Getting Hit and Fighting People for a Living (and Loving It) | Tim Kittelstad

Tim Kittelstad shares how blowing out his knee ended a soccer dream but opened a door to martial arts—and how a chance meeting with a stunt performer led him into the world of film and live-action storytelling. From showing up on set for free to training under legendary fight masters, Tim built a life rooted in faith, family, and relentless curiosity.

They talk about:

• How to start from zero and build trust in a niche, high-stakes industry like stunts
• Why "never stop being a white belt" is the mindset that drives every part of his life
• The power of humility—and how ego can be your biggest enemy (or your greatest teacher)
• Balancing fatherhood, family, and a career that demands risk and constant travel
• His upcoming Star Wars short film—and why he believes you have to create what you want to see in the world
• How martial arts philosophy translates into business, leadership, and storytelling

This episode is about showing up first, serving before asking, and embracing discomfort as the path to mastery— on set, at home, and in life.

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🔗 Connect with Tim Kittelstad

Instagram: @timkittelstad

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @theseanmartin

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⭐️ About the REAL Mentors Podcast

The REAL Mentors Podcast is all about bringing authentic stories, inspiring messages, and valuable lessons straight to you. Our mission is simple: alter lives with real examples and provide actionable advice to empower the next generation of leaders, creators, and visionaries. If you’re looking for real-talk and real impact, this is the place for you.

🔥 About the Guest – Tim Kittelstad

Timothy Kittelstad is a stuntman, fight choreographer, and Wing Chun instructor who believes that humility and service are the keys to growth—whether you’re in front of the camera, running a business, or raising a family.

After a career-ending sports injury, Tim rebuilt himself through martial arts, eventually becoming a head instructor and a sought-after stunt performer. He’s performed live shows in China and Orlando, trained under world-renowned sword masters, and now helps build the next generation of film fighters through community training in Florida.

Beyond stunts, he leads digital marketing initiatives at Torch Designs, mentors young performers, and brings his family into his creative world—turning backyard "action!" calls into lifelong memories.

Tim’s story is proof that when you lead with integrity and stay a lifelong student, you can craft a life far beyond what you imagined.

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Tags & Keywords:

Tim Kittelstad, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, stunts, fight choreography, martial arts, Wing Chun, digital marketing, lifelong learning, humility, fatherhood, Star Wars fan film, sword training, action design, community building, never stop being a white belt, purpose-driven storytelling, servant leadership, faith and creativity, mentorship in film, raising strong families, integrity in business, Florida stunt community, entrepreneurship through martial arts, living your passion, building trust, real stories of transformation, from setback to impact, Ip man, jackie chan, star wars, bruce lee, MMA, real fight

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