The Black Belt Podcast

“Martial Arts is a people building device, it teaches you how to live in a chaotic world and be happy.  If we make the best of our lives by doing our best in life, we can create the life that we want.  And that’s really what life is about, being kind, courteous, respect, and respect for yourself.  Do things that make you feel good and help people to be kind.” – Ron Van Clief

My guest this episode is Ron Van Clief, The Black Dragon.  Mr. Van Clief is a multi-style Martial Arts Pioneer, a decorated Marine Corps and Vietnam Veteran, and an actor in Hollywood and Hong Kong Films.  He has competed in over 900 tournaments, a 5-time world Karate/Kung Fu Champion and a 15 time All American Champion.  At the age of 51 he competed in UFC 4 against at that time the Undefeated Royce Gracie.  In 2023 at the age of 80 he received his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt and is actively competing in BJJ Competitions.  He is the 2002 Black Belt Magazine Instructor of the Year and has taught over 200,000 students over his career.  His extensive experience in Martial Arts covers Goju Ryu Karate, Wing Tsun, Modern Arnis, and BJJ.  

This episode was all about the love of martial arts and how to stay young in the body, mind, and spirit.  We dive deep into Mr. Van Clief’s story, starting from his early beginnings with Grand Master Moses Powell, to his Military Service, to his Hong Kong Films, to his UFC Fight against Royce Gracie, to his current quest of earning a BJJ Black Belt.  His story is one of great inspiration and mental fortitude.  We discuss his bouts with Racism and PTSD, he was lynched in the 1960’s and his Helicopter was shot down in Vietnam.  My Key Take away is that martial arts can be used as a vehicle to heal from unimaginable traumatic experiences and live a life filled with great joy, happiness, and kindness.  We will all be faced with challenges, how we face these challenges is what will determine the quality of our lives.  We have to be strong enough to forgive and make the best of our lives by doing the best in our lives.  Life is really about respect, for yourself and for others.  The ultimate purpose of martial arts is to be kind, courteous, and help others by first helping ourselves.  We also dive deep into his training experience in many different styles, and his realization that no one style has it all, and that through extensive research and study we get to the point of finding our own unique style.  This is a special martial arts lifestyle episode that will inspire you to train and redefine your concept of aging and what is possible.

“When people are faced with obstacles, they try to brush it away, or shut it out of their minds.  Obstacles and doubts are different.  Obstacles are real and doubts are created by the mind.  Martial Arts is one of the best ways for your mind to train for real situations.  You have to deal with situations and deal with them right now.  You have to face it right now.  This training has shaped everything.  You are not looking for a way out, you are looking for a solution.  As a martial artist, I become a problem solver, and get to figure it out.”  -- Zoltan Bathory

My guest this episode is Zoltan Bathory who is a Martial Artist and a World Class Musician.  He is the founder and rhythm guitarist of Las Vegas based heavy metal band Five Finger Death Punch.  In 2010, he was named Golden God's "Best Shredder" by Metal Hammer magazine.  He is an actively competing martial artist, holding Black Belts in both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo.  In 2022 he won Gold Medals at the IBJJF International Open Jiu-Jitsu Championships in both Black Belt Super Heavy Masters and Black Belt Absolute Masters Divisions.  He also practices Wing Chun Kung Fu and is one of a few civilians certified by the US Army as a Modern Army Combatives Instructor.  Bathory is also a founding board member of the veterans nonprofit Home Deployment Project in Las Vegas and sits on the Board of Advisors at VETPAW (Veterans Empowered to Protect African Wildlife), an anti-poaching organization operating on the African continent, composed of US combat veterans.

This episode is a truly enlightening discussion and a journey into the conscious experience of being a martial artist.  We dive deep into how to get the body and mind to work in perfect harmony so we can harness our true potential and find flow on the matts and in our lives. My key takeaway is that the through the practice of martial arts we can unleash the power of creativity and solve problems in real time.  Martial Arts provides us with an experiential feedback loop in which we get to test our ability to relax under pressure, create sequences and adapt and change under pressure.  We also dive deep into the spiritual growth that comes through martial arts, how we get to grow as people, express ourselves without fear, and responsibly conduct ourselves with integrity and honor.  I thoroughly enjoyed this episode; it is a true reminder of the value of the mental and spiritual benefits of martial arts practice.  After all we don’t “Do martial arts, we become martial arts.  It’s a Lifestyle”.

“The journey just starts at Black Belt.  How do you carry yourself as a master instructor of your own domain?  Be a black belt in all 3 disciplines, life, business, and martial arts.  Integrate them all together, now you are a martial artist.” – Scott Coker

My guest this episode is Scott Coker, who is an Ernie Reyes Protégé, 8’th degree Black Belt and an original member of the famous West Coast Demo Team.  He was the Founder and CEO of Strike Force and is the current President of Bellator MMA.  As a martial artist and promoter of Combat Sports since 1985, Mr. Coker has first-hand experience being a part of the evolution and transformation of martial arts through combat sports.

