Taekwondo Life Magazine's Podcast

Mindy Kelly is skilled at the art of self-defense. She began her martial arts journey at the age of 4. Her intense love for the martial arts lead her to multiple world titles, work in music videos, and, eventually, fight choreography in major motion pictures. In 2019 her life's commitment culminated in her assumption of the role as lead stunt and martial arts fight coordinator on the Riley Stearns...

Ronnie Malina is a 5th Degree Black Belt and 17 year law enforcement officer in Rosenberg, Texas. He is also the author of a Listening to the Masters: Insight, Knowledge, and Wisdom From Today's Martial Arts Masters (2019). Ronnie talks with host, Marc Zirogiannis , about his childhood drive to train in the martial arts, his martial arts journey, and his heartfelt desire to honor his teacher, mast...

Grandmaster C.M. Griffin reveals five "must see" martial arts films in this episode. Kwanjanim Griffin is a Grandmaster in the Korean art of Hwa Rang Do , as well as a practitioner of Taekwondo and Jiu-Jitsu. Additionally, he is a lifelong film and television professional. The combination of these two passions has resulted in a series of wonderful submissions to the print and digital version of Ta...

Marc Zirogiannis is joined by Dr. Robyn Odegaard and Russ Bruzzano, the founders of the Whole Food Muscle Club and the authors of a new book, How to Feed a Human: The Whole Food Muscle Way.  They discuss understanding people's relationship to food as part and parcel of embarking on a plan to achieve maximum health and fitness through diet and exercise.  As former competitors in volleyball and body...

Eddie Cha talks with host, Marc Zirogiannis , fresh off his coaching victory of Chan Sung Jung, " The Korean Zombie ", at UFC's Fight Night 154 . Eddie Cha is a martial artist and west coast fight coach, having trained some of the highest level UFC and Bellator MMA combatants. In this episode he discusses his life and career. He shares his thoughts on tailoring coaching protocols to meet the stren...

Join Coach Jim Haxton as he takes us on a behind the scenes look at the 2019 USA Taekwondo Nationals from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Coach Jim is the staff photographer for Taekwondo Life Magazine , a Taekwondo Black Belt, and the father of a nationally ranked sparring competitor, Jillian Haxton. Coach Jim gives us a 4 day look at his trip to the Nationals, his perspectives on the level 1 Coaching se...

On June 14, 2019 Master Valerie Loureda proved to the Mixed Martial Arts world that she is a legitimate force to be reckoned with. Loureda, on only 8 weeks notice, engaged in her 2nd professional bout in six months, at Bellator 222 . In that fight she outlasted and outfought her opponent, Larkyn Dasch, for a decisive and unanimous 3 round decision on the biggest stage in professional sports, Madis...

Ray Sefo is not only one of the most accomplished professional fighters of the last  30 years, but he is also the President of Fight Operations for the PFL.   Sefo's distinguished fighting career comprised of almost 100 professional fights in Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and  Mixed Martial Arts.  PFl, the Professional Fighter's League, has taken a revolutionary approach to the Mixed Martial Arts game.  ...

What does it take to become a Kukkiwon certified 8th Dan Black Belt? Grandmaster Sung C. Kim , the youngest Grandmaster in the United States, and one of the youngest in the world, provides a detailed look at the testing process, the preparation needed to get ready for this intensive experience, and the responsibility associated with holding such a prestigious rank. Grandmaster Kim is an esteemed T...

Alex "The Spartan" Nicholson is a Taekwondo trained Mixed Martial Artist fighting for the $1 million Heavyweight purse in the 2019 Professional Fighter's League season. Following Alex's split decision in PFL3 on Long Island he talked to Marc Zirogiannis about his nickname, his Taekwondo roots, his evolution as a fighter in the UFC and PFL, his family and life. Alex is a true warrior. TRUE STORY -...

Cung Le is humble but deadly man, skilled in a multitude of combat and traditional arts. While he is skilled in Sanshou Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts, Kung-Fu, and wrestling, it is Taekwondo where his path to superstardom began. From Taekwondo and wrestling champion to the Strikeforce's Middle weight MMA champion, he was feared for his no-holds barred style and fierce kicks. This is why it shocke...

" Taekwondo for All " is the dream of 8th Dan Master Michael Sirota . Grandmaster Sirota is the leading advocate and educator in the area of Para-Taekwondo. Para-Taekwondo is a broad spectrum of Taekwondo for people, both adults and children, with special needs. Marc Zirogiannis explores the development of Para-Taekwondo for Master Sirota in his personal teaching programs, as well as his work over...

