Master’s Alliance

What does it take to break barriers and become a trailblazer in a venerable martial art like Taekwondo? Join us for a riveting conversation with Grandmaster Gerard Robbins, the first person of African descent to earn a ninth-degree black belt from South Korea. From his initial training in Japanese-style karate with Bill Adams to his transformative journey under Don Kumpar, Grandmaster Robbins prov...

Welcome to the Masters Alliance Podcast on CUT. In this episode, host Herb Perez is joined by Grandmaster Mescelle Smith, a remarkable taekwondo practitioner who has had an illustrious career both on and off the mat. From competing in the 1988 and 1992 team trials for the Olympics and Pan Am Games to serving as a New York state trooper, Michelle's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Listen as s...

What if martial arts could do more than just teach self-defense? What if it could shape character, provide mentorship, and guide young men, especially those from single-parent households, through life's toughest challenges? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Master Keith Kelly as he shares his remarkable journey from training under Grandmaster Tayari Cassell and Master Yousef Bilal to c...

Discover the remarkable journey of Grandmaster Jack Corrie, a martial arts legend with over 56 years of Taekwondo experience, as he transforms from a mischievous boy on an Air Force base to a Special Forces Marine and ultimately a revered instructor. Grandmaster Corrie shares pivotal moments from his life, including his mentors' influence and his passion for teaching that led him to produce thousa...

Can military discipline shape the best Taekwondo champions? Join us for a special edition of the Masters Alliance podcast as we uncover the compelling stories of Coach Louis Davis and Grandmaster Michael Bennett, two towering figures in the U.S. Armed Forces Taekwondo team. Coach Davis takes us through his early passion for martial arts, ignited by icons like Bruce Lee, leading him to the prestigi...

Have you ever wondered how elite athletes pivot to impactful careers after their sports days are over? Dr. Jason Han, a former top-tier martial artist and now a celebrated physical therapist, joins us to unravel the tapestry of determination and adaptability that has defined his journey. From his near-Olympic experience to his integral role with the Los Angeles Football Club, Dr. Han's story is an...

When Master Chan Lee steps into the room, you can feel the energy shift. His life, a rich tapestry woven with the threads of Taekwondo philosophy, kindness, and mentorship, sets the stage for our latest podcast episode. We welcome you to a conversation that delves into how Master Lee's upbringing amidst the Bruce Lee craze informed his compassionate approach to martial arts, and how his communicat...

Discover the inspiring story of Master Amatis Pourarian, who has carved a path from the disciplined world of Taekwondo to the competitive arenas of business and academia. As she sits down with me, Herb Perez, we traverse her journey from the streets of Iran to the academic halls of Stanford, and ultimately, to the forefront of the martial arts community in the United States. Her tale is more than...

As I sat across from Coach Gianni Giambi, the mastermind behind the AAU TOPS program, his passion for the transformative power of Taekwondo was palpable. His journey from a second-generation martial artist to nurturing future Olympians is the kind of story that can ignite a fire in the heart of any aspiring athlete. In our conversation, we uncover the philosophy that drives the success of the TOPS...

When a child's unbridled energy collides with the foresight of a psychic, a martial arts master is born. Grandmaster Bobby Stone, head of the AAU, joins me to recount this unique beginning and delve into the depths of a life shaped by taekwondo. His narrative is not just about kicks and punches; it's a tale of personal evolution, leadership, and the indomitable spirit that drives one to build a co...

Gm John Holloway shares his history and where we are as sport and martial arts.

Welcome to episode two of the Masters Alliance Podcast, where we continue our engaging interview with acclaimed Taekwondo coach, Juan Moreno. This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of Taekwondo's global and regional landscape, especially after the recent Pan Am qualifiers for the Olympic Games. Join us as Coach Moreno shares his heartfelt reflections on teams' performances, the challenges...

Master Bell is a musician, educator, elite athlete and teaches jujitsu and escrima. 

Grandmaster Leon Preston shares his thoughts on education of the Modern Master

Author of Whisper of Wisdom Master Graf shares his views on teaching and mentoring the youth of the World. 

Olympic Coach Juan Moreno on Life and Sport.