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July 11, 2025 91 mins

What drives someone to leave behind comfort and pursue something deeply meaningful? In this episode of On Adventure, I sit down with Tanner Critz - a martial artist, Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, and founder of Unity Martial Arts in Little Rock. This conversation isn’t just about hiking 2,200 miles or building a successful dojo. It’s about identity, purpose, and the courage it takes to follow your own path - especially when it’s steep and uncertain.

Tanner opens up about his pivotal adventures: hiking the AT alone with a hidden bleeding ulcer, turning a quiet martial arts passion into a thriving community, and facing a near-death COVID experience that shook his world. We explore what it means to live with intention, take risks that matter, and find a sense of home in both place and people. Arthur Brooks says that to live a happy, meaningful life, we all have to answer two questions...Why am I here, and What am I willing to die for?  If you’ve ever asked yourself either of these questions - this episode is for you.


🕒 Episode Timeline

[3:42] - How a year of reflection led Tanner to hike the Appalachian Trail
[8:15] - Experiencing deep physical pain—and choosing not to quit
[14:29] - The unexpected transition from graphic design to martial arts
[20:51] - Starting Unity Martial Arts and building community through connection
[31:03] - The philosophy of self-defense and teaching through empathy
[39:30] - Surviving COVID: A near-death experience and its lasting impact
[46:10] - Finding peace, purpose, and the value of rest
[52:58] - Advice for anyone standing at the edge of a big life decision


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