In 1987 Taekwondo competitor Herb Perez changed the modern Taekwondo landscape by becoming the 1st American to defeat a Korean athlete and become World Taekwondo Champion. In 1992 he earned the distinction of becoming a US Olympic Gold medalist as Taekwondo was making its bid to become a fully recognized medal sport. These are just a few of his amazing accomplishments, in and outside of the taekwo...

Master Maggie Messina graced the cover of the March/April 2019 issue of Taekwondo Life Magazine . In addition to being an accomplished martial artist, 7th degree Black Belt, instructor, and Dojang owner, she is a leading force for positive evolution in the area of parity for female sparring competitors with her role in Swerve and FFM2. In this episode she speaks with host, Marc Zirogiannis, about...

One year after the passing of Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee Taekwondo Life Magazine takes a look at the life, impact, and legacy of this legendary figure, whose persona transcended just one martial art. From his humble beginnings in the 1930s Korea until his death on April 30, 2018, Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee lived a life of personal service, of innovation, and of patriotism to the American ideals. 7th Dan m...

Dr. Peder Piering is a 2nd Dan Black under Grandmaster JK Lee . He is a Sports Psychologist, author of Master Mental Toughness , and the host of a highly successful sports Podcast called Ignite Your Life . Marc Zirogiannis and Dr. Piering discuss his role in helping athletes overcome adversity and achieve optimal performance. To find our more about Dr. Piering or follow his many important ventures...

Taekwondo competitor, instructor, Master, and advocate, Erica Linthorst , joins the program to discuss "Aging Up and Staying in the Game", her impressive competitive resume, her world travels, and TKD Go For the Gold . Master Linthorst, a writer, as well as practitioner, has been published in Taekwondo Life Magazine , as well as other martial arts magazine. She brings a positive and unique perspec...

Not only was Stephen Lambdin the USA's Heavyweight Taekwondo Medal contender in the 2016 Rio Olympics but he is also the most accomplished male Taekwondo athlete in the history of the United States. In this episode Stephen discusses his journey and progress towards the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, his successes and struggles, as well as his views on the question of whether he is an athlete or a martial ar...

50 year veteran of the martial arts, Michael Matsuda, joins Taekwondo Life Magazine to discuss his perspectives on the recent history of the martial arts in the United States, martial arts journalism, and his founding of the "brick and mortar" Martial Arts History Museum in Burbank California. This episode touches Taekwondo but more, as we discuss the place of martial arts in the history and cultu...

Into the Badlands action star and Taekwondo 2nd Dan Sherman Augustus joins Marc Zirogiannis for a follow up interview to his 2018 interview for the print and digital edition of Taekwondo Life Magazine . Sherman takes us on a behind the scenes look at the wrapping up of Into the Badlands as well as what lies ahead in his remarkable career, in and out of the Nathaniel Moon persona He also reveals hi...

7th Dan Master Simon Scher talks about his Instagram kicking project, the origins of his stretching appliance, the Si-Stretcher, training completeness in Taekwondo and much more. Master Scher is a martial artist, writer, teacher, and internet sensation. Mr. Scher has contributed several dynamic training articles to Taekwondo Life Magazine . You can find our more about Simon Scher on his Facebook P...

Accredited Sports Dietitian, Erica Stephens joins Marc Zirogiannis from her home base of Australia to discuss her ebook Nutrition for Taekwondo , her Taekwondo career, and her work consulting with high level athletes in the area of diet and sports nutrition. Erica Stephens provides some practical advise for Taekwondo athletes on diet and getting ready for competition. This is an informative and in...

Attorney at Law and martial artist, Neil H. Greenberg, Esq, joins the Podcast to discuss his article, which appeared in the March/April 2019 issue of Taekwondo Life Magazine, on the Federal Courts overturn on New York State's ban on Nunchuck's. A lively discuss ensues on this and other topics. To find out more about Neil Greenberg's law practice visit: www.nhglaw.com Support the show (https://squa...

9th Dan Taekwondo legend and founder of the Taekwondo Hall of Fame joins Taekwondo Life Magazine for an interview. Mr. Robbins talks about his Taekwondo journey from competitor to the founder of a resource for the preservation of Taekwondo history. Master Robbins shares some insights from his, almost 50 years, of the practice of Taekwondo. For more information on The Taekwondo Hall of Fame please...

A frank discussion of the responsibility of martial arts instructors to behave in an appropriate way in light of some of the recent controversies over criminal, and immoral behavior. The HBO Documentary, "Leaving Neverland" is used as the catalyst for a discussion about what is required of a Martial Arts instructor in regards to their behavior around and towards their students. Some specific crite...