Episode #97: From White Belt to 4th-Degree Black Belt (Part 1)

In this special four-part series, John Hallett shares his personal journey from white belt to 4th-degree black belt, opening up about the struggles, growth, setbacks, and unexpected moments that shaped his path as a martial artist, instructor, and gym owner.

This first installment dives deep into the early years: from John's first martial arts class in a rented aerobics room on Nantucket Island, to dealing with the self-doubt, ridicule, and excitement of starting something new. You'll hear about the transition from Taekwondo to Krav Maga, how the physical and mental challenges evolved, and the mentors who helped along the way.

John and Coach Josh explore how time requirements, sparring intensity, and mindset development all played a role in building a self-defense system that goes beyond just techniques.

Key Takeaways:

• Why John Hallett started martial arts at 19 and how football prepared him mentally for the challenge
• The impact of Taekwondo etiquette, discipline, and patterns on mindset
• What it was like switching to Krav Maga and going through the intense early instructor certifications
• The role of mentors, sparring, and early teaching experiences
• Lessons in humility, repetition, and learning to "suck less"

Who This Episode Is For:

• Martial artists beginning their training journey
• Instructors looking to reflect on their own growth path
• Students stuck in a plateau or thinking about quitting
• Entrepreneurs curious about building something from scratch

Links & Resources:

https://rmsdf.com/episode-97-from-white-belt-to-4th-degree-black-belt-part-1/

• shop.rmsdf.com — Grab new gear and support the podcast
• ClearSky Training Membership — Get full access to the entire curriculum and podcast extras

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Universal Link
• YouTube Playlist

In Episode 96, John and Josh dive into the mindset battles every student faces—on the mat, in the gym, and in everyday life. From self-doubt during sparring to procrastination, negative self-talk, and the desire for shortcuts, this episode is a raw and relatable discussion on personal growth and what it really takes to earn mastery in martial arts.

They also explore the reality of time investment required to hit expert-level training hours—whether it’s 5,000 or 10,000 hours—and how that compares to the average martial arts schedule. If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I’ll train tomorrow,” this episode is for you.

Blog Post - https://rmsdf.com/the-voice-in-your-head-mindset-progression-the-long-road-to-mastery-episode-96/

• Why mindset is the real battle—and how to shut down the negative inner voice
• How sparring should be mutual, not competitive
• The importance of structured slow drills like offense/defense sparring
• Why minimum standards are not enough—and what striving for excellence looks like
• The 10,000-hour rule for mastery: realistic or unreachable?
• Tips to work around injuries and keep training consistently
• The importance of routine, discipline, and sustainable progress
• Why “I am going to train” beats “I should train” every time

• “Sparring is not about domination—it’s about letting your partner work too.”
• “You can’t master anything if you’re only training two hours a week.”
• “Don’t let that little voice tell you to stop. Tell it to shut up.”
• “You’re only as good as your last class. Show up. Give what you can. That’s progress.”
• “Advanced techniques are just fundamentals done well under pressure.”

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6hDh7OscpVMKLLY8rCvgqs
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-john-hallett-podcast/id1651930801
• Universal Link: https://redcircle.com/shows/a982e1e3-972c-4e9f-b369-6b29534df441
• YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIJr7pPF9el8qfN4mG9p8BxtuPKOpSBVn

Episode Summary:

In this episode, John and Josh take a no-nonsense (and slightly sarcastic) look at some of the most misguided things people say about their self-defense and fighting abilities. From “I’ll just kick them in the groin” to “I fought my brother once,” they break down why these beliefs are dangerous, unrealistic, and often rooted in movie myths instead of reality. Along the way, they share training stories, break down fight footage, and even relive the unforgettable “Josh gets tased” moment.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Why “nothing will ever happen to me” is one of the most dangerous self-defense mindsets.
• The myth of the “groin kick win button” and why it’s not a guaranteed fight-ender.
• Strength vs. skill – why technique usually wins.
• “I’ll go crazy” – the flaw in relying on pure aggression.
• The problem with basing confidence on a single high school fight.
• The false security of “I have a weapon” (and why access and legality matter).
• Why sibling wrestling matches don’t prepare you for real attacks.
• The illusion of learning “a few moves” from YouTube without real practice.
• Good instincts aren’t enough under adrenaline and stress.
• Overestimating the “one punch knockout” fantasy.

