My guest today is Julio Rivera — an author, mental health advocate, and lifelong martial artist.

With more than 25 years of training, Julio holds black belt rankings in three different martial arts styles. He once owned his own school and now shares his knowledge through private lessons and workshops.

Beyond the dojo, Julio is a passionate voice for mental health awareness. His first book, Brokedown Sensei: How I Fought Trauma and Bipolar Disorder from the Outside In, details his personal journey and is available on Amazon. His latest release, Internal Jiu Jitsu: Conquering Mind and Body Resistance by Giving Way, came out in May and explores the deeper connections between martial arts, resilience, and self-mastery.

Please join me in welcoming Julio Rivera to the show!

Internal Jiu Jitsu

Brokedown Sensei: How I Fought Trauma and Bipolar Disorder From the Outside In: Rivera, Julio Angel: 9798857751572: Amazon.com: Books

Internal Jiu Jitsu: Conquering Mind and Body Resistance by Giving Way – Kindle edition by Rivera, Julio Angel, Garner, Telia. Health, Fitness & Dieting Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

George Andersch is a lifelong martial artist and fitness enthusiast whose journey began as a teenager. Over the years, he has earned ranks in multiple disciplines, competing not only in traditional martial arts tournaments but also in kickboxing and western boxing matches.

Like many, George was inspired by the very first UFC event in 1993, which led him to pursue Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Since then, he has competed in some of the most prestigious grappling events, including IBJJF Worlds, Pan Ams, Masters, Gracie Nationals, NAGA, Grapplers Quest, Pancrase, and more.

In 2008, George and his wife Sarah opened Fargo BJJ, and just two years ago expanded with a second location in Grand Forks, ND. Beyond the mats, George proudly served eight years of active duty with the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne. He’s also a passionate musician and music enthusiast, as well as a survivor of a dissected aortic aneurysm—a testament to his resilience and drive.

George and Sarah are proud parents of two teenagers, balancing family life with their martial arts journey.

Please welcome my guest, George Andersch.

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Onassis Parungao, born in Rota, Spain, is of Spanish and Filipino heritage. His martial arts journey began at the age of eight, and since 1984 he has trained in Tung Kong Kalan, Judo, Wrestling, Yang Style Tai Chi, and Hung Gar.

A seasoned competitor, Onassis has fought in three No Holds Barred matches, including UFC #7 and the Russian AFC. He’s also the 2018 NY KTOC Push Hands Champion, a San Shou Chinese Free Fighting U.S. Champion, and winner of both the 1997 Ohio US Invitational and the inaugural 1998 International Eagle Cup.

His dedication has taken him all the way to the Shaolin Temple for training, and today his greatest passion lies in Chinese Martial Arts.

Please welcome my guest, Onassis Parungao.

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Reggie Darden began his martial arts journey in the 1990s and has since explored a wide range of disciplines, including Chinese Kenpo, American Kenpo, Capoeira, Boxing, Hapkido, Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Reggie originally hails from San Diego but now calls the Dallas–Fort Worth area home.

When he’s not training or teaching, Reggie enjoys diving into movies, video games, and all things tech. He’s also the host of the My Empty Hands podcast, where he shares insights and stories from the world of martial arts.

Outside of the dojo and podcast studio, Reggie is a husband, dog dad to two pups, and caretaker of a betta fish and a hamster.

Please welcome my guest today—Reggie Darden.

My Empty Hands – Kenpo Conversations

This week’s guest is a true legend in the world of self-defense and fear management.

Tony Blauer is a globally recognized self-defense expert and a pioneer in fear psychology. For over four decades, he has been a leading voice in martial arts, defensive tactics, combatives, and personal safety training.

As the founder and CEO of Blauer Tactical Systems, Tony has built one of the world’s premier consulting organizations focused on performance psychology, close-quarter tactics, and scenario-based training. His work has shaped how military, law enforcement, martial artists, and civilians approach real-world self-defense.

He is the creator of The SPEAR System®, the first self-defense methodology rooted in the science of human physiology and psychology, and the inventor of HIGH GEAR®, the world’s first dynamic scenario-training suit.

Please welcome to the show, Mr. Tony Blauer.

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Forrest Morgan is a senior lecturer at the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy and Technology at Carnegie Mellon University.

With a distinguished 27-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Forrest went on to spend 16 years at the RAND Corporation, where he conducted high-level research in strategy and doctrine for national defense clients.

He is the author and co-author of numerous books and research papers, contributing significantly to the field of strategic studies.

In addition to his academic and military accomplishments, Forrest has been a dedicated practitioner of Asian martial arts for over 30 years, much of which he spent teaching. His 1992 book, Living the Martial Way, is widely regarded as a seminal work in martial arts philosophy, earning a place as a must-read for serious martial artists.

Please welcome my guest today, Forrest Morgan.

Waking the Snow Leopard – Kindle edition by Morgan, Forrest E.. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Living the Martial Way: A Manual for the Way a Modern Warrior Should Think: Morgan, Forrest E.: 9780942637762: Amazon.com: Books

Amazon.com: The Synthetic Woman eBook : Morgan, Forrest E.: Kindle Store

My guest today is a true martial arts veteran and a leading voice in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—Stephan Kesting.

