"Fear is not my enemy; it is a friend. Fear is only allowing me to see an aspect of myself I was not willing to look at."

"The only moment you can truly live or die is now. So why waste time on the past or worry about the future?"

"When you remember who you are, you don’t need to discover yourself; you just need to align with your spiritual origin."

"Teaching is not a process; it’s instantaneous. You learn in the moment if you are truly present."

"If I become the best I can be now, every moment becomes a miracle."

"Martial arts is life—it’s about who you are when you’re not in the dojo."

"True mastery lies in living honor, integrity, and presence—not in titles or ranks." 

 --- Mike Stone

Welcome to another powerful episode of The Black Belt Podcast! I’m your host, Harinder Singh, and today we have a truly legendary guest joining us—a pioneer, a philosopher, and a living embodiment of the martial arts spirit.  My guest this episode is Mr. Mike Stone.  He is not just a martial artist; he’s an icon whose contributions to the martial arts world have shaped generations. Known for his unmatched competitive record during the "blood and guts" era, Mike has been a trailblazer in sport karate and a voice for the deeper, transformative power of martial arts. His journey spans decades of mastery, from being a champion fighter to becoming a philosopher of life, exploring the realms of mindset, synchronicity, and the universal laws that govern our existence.

In today’s episode, Mike takes us beyond the physical techniques of martial arts and into the spiritual and mental depths that define true mastery. He shares his profound insights on living in the present, integrating fear as a tool for growth, and remembering who we truly are. With his characteristic candor and wisdom, Mike Stone will challenge you to reimagine not just martial arts, but your life itself.

My key takeaway is that the essence of martial arts is not just a physical discipline, but a pathway to spiritual and mental growth, fueled by honor, respect, and integrity.  The ultimate journey in life and martial arts is to know oneself, and to start asking, “Who am I?” and start living in alignment with love and light. We dive deep into mindset and synchronicity and discuss how synchronicity and alignment with universal laws can create meaningful transformations.  Mike champions the power of the present moment as the only reality, urging listeners to live fully in the now rather than dwelling on the past or future.  

So, buckle up and get ready for a conversation that will inspire, provoke, and empower. This is an episode you do not want to miss. Let’s dive in!

"Joy is a trainable skill, and like any martial art, it requires practice, especially in the face of discomfort and chaos." 

 "Your obstacles are your greatest teachers. Like the samurai seeking out the master swordsman, life’s challenges are here to test and refine you." 

 "Gratitude cuts through the noise and brings you into the present moment—because the present is all we truly have." 

 "When life puts you in a chokehold, don’t resist—relax, assess, and flow through the problem. That’s the essence of martial arts and life." 

 "Martial arts is self-development. It’s not just about fighting; it’s about learning how to flow with challenges, overcome fear, and find your true self."  

-- Budo Brothers 

My guest this episode are The Budo Brothers.   They are innovators, creators, and lifelong martial artists on a mission to bring the values of martial arts to the world. Founded by Eric Allan and Kyle Mahadeo, the Budo Brothers have built a global lifestyle brand that blends martial arts, personal development, and entrepreneurship. Through innovative products like the Hood Gi, digital seminars, and community initiatives like the Budo Youth Fund, they embody what it means to live the warrior’s way—on and off the mats. 

Driven by authenticity and a passion for self-expression, the Budo Brothers stand out for their unique ability to combine traditional martial arts principles with modern creativity. Whether it’s crafting premium martial arts gear, designing groundbreaking online courses, or inspiring others to find joy in the process, they represent the intersection of discipline, service, and innovation. 

