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The Black Belt Podcast

The Black Belt Podcast

Sifu Harinder Singh and Black Belt Magazine

What’s Up Martial Artists! Welcome to The Black Belt Podcast a Martial Arts Lifestyle Show hosted by highly acclaimed multi style martial artist Sifu Harinder Singh in partnership with Black Belt Magazine. “We are going to bridge the gap between sport, tradition, and reality. Join me as I sit down with world class practitioners to discuss their lifestyles to teach you about their mindset, training, and fighting methods so that we can grow from their wisdom.” Season 1 guests include Michael Jai White, Jocko Willink, Herb Perez, Rickson Gracie, Mike Swain, Justin Wren, John “The Pitmaster” Hackleman, Tony Blauer, Chatri Sityodang, Dave Kovar, Meisha Tate, Burton Richardson, Master Wong, Master Ken, Mike Ninomiya, and Jackson Rudolph. Follow Sifu Harinder Singh @sifusingh and Black Belt Magazine @blackbeltmag. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RSS feed, Overcast, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. DISCLAIMER: Our guests are highly trained experts and masters of their craft. They take many safety precautions to mitigate the risks involved in the practice of martial arts. All training methods and fighting strategies discussed in these podcasts should not be attempted without qualified supervision and training with professionals.
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Top 10 The Black Belt Podcast Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Black Belt Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Black Belt Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Black Belt Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

“When you go into a Hostage Rescue you have to see it as if you are protecting or trying to save your own child, your own mother, your own brother. If you can’t put yourself in a situation to see it that way you can’t do that job. And that’s the way Miami Dade SWAT SRT, that is what our perspective was. The Job that we do is real, and you are going to have to perform. You are going to be put in situations where you have to respond at the highest level, and if you fall short someone loses their life. When you see the reality of life and death, and you are responsible for that, it puts a different level in you. You have a mindset that you cannot fail, there is no failure in this, if you fail you die, your teammates die, and more importantly the person you are trying to save dies.”
– Dexter Fletcher

My guest this episode is Dexter Fletcher, who served for 35 years in the Miami Dade Police Department, and 30 of those years on S.W.A.T. as part of their Special Response Team. He is a multi-discipline martial arts master with a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Nisie Goju Ruyu Karate & Ju Jitsu and a 5th Dan Black Belt in Nagasudo Ju Jitsu and Combative Arts. Mr. Fletcher specializes in training Police, SWAT, and Military Units Nationally and Internationally. He has first-hand experiences protecting Presidents, Popes, and Dignitaries. His highly decorated career has involved everything from frequent hostage rescue situations, to hunting fugitives, to protecting civilians from the monsters in this world.

This episode is all about the makings of a Guardian and what it takes to function at the highest levels in the most extreme and stressful environments. My key takeaway is that Form must Follow Function. In life and death situations when you are responsible for yourself, your teammates, and those you are protecting your training must prepare you to perform with zero room for failure. Hero’s like Dexter Fletcher are a very rare and humble bread, they are guardians who put the preservation of others over their own self-preservation. I consider Dexter Fletcher to be a Modern-Day Samurai, who lives by a strict code of conduct driven by a definiteness of purpose and a selflessness dedicated to service and the preservation of life. We can learn so much from being in the mere presence of such individuals, who truly walk the walk, I am humbled and honored to spend time with this remarkable man. Tune in for a life changing episode.

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The Black Belt Podcast - #7: James Hundon – Slow is Smooth and Smooth is Fast
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10/13/23 • 67 min

“Everyone has a gift, but not everyone seeks to find it, or has the patience to go within themselves to find it. It’s passion, what are you passionate about? What part of you gives you the drive to work hard to get good at something, no matter what it is. We can be mediocre or we can be average, but what makes a person driven to become extra ordinary. You are being driven to do something; we need to find that drive. Everyone has a talent, as teachers we need to understand our students so that we can help them discover their talents and develop their confidence.” -- James Hundon

My guest this episode is Prof. James Hundon, who is the founder of Universal Martial Arts Academy and Small Circle Ju Trap Boxing. He is a 7’th degree Black Belt in both Small Circle Jujitsu under Great Grand Master Wally Jay and Kyohuejitsumae under Soke James Mcqueen. A lifelong student of the martial arts Prof. Hundon’s extensive background also includes instructorship in Chinese Kenpo, Kodokan Jujitsu, Jeet Kune Do, and Serrada Escrima. Prof Hundon has also been inducted into both the Masters Hall of Fame and the US. Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

