The Black Belt Podcast

“Don’t take yourself too seriously, if you do it is about your ego.  If I get my ass kicked, I will brag about it, because then it means I am learning something.  We go into these things as insecure beings, I was no different.  But be willing to learn, my philosophy revolves around the concept of learning.  I have progressed a great deal, because every time I train with someone, I will come out be...

“The ability to relax under pressure is the trait that all the greats share.  Panic is the most useless emotion that humans can have in any situation.  Fear is a good thing, it tells you , you have a problem, the question is how do I fix that problem, bringing panic into it is not going to help the problem.  The people that are the ones that tend to come out on top are the ones that can manage the...

“The Mind is the primary weapon.  Everything else is just a means to an end. When the body fails the mind takes over.  When the mind fails the spirit takes over. There is no greater study, higher study than the study of self.” – Gerry Chisolm "Lady Sensei" My guest this episode is Gerry Chisolm, who is known as the Lady Sensei.  She is the founding president of the Women’s Martial Arts N...

“Exist to Inspire, Martial arts is so much more than what people think.  If you live the way, and actually make martial arts part of your lifestyle it comes with these values and skillsets that no one can take away from you and can be used in all aspects of your life.” – Mr. Mikey Dillard “I want kids to have confidence and discipline, self-respect and respect for others, I want kids to stand out,...

“The key to getting good at anything is mindful training over time.  Make a conscious effort to shift gears, empty your cup of everything in your day, so you can become present and focus on your martial arts training.  Spontaneous right action equals a moment of enlightenment, in the moment at your best, mental clarity, physical energy, and emotional calm.  In flow you will automatically find the...

“Martial Arts is a people building device, it teaches you how to live in a chaotic world and be happy.  If we make the best of our lives by doing our best in life, we can create the life that we want.  And that’s really what life is about, being kind, courteous, respect, and respect for yourself.  Do things that make you feel good and help people to be kind.” – Ron Van Clief My guest this episode...

“When people are faced with obstacles, they try to brush it away, or shut it out of their minds.  Obstacles and doubts are different.  Obstacles are real and doubts are created by the mind.  Martial Arts is one of the best ways for your mind to train for real situations.  You have to deal with situations and deal with them right now.  You have to face it right now.  This training has shaped everyt...

“The journey just starts at Black Belt.  How do you carry yourself as a master instructor of your own domain?  Be a black belt in all 3 disciplines, life, business, and martial arts.  Integrate them all together, now you are a martial artist.” – Scott Coker My guest this episode is Scott Coker, who is an Ernie Reyes Protégé, 8’th degree Black Belt and an original member of the famous West Coast De...

“Pain isn’t going anywhere, it’s always going to feel the same, but how you decide to categorize it is what changes.  I can’t change that it hurts, but I can change that I don’t care. As a fighter and martial artist, the biggest thing to ensure your success is that no matter what situation you are in, there is an acceptance of pain.  Once you fully take that on board you have become a very dangero...

“If you can embrace chaos and change, you can get greater focus, efficiency, and become more creative, because you have to figure out how to maneuver and get around the change, so you can take the negative and turn it into a positive. “ – George Chung My guest this episode is George Chung, who is a Martial Artist, Businessman, Actor, Director and TV Show Producer.  He is currently the CEO of Jungo...

“Highest Degree of Discipline is Self-Awareness.  It can only be achieved through thousands of constant repetitions.” – Mike Chat  My Guest this episode is Mike Chat who is a Martial Artist, Actor, Producer and Stuntman known for his role as the Blue Power Ranger in Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue.  He is the founder for Xtreme Martial Arts or XMA which is a combination of Martial Arts, Acrobatics...

“The state of mind is more important than your body being prepared.  When you compete, your body will not always be 100%, but your state of mind has to be super ready.” –André Galvão   My Guest this episode is Prof. André Galvão who is a legendary Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Grappler and a professional mixed martial artist.  He holds 4th Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blackbelt and is also a Judo Black Belt. ...

“People get hung up on the ranking as opposed to the teaching methodology.  Upgrade your teaching methodology instead of getting more techniques.  Instead of collecting new techniques connect the basic techniques so that you can make them look advanced.” -Apolo Ladra My guest this episode is Tuhon Apolo Ladra who has trained in the martial arts for over 40 years.  He is a 7’th degree black belt in...

