In the famous book, The Hero’s Journey, it talks about somebody being unprepared, facing a challenge, having to train, and then coming back home and realizing it is home, with a new set of eyes. That’s a pretty common theme in martial arts, and that’s no exception with today’s guest, Mike Lee.

Mike Lee teaches Tat Wong Kung Fu and has been training in it since 13. He’s even gone on to compete nationally and internationally and now has his own martial arts school, One Tribe Martial Arts Academy.

At Mike’s school, they teach a wide range of students — their youngest being three years old, and their oldest being 82! They run seven days a week with unlimited classes and teach traditional Kung Fu and Chinese kickboxing, as well as lion dancing.

In today’s episode, Mike talks about his school; how and why he originally got into the martial arts; the principles of the style he teaches; the important virtues at his school; how martial arts has impacted him, personally and professionally; and his ideas around building a sense of community, both in class and through social media.

Key Takeaways:

[:45] About today’s guest, Mike Lee.

[1:30] Wade welcomes Mike to the podcast.

[1:54] How and why Mike first got into martial arts.

[3:28] Mike talks about the process of opening up his own martial arts school.

[5:11] How teaching martial arts has been different than training in it.

[6:35] The principles of Mike’s style, Tat Wong Kung Fu.

[7:52] About Mike’s school, the range of students they teach, and the classes offered.

[10:15] How martial arts has changed Mike as a person.

[11:41] How martial arts has impacted Mike’s personal life.

[14:47] How Mike has seen Kung Fu change and where he sees it headed in the future.

[18:59] Mike talks about building a sense of community both in class and through social media.

[21:18] Mike’s final notes about his school and his offer to listeners.

Mentioned in this Episode:

The Hero's Journey: Joseph Campbell on His Life and Work (The Collected Works of Joseph Campbell), by Joseph Campbell

Rory Miller

Rory Miller BAMA episode

One Tribe Martial Arts Academy

Arjun Dinghra

Arjun Dinghra BAMA episode

In this week’s episode, Wade is interviewing Juan Zazueta, who has an interesting background in both his practicing of martial arts and his career in teaching martial arts. He teaches two unique martial arts; a Russian styled called Systema and an Asian style called Budo Taijutsu.

Juan started practicing martial arts at 18 (now 36) and has been training in Bujinkan since 2000 and Systema since 2005. Currently, he works as an instructor in these styles, teaching at San Francisco Systema and Bujinkan San Francisco Dojo.

In today’s episode, Juan explains the two different styles, how he was originally introduced to them, how they have impacted his life, how he sees both styles progressing in the future, and how he balances his personal life and martial arts.

Key Takeaways:

[:43] About today’s guest, Juan Zazueta.

[1:18] How Juan got started in the martial arts.

[3:30] How Juan got introduced to Systema, the Russian martial arts.

[5:14] Juan’s transition from learning and training to teaching.

[6:56] How martial arts has impacted Juan’s life outside of the dojo.

[8:41] Where Juan sees Systema and Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu progressing in the future (especially in the Bay Area).

[12:33] Why Juan thinks Systema may not be as popular as other martial arts in the Bay Area.

[13:55] Juan talks about a few of his favorite events and stories during his martial arts career.

[20:55] The vastly different body types and people that show up to Systema.

[26:00] Juan talks about how he balances his personal life and relationship with his wife and martial arts.

[27:17] Does Juan have a favorite UFC pairing?

[27:47] Juan’s parting thoughts on this week’s Bay Area Martial Arts Podcast.

[29:33] Where to find Juan and the dojos he works at.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Bujinkan San Francisco Dojo

San Francisco Systema

Bay Area Martial Arts Podcast episode: Arjun Dhingra: Balancing Business and Taekwondo

Systema Manual, by Konstantin Komarov

It is often said that an expert is someone who has made every possible mistake in a given level of study. Wade’s next guest has been studying martial arts for over 51 years — and he may not have made every possible mistake, but he’s probably pretty close (and is definitely consider an expert in his field!) He also, perhaps, has one of the longest lineages of martial arts history out of all the guests Wade has interviewed thus far.

Ron Esteller is the owner and Head Instructor of Esteller Martial Arts in San Leandro, California.

He taught his first class in 1971 and opened up his school in 1984. His love for teaching is powerful and his knowledge about martial arts in the Bay Area is vast. He was teaching before the era of Bruce Lee and the Karate Kid were popularized in the States.

