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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Russ expressed an interest in fighting traditions as a young teenager, and began learning Karate basics with a family friend. It wasn't until Russ was on extended visit to the Philippines nearly forty years ago that he began his formal training in Japanese Goju-Ryu under an Australian instructor, Sensei Iyan Mackenzie.

Books:

Principle-Driven Skill Development: In Traditional Martial Arts: https://amzn.to/4jKghFB

Overview of Fujian Taizu Boxing: https://amzn.to/3YNHjDV

Check out Sensei's website: https://www.burinkan.org/

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/BurinkanDojo

🔗 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

Today, we are diving into a topic close to home for many of us - the connection between mental health and the training continuum.

Earpods:

https://amzn.to/42FAqWf

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