The Black Belt Podcast

“Do Things for the Love of It” vs “The Fear of Losing It” – Herb Perez

 My Guest this episode is the 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist, in Tae Kwon Do, Master Herb Perez. He is the owner of Gold Medal Martial Arts Centers, the creator of the Torch Program, a Lawyer, and the former Mayor of Foster City, Ca.

This episode is literally filled with gold, and I consider Herb Perez a master of high performance.  My Key take away is “The Art of Set...

“You are going to die.  Accept Death, but move forward in life, and do everything you can to make it a good life” – Jocko Willink

 My guest this episode is Jocko Willink a former Navy Seal Commander & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt. He led Seal Teams in the battle for Ramadi during the Iraq war and was honored with the Silver and Bronze Star.  Jocko is a Best-Selling Author and the host of the successful Jocko Podcast.

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“Live to Love and Fight for People” – Justin Wren

My guest this episode is Justin “The Big Pygmy” Wren, a humanitarian, author, speaker, and a professional mixed martial arts fighter who has inspired millions.  He is the founder of “Fight for the Forgotten” a non-profit organization dedicated to defending the weak, loving the unloved, and empowering the voiceless around the world and in our own neighborhoods and schools.

#5:  Dave Kovar – Professionalism & Empowerment through a Growth Minded Passion Driven Approach

“There is no higher calling than teaching Martial Arts.” – Dave Kovar

My guest this episode is Hanshi Dave Kovar who is known as “The Teacher of Teachers”.  He is the founder of Kovar’s Satori Academies and PROMAC, the Professional Martial Arts College.  He is a prolific author and the epitome of professionalism and humility.  His form...

My Guest this episode is “The Pitmaster” John Hackleman who is one of the most sought-after trainers in MMA history.  He is the founder of the world famous “Pit Martial Arts and Fitness” which is home to UFC Champions Chuck Liddell and Glover Teixeira.  The Pitmaster’s unique approach is catered to children, adults, and professional fighters.  His Hawaiian Kempo curriculum is designed to address school yard bullying, dangerous stre...

#7: Burton Richardson – Approach Your Training with Integrity and Pressure Test Everything

“Self Confidence through the Practice of Realistic Self Defense.” – Burton Richardson

My Guest this episode is Guro Burton Richardson who is one of the most cutting edge multi style martial arts masters and teachers on the planet.  He is the founder of “JKD Unlimited” which is dedicated to constant improvement through research, experimentation,...

“We are all Human Weapons.” – Tony Blauer

 My guest this episode is Tony Blauer a martial artist, self defense, and combatives instructor for over four decades.  He is the founder of Blauer Tactical Systems which is one of the worlds leading consulting firms specializing in research and development of combative training and equipment for military, law enforcement and self defense communities.

 This Episode is about Tony Blauer’s rese...

“Success Leaves Clues, so Surround Yourself with Greatness.” – Mike Swain

My guest this episode is Mike Swain who is one of the most successful American Judoka’s in history.  He is the first American Male Judoka to win a Gold Medal in the 1987 World Championships and followed that up with a Bronze Medal in the 1988 Olympics.  He is the VP of Martial Arts for Dollamur Sports Surfaces and one of the most respected Martial Ar...

“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 the Jiu Jitsu community and spreading...

“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 millions of viewers.  He is truly an intern...

“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 Rothrock’s journey from trainin...

“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 now a Coach for Team Paul...

“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 mental fortitude and going beyond her...

“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 a Doctorate in Destructio...

“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 Fame.

Chatri Sityodtong is driven by an...

“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 fighting professionally and is t...

“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 television screen in the 80’s tv se...

“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 Fighter Operations for PFL, the P...

“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 Water My Friend and behind th...