This episode highlights the intersection of martial arts, personal development, and entrepreneurship. It’s about using martial arts as a metaphor for life’s lessons—teaching us to flow through challenges, find joy in the process, and create a life of purpose and abundance. The Budo Brothers inspire us to embrace creativity, give back to the community, and remain authentic in our pursuits.  My Key takeaway is that Joy is like any martial art—it’s something you can train. Even in the face of defeat and depression, joy is a skill you build through gratitude, resilience, and taking small steps forward. It’s about finding your center and flowing with life’s challenges instead of resisting them.  This episode is all about transformation—how martial arts is more than just punching and kicking; it’s a vehicle for growth, creativity, and serving others. The Budo Brothers share their journey of turning passion into purpose, building a brand with heart, and using martial arts as a path to a joyful, abundant life. It’s about living the way of the warrior—not just in the dojo, but in every moment of your life.  The Budo Brothers are more than just a brand; they are a movement. Their mission is to inspire martial artists and non-martial artists alike to embrace the lessons of the arts and use them as tools to overcome challenges, create meaning, and live a life full of joy and abundance.  Tune in for another awe inspiring episode. 

"We know we can't make it; we don’t have the lifespan to know it all. But that’s what makes us warriors—we still choose to walk the path, even knowing we’ll never reach the end.”

“The breath is the bridge—it’s the control point for your body, your spirit, and your mind. Mastering it gives you the reins to navigate any challenge, on or off the mat."

"One of the major speed bumps is the need to do something... the more you seek, the less you find." – Alan Baker

Welcome back, today we have a truly inspiring guest—someone who has been a close friend and a powerful influence on my journey in the martial arts world. Joining me is Sifu Alan Baker. Alan is a professional martial artist, author, and tactical trainer with a deep commitment to the art, the lifestyle, and the warrior mindset.  He's a rare example of a complete martial artist, blending knowledge across styles— His expertise spans Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wing Chun, Jeet Kune Do, Kali, Keysi Fighting Method and more, making him a dynamic instructor with an emphasis on both the art and science of combat.

As the founder of the Atlanta Martial Arts Center, Alan has built a reputation for bridging traditional martial arts, self-defense, and tactical training. In addition to running his academy, Alan is the creator of the Civilian Tactical (SeaTac) Program, designed to bring practical self-defense and personal protection training to civilians. His unique approach has been sought out by law enforcement agencies, military groups, and protection specialists. Alan is not only a martial artist but a lifelong student and advocate of the warrior mindset, integrating practices like Qigong and breath control into his teachings to help individuals develop balance, resilience, and focus.

My Key Takeaway is that it is always about The Journey Over the Destination: Alan emphasizes that martial arts is a lifelong journey, where every accomplishment reveals new levels to explore. He believes in keeping a beginner's mindset, continuously seeking knowledge without the need to "arrive."  We also discuss the value of creating a personalized martial arts “system” for each practitioner, built upon foundational skills but continuously evolving based on individual experiences and needs.  We dive deep into the importance of creating martial arts communities, by creating martial arts academies that are sanctuaries, and places where students can feel safe, supported, and be able to discover their true selves.  In our conversation, we explore how martial arts goes beyond physical training, becoming a bridge to personal empowerment, resilience, and even healing. Alan shares insights into what it means to live with a warrior’s mindset, the importance of the breath as the ‘bridge’ to balance and focus, and how he sees each practitioner’s journey as one of continual adaptation and self-expression.

This episode is packed with wisdom, so whether you’re a seasoned martial artist or just beginning your path, get ready to be inspired. Let’s jump in!

"To always be yourself. Have faith in yourself. Don’t look for a successful personality and duplicate it. These are very strong pointers to truth, but they’re dismissed by a lot of people. If you understand this, it makes your life way more exciting and open to learning." – John Little

Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Black Belt Podcast, where we explore the bridge between the deep-rooted philosophy of martial arts and its impact on everyday life. Today, I have the honor of sitting down with one of the world's foremost authorities on Bruce Lee – John Little. John is a renowned author and filmmaker, widely regarded as one of the foremost authorities on Bruce Lee’s philosophy, training methods, and personal legacy. He is the only person officially selected by the Bruce Lee estate to review Lee’s private notes and writings, which has allowed him unparalleled insight into the martial artist’s mind. In addition to his extensive work on Bruce Lee, he has authored over 40 books across various topics, including fitness, bodybuilding, and philosophy, blending his expertise in physical training with a deep understanding of personal growth and mastery.

