Anxious Black Belt Podcast

By Les Bubka

Karate is not what you think! This martial art can be used in many ways, to build your physical strength or mental fortitude. It can be a dynamic sport or a recreational hobby, a self-defense or self-... more

· Sports

22 ratings

FAQs about Anxious Black Belt Podcast:

How many episodes does Anxious Black Belt Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 256 episodes available.

Anxious Black Belt Podcast episodes:

May 30, 2025 #249 How Many Applications Can One Technique Have?
The number of bunkai (applications) for a single technique in karate depends on the practitioner's level.
Beginners usually learn one clear, structured application to build a strong foundation. As skill and understanding deepen, advanced practitioners can explore multiple interpretations—adapting techniques to different contexts and even creating their own variations.
The deeper the knowledge, the more open and creative the bunkai becomes.
Mental health course: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/2hNUD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Free Action Plan: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/1b0Mk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔗 Explore our full range of Karate courses and deepen your practice: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/LesBubka⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support Karate For Mental Health CIC

Support when you shop via Easy Funding
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shorturl.at/8wYJZ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Grab a t-shirt!
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kfmhcic.creator-spring.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Don't forget to grab your Karate Journal to document your journey:
Karate Journal Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3l9spmt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you found value in this episode or enjoyed it, please consider sharing it with your friends on social media. And if it didn't resonate with you, feel free to pass it along to your enemies – perhaps they'll find it enlightening!

Support the show at no extra cost to you by shopping on Amazon through my affiliate link, where I receive a small commission on your purchases. It's a win-win! Find the link below.

Amazon Affiliate Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3qqfuhy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Les Bubka's Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lesshop.ammhub.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

About Les Bubka: Author, Karate coach, entrepreneur, and creator of the #Hikite4ever T-shirt. Les promotes inclusive Karate with a focus on the mental health aspects of training. Teaching nationally and internationally. Let's connect: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
...more
11min
May 26, 2025 #248 Old School vs. Traditional Karate: What’s the Real Difference?
What’s the difference between Old School Karate and Traditional Karate? In this episode, we explore how Old School karate evolved through the practical experimentation of masters who adapted techniques, shared knowledge across dojos, and prioritised the real-world effectiveness of martial arts. We contrast this with Traditional Japanese karate, established in the 1930s, which focuses on preserving lineage, strict structure, and loyalty to one style, one sensei.
Mental health course: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/2hNUD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Free Action Plan: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/1b0Mk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔗 Explore our full range of Karate courses and deepen your practice: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/LesBubka⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support Karate For Mental Health CIC

Support when you shop via Easy Funding
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shorturl.at/8wYJZ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Grab a t-shirt!
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kfmhcic.creator-spring.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Don't forget to grab your Karate Journal to document your journey:
Karate Journal Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3l9spmt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you found value in this episode or enjoyed it, please consider sharing it with your friends on social media. And if it didn't resonate with you, feel free to pass it along to your enemies – perhaps they'll find it enlightening!

Support the show at no extra cost to you by shopping on Amazon through my affiliate link, where I receive a small commission on your purchases. It's a win-win! Find the link below.

Amazon Affiliate Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3qqfuhy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Les Bubka's Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lesshop.ammhub.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

About Les Bubka: Author, Karate coach, entrepreneur, and creator of the #Hikite4ever T-shirt. Les promotes inclusive Karate with a focus on the mental health aspects of training. Teaching nationally and internationally. Let's connect: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
...more
21min
May 23, 2025 #247 Trauma Informed Karate with Jon McLean Sensei
Jon stands as our Chief Instructor, holding a 4th Dan in Shukokai Karate & Kickboxing alongside a Purple Belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu.
Jon's initial foray into karate as a child was short-lived, a youthful experience cut short by a few too many reprimands! However, the spark was ignited, and in his early twenties, he returned to the martial arts alongside the same friend he used to get in trouble with, joining a local dojo in Caernafon.
Driven by a desire to build his own confidence, and inspired by a friend at another club in the network, Jon quickly immersed himself in training, often spending multiple hours honing his skills most nights. Though his initial training partner moved on, Jon's dedication only intensified and he continues his own personal training to this day.
Made On Mats Book: https://amzn.to/4dxZbcb
https://warriorspiritma.co.uk/
Mental health course: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/2hNUD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Free Action Plan: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/1b0Mk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔗 Explore our full range of Karate courses and deepen your practice: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/LesBubka⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support Karate For Mental Health CIC

Support when you shop via Easy Funding
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shorturl.at/8wYJZ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Grab a t-shirt!
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kfmhcic.creator-spring.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Don't forget to grab your Karate Journal to document your journey:
Karate Journal Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3l9spmt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you found value in this episode or enjoyed it, please consider sharing it with your friends on social media. And if it didn't resonate with you, feel free to pass it along to your enemies – perhaps they'll find it enlightening!