This episode is all about the scientific study and evolution of martial arts from Karate to Kick Boxing to Mixed Martial Arts.  We dive deep into the last 30 years of MMA evolution, beginning with no rounds, next to no rules, and no weight classes, to the current product we have now.  We dive deep into the evolution starting off with striking arts, then the BJJ revolution, to the rise of wrestling.  Now it is all about the flow of the striking, wrestling, and bjj arts, and the champions of the future will be those who can flow and transition between the styles, and fuse them together as one molecule instead of separate entities.  We also discuss leadership and how martial arts philosophy has influenced Scotts ability to lead organizations, fighters, and himself.  Mr. Coker is a treasure trove of martial arts history, knowledge, and insight.  What I appreciate most about him is that there is no separation between martial arts and life.  He carries himself as a martial artist everywhere he goes.  He is a Black Belt in Life.

“Pain isn’t going anywhere, it’s always going to feel the same, but how you decide to categorize it is what changes.  I can’t change that it hurts, but I can change that I don’t care. As a fighter and martial artist, the biggest thing to ensure your success is that no matter what situation you are in, there is an acceptance of pain.  Once you fully take that on board you have become a very dangerous individual.” – Paul McIlroy

My guest this episode is Paul McIlroy, who is one of the most sought-after Sports Scientists in the World.  He is a former Boxer, a Martial Artist, a Powerlifting Champion, and a world class Kettlebell Instructor under Pavel Tsatsouline.  He has coached and trained World Champions in Powerlifting, Kettlebell Sport, and Combat Sports.  He is the founder and creator of the Amazing 12, The World’s #1 Body Transformation Program that has produced over 10,000 transformations in 148 countries.

This episode is all about physical and mental strength as a martial art.  We dive deep into the mathematics of strength and conditioning and how kettlebell training directly transfers to martial arts and sport combat.  My Key takeaway is that the ability to relax your mind under pressure and accept pain is essential for success in our endeavors.  When we feel pain or discomfort the mind wants to give up, we have to train the mind and body to find our center and make adjustments so we can endure.  When training we need to programmatically approach our sessions with the goal of progressively expanding our comfort zones.  If we can embrace pain and teach ourselves to become comfortable in uncomfortable situations, we begin to remove the limits of what is possible.  This is an eye-opening conversation with an innovator in Martial Arts Strength and Conditioning.  I have a tremendous amount of respect for Paul’s work and I hope this conversation inspires you to find out what your mind and body are truly capable off.

“If you can embrace chaos and change, you can get greater focus, efficiency, and become more creative, because you have to figure out how to maneuver and get around the change, so you can take the negative and turn it into a positive. “ – George Chung

My guest this episode is George Chung, who is a Martial Artist, Businessman, Actor, Director and TV Show Producer.  He is currently the CEO of JungoTV and the creator of the Black Belt + App which is the world’s most complete platform for martial arts, it includes training videos, classic martial arts movies, and Black Belt Magazine issues digitally remastered and available for your phones and tablets.  Master Chung is a member of the Black Belt Hall of Fame, a 5 Time world Karate Champion, former coach of the San Francisco 49ers, and an original member of Grand Master Ernie Reye’s Famous West Coast Demo Team.

This episode is all about embracing change and falling in love with martial arts.  We dive deep into the creation of success in our personal and professional lives.  My key takeaway is that if we can embrace change and chaos we can continue to grow and create.  People have difficulty dealing with change, because change creates uncertainty, and this leads to stress, fear, and anxiety.  Instead if we can embrace change, and learn to maneuver around it, we can then find the opportunity inside of chaos.  What I appreciate about Master Chung is his ability to understand himself, his teams, and his students.  He leads by example and fosters growth and creation by encouraging his students and teams to be explorers and discovers of truth.  I thoroughly enjoyed this episode, and you like me will feel the love and passion for martial arts coming from his entire being. 

“Highest Degree of Discipline is Self-Awareness.  It can only be achieved through thousands of constant repetitions.” – Mike Chat

 My Guest this episode is Mike Chat who is a Martial Artist, Actor, Producer and Stuntman known for his role as the Blue Power Ranger in Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue.  He is the founder for Xtreme Martial Arts or XMA which is a combination of Martial Arts, Acrobatics and Gymnastics, with an emphasis on showmanship.  Mike was inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 1992 and has captured over 50 National and International Forms and Weapons Championships.  He is also an elite Stunt Coordinator developing the next generation of Stunt Performers with 87 North.

 This episode is all about creating art.  We dive deep into the Mike Chat’s creation of XMA and how he developed a new wave of performance martial arts by adding gymnastics and acrobatics to traditional martial arts forms.  My key takeaway is that perseverance and overcoming obstacles is an essential element to the creative process.  We must be able to deal with loss, extract the wisdom from the experience, so that we can transform and grow into a higher version of ourselves.  World Class performance on championship stages and in Hollywood Blockbusters requires honest self-expression, dedication, discipline, and determination.  Tune in for a great conversation with a martial arts trailblazer. 