In this episode, we dive into Bruce Lee’s philosophy, and how it extends far beyond martial arts, and its relevance to personal growth, self-expression, and mastery in all areas of life. Whether you’re a martial artist, a student of life, or simply seeking ways to live more fully, this episode is packed with profound insights that will inspire you to reflect on your own journey.

My key takeaway is that Bruce Lee’s art was rooted in philosophy, not just combat. Bruce saw martial arts as a vehicle for self-expression and personal development, with applications far beyond the dojo or ring.  Mr. Little emphasized that Bruce Lee’s Mantra, “Be yourself,” underlines his belief that mastery comes from self-awareness and expressing your own truth rather than imitating others. His path was about breaking free from limitations and conditioning to find true self-liberation.  We discussed the balance between the yin (internal, philosophical aspects) and yang (external, physical practice) of life and martial arts. True mastery involves integrating both aspects into a harmonious flow that extends into all aspects of life.  John explained that the obstacles encountered on the path to mastery – whether in martial arts or life – reveal much about ourselves. The true opponent isn’t always external; it’s often within us, and martial arts helps us confront and transcend our inner limitations.  We dove deep into the importance of passion in pursuing mastery.  Without passion, the journey becomes mechanical and devoid of meaning. True mastery, in any field, requires deep passion and a commitment to growth.  John is a true philosopher who emphasizes that martial arts should inform how we live, make decisions, and navigate the challenges of everyday life with presence and awareness.

Make sure to tune in to this episode and join us on the journey of self-discovery, inspired by the legacy of Bruce Lee and the timeless wisdom of martial arts philosophy.

“Train like a fighter, think like a soldier, fight like a warrior.  I believe confidence has to be done with inoculation.  In martial arts we have stress and aggression drills that inoculate us to pain, it’s like they give us a little bit of poison, and the next night a little more poison, then a year and a half later, when we are in the arena with real fighting, we can perform.  In sparring you have to give students inoculations, it’s got to be done in a logical progression, because if you don’t do it in a logical progression, those students will break.  So first they need to learn defensive maneuvers, then they got to learn how to block and get hit, it’s got to be done in a systematic progression with sparring drills that lead the way.  This is how you build confidence.”—Mike Lee Kanarek

My guest this episode is Mike Lee Kanarek, who is a multi discipline martial arts master.  He is the founder of Haganah, a 6’th degree Black Belt in Joe Lewis Fighting Systems, a 4th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, a 1’st Degree black belt in Krav Maga, a Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Former Special Forces.  He was inducted into the Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame and was Instructor of the year in 2007.  He is a teacher of teachers and has instructed Special Units in every branch of the US Military.

This episode is all about progressively developing the warrior spirit and trusting yourself in combat.  My key takeaway is that constant growth and evolution is essential to building trust and performing under pressure.  In life and death situations, those who have prepared themselves by testing themselves under pressure, will have the confidence to execute in chaos.  A principles based modular approach that addresses the physical, mental, tactical, and spiritual aspects of an individual is essential for growth and development in combat and in life.  We discuss the importance of integrating fighting training from sports combat with self-defense training to develop a complete martial artist.  Mr. Kanarek is truly a Machine, he has a unique sense of his purpose, and is driven to make the world a safer place by creating warriors on and off the battlefield.  Join me for an amazing episode with a one of a kind martial arts personality.

“When you go into a Hostage Rescue you have to see it as if you are protecting or trying to save your own child, your own mother, your own brother.  If you can’t put yourself in a situation to see it that way you can’t do that job.  And that’s the way Miami Dade SWAT SRT, that is what our perspective was.  The Job that we do is real, and you are going to have to perform.  You are going to be put in situations where you have to respond at the highest level, and if you fall short someone loses their life.  When you see the reality of life and death, and you are responsible for that, it puts a different level in you.  You have a mindset that you cannot fail, there is no failure in this, if you fail you die, your teammates die, and more importantly the person you are trying to save dies.” 
– Dexter Fletcher

My guest this episode is Dexter Fletcher, who served for 35 years in the Miami Dade Police Department, and 30 of those years on S.W.A.T.  as part of their Special Response Team.  He is a multi-discipline martial arts master with a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Nisie Goju Ruyu Karate & Ju Jitsu and a 5th Dan Black Belt in Nagasudo Ju Jitsu and Combative Arts.  Mr. Fletcher specializes in training Police, SWAT, and Military Units Nationally and Internationally.  He has first-hand experiences protecting Presidents, Popes, and Dignitaries.  His highly decorated career has involved everything from frequent hostage rescue situations, to hunting fugitives, to protecting civilians from the monsters in this world.  

