Wax on, Wax off! Have you seen the "Cobra Kai" series on Netflix? I talk a little about the reboot of the classic movie The Karate Kid (1984) and my son's black belt, but my guest for this episode is a real-life martial arts sensei who also happened to be my former news director - part of his 41 years in journalism, mostly TV. Make sure to Subscribe to the Run The Race podcast to hear inspiring stories and sound advice like his on fitness and faith.

(6:28) Mark McGee, who grew up in church, is the co-founder and senior instructor for Grace Martial Arts, a pastor and Bible teacher too with multiple black belts who has taught Karate, Tai Chi and other disciplines for 5 decades. In his 70s now, (7:08) we discuss in-depth about Mark's transition from Buddhism and atheism back to Christianity. That faith journey took a turn when he was bullied and discovered karate at a YMCA, leading him to a Buddhist sensei then to an anti-Christian college professor that prompted him to become an atheist.

His radio career (11:18) started with a Gospel and religion station. Mark talks about how he challenged God, mocked Christians on air, but one interviewee turned his life around with the use of science and evidence for God and the Bible. (18:12) We dive into the "Fast Four," learning about Mark, a husband and grandfather, what he does daily to stay fit, living by the motto "Loved by God, Saved by Grace, Blessed beyond Measure."

(20:45) What is Tai Chi? Mark describes how the slow movements of this 1,000-year-old Chinese "grand ultimate fist" method can help you prevent injuries at any age.

As an objective journalist for 4 decades with daily adventures, (25:15) he gives his take on the Media today, the rules of journalism, and how he was able to be accurate and fair with stories while also sharing his Christian faith with co-workers in TV.

(31:25) There are misconceptions about martial arts, he says. Is it about fighting? Mark talks about how the art can help you be situationally aware and deescalate conflict in any part of life, including controlling your emotions and healing marriages.

There's Cobra Kai strike first no mercy vs. Mr. Myagi balance mindset. (38:05) Mark details how we can respond to aggression anytime, with something called yield and clear - with your spouse, child, employer, anyone. Anger and bitterness can destroy. (42:39) He also gives some ingredients for a successful marriage, since he's been with his wife for 50 years. That includes Tai Chi's lessons of "blending."

(46:11) Mark, who started Grace Life Ministries and Grace Martial Arts, gives our closing prayer for the episode. (49:19) My "Food for Thought" and "Parting Gift" inspiration has a mix of Joe Rogan kicking, mixing martial arts with Christianity, Mr. Myagi wisdom, and the Karate Kid film displaying how muscle memory and breathing can help us face challenges, crisis.

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