In this episode, Joe sits down with his Candian double, Randy King! They talk about a variety of topics, including Randy's early journey from martial artist to security professional, and then developing his passion for teaching self defence.

Trigger warning: This conversation does go quite dark, particular in relation to the stress of self-defence instructors accurately recreating "bad guys" in training, which leads to a conversation around child abuse and pedophilia, so please keep this in mind if you do not want to listen to that segment.

****

Randy King is an accomplished, impactful, internationally acclaimed mentor, public speaker, author and globe-trotting father.

Having trained in the world of martial arts from the age of 10, Randy embraced traditional training having earned 2 black belts in different disciplines, one being a 4th degree, in Modern Arnis. In 2002, Randy’s perspective and confidence were shattered when he survived a stabbing, while attempting to deescalate a violent situation while he was employed at an Edmonton club as Head of Security. Randy realized that the old ways did not serve as a functional platform for self defense and he became determined to redefine the self defense industry.

Over the course of a decade, Randy grew his desire for technical expertise into a hunger to demystify the psychology of violence through evidence-based research. Randy used his growing knowledge to build K.P.C. Self Defense , a highly successful local gym that he carved out of Edmonton’s inner city. K.P.C’s mandate was (and still is) to train and empower todays most vulnerable members of society. Working alongside at-risk youth, victims of abuse, and the general population Randy’s progressive and innovative methods gave people a realistic, easy to digest set of tools to help identify conflict, the communication around conflict, and if need be, employ physical techniques to escape and evade an attack.

As Randy’s reputation and influence began to grow, he wanted to shift his focus from being a local influencer to a global one by creating Randy King Live. Under this new banner, Randy began aligning and partnering with other international coaches and organizations such as Safe International , Violence Dynamics , One on One Control Tactics , and others to apply his message; as well as becoming certified in a number of key courses such as Krav Maga, Rory Millers’ Conflict Communication and ‘ Understanding Violence’ from Emory University (with distinction) .

Today, Randy travels the globe, helping others who look to help themselves by focusing on his philosophy of empowerment through empathy and education. Randy’s’ character has been described by clients and colleagues as insightful, practical, personable and dedicated. His passion, charisma, and experience make him an excellent choice to train the individual or organizations in conflict identification and resolution.

Dr Gav Schneider is the CEO of Risk 2 Solution, a 7th degree black belt in krav maga and jiujitsu, completed a PhD in use of force decision making, and was one of 2019's top 20 Global Thought Leaders in Security and Fire, as ranked by IFSEC. He is the author of Beyond the Bodyguard and Can I See Your Hands (ASIS book of the year nominated) as well as an in-demand speaker and corporate risk culture expert. Originally from South Africa with extensive training in Israel, but now living in Australia, Dr Schneider has a unique view on violence and personal readiness. This is an episode not to be missed.

Matt Thornton was one of the early group of American’s to become involved in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, having been introduced to it in 1991. He was also the first person from the State of Oregon to receive a black belt in the Art.

As a teacher he produced a video set in 1999 titled simply, ‘Aliveness’ which became one of the top sellers of all time within the industry. It set off a firestorm of controversy, and remained a central catalyst in a Martial Arts training revolution that is still taking place all over the world. They were voted as one of the top five self-defense videos of all time by Black Belt magazine.

Matt’s main emphasis over the last decade has been addressing superstition as it relates to the fields of sports training, combat sports, and martial arts; the methodology known as aliveness was designed as a tool to help people distinguish between fact, and fiction.

Over the last few years his writing has branched off into other areas. He is currently working on a book which will cover the topic of violence, and its relationship to both combat sports and skepticism.

One of the most fundamental questions we must answer when confronted with violent or aggressive behaviour is "What am I prepared to fight for?" Today's FightBite explores this question.

It's a question as old as the arts themselves. What is the best martial art for self-defense? In this first ever MVP FightBite, violence management expert Joe Saunders breaks down the question in detail and looks at the common answers given, as well as providing his own detailed explanation.

Tony Blauer is a pioneer and legend of the self-defence industry. He was one of the first to introduce behavioural, emotional and psychological elements into martial arts training through the use of scenario replication. He is the creator of the SPEAR system, the inventor of High Gear, and the founder of Blauer Tactical Systems. He also hosts his own podcast titled Know Fear. Tony has been researching and teaching violence management for nearly 40 years and is a wealth of knowledge.

If you'd like to learn more about Tony, check out his website at www.blauerspear.com

Don't forget, if you'd like to support the podcast there are two things you can do right now:

1. Click 5 stars and/or leave us a review in your podcast store of choice

2. Head over to patreon.com/managingviolence to become a contributor

Gershon Ben Keren is a Scottish-born, Boston-based Krav Maga instructor and former security professional with two masters degrees in psychology and criminology. Beyond his successful martial arts school, he is also an in-demand security consultant. In this interview, Gershon and Joe discuss workplace violence in the context of type 2 (customer-on-staff) aggression and also touch on some active shooter guidelines towards the end. Gershon has written three books, all of which are worth checking out.

You can learn more about Gershon at the following links:

www.kravmagablog.com

www.gershonbenkeren.com

www.bostonkravmaga.com

Don't forget, if you'd like to support the podcast there are two things you can do right now:

1. Click 5 stars and/or leave us a review in your podcast store of choice

2. Head over to patreon.com/managingviolence to become a contributor

Russ Jarmesty is a hard man. He's a throw back to the traditional days of the English doormen, direct from the mold of Geoff Thompson or Awesome Anderson. He's an accomplished martial artist, full time instructor, and pulls no punches articulating what he feels is lacking in martial arts and society in general. This episode will hurt feelings! Don't listen if you're a sensitive soul.

There are some bad words in this one, so please be mindful if you have children around.

Don't forget! Go follow us on social media everywhere, support us on Patreon and please leave a review on your podcast platform of choice. All five star reviews will receive a free copy of my first book: Bouncer Stories.