In today’s episode, he gives a brief history of what martial arts was originally like when it came to the Bay Area. He also tells the stories of how he originally got into martial arts and how his love for it all began, his family’s background in martial arts, how martial arts has impacted his life, and how he has seen it change throughout the years he’s been studying and teaching.

Key Takeaways:

[:43] About today’s guest, Ron Esteller.

[1:30] Wade welcomes Ron to the podcast.

[1:43] Ron introduces his school, Esteller Martial Arts.

[2:04] What originally got Ron into martial arts.

[2:50] What martial arts was like in the Bay Area, pre-Bruce Lee.

[4:10] Ron explains who Charles Gaylord was.

[5:09] Ron’s history with teaching martial arts.

[7:36] Why Ron continues to love teaching so much.

[9:06] How Ron balances his relationship and martial arts.

[10:37] Ron’s wife’s background in martial arts.

[11:10] Ron’s kids’ background in martial arts.

[15:04] The funny story of how Ron’s daughter and her husband met.

[16:50] How martial arts has impacted Ron personally and professionally.

[19:19] How Ron has seen martial arts change over the years and how he sees it developing in the future.

[27:07] Where to learn more about Ron’s school online.

[27:35] Who would be Ron’s favorite UFC matchup?

Mentioned in this Episode:

Esteller Martial Arts

Charles Gaylord

In today’s episode, your host, Wade Pitts, interviews Scott Frazer of Yu’s Martial Arts (changing to Diablo Martial Arts in 2019) in Lafayette, California. His family took over the school that had originally opened back in 1974. They focus on teaching Tae Kwon Do to the youth demographic but also serve adults and teenagers.

Scott explains how the Dojang originally came to be, how he and his family became involved (ultimately taking it over), about his financial career prior to his “third round” of retirement, how and when he got his original start in martial arts, how he changed the dynamic of the school after taking it over with his family, his pieces of advice for other studio owners, and how he sees Tae Kwon Do evolving in the future.

Key Takeaways:

[:45] About today’s guest, Scott Frazer.

[1:29] Wade welcomes Scott to the podcast.

[1:34] How Yu’s Martial Arts school started and how Scott got involved.

[2:26] Scott’s background in finance prior to his “third round” of retirement.

[4:03] How and when Scott got his start in martial arts.

[5:41] Scott talks about his perspective on being “further along.”

[7:52] How Scott shifted the dynamic of the school and his experience engaging with the younger demographic.

[12:00] How martial arts had changed Scott personally.

[15:08] How Scott sees Tae Kwon Do progressing in the future.

[19:37] Where and how to learn more about Scott’s school.

[22:35] Scott talks about the different demographics his school serves.

[24:19] Scott’s pieces of advice for studio owners.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones, by James Clear
Scott Frazer

Diablo Martial Arts

If your dad is a Navy Seal, chances are you’re going to learn how to defend yourself pretty quick — at least that was the case for today’s guest, Matt Lucas. Early on, his dad got him into martial arts as a way to practice discipline and personal responsibility. Since then, he has tried a multitude of styles out, settling on a rather unique one for the premise of his current school (The Open Matt), called: Yama Series Yoga. On top of that, Matt is also a Lead Stuntman for the show, Into the Badlands, on AMC — a show about a mighty warrior and a young boy searching for enlightenment in a ruthless territory controlled by feudal barons.

Matt is not shy, nor short on opinions. You’ll definitely want to tune into today’s episode to hear his take on teaching in the martial arts; martial arts systems and the hierarchy of the black belt; the different ways men and women compete; the art of self-defense; how martial arts has changed in the last 20 years; why he loves teaching martial arts; and what we, as martial artists, should all strive for.

Key Takeaways:

[:45] About today’s guest, Matt Lucas.

[1:31] Wade welcomes Matt to the podcast.

[1:47] How Matt got involved in Into the Badlands.

[3:56] How Matt originally got into martial arts.

[7:28] Beyond Judo, what else has Matt practiced? What does he practice now?

[12:02] About Matt’s current school, The Open Matt, and his teaching career.

[14:17] Matt’s thoughts on martial arts systems, the different ways men and women physically compete, and the art of self-defense.

[20:22] How has Matt seen martial arts change in the last 20 years?

[24:17] The difference between MMA schools and traditional martial arts, why Matt absolutely loves teaching martial arts, and his thoughts on the hierarchy of the black belt.

[28:02] Matt speaks about why you shouldn’t be competing with those much younger than you.

[28:46] The difference between rites of passage between Matt’s experience (growing up in the south) and the Bay Area.

[31:00] Matt speaks on the role of teaching in the martial arts.