This episode is all about being open to exploration and the pure Joy of studying Martial Arts. My key takeaway is that everyone has a gift, but not everyone seeks to find it. We must look to discover what makes us passionate and how it drives us to become extraordinary. As students we must look to find our talents, and as teachers we must guide our students towards this discovery. The creative process of martial arts requires its practitioners to approach its study with humility and openness. Let the love of the arts drive you forward, let great gratitude and appreciation fuel your vehicle of discovery. We also dive deep into Prof. Hundon’s unique training methods, and how he has maintained longevity, cultivated a student first mindset, and how he has mentored generations of martial artists. This was a phenomenal episode, with one of the true OGs of the game, join us for an extraordinary conversation about the joy of living life as a martial artist.

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The Black Belt Podcast - #2: Michael Jai White – The Ego is The Enemy
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07/28/23 • 65 min

“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 better in some way. I want to grow every time.” – Michael Jai White

Returning as my guest this episode is Michael Jai White, a highly trained martial artist, and actor. Michael has broken barriers as a Hollywood star and is an International Box office sensation. He is a national martial arts champion, a special education teacher, and a Black Belt under the legendary Bill “Superfoot” Wallace. He was awarded Black Belt Magazines, 2015 Man of the Year.

This episode is all about approaching the study of martial arts with humility and honesty. My key takeaway is that the Ego is the enemy and it stands in the way of progress and growth. Humility relaxes the Ego and allows martial artists to face their insecurities and control issues. By repeatedly putting yourself in uncomfortable positions and letting go of what other people think you will become comfortable expressing your authentic self and this will unlock your true hidden potential. We also dive deep into the value of sparring, and how to get the most out of your sessions. Michael shares great stories of his encounters with Floyd Mayweather, Donald Cerrone, and Michael Bisbing. This was a fascinating conversation about martial arts, philosophy, and mindset, tune in for another great episode with Michael Jai White.

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"To always be yourself. Have faith in yourself. Don’t look for a successful personality and duplicate it. These are very strong pointers to truth, but they’re dismissed by a lot of people. If you understand this, it makes your life way more exciting and open to learning." – John Little

Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Black Belt Podcast, where we explore the bridge between the deep-rooted philosophy of martial arts and its impact on everyday life. Today, I have the honor of sitting down with one of the world's foremost authorities on Bruce Lee – John Little. John is a renowned author and filmmaker, widely regarded as one of the foremost authorities on Bruce Lee’s philosophy, training methods, and personal legacy. He is the only person officially selected by the Bruce Lee estate to review Lee’s private notes and writings, which has allowed him unparalleled insight into the martial artist’s mind. In addition to his extensive work on Bruce Lee, he has authored over 40 books across various topics, including fitness, bodybuilding, and philosophy, blending his expertise in physical training with a deep understanding of personal growth and mastery.

In this episode, we dive into Bruce Lee’s philosophy, and how it extends far beyond martial arts, and its relevance to personal growth, self-expression, and mastery in all areas of life. Whether you’re a martial artist, a student of life, or simply seeking ways to live more fully, this episode is packed with profound insights that will inspire you to reflect on your own journey.

My key takeaway is that Bruce Lee’s art was rooted in philosophy, not just combat. Bruce saw martial arts as a vehicle for self-expression and personal development, with applications far beyond the dojo or ring. Mr. Little emphasized that Bruce Lee’s Mantra, “Be yourself,” underlines his belief that mastery comes from self-awareness and expressing your own truth rather than imitating others. His path was about breaking free from limitations and conditioning to find true self-liberation. We discussed the balance between the yin (internal, philosophical aspects) and yang (external, physical practice) of life and martial arts. True mastery involves integrating both aspects into a harmonious flow that extends into all aspects of life. John explained that the obstacles encountered on the path to mastery – whether in martial arts or life – reveal much about ourselves. The true opponent isn’t always external; it’s often within us, and martial arts helps us confront and transcend our inner limitations. We dove deep into the importance of passion in pursuing mastery. Without passion, the journey becomes mechanical and devoid of meaning. True mastery, in any field, requires deep passion and a commitment to growth. John is a true philosopher who emphasizes that martial arts should inform how we live, make decisions, and navigate the challenges of everyday life with presence and awareness.