With a martial arts career spanning several decades, Stephan holds black belts in multiple disciplines and has devoted much of his life to the study, practice, and teaching of BJJ. His highly respected platform, Grapplearts.com, is a go-to resource for students around the world looking for clear, practical instruction on grappling and self-defense.

Known for his analytical approach and real-world focus, Stephan emphasizes techniques that work not only in sport but in real-life self-defense situations. His insights are drawn from years of hands-on experience across various martial arts systems.

Stephan has been featured in publications such as Black Belt Magazine, Ultimate Grappling, Tapout Magazine, and Ultimate Athlete, and he’s contributed as a writer to many of them as well. In addition to his writing and instructional content, he’s a popular guest on martial arts podcasts and the host of his own: The Strenuous Life BJJ Podcast.

Outside the gym, Stephan is also an author. His latest book, “Perseverance: Life and Death in the Subarctic,” explores survival, mindset, and the human spirit—showing there’s much more to him than just martial arts.

Please welcome to the show: Stephan Kesting.

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Amazon.com: Perseverance: Life and Death in the Subarctic eBook : Kesting, Stephan: Kindle Store

Today’s guest has dedicated over five decades to the martial arts and has become a true pioneer in the world of self-defense.

Mark Shuey began his martial arts journey in the Chuck Norris System over 50 years ago, earning his black belt in 1978. Just one year later, in 1979, he began teaching—and he hasn’t stopped since. Mark holds advanced black belt rankings in Tang Soo Do, Tae Kwon Do, and Hapkido, and was promoted to 7th degree black belt in 1999.

Originally from the San Fernando Valley in Southern California, Mark relocated to Lake Tahoe in 1976, where his passion for teaching and innovation flourished.

In 2003, Mark was inducted into the prestigious Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame—an honor reserved for some of the most influential figures in martial arts.

But Mark’s impact doesn’t stop there. He is also one of the founders of Cane Masters and The American Cane System, groundbreaking programs that combine traditional martial arts techniques with the practical use of a walking cane as a self-defense tool.

Please welcome to the show—a martial artist, innovator, and teacher—Mark Shuey.

American Cane System – The American Cane System (TACS)

Mark Shuey Cane Kata 2000 Cactus Classic Karate Tournament

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My guest today is a true martial artist in every sense of the word. Michael Miller has been training in American Kenpo for over 35 years and currently holds the rank of 6th-degree black belt under Grandmaster Dave Hebler. His lineage and dedication are impressive, with extensive training under martial arts icons including Grandmaster Robert Pick, Grandmaster Rainer Schulte, and Master Sean Kelley.

Michael’s martial arts journey is wide-ranging and well-rounded. He was an undefeated amateur boxer during his college years and wrestled competitively from grades 5 through 12. A lifelong student of combat, he’s also cross-trained in the Joe Lewis Fighting System (directly under the legendary Joe Lewis), Modern Arnis (with Tim Hartman), the Superfoot System (under Bill “Superfoot” Wallace), and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under multiple instructors.

Since 2005, Michael has owned and operated Miller’s Kenpo Karate Dojo in Bradford, Pennsylvania, where he teaches full-time. His impact extends far beyond his hometown—he has led martial arts, boxing, and self-defense seminars across the United States and in Germany.

Michael was featured in The Journey: Book 3 (2019), written by none other than Tom Bleecker—who was also the very first guest on this podcast.

In addition to his martial arts credentials, Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Writing from the University of Pittsburgh and is the author of six books, blending his passion for martial arts with the written word.

Please welcome to the show, a fighter, teacher, writer, and lifelong student—Michael Miller.

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In today’s episode, I’m honored to sit down with Dr. Zibin Guo — a unique and inspiring figure whose life’s work bridges martial arts, medical science, and cultural understanding.

Dr. Guo is not only a seasoned martial artist and author but also a renowned professor of Medical Anthropology at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. His academic career includes teaching at prestigious institutions such as Harvard Medical School and the New England School of Acupuncture.

His work specializes in Applied Medical Anthropology, with a powerful focus on enhancing health and well-being among vulnerable and underserved communities — particularly veterans living with disabilities. Through a culturally grounded, person-centered approach, Dr. Guo has pioneered programs that integrate martial arts philosophy and practice into therapeutic settings.

We discuss his groundbreaking work with the Adaptive Tai Chi program, an innovative approach to improving mobility, mental health, and overall quality of life for those with physical limitations. His new book, Adaptive Tai Chi: Creating Empowering Movement for All Abilities, will be released on July 1st, offering a comprehensive guide to this transformative practice.

Whether you’re a martial artist, healthcare professional, or someone passionate about community wellness, you’ll find deep insight and inspiration in Dr. Guo’s story and mission.

Please welcome my guest today, Dr. Zibin Guo.

Adaptive Tai Chi: An Accessible Practice for Empowering Body and Mind – 9781645472735

Adaptive Tai Chi International – Creating and promoting specialized Tai Chi programs to improve health and quality of life for people with disabilities.

Zibin Guo, PhD | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

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