This episode is all about the makings of a Guardian and what it takes to function at the highest levels in the most extreme and stressful environments.  My key takeaway is that Form must Follow Function.  In life and death situations when you are responsible for yourself, your teammates, and those you are protecting your training must prepare you to perform with zero room for failure.  Hero’s like Dexter Fletcher are a very rare and humble bread, they are guardians who put the preservation of others over their own self-preservation.  I consider Dexter Fletcher to be a Modern-Day Samurai, who lives by a strict code of conduct driven by a definiteness of purpose and a selflessness dedicated to service and the preservation of life.    We can learn so much from being in the mere presence of such individuals, who truly walk the walk, I am humbled and honored to spend time with this remarkable man.  Tune in for a life changing episode.

“Jeet Kune Do to me is not about the perpetuation of an art, it is about the personal cultivation of an individual.  To me Jeet Kune Do is a state of being.  It’s a dynamic way of thinking and acting that encompasses the same fluid operating principles you use in dealing with opponents that you would use every day in the arena of life. I would like to see Jeet Kune Do resume its place in the Pantheon of Martial Arts.  The position that I feel it deserves to be in and it should be in.  It was designed to be a revolutionary cutting-edge martial art and philosophy that has a culture of innovation and experimentation.” – Chris Kent

My guest this episode is Chris Kent, who has been deeply immersed in Bruce Lee's martial art and philosophy for five decades and is widely acknowledged as one of the world's foremost authorities on Jeet Kune Do.  He has gained international recognition for his knowledge, leadership, and contributions in perpetuating the art, training methods, and philosophy as developed by Bruce Lee.  He is regarded as one of the few individuals in the world that has total comprehension of all facets of Lee's martial art and philosophy, including what is referred to as the “styless-style.” His extensive research into the foundations of the art from a technical, philosophical, and spiritual perspective, as well as educating himself in the fields of exercise physiology, kinesiology, and human performance gives him a unique perspective to preserve and perpetuate The Art and Philosophy of Jeet Kune Do.

This episode is all about the original spirit of Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do.  My key takeaway is that the physical and philosophical aspects of martial arts like Yin and Yang cannot be separated from each other.  Together they can they be utilized to obliterate our self-limiting belief systems, and give us access to connection, creation and adaptability.  We dive deep into the early cutting-edge culture and energy of JKD, which was one of exploration, innovation, and experimentation.  We also discuss dynamic teaching and training methods that were designed to free practitioners from fixed routines and lead them towards fluid operating principles that can be utilized when dealing with opponents and in the everyday arena of life.  This episode was near and dear to my heart, and Sifu Chris Kent shared the soul of Jeet Kune Do.  Tune in for another amazing episode.

“You want to find this place with the person that you are working with, sparring is working with people, it’s not working against people, you are going to receive what you give.  If it’s too hard, and you do not respect the parameters that are set, something is not going to go right.  Work with people in the gym, don’t work against them.  You express your skills and give them a chance to express theirs.  You want people to express themselves so that they can be the best that they can be, so this way you have the best partners to work your skills against.”—Nicolas Saignac

My guest this episode is Professor Nicolas Saignac, who is a master of Savate.  He reached the finals of the French cup in 1987 and won the title the following year.  He was awarded the title of Professor from the Ministry of Sports in Savate and Boxing, and holds a silver glove 2nd degree, which is the highest Savate rank in the US.  He is one of the leading promotors of the sport and has led US teams to several World Savate Championships.  Professor Saignac has taught at the internationally famous Inosanto Academy and worked with martial art legends such as Ron Balicki, Erik Paulson, and Josh Barnett.  He has been featured in many articles, documentaries, and training videos.    