Make sure to tune in to this episode and join us on the journey of self-discovery, inspired by the legacy of Bruce Lee and the timeless wisdom of martial arts philosophy.

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The Black Belt Podcast - #5: Val Mijailovic – Karate is Harmony
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09/15/23 • 78 min

“When I was coming up, we didn’t look at anybody else, we didn’t glorify anybody else, instead we learned by discovering what we could do. Everybody was different. Now days there is so much information out there and it is so easily available. So now we try to become like others, and this takes away from that spiritual and physical muscle memory experience, that one needs to discover themselves.” – Val Mijailovic

My guest this episode is Hanshi Val Mijailovic, who is an 8’th degree Karate Black Belt under the legendary Soke Tak Kubota, and was also trained in Judo and Iaido. Hanshi Val was an international competitor and champion throughout the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s, winning the USA JKA Championships and the IKA World Championships. He is the owner and publisher of Martial Arts Masters Magazine and has produced over 700 martial arts instructional videos.

This episode is all about cultivating instincts and discovering yourself as a martial artist. My key takeaway is that Karate and all Martial Arts are truly about Harmony. Cultivating peace and balance within yourself is essential to success in life and in the heat of a battle. To study oneself in a relationship with their opponent is truly the path towards mastery. We also dive deep into training methods, fighting strategy, and the importance of becoming a good teacher. Karate is not about fighting but about taking care of others and caring about their well-being. But above all martial arts teaches us to how learn, how to live, and how to experience life. This was an amazing episode filled with so much wisdom, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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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.
In this deep and highly personal episode Justin Wren shares how he used the martial arts to bravely overcome depression and addiction and how he has dedicated his life to fighting for other people. My key takeaway, to quote Justin is that we can “defeat hate with love”. We are all fighting a war within, and we need a support system and a higher purpose to overcome our obstacles and challenges. We can then use the lessons we learned to “live to love and fight for people”. I was honored to interview Justin a true example of the Martial Spirit.

Show Notes
#4 : Justin Wren – Be resilient, Never Quit and Overcome all Obstacles
00:00:27 – Justin Wren (@thebigpygmy) Introduction and Key Takeaway
00:02:52 – Where does “Live to Love and Fight for People Come From?”
00:05:11 – “I was a depressed drunk drug addict because I was only fighting for myself”. - Justin
00:06:27 – 2 Things that will awaken the Martial Spirit = A Battle to Fight + An Adventure to Live
00:08:35 – Rafael Lavato Jr(@lovatojrbjj) “You are a Martial Artist First and a Fighter Second.”
00:10:21 – The Path of the Martial Artist is Warrior, Healer, Scholar, and Mystic
00:12:00 – “Work on Yourself till you are of Service to the World” - @sifusingh
00:14:35 – “No act of kindness, no matter how small, ever gets wasted.”- Aesop
00:14:50 – “I was a missing person for 8 weeks during a relapse” – Justin Wren
00:18:10 – Asked the Divine what do you want me to do with my Life?
00:19:36 – Saw a Vision of a rainforest and a tribe in Africa, and came out with the word “Forgotten”
00:23:28 – My encounter with a Mystic named Caleb who pointed me to the Pygmy People in the Congo Basin from my Vision
00:29:50 – The traumatic path of depression and the way back out of it
00:30:50 – “We are programmed to succeed; we learn to fail.” – Sifu Singh
00:34:30 – “We get so comfortable being comfortable that we don’t want to trade our comfort for discomfort ever.” Jiu-Jitsu teaches us to be resilient.
00:37:48 – Chaos is Nature’s Way and Peace is a Choice inside of Chaos – Sifu Singh
00:41:31 – “Comparison is the thief of Joy” and that’s the society we live in today
00:44:28 – Getting the Name Efeosa = “The Man Who Loves Us”
00:46:18 – Witnessing firsthand death due to water born diseases, due to lack of clean drinking water and mobilizing a yearlong effort to provide clean drinking water in Africa.
00:47:00 – Malaria almost Killed Justin and he was almost in an irreversible coma.
00:48:30 – “I learned from martial arts to follow my instinct and intuition.” – Justin Wren
00:51:11 – The Warrior's Way is to dig deep and overcome on and off the mats.
00:53:55 – How do you teach Resilience and Self Respect to People?
00:55:20 – “A good leader knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way” – John Maxwell
00:55:38 – Rayden’s Story and Heroes in Waiting (Anti Bullying Program).
01:06:00 – You have to work on yourself first before you can create a healing space for others.
01:07:00 – This last year was the worst and best year of my life.
01:10:30 – Depression is a silent killer.
01:14:00 – “Rehab is not a punishment, it’s a gift.” – Justin Wren
01:15:15 – We need to be tough and vulnerable enough to allow people around us to help us.
01:18:30 – Mr. Miyagi says it’s not about winning the fight, it’s about how we fight.
01:19:11 – The Warriors Creed by Robert L. Humphrey