Support the show at no extra cost to you by shopping on Amazon through my affiliate link, where I receive a small commission on your purchases. It's a win-win! Find the link below.

Amazon Affiliate Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3qqfuhy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Les Bubka's Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lesshop.ammhub.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

About Les Bubka: Author, Karate coach, entrepreneur, and creator of the #Hikite4ever T-shirt. Les promotes inclusive Karate with a focus on the mental health aspects of training. Teaching nationally and internationally. Let's connect: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
...more
47min
May 19, 2025 #246 Shockingly Bad episode
I really couldn't get it together.
Mental health course: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/2hNUD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Free Action Plan: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/1b0Mk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔗 Explore our full range of Karate courses and deepen your practice: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/LesBubka⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support Karate For Mental Health CIC

Support when you shop via Easy Funding
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shorturl.at/8wYJZ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Grab a t-shirt!
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kfmhcic.creator-spring.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Don't forget to grab your Karate Journal to document your journey:
Karate Journal Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3l9spmt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you found value in this episode or enjoyed it, please consider sharing it with your friends on social media. And if it didn't resonate with you, feel free to pass it along to your enemies – perhaps they'll find it enlightening!

Support the show at no extra cost to you by shopping on Amazon through my affiliate link, where I receive a small commission on your purchases. It's a win-win! Find the link below.

Amazon Affiliate Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3qqfuhy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Les Bubka's Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lesshop.ammhub.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

About Les Bubka: Author, Karate coach, entrepreneur, and creator of the #Hikite4ever T-shirt. Les promotes inclusive Karate with a focus on the mental health aspects of training. Teaching nationally and internationally. Let's connect: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
...more
15min
May 19, 2025 #245 Conversation on Kudo Daido Juku with Mal Sanchez Jones
Mal Sanchez-Jones
UK KUDO International Branch Chief & Chief Instructor Goshin Karate
Mal has studied martial arts for over 38 years with a foundation in Karate, Judo & Boxing (6th Dan Combat Karate, 5th Dan Goshin Karate, 1st Dan Japanese Mixed Martial Art - Daido Juku Kudo)
https://www.gkadojo.com/
🔗 Explore our full range of Karate courses and deepen your practice: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/LesBubka
Mental health course: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/2hNUD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Free Action Plan: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/1b0Mk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔗 Explore our full range of Karate courses and deepen your practice: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/LesBubka⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support Karate For Mental Health CIC

Support when you shop via Easy Funding
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shorturl.at/8wYJZ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Grab a t-shirt!
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kfmhcic.creator-spring.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Don't forget to grab your Karate Journal to document your journey:
Karate Journal Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3l9spmt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you found value in this episode or enjoyed it, please consider sharing it with your friends on social media. And if it didn't resonate with you, feel free to pass it along to your enemies – perhaps they'll find it enlightening!

Support the show at no extra cost to you by shopping on Amazon through my affiliate link, where I receive a small commission on your purchases. It's a win-win! Find the link below.

Amazon Affiliate Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3qqfuhy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Les Bubka's Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lesshop.ammhub.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

About Les Bubka: Author, Karate coach, entrepreneur, and creator of the #Hikite4ever T-shirt. Les promotes inclusive Karate with a focus on the mental health aspects of training. Teaching nationally and internationally. Let's connect: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
...more
1h 2min
May 13, 2025 #244 Grit, Commitment and Dedication in Martial arts
Real martial arts training demands something increasingly rare: grit in a world full of distractions, comfort, and excuses. This video dives into the mental and emotional barriers that hold people back—busy schedules, lack of motivation, fear of failure—and why commitment matters now more than ever.
If you’ve ever struggled to stay consistent or questioned your path in the dojo, this message is for you. It’s not just about punches and kicks—it’s about showing up, again and again.
Watch, reflect, and ask yourself: How committed are you—really?
Mental health course: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/2hNUD⁠⁠⁠⁠
Free Action Plan: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/1b0Mk⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔗 Explore our full range of Karate courses and deepen your practice: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/LesBubka⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support Karate For Mental Health CIC

Support when you shop via Easy Funding
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shorturl.at/8wYJZ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Grab a t-shirt!
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kfmhcic.creator-spring.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Don't forget to grab your Karate Journal to document your journey:
Karate Journal Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3l9spmt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you found value in this episode or enjoyed it, please consider sharing it with your friends on social media. And if it didn't resonate with you, feel free to pass it along to your enemies – perhaps they'll find it enlightening!