“Fighting is a chess game. If you don’t get your opponent within 3 moves, you are dead already.” —Darren Tibon  My guest this episode is Grand Master Darren Tibon who was a personal student and graduate of Great Grand Master Angel Cabales’ Serrada Escrima.  Angel Cabales was known as the teacher of teachers and in 1967 was one of the first to commercially teach Filipino Martial Arts and he heavily...

“Bruce Lee’s Superpower is Self-Mastery.” – Shannon Lee My special guest this episode is Shannon Lee who is the daughter of the Martial Arts Icon Bruce Lee.  She is a martial artist, an actress, and the CEO of the Bruce Lee Family Company, which is on a mission to share the art and philosophy of Bruce Lee to inspire personal growth, positive energy, and global harmony.  She is the Author of Be Wat...

“Your Conscious Mind is So much stronger than the Subconscious, if you allow your Conscious Mind to take control of what is happening.”—Ray Sefo   My guest this episode is the one and only Ray Sefo, he has fought in 110 Professional Fights, achieving 54 Knock Outs and 6 World Titles.  He has competed in 4 Combat Sports (Boxing, Muay Thai, Kick Boxing, and MMA).  Mr. Sefo is the President of Fighte...

“At the end of the day if you don’t have hope, you have nothing.” – Ernie Reyes Jr. My guest this episode is Ernie Reyes Jr., a martial artist, actor, and fighter.  He is known for his work in films like The Last Dragon, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Surf Ninjas, and the Rundown starring alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.  I first remember being wowed by Ernie as he burst on to the televisio...

“A Fight is a Fight, it doesn’t matter what tools you have, all that matters is how efficient your chassis is.” – Tim Kennedy My guest this episode is Tim Kennedy, a Special Forces Sniper, a Range Qualified Green Beret, a former UFC & Strike Force Fighter, and the President of Sheep Dog Response.  He is one of the few fighters to simultaneously serve in the United States Army while also fighti...

“Martial Arts is the Greatest Platform to Unleash Human Potential.” – Chatri Sityodtong My guest this episode is Chatri Sityodtong who is best known for being the founder, chairman, and CEO of ONE Championship.  Chatri’s diverse background includes over 30 professional Muay Thai fights in Thailand, a brown belt in BJJ, an MBA from Harvard, and in 2019 he was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fa...

“My goal was always to see how quickly I could hurt or paralyze every opponent.”—Master Ken My guest this is episode is the most famous martial arts master in history, the founder of Ameri-Do-Te, the one and only, Master Ken.  Master Ken is the founder of Ameri-Do-Te which is an American street fighting system.  You may know him as the Professor of Pain, he has a Master’s degree in Mutilation, and...

“It’s a matter of winning the smallest battles in your head before you win the big battles on a big stage.”—Miesha Tate My guest this episode is Miesha Tate who is a pioneer and trailblazer of Women’s Mixed Martial Arts. She is the former Strike Force and UFC Bantamweight Champion and was Vice President of One Championship.  She is currently fighting for the UFC. Miesha Tate has built a career on...

“Achieving a black belt is telling you that you can do anything you set your mind to." –Jackson Rudolph My guest this episode is Sport Karate World Champion Jackson Rudolph.  Jackson is known for his innovative Bo Staff Routines which have led to 14 ISKA U.S. Open Weapons Titles, the most for any man in history.  Jackson is the founder of The Flow Weapons Training System, a representative and...

“Martial Arts taught me to never accept failure.” – Cynthia Rothrock My guest this episode is a film legend, a forms World Champion, a Black Belt Magazine Hall of Famer, the one and only Cynthia Rothrock.  Cynthia is a lifelong martial artist who holds 7 Black Belts and is receiving the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Century Martial Arts Super Show.   This episode is all about Cynthia Roth...

“Know yourself, know your enemy, know your ability and know your surroundings.” – Master Wong My guest this episode is Michael Wong, known to the world as Master Wong.  He is the first martial artist to successfully use YouTube as a teaching platform with a reach of almost 3 Million followers.  His high energy and dynamic teaching style along with engaging content has inspired and educated million...

“Breathe and Flow with the Go.” – Rickson Gracie My guest this episode is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Vale Tudo, and MMA legend Master Rickson Gracie.  He reigned as world Jiu Jitsu champion both in the middle-heavy weight and open divisions for almost two decades, retiring with an undefeated record after hundreds of Jiu Jitsu, Vale Tudo and challenge matches.  Since retiring he has focused on unifying t...