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The Black Belt Podcast - #3: Herb Perez – The Art of Setting and Achieving Goals
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12/23/21 • 87 min

“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 Setting and Achieving Goals”. We discuss failure, doubt, and how to rise above self-limiting beliefs. Master Perez also shares his powerful Visualization Techniques to Win Matches in Your Mind, and how physical & mental training found in Martial Arts are the Foundations of all Success.
What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments. Follow Sifu Harinder Singh @sifusingh and Black Belt Magazine @blackbeltmag.
Show Notes

#3: Herb Perez – The Art of Setting and Achieving Goals

00:00:28 – Master Herb Perez (@goldmedalmartialarts) Introduction and Key Takeaway

00:01:57 – The Purpose of The Black Belt Podcast

00:03:01 – How has Martial Arts Allowed You to Achieve So Much Success?

00:04:45 – The Art of Setting Goals

00:07:18 – Where does Self Belief come from?

00:10:06 – Passion (What’s In Your Heart) + Be Honest With Yourself + Do The Work = Success

00:11:11 – “Doubt is the Greatest Weapon You Can Give Your Enemy”. – Sifu Welch

00:11:46 – Dan Milliman’s “The Peaceful Warrior” and The Enemy in Your Head, @danmillmanpw

00:12:09 – Overcoming Doubt Against The Korean Tae Kwon Do Powerhouse

00:13:20 – “You Miss 100% of the Shots You Don’t Take” – Michael Jordan, @michaeljordan

00:14:24 – “Confidence is Born Out of Practice & What You Have Done Before” – Herb Perez

00:14:42 – How Do You Pull Yourself out of a Doubt Filled Mind?

00:16:50 – Fighting Matches in Your Head the Night Before to Prepare for a Competition

00:17:40 – Train Your Mind Like You Train Your Body

00:19:26 – Practice Dealing with Emotions, Fears, and Being Calm

00:20:30 – Raise Yourself Up vs Diminish Others

00:21:50 – Why Are We Not Training the Mind as A Weapon in Martial Arts Schools?

00:24:10 – How to Use Visualization Skills to Win the Olympics

00:27:23 – Advice for Martial Artists – How to Go from Visualization to Actualization

00:28:56 – 3 Steps to Overcome Discomfort by Choosing Courage and Letting Go of Fear

00:32:00 – “Do Things for the Love of It” vs “The Fear of Losing It”

00:34:39 – Using Self Expression to Make Your Art Yours

00:38:50 – “What We Do Is Way Too Valuable to Be Shared with the Masses” – Herb Perez

00:44:00 – Do We Need a Professional Martial Arts University?

00:46:44 – What Should We Be Teaching? Philosophy, Role in Society, Self Defense?

00:53:16 – You Must Understand Your Personal Challenges and Build Your Own Success Matrix

00:55:46 – How Did You Develop a Strategy to Beat the Korean Tae Kwon Do Powerhouse?