Support the show at no extra cost to you by shopping on Amazon through my affiliate link, where I receive a small commission on your purchases. It's a win-win! Find the link below.

Amazon Affiliate Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3qqfuhy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Les Bubka's Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lesshop.ammhub.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

About Les Bubka: Author, Karate coach, entrepreneur, and creator of the #Hikite4ever T-shirt. Les promotes inclusive Karate with a focus on the mental health aspects of training. Teaching nationally and internationally. Let's connect: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
...more
15min
May 08, 2025 #243 Fighting for Minds: Mental Health Mission with Troy Koerntjes
Welcome to Anxious Black Belt, the podcast where martial arts meet mental health. Join two dedicated martial artists—experts in Muay Thai and Karate—as they explore how combat sports can empower emotional resilience, support mental wellness, and change lives. Learn about their grassroots organizations offering free classes to students in need, and their mission to secure funding to keep these programs alive. Whether you're a fighter, a mental health advocate, or someone seeking purpose, this is your corner. Subscribe for inspiring conversations, powerful stories, and a deeper look into how martial arts build more than just strong bodies—they build stronger minds.
https://completehealthgeelong.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/completehealthgeelong
Mental health course: ⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/2hNUD⁠⁠⁠
Free Action Plan: ⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/1b0Mk⁠⁠⁠

🔗 Explore our full range of Karate courses and deepen your practice: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/LesBubka⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support Karate For Mental Health CIC

Support when you shop via Easy Funding
⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shorturl.at/8wYJZ⁠⁠⁠⁠

Grab a t-shirt!
⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kfmhcic.creator-spring.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Don't forget to grab your Karate Journal to document your journey:
Karate Journal Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3l9spmt⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you found value in this episode or enjoyed it, please consider sharing it with your friends on social media. And if it didn't resonate with you, feel free to pass it along to your enemies – perhaps they'll find it enlightening!

Support the show at no extra cost to you by shopping on Amazon through my affiliate link, where I receive a small commission on your purchases. It's a win-win! Find the link below.

Amazon Affiliate Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3qqfuhy ⁠⁠⁠⁠
Les Bubka's Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lesshop.ammhub.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

About Les Bubka: Author, Karate coach, entrepreneur, and creator of the #Hikite4ever T-shirt. Les promotes inclusive Karate with a focus on the mental health aspects of training. Teaching nationally and internationally. Let's connect: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
...more
1h 4min
May 06, 2025 #242 Find Your Kata: Tailoring Karate to Your Mind and Body
In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between kata and personalisation in karate. Discover how choosing the right kata based on your body type, mindset, and skill level can elevate your training, improve performance, and deepen your martial arts journey. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned karateka, learn why one-size-fits-all doesn’t apply when it comes to kata — and how to find the form that fits you best.
Mental health course: ⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/2hNUD⁠⁠
Free Action Plan: ⁠⁠https://payhip.com/b/1b0Mk⁠⁠

🔗 Explore our full range of Karate courses and deepen your practice: ⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/LesBubka⁠⁠⁠

Support Karate For Mental Health CIC

Support when you shop via Easy Funding
⁠⁠⁠https://shorturl.at/8wYJZ⁠⁠⁠

Grab a t-shirt!
⁠⁠⁠https://kfmhcic.creator-spring.com/⁠⁠⁠

Don't forget to grab your Karate Journal to document your journey:
Karate Journal Link: ⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3l9spmt⁠⁠⁠

If you found value in this episode or enjoyed it, please consider sharing it with your friends on social media. And if it didn't resonate with you, feel free to pass it along to your enemies – perhaps they'll find it enlightening!

Support the show at no extra cost to you by shopping on Amazon through my affiliate link, where I receive a small commission on your purchases. It's a win-win! Find the link below.