[32:50] What Matt believes we, as martial artists, should all strive for.

[35:10] Matt tells a story of a discovery he made from the time when he was filming Into the Badlands.

[37:98] What Matt teaches at his school.

[39:45] Where to learn more about Matt and his school online!

Mentioned in this Episode:

The Open Matt

Into the Badlands

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

TheMattLucas.com

“Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s Dirty Dozen, David Meyer” (BAMA Episode)

Today’s guest may very well be the most “connected” guest Wade has had on the podcast yet. He’s with Guardian Gym (of which the first guest of the podcast was a part); his LinkedIn has connections with about six other guests Wade has already featured; and on top of all that, he’s even had a professional bout against one of the people that have been featured on the podcast!

So who is he? Sacha Feinman is the Managing Director of Guardian Gym. Sacha has an interesting start in martial arts where he very quickly got drawn into the world of Jiu-Jitsu and soon came up with the idea of opening up a non-profit academy. That idea led to him connecting with Ben Kovacs after being inspired by his like-minded vision —  so they teamed up, and brought Guardian Gym to fruition.

In this episode, Sacha talks all about his martial arts journey, how he originally came to meet up with Ben and help him start up Guardian Gym, some of the progress they’re working toward with the gym right now, where he sees the gym (and martial arts in general) progressing in the future, and more.

Key Takeaways:

[:44] About today’s episode with Sacha Feinman.

[1:38] Wade welcomes Sacha to the podcast.

[2:01] How Sacha got involved with the Guardian.

[5:37] Sacha describes Guardian Gym and all the great things they offer.

[9:10] Sacha’s start in Jiu-Jitsu, and breaking stereotypes about martial artists.

[11:42] How training in martial arts has impacted Sacha’s life.

[15:58] Sacha talks about Fight 2 Win and his fight with Arvind Gupta.

[19:33] Sacha’s predictions for the future of Jiu-Jitsu.

[22:09] About the Guardian Gym’s second location they’re opening and how to participate in the campaign they’re running to raise funds.

[27:49] What Sacha sees as the future of Guardian Gym.

[30:19] Sacha’s parting words for listeners this podcast.

[32:34] How to find out more about Guardian Gym.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Guardian Gym | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Guardian Gym’s Youtube Channel

Sacha Feinman’s LinkedIn

The first episode of the Bay Area Martial Arts Podcast with Ben Kovacs

Jocko Podcast

Fight 2 Win

Bay Area Martial Arts Podcast episode with Arvind Gupta

Today, Wade is speaking with David Wei of Wudang West Cultural Heritage Center, a non-profit wellness ministry based in Oakland, California.

David Wei has a unique story. He started off as your average kid in the Bay Area but become so inspired by a certain western movie (can you guess?) that he went to the Wudang Mountains in China to study martial arts. After 20 years of studying, he returned to the Bay Area and was tasked by his master to start a Chinese cultural center — which is now the Wudang West Cultural Heritage Center. The center provides education in subjects like Chinese medicine, calligraphy, and of course: martial arts.

In this episode, David talks about the elements of Wudang West beyond the martial arts, how the cultural center has morphed and changed over the years David has been running it, how he was originally introduced to the martial arts and how sees it progressing in the future, and how training has impacted his life (especially in regard to his time spent in Wudang, China).

Key Takeaways:

[:44] About Wade’s guest today: David Wei.

[1:51] Wade welcomes David to the podcast.

[2:03] David explains the additional elements at Wudang West beyond martial arts.

[5:51] How the cultural center has morphed and changed in the years David has been running it.

[8:04] Why is Wudang West closed door?

[12:42] The western influence that David has brought to Wudang West.

[14:29] How David originally got into martial arts.

[16:30] How David sees martial arts progressing in the future.

[18:33] How David’s training has impacted his life.

[20:33] How to find out more information about David and Wudang West.

[24:38] What else David would like listeners to know.

Mentioned in this Episode:

David Wei

Wudang West Cultural Heritage Center

Liar’s Poker, by Michael Lewis

Today, Wade gets to interview Marcelo Caveirinha, a long-time Capoeira practitioner who originally came from Brazil and immigrated to the U.S. — and with him, brought the rich culture of Brazilian Capoeira.

In this episode, Marcelo gives describes some of the rich history of Brazilian Capoeira, how he first got introduced to martial arts and began practicing Capoeira, and some of the biggest differences between Capoeira in the United States compared to Brazil. He also explains why it is called “playing” Capoeira instead of sparring, how people generally learned about Capoeira when it first started to rise in popularity in the States, and how he sees the martial art developing in the future. On top of all that, Marcelo also talks about his own school that he opened in Oakland, CA: the Capoeira Mandinga Academy, and where he also sees it developing in the future!