This episode is all about getting the best out of yourself and those you work with.  My key takeaway is that the martial arts can and should be used as a vehicle for honest self-expression.  We must not become rigid within the style or seek to copy our teachers.  We must use the style, the training, and the sparring to find our own expression of our skills, especially under pressure.  We dive deep into the history of Savate, the usage of the shoe as a weapon, and how to excel at the highest levels of sport competition.  We also discuss what it takes to become a great teacher and how to create champions inside and outside the ring.  Tune in for another spectacular episode, with one of the most humble and genuine masters of their craft.

“I never wanted to be the greatest martial artist ever, I always saw myself as a teacher.  I want to influence people, I don’t want them to be impressed by what I do, I want to be a vehicle for them to learn. To me integrity is a moment by moment choice.  My work is to challenge myself to choose the way I respond to situations.  Who we are is more important than what we do.”

My guest this episode is Fariborz Azhakh, who is a master of Hapkido and a student of Master Steve Sexton.  He is the founder of Team Karate Centers and over the years has built on the foundations of Hapkido to develop a system of multicultural martial arts based on usefulness;  one that draws upon principles from a variety of fighting styles and ranges, including kickboxing, grappling, trapping, weapons, joint locks, and meditation. The “Hapkido Blend,” allows all students to cultivate their own individual art within the traditions of Hapkido. Throughout his journey, he repeatedly cites his teachers and heroes as his greatest inspirations, among them: Benny Urquidez, Ji Han Jae, Ron Balicki, Stuart Quan, and Simon and Phillip Rhee.  Sensei Fariborz is also a pioneer of martial arts on the internet, he created the first major martial arts resource website and online magazine back in the 1990s when websites were almost unheard of. 

This episode is all about becoming a master teacher.  My key takeaway is that self-defense and self-development must be taught as in integrated curriculum.  As martial artists and martial arts teachers we have a responsibility to our students and to ourselves, to learn, practice, master, functionalism and maintain not only our physical skills but also our personal and interpersonal skills as a combined approach.  We also dive deep into the distinction between a Teacher, Instructor, and Coach.  Sensei Fariborz and I also discuss that the common thread amongst the great masters is that they are real.  Their character and competency are congruent on and off the matts.  Martial Arts is a way of life, and to truly understand the life changing benefits of the Arts we must have great teachers that can be pointers to the way.  I had a great time talking story with Sensei Fariborz, his knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of the way of martial arts is truly inspirational. Tune in for another fantastic episode.

“The real goal is not to be a great martial artist, but to be a great human being.  A Black Belt is a good human being that is constantly working on themselves, it is somebody of a high level of skill, that brings their practice to life in ways that makes other people stop and look and listen.  It’s about the Artist that brings the practice to life.” – Tom Callos  

My guest this episode is Tom Callos, who is a Black Belt in BJJ and a 7’th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.  He is a professional consultant, curriculum designer, and educational activist working within the international martial arts community.  His mission is to bring valuable new ideas, methodology, practices, and programs to the martial arts world.  His specialties are marketing, social networking, martial arts school management, black belt test design, writing, speaking, and developing future Leaders.

This episode is all about taking action and becoming good human beings.  My key takeaway is that martial arts is so much more than punching, kicking, and choking.  Martial Arts are a vehicle to empower kindness and develop compassionate guardians of our community.  As martial arts teachers we have a great power and responsibility to use the power of our words and actions to inspire greatness in our students and communities.  We dive deep into the transformative teacher student relationship and how just a few simple words or pointers can shatter limiting beliefs and self-imposed barriers.  We discuss the martial arts industry, philosophy, and the importance of consistent deliberate practice.  This was a truly special episode with one of the most influential mentors in the game.  Tune in as Mr. Tom Callos shares his wisdom, stories, and practical advice on how you can show up and make a difference.