Amazon Affiliate Link: ⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3qqfuhy ⁠⁠⁠
Les Bubka's Shop: ⁠⁠⁠https://lesshop.ammhub.com⁠⁠⁠

About Les Bubka: Author, Karate coach, entrepreneur, and creator of the #Hikite4ever T-shirt. Les promotes inclusive Karate with a focus on the mental health aspects of training. Teaching nationally and internationally. Let's connect: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
...more
13min
May 01, 2025 #241 Beyond the Belt: Practical Karate, Writing, and Wellbeing
In this episode of Anxious Black Belt, Les Bubka sits down for a candid, unscripted conversation with the insightful Don Came Sensei. Together, they dive into the rich layers of karate beyond the dojo floor—exploring kata, practical applications, and how martial arts can be a lifelong tool not just for self-defense, but for longevity, mobility, and personal growth.
From dissecting combative strategies to reflecting on writing courses and books, Les and Don discuss how karate influences both the mind and body over a lifetime. They also touch on the state of the karate community, the value of open dialogue, and how sharing knowledge helps keep the art alive and evolving.
If you're passionate about karate as a holistic practice—or curious about the deeper conversations behind the gi—this episode is for you.
Mental health course: ⁠https://payhip.com/b/2hNUD⁠
Free Action Plan: ⁠https://payhip.com/b/1b0Mk⁠

🔗 Explore our full range of Karate courses and deepen your practice: ⁠⁠https://payhip.com/LesBubka⁠⁠

Support Karate For Mental Health CIC

Support when you shop via Easy Funding
⁠⁠https://shorturl.at/8wYJZ⁠⁠

Grab a t-shirt!
⁠⁠https://kfmhcic.creator-spring.com/⁠⁠

Don't forget to grab your Karate Journal to document your journey:
Karate Journal Link: ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3l9spmt⁠⁠

If you found value in this episode or enjoyed it, please consider sharing it with your friends on social media. And if it didn't resonate with you, feel free to pass it along to your enemies – perhaps they'll find it enlightening!

Support the show at no extra cost to you by shopping on Amazon through my affiliate link, where I receive a small commission on your purchases. It's a win-win! Find the link below.

Amazon Affiliate Link: ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3qqfuhy ⁠⁠
Les Bubka's Shop: ⁠⁠https://lesshop.ammhub.com⁠⁠

About Les Bubka: Author, Karate coach, entrepreneur, and creator of the #Hikite4ever T-shirt. Les promotes inclusive Karate with a focus on the mental health aspects of training. Teaching nationally and internationally. Let's connect: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
...more
57min
April 28, 2025 #240 The True Path to Black Belt
The true path to a black belt is full of obstacles, not only technical proficiency but also dedication. For those willing to put in hard work, there is a reward; it is not the black belt. Kuro obi is just one of the milestones on the journey.
Mental health course: https://payhip.com/b/2hNUD
Free Action Plan: https://payhip.com/b/1b0Mk
🔗 Explore our full range of Karate courses and deepen your practice: ⁠https://payhip.com/LesBubka⁠

Support Karate For Mental Health CIC

Support when you shop via Easy Funding
⁠https://shorturl.at/8wYJZ⁠

Grab a t-shirt!
⁠https://kfmhcic.creator-spring.com/⁠

Don't forget to grab your Karate Journal to document your journey:
Karate Journal Link: ⁠https://amzn.to/3l9spmt⁠

If you found value in this episode or enjoyed it, please consider sharing it with your friends on social media. And if it didn't resonate with you, feel free to pass it along to your enemies – perhaps they'll find it enlightening!

Support the show at no extra cost to you by shopping on Amazon through my affiliate link, where I receive a small commission on your purchases. It's a win-win! Find the link below.

Amazon Affiliate Link: ⁠https://amzn.to/3qqfuhy ⁠
Les Bubka's Shop: ⁠https://lesshop.ammhub.com⁠

About Les Bubka: Author, Karate coach, entrepreneur, and creator of the #Hikite4ever T-shirt. Les promotes inclusive Karate with a focus on the mental health aspects of training. Teaching nationally and internationally. Let's connect: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
...more
16min

FAQs about Anxious Black Belt Podcast:

How many episodes does Anxious Black Belt Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 256 episodes available.

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Anxious Black Belt Podcast

FAQs about Anxious Black Belt Podcast:

How many episodes does Anxious Black Belt Podcast have?

Anxious Black Belt Podcast episodes:

FAQs about Anxious Black Belt Podcast:

How many episodes does Anxious Black Belt Podcast have?

More shows like Anxious Black Belt Podcast

whistlekick Martial Arts Radio

The Martial Way Podcast

The Invisible Sensei