00:58:20 – Do a SWOT Analysis on Yourself and Understand How to Break Patterns

01:00:00 – Martial Arts Provides the Arena to Discover Your True Self Through Fighting

01:03:25 – Learn The Art of War and How to Apply it in Fighting and Life

01:04:55 – Defining the Flow State and How to Enter It

01:06:00 – Choosing to Attack vs Choosing to Wait

01:08:17 – How to Be Ahead of Your Opponent with Time and Space Awareness

01:12:26 – The Fear of Losing vs The Love of Winning

01:13:58 – You Have to Believe You Can Win and Make Your Opponent Lose

01:15:13 – How Do You Take Losses and Turn Them into Growth Experiences?

01:22:20 – Where is the Future of Martial Arts Headed?

01:25:26 - What Does A Black Belt Mean to Herb Perez?

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The Black Belt Podcast - #13: Fariborz Azhakh – How To Be A Master Teacher
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01/26/24 • 87 min

“I never wanted to be the greatest martial artist ever, I always saw myself as a teacher. I want to influence people, I don’t want them to be impressed by what I do, I want to be a vehicle for them to learn. To me integrity is a moment by moment choice. My work is to challenge myself to choose the way I respond to situations. Who we are is more important than what we do.”

My guest this episode is Fariborz Azhakh, who is a master of Hapkido and a student of Master Steve Sexton. He is the founder of Team Karate Centers and over the years has built on the foundations of Hapkido to develop a system of multicultural martial arts based on usefulness; one that draws upon principles from a variety of fighting styles and ranges, including kickboxing, grappling, trapping, weapons, joint locks, and meditation. The “Hapkido Blend,” allows all students to cultivate their own individual art within the traditions of Hapkido. Throughout his journey, he repeatedly cites his teachers and heroes as his greatest inspirations, among them: Benny Urquidez, Ji Han Jae, Ron Balicki, Stuart Quan, and Simon and Phillip Rhee. Sensei Fariborz is also a pioneer of martial arts on the internet, he created the first major martial arts resource website and online magazine back in the 1990s when websites were almost unheard of.

This episode is all about becoming a master teacher. My key takeaway is that self-defense and self-development must be taught as in integrated curriculum. As martial artists and martial arts teachers we have a responsibility to our students and to ourselves, to learn, practice, master, functionalism and maintain not only our physical skills but also our personal and interpersonal skills as a combined approach. We also dive deep into the distinction between a Teacher, Instructor, and Coach. Sensei Fariborz and I also discuss that the common thread amongst the great masters is that they are real. Their character and competency are congruent on and off the matts. Martial Arts is a way of life, and to truly understand the life changing benefits of the Arts we must have great teachers that can be pointers to the way. I had a great time talking story with Sensei Fariborz, his knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of the way of martial arts is truly inspirational. Tune in for another fantastic episode.

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#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 formulas for integrity-based success coaching have transformed martial arts training, teaching, and business across the globe. This episode is filled with guidance and wisdom from a true pioneer of the Professional Martial Arts Industry.

My Key takeaway is that “There is no higher calling than teaching Martial Arts”. I absolutely love Hanshi Kovar’s Growth Minded Passion driven approach. We discuss how to empower people of all ages to become more confident, healthy, happy, and contributing members of society. Hanshi Kovar also shares what it takes to provide high quality martial arts instruction, how to develop professional instructors, and most importantly how to remain a student for life by being open, and enjoying and having fun in your training, and loving the process of learning.