“The state of mind is more important than your body being prepared.  When you compete, your body will not always be 100%, but your state of mind has to be super ready.” –André Galvão 

My Guest this episode is Prof. André Galvão who is a legendary Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Grappler and a professional mixed martial artist.  He holds 4th Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blackbelt and is also a Judo Black Belt.  He is one of the most decorated grapplers in history, winning 6 x ADCC and 6 X IBJJF World Championships.  Prof. Galvão is the co-founder of Atos Jiu Jitsu in San Diego California and was inducted into both the IBJJF and ADCC Hall of Fame.

This episode is filled championship wisdom.  We discuss what it takes to become a world champion, diving deep into training methods and how to cultivate a competitive mindset.    My key takeaway is that Balance is the key to performance.  You have to find balance in your training and in your life.  You have to be honest about your strengths and weaknesses and put the time and effort with the correct plan to develop to your full potential.  The journey is different for everyone and our ability to find Joy on and off the matts is extremely important to achieve Balance and avoid burnout.  Tune in for an insightful conversation with a world champion.

“People get hung up on the ranking as opposed to the teaching methodology.  Upgrade your teaching methodology instead of getting more techniques.  Instead of collecting new techniques connect the basic techniques so that you can make them look advanced.” -Apolo Ladra

My guest this episode is Tuhon Apolo Ladra who has trained in the martial arts for over 40 years.  He is a 7’th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, he has taught thousands of students and managed 57 schools.  He is a master instructor of Pekti Tirsia Kali under Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje, and has been inducted int the Black Belt Magazine’s Hall of Fame as “Weapons Instructor of the Year”.  Tuhon Apolo is the founder of the iKali and the World Kali Association which is dedicated creating and standardizing curriculum and requirements for students, instructors and school owners while spreading the indigenous art of the Philippines, the Art of the Blade, worldwide.

This episode is filled with insight.  We discuss teaching and training methods that are designed to develop students and instructors and uplift the arts.  We talk about Tuhon Apolo’s traditional Tae Kwon Do roots and how he transitioned into building one of the largest Kali organizations in the world.  My key takeaway is that continuing education on training methods is what will uplift the arts.  Instead of chasing rankings and techniques, time and effort must be spent on developing your teaching ability so that you can create future high quality instructors.  We also discuss the advantages of teaching by concepts and principles so that students can learn how to find their own unique expression of movement instead of trying to copy their instructors.  Everyone has different attributes and limitations, empowerment lies and finding who you are and how you express yourself.  I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and I hope you do too.

“Fighting is a chess game. If you don’t get your opponent within 3 moves, you are dead already.” —Darren Tibon

 My guest this episode is Grand Master Darren Tibon who was a personal student and graduate of Great Grand Master Angel Cabales’ Serrada Escrima.  Angel Cabales was known as the teacher of teachers and in 1967 was one of the first to commercially teach Filipino Martial Arts and he heavily influenced their spread across the United States.  I am honored to sit down with GM Darren Tibon who is one of my personal teachers, the head of Angel’s Disciples Stockton, and the founder of the Legacy Events, which were designed to unite Filipino Martial Artists of all Styles and Systems and preserve the Teachings of their Grand Masters.

 In this episode we discuss the history of Serrada Escrima and how it was developed by Angel Cabales.  We also discuss Darren Tibon’s private training with Angel Cabales and how he carries on the legacy today.  My key takeaway is that High Performance in any art is directly related to the training method.  The ability to teach the knowledge you have is the most important thing.  We dive deep into drilling, flowing, and fighting strategy.  We discuss how to read and setup your opponent, how to close the distance, how to generate power and control, how to build reflexes and counter your opponent’s counters.  Afterall Fighting is a Chess Match, and everything is an illusion.  I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and I hope you do too.

“Bruce Lee’s Superpower is Self-Mastery.” – Shannon Lee

My special guest this episode is Shannon Lee who is the daughter of the Martial Arts Icon Bruce Lee.  She is a martial artist, an actress, and the CEO of the Bruce Lee Family Company, which is on a mission to share the art and philosophy of Bruce Lee to inspire personal growth, positive energy, and global harmony.  She is the Author of Be Water My Friend and behind the success of the superhit TV Show "Warrior."

This is a special episode for me as I get to sit down and flow with the daughter of the founder of Jeet Kune Do.  We talk about Bruce Lee’s philosophical teachings and how they can be applied in our daily lives.  My Key takeaway is that Bruce Lee’s Superpower is Self-Mastery, and that he never considered himself a master, but rather an eternal student.  We dive deep into the concept of flow and the process of self-actualization, and how martial arts philosophy can be used to discover our true potential and honestly express our best selves.  This was a deeply insightful conversation and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.