Key Takeaways:

[:40] About Wade’s guest today: Marcelo Caveirinha.

[1:26] Wade welcomes Marcelo to the podcast!

[1:38] How Marcelo got introduced to martial arts and began practicing Capoeira.

[2:54] Marcelo gives some background of Capoeira's history in Brazil.

[8:34] Where Marcelo continues to practice Capoeira in the United States.

[9:45] The biggest differences between Capoeira in the U.S. compared to Brazil.

[11:15] Why they call it “playing” Capoeira instead of sparring.

[12:39] How do people generally learn about Capoeira? When did its popularity start picking up?

[15:05] Where Marcelo sees Capoeira developing in the future.

[18:53] How Marcelo sees his school developing.

[20:44] How training in Capoeira has impacted his personal life.

[24:34] More about Marcelo’s school, Capoeira Mandinga, and where to find it online!

[28:43] Marcelo’s final pieces of advice to listeners!

Mentioned in this Episode:

Only the Strong (movie)
Tekken (video game)

Marcelo’s school: Capoeira Mandinga

Wade has a special, “historical” interview today with Sifu Zhong Luo, the owner and founder of Dragon House MMA.

Zhong Luo has been training in the martial arts since he was a kid because his dad was a well-known professional martial artist back in China. When Zhong came to the States he ended up having a story somewhat reminiscent of Bruce Lee’s. He started out bussing tables, showed a couple people that he knew martial arts, and within a couple of months he had started his own school here in San Francisco. As he’s developed and grown the school he’s morphed it into an MMA school and ended up becoming one of the first MMA schools in the Bay Area.

Today Zhong Luo tells the story of his father and his background as a professional martial artist in China, his own background as a martial artist and the journey to opening up his own school, and how and why he transitioned his school from a traditional Kung-Fu school to an MMA school. He also talks about his experience training MMA fighters, how martial arts has affected his life outside the school, and his thoughts on the recent Conor vs. Khabib fighter!

Key Takeaways:

[:43] About Wade’s guest today, Sifu Zhong Luo.

[1:35] Wade welcomes Zhong Luo to the podcast.

[1:43] About Zhong Luo’s background in the martial arts.

[3:16] About Zhong’s dad and his background as a professional martial artist in China.

[4:22] Zhong’s move to the United States and his journey to opening up his school.

[7:37] About Zhong transitioning his school from a traditional Kung-Fu school to an MMA school.

[13:18] How Zhong has seen martial arts change.

[15:28] How martial arts has affected Zhong’s life outside of the school.

[16:57] Has Zhong introduced martial arts to his daughters?

[18:54] Zhong’s experience training MMA fighters.

[21:08] What Zhong thought of the recent Conor vs. Khabib fight and its aftermath.

[27:14] Where to find Dragon House MMA!

[28:52] About Zhong’s fighters’ upcoming fight.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Dragon House MMA

Today, Wade has an interesting interview with David Breslauer, one of three co-founders of Bolt Threads — a company that has mastered the production of replicating spiders’ silk for large-scale production of fabrics and garments.

Other than running his successful company, David also trains in Krav Maga. And interestingly enough, he only recently began training as an adult and is just coming up on 2 years now!

In this episode, David explains the “non-traditional” reasons as to why he got into martial arts as an adult, why he prefers it over other forms of exercise, his professional life as a Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of Bolt Threads, his experiences in Krav Maga and how they have impacted his personal and professional life, as well as some of the challenges that Krav has provided and lessons he has learned from overcoming them.

Key Takeaways:

[:43] About Wade’s guest today, David Breslauer.

[1:19] Wade welcomes David to the podcast and he explains what originally got him interested in martial arts as an adult.

[3:22] About David’s professional life as a co-founder of Bolt Threads, from its conception and how it has grown to how it functions today.

[5:58] What drew David to Krav Maga.

[6:52] David’s experience in Krav Maga that relates to his work in his company, Bolt Threads.

[9:24] David’s challenges with sparring in Krav Maga.

[10:45] How David sees the process of training in Krav Maga.

[12:35] David explains the functionalities of spider silk that his company, Bolt Threads, produces.

[13:43] How Krav Maga has impacted David personally and professionally.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Bolt Threads

UC Berkeley

Bolt Thread’s Kickstarter for The Mylo Driver Bag