Show Notes

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

00:00:25 – Hanshi Dave Kovar (@hanshidavekovar) Introduction and Key Takeaway.
00:02:39 – What Is the Goal of PROMAC?
00:06:15 – “Adversity doesn’t make the person it reveals the person.” – Dave Kovar
00:09:08 – The 3 A’s – Attitude(Aware of Frame of Mind), Adaptability, and Action
00:12:43 – The Flow State, The Zone or Satori. When you are in the Flow State you will always make the right decision.
00:13:00 – What methods do you use to get into the flow state? Kovar Guards his Morning Routine. First 60 min is scripted every morning that helps him get there and get back quicker.
00:16:45 – “I hate it but every morning I do a sauna and cold plunge.” – Dave Kovar
00:22:44 – 3 Questions - “How did I contribute? What did I learn? What can I do better?
00:23:30 – My favorite word is “Savour”, it brings you to the present moment with a sense of appreciation.
00:28:55 – Do you think Martial Arts is needed more today than in the Past?
00:31:32 – Athletic Development benefits for Children.
00:34:22 – “Poor Endurance makes Cowards of us All.” – Vince Lombardi
00:37:00 – The Confidence Spiral – Failure and Success vs Confidence.
00:40:15 – Change your Physiology and Focus and that will Change how you Feel.
00:41:50 – The Concept of Ikigai = Undaunted Spirit when facing a challenge.
00:42:55 – Martial Arts is about Enjoyment.
00:45:19 – What has kept you in this Constant State of Learning?
00:50:11 – Adopting Shoshin the Beginners Mind.
00:52:55 – An Open-Minded Approach towards Sport, Tradition, and Reality.
00:55:45 – Know the Real Reason you are training in Martial Arts.
01:01:25 – What is the biggest Challenge you have had to Overcome?
01:04:55 – What is your process of molding and developing Instructors?
01:06:45 – “There is no higher calling than teaching Martial Arts.” – Dave Kovar
01:08:37 – “Your Job is to Believe in your Students Potential.” – Dave Kovar
01:09:45 – Do you think a Professional Degree from a University would help the Industry?
01:13:35 – The Mainstream success of Kobra Kai is driving students to Martial Arts Classes.
01:14:18 – Do you think it is the relationship between Teacher and Student people are seeking?
01:16:15 – Master Jhoon Rhee and 1,000 Push Ups a Day.
01:21:00 – Secret to Growth and Longevity.
01:25:50 – 6 Keys to Mastery – Posture, Breathing, Stride, Balance, Elegant Movement, and Intent.
01:28:22 – What does a Black Belt mean to Dave Kovar?

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“Tae Bo sold 115 million copies and revolutionized the fitness world. It changed the way people talked about fitness, I was the first person that talked about inside out. Most people didn’t really talk about the inside, most people talked about changing your hips, your legs, your bum, and your arms, but nobody talked about the heart. I was the only one talking about the heart. If you really want to change your life, you have to change what is going on on the inside. What if all of a sudden God gave you the best body in the world, would that change who you are as a person? No, because the inside is still the same, outside may look different but what is carrying that body is still the same thought pattern. Change the inside before the outside can change.”—Billy Blanks

My guest this episode is the one and only Billy Blanks who is a 9’th Degree Black Belt and one of the greatest Karate Fighters in history. He is a 7-time world Karate Champion, the first Amateur Athletic Union Champ in 1975, and a Golden Gloves boxing Champion of Champions. He was the captain of the United States Karate Team and won over 30 Gold medals in international competitions. He is the founder of the sensational “Tae Bo” fitness system that sold over 115 million copies and revolutionized the fitness world. Mr. Blanks was inducted into the world Karate Hall of Fame in 1982.

This episode is all about transformation from the inside out. My key takeaway is that success in martial arts and life begins with unlocking the heart. We all experience fears and doubts that cause us to put up protective walls, these walls stop us from feeling, growing, and honestly expressing ourselves. Our true gifts remain hidden behind these walls, but the practice of martial arts pierces these walls, and allows us to discover who we truly are and gives us the ability to face our challenges with courage, confidence, and clarity. We also dive deep into training philosophy and how to perform under pressure at the highest levels of competition. We discuss the value of testing your skills, to see how you can improve and to find out where you stand instead of focusing on outcomes like winning and losing. Mr. Blanks shares some great stories of overcoming adversity, the early Karate Scene, and finding greatness through the service of others. I was really moved by this episode, and Mr. Billy Blanks truly has the heart of a champion.

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FAQ

How many episodes does The Black Belt Podcast have?

The Black Belt Podcast currently has 50 episodes available.

What topics does The Black Belt Podcast cover?

The podcast is about Health & Fitness, Mma, Martial Arts, Mindset, Podcasts, Philosophy, Sports and Karate.

What is the most popular episode on The Black Belt Podcast?

The episode title '#3: Ray Sefo - Mental Toughness is the Courage to Step Forward and Face your Fears' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on The Black Belt Podcast?

The average episode length on The Black Belt Podcast is 78 minutes.

How often are episodes of The Black Belt Podcast released?

Episodes of The Black Belt Podcast are typically released every 14 days.

When was the first episode of The Black Belt Podcast?

The first episode of The Black Belt Podcast was released on Dec 23, 2021.

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