Key Takeaways:

• Real skill only comes from consistent, realistic training against resisting partners.
• Movies and viral videos create false expectations of how fights work.
• Being a good training partner is just as important as practicing techniques.
• Overconfidence without experience can lead to poor decisions and legal trouble.
• The best self-defense mindset: Train more, suck less.

Links & Resources:

• Train with us online: ClearSky Training
• In-person training: Rocky Mountain Self Defense & Fitness
• Supplements & gear: Suck Less Performance

Closing Message:

Don’t overestimate your skills. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Train consistently, question your assumptions, and remember—self-defense is about preparation, not ego.

In this vital episode, John Hallett and co-host Josh dive deep into the often overlooked yet essential side of self-defense—first aid and trauma response.

Covering everything from basic wound care to full-scale trauma kits, this episode is a wake-up call for anyone serious about defending life—not just during an attack, but in the chaotic aftermath.

Whether it's a sprained ankle, a head injury in the gym, or a life-threatening bleed from a violent encounter, you’ll walk away with practical, real-world advice you can apply today. It's not about fear—it’s about being prepared.

• Why first aid must be part of your self-defense plan
• The MARCH protocol and how to apply it
• Why you should train with your first aid gear, not just carry it
• The reality of head injuries, concussions, and how to manage them
• Why scene safety and calling 911 come before anything else
• How to prepare kids and families to respond calmly in an emergency

• Tourniquets (including soft T options)
• Israeli bandages & wound packing
• Chest seals and makeshift alternatives
• Narcan for opioid emergencies
• Boo-boo kits vs. trauma kits
• How to build a kit you’ll actually carry

Self-defense is more than fighting. It’s about keeping yourself and others alive when seconds count. Your ability to respond in a medical emergency may save a loved one—or even yourself.

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Universal Link
• YouTube Playlist

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ClearSky Self Defense & Fighting System

After a violent encounter, your actions in the next 5 minutes could determine your legal and personal future. In this episode, John Hallett and co-host Josh break down the critical steps every responsible defender needs to take — immediately.

• Why creating distance and assessing is always step #1
• How to properly call 911 (and what not to say)
• What details to point out to law enforcement (evidence, cameras, weapons)
• Why saying less to police protects you
• The simple script to use:
• “I was attacked. I defended myself. I want to speak to an attorney before making a full statement.”
• Legal and mental aftermath: adrenaline crashes, gaps in memory, and the emotional toll
• Why posting online can destroy your case — don’t do it
• The importance of having an attorney ready before you need one
• Why your training must include post-fight thinking and scanning

This episode also discusses why some of your biggest mistakes must happen in training — not on the street — and why mindset, movement, and the law are inseparable.

1. ✅ Get safe – move away
2. 📞 Call 911 – "I was attacked. I defended myself. I need help."
3. 👀 Identify evidence – weapons, cameras, witnesses
4. 🤐 Say less – Ask for your lawyer
5. 😌 Stay calm – Breathe. Don’t confess.
6. 📷 Document (privately) – for your legal team only

Explore this topic deeper with PDF resources, exclusive video training, and mentoring at:

👉 ClearSky.Training

• 🎥 YouTube Episode
• 🔊 Spotify
• 🍎 Apple Podcasts
• 🌐 Universal Link

🛒 Support the Podcast:

Grab our new Fight or Flight Penguin gear at:

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🧢 Shirts, gear, and attitude — perfect for defenders.

The John Hallett Podcast – Episode #92

In this episode, John and Josh unpack one of the most misunderstood—but essential—elements of effective training: failure. Whether you're in the dojo, gym, or a real-world encounter, understanding and managing failure rates is key to building real skills and survivability.

• The Ideal Failure Rate: 15–30% failure is the sweet spot. Below 15% means you’re not being challenged. Above 30%, frustration and bad habits creep in.
• Why Failure Matters: Real growth only happens under pressure. False confidence arises when training is too easy or too scripted.
• Progressive Resistance: Start slow, add light resistance, then escalate toward full, unpredictable scenarios.
• Adaptability is King: Students must learn to think on their feet—fail, recover, and keep going.
• Complacency is Dangerous: The attacker won’t follow a script. Don’t let easy training give you a false sense of readiness.
• Scenario Training Works: Reality-based drills build problem-solving skills, decision-making under stress, and mental toughness.

