest serving practitioner of Wing Tsun in the UK , completing the whole Wing Tsun system. and is the most experienced instructor in the practical use of the art, both in the competitive arena and on the ‘street’, having worked as a Door Supervisor for a number of years. website: https://kungfuslough.com Vik's book: https://www.doctrineofwck.com/buynow 🧠 Karate for Mental Health...

#270 Political Karate Show 22.08.2025

Again, the Karate image is dragged into the sewer. 🧠 Karate for Mental Health – Train your body and mind! 📘 Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/43FgMf5⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎓 Course: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/2hNUD⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✅ Free Action Plan: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/1b0Mk⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🥋 Level up your training – Explore all our courses: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/LesBubka⁠⁠⁠⁠ 👕 Support the mission – Grab some merch! T-shirts & gear: ⁠⁠...

#269 Sports Karate with John Gardiner 14.08.2025

Sensei John Gardiner, chief instructor and founder of JKG Karate, has had a very successful competitive career having competed for the England National team from the under 21 team through to being Senior England number 1 at the WKF World and European Championships in addition to being English and British Champion. https://www.jkgkarate.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/john.gardiner.18 🧠 Karate for...

#268 Upsetting Karate Folk 11.08.2025

It is so easy to upset Karate folk, even if you do Karate yourself, it might not be thw right Karate! 🧠 Karate for Mental Health – Train your body and mind! 📘 Book: ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/43FgMf5⁠⁠ 🎓 Course: ⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/2hNUD⁠⁠ ✅ Free Action Plan: ⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/1b0Mk⁠⁠ 🥋 Level up your training – Explore all our courses: ⁠⁠https://payhip.com/LesBubka⁠⁠ 👕 Support the mission – G...

#267 Out of Comfort Zone 08.08.2025

Short chat after men's flu, clip with Tommy Joe Moore here: https://youtu.be/d7D89iiHajU?feature=shared 🧠 Karate for Mental Health – Train your body and mind! 📘 Book: ⁠https://amzn.to/43FgMf5⁠ 🎓 Course: ⁠https://payhip.com/b/2hNUD⁠ ✅ Free Action Plan: ⁠https://payhip.com/b/1b0Mk⁠ 🥋 Level up your training – Explore all our courses: ⁠https://payhip.com/LesBubka⁠ 👕 Support the mission – Grab so...

#266 Invest in Young Generation with the UK Karate Podcast 31.07.2025

Chris and Andy are the hosts of the UK Karate Podcast. They had the unfortunate experience of discovering just how tyrannical some karate organisations can be. Luckily, they have since found a new, supportive organisation that encourages them instead of holding them back. Listen to their story and subscribe to their channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UKKaratePodcast 🧠 Karate for Mental Health – Tr...

#265 We've Always Done That in Karate 28.07.2025

We've Always Done That in Karate is the most heard answer in relation to other sports and arts techniques. Whether you're curious about martial arts or seeking new approaches to mental wellness, this video offers insight, inspiration, and a fresh way to look at Karate—not just as a fighting skill, but as a potential mental health ally. Karate for Mental Health Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/43FgMf5⁠⁠⁠...

#264 Warrior Spirit with Steve Rowe Sensei 25.07.2025

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Steve Rowe Sensei , the Chief of Shi Kon Shi Kon Martial Arts was established in 1988 By Steve Rowe and named by his Iaido Instructor Okimitsu Fuji who drew the calligraphy that hangs in the Chatham Honbu Dojo.  Shi Kon means 'Warrior Spirit' being the spirit or heart of a cultured Samurai warrior.  Shi Kon is the coming together of Steve's tra...

#263 Budo Mindset Magazine with Frenchesca Charlton 17.07.2025

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Franchesca Charlton, the Chief Editor of Budo Mindset Magazine. We dive into important topics like mental health, equal rights, and what it takes to run a magazine. I hope you enjoy the conversation—we're not holding back! FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Budo-Mindset-Magazine/61571906330644/ Page: https://budomindset.com/welcome Whether you...

#262 The Truth About Karate Associations Will Shock You! 15.07.2025

Many martial artists feel disappointed with their organisations due to strict control, as highlighted in this video. Discover how some associations still dictate what students can and cannot do, limiting their freedom. Whether you're into karate, understanding organisational dynamics is crucial. 🥋 Respect. Discipline. Power. Dark Side Of Karate Book: https://amzn.to/4lNXQAO Whether you're curious...

#261 The Kira Ora, Czesc – From Guildford to Wellington A Monthly Mental Health Meet-Up 10.07.2025

Join the Invisible Sensei and the Anxious Black Belt—two karateka, two continents, one powerful conversation. From the dojos of Guildford to the shores of Wellington, we catch up each month to talk karate, mental health, personal battles, and the journey of healing through movement and mindfulness. No filters, no belts needed—just open, honest kōrero and a shared mission to break the stigma and br...

#260 Rules to Success in Karate 08.07.2025

What does it really take to succeed in karate—not just in the dojo, but in life? In this inspiring episode of The Anxious Black Belt, we break down the top principles from the eBook Rules for Success in Karate, compiled by Les Bubka. Free Book: https://lesbubka.co.uk/pubs/Rules_For_Success_in_Karate_eBook.pdf Featuring insights from 10 world-renowned martial artists, explore powerful rules like co...

#259 Kissaki Kai Method with Vince Morris Sensei 03.07.2025

Vince Morris BA(Hons.) 9th Dan Kissaki-Kai (9th Dan I.S.O.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 Enforce...

#258 Motobu Choki Okinawan Karate Rebel 30.06.2025

In the world of karate, some masters earn their place through tradition. Others... carve it with their fists. He was a fighter, a street brawler, a man of noble blood who defied convention. Feared by many. Respected by all. This is the story of Motobu Chōki — the rebel of Okinawan karate, whose fists spoke louder than words. Whether you're curious about martial arts or seeking new approaches to me...

#257 New Ways with Ken Knight 26.06.2025

Long Overdue chat with Ken Knight Sensei Book mentioned: https://amzn.to/3IfTB2o Whether you're curious about martial arts or seeking new approaches to mental wellness, this video offers insight, inspiration, and a fresh way to look at Karate—not just as a fighting skill, but as a potential mental health ally. Karate for Mental Health Book: ⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/43FgMf5⁠⁠⁠ Mental health course: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

#256 Life & Legacy of Masutatsu Oyama 23.06.2025

🥋 Mas Oyama: The Ultimate Truth of Karate | Kyokushin DocumentaryDiscover the legendary story of Masutatsu Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate. From his early life in Korea to training in isolation on a Japanese mountain, Oyama became known as "The Godhand"—a warrior who fought bulls barehanded and created one of the most powerful full-contact karate styles in the world. Whether you're curious...

#255 Syllabus as Strategy: Teaching with Purpose or Just Tradition? 19.06.2025

Syllabus as Strategy: Teaching with Purpose or Just Tradition? In this insightful conversation, Sensei Russ Smith shares his perspective on the role of a syllabus in karate training—examining its purpose, practicality, and potential pitfalls. Together, we explore how a well-structured curriculum can guide progression, preserve tradition, and support consistent teaching standards, while also questi...

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