• Blocking with forearms (not hands!)
• Training under fatigue and pressure
• Managing partner resistance levels
• False confidence vs. real competence
• The dangers of over-coaching or under-resisting
• Children and adults learning differently—but both needing challenge

• Krav Maga & martial arts students
• Instructors refining their curriculum
• Self-defense students (at any level)
• Concealed carry or firearm defense practitioners

• 🎧 Spotify: The John Hallett Podcast
• 🍎 Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple
• 🌐 Universal Link: RedCircle Hosting
• 📺 YouTube Playlist: Watch Episodes Here

• 💻 ClearSky.Training – On-demand reality-based self-defense training
• 🛡️ shop.rmsdf.com – Self-defense gear, apparel, and supplements

Train smart. Fail just enough to grow. Because how you train is how you fight.

In this episode, John and Josh break down how stress affects your ability to see and hear clearly in real-world self-defense encounters. From tunnel vision to total auditory exclusion, they explore how high-stakes moments shrink your perception—and how proper training is the only way to combat it.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned martial artist, understanding how your body and brain react under duress could be the key to staying safe and staying out of legal trouble.

What You'll Learn:

What tunnel vision looks and feels like during a confrontation

How auditory exclusion can prevent you from hearing even law enforcement commands

Why visual scanning and wide gaze training is critical

How to expand your “perception cone” under pressure

Real drills to help reduce blind spots and stay situationally aware

Key Concepts Covered:

Importance of post-engagement scanning

Muzzle awareness under stress in firearms scenarios

Why kids and adults alike struggle to hear or see during drills

How body language trumps words in identifying threats

Real-world implications of missing secondary attackers, exits, or police commands

Takeaways for Students:

Learn to fight with your eyes open, literally

Train your brain to stay calm and scan for threats or escape routes

Build muscle memory through reps and stress drills

Don’t assume you’ll hear commands in a high-stress moment—train for that reality

Bonus Discussions:

How visual occlusion affects decision-making

Using background noise and strobe lighting for stress drills

The unique challenge of visual & auditory reduction for people with hearing loss

Next in the Series:

Failure Rates in Martial Arts & Self-Defense Training

What To Do Immediately After a Self-Defense Incident

First Aid & Stop the Bleed Training (coming soon)

Train More. Suck Less. Go Home Safe.

Primary Hashtags:

#JohnHallettPodcast

#ClearSkyTraining

#SelfDefense

#SituationalAwareness

#TunnelVision

#AuditoryExclusion

#RealWorldTraining

#FightOrFlight

#TrainMoreSuckLess

#KravMaga

Supporting/Contextual Hashtags:

#StressTraining

#AdrenalineResponse

#MartialArtsMindset

#Combatives

#AwarenessIsKey

#DefensiveMindset

#CitizenDefender

#SurviveAndThrive

#ReactionUnderPressure

#SelfDefenseTips

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Summary:

In this episode, John and Josh tackle one of the most misunderstood—but legally crucial—topics in self-defense: the degrees of assault. They break down how slight changes in a confrontation can escalate your legal exposure from a slap to a felony. Whether you’re carrying a firearm, training in martial arts, or just trying to protect your family, knowing these distinctions can keep you out of jail.

• The difference between simple assault, assault with injury, assault with a deadly weapon, and aggravated assault
• Why context and perception matter just as much as physical actions
• How your response to a threat may legally shift depending on distance, timing, and escalation
• The risk of under-responding or overreacting in a fast-moving confrontation
• How weapons of opportunity—even a pen or curb—can change the legal equation

• The pool party case where a brandished firearm went from unjustified to self-defense
• The risk of reacting to a perceived threat too quickly—or too slowly
• Interpreting weird behaviors (like someone approaching while cleaning a knife)
• What counts as a deadly weapon (hint: it’s more than just knives and guns)
• Why jury perception and the “reasonable person” standard matter more than you think

• “Even weirdos with knives can be a deadly threat—you better be ready.”
• “You can’t hit someone with a rock because they hit you with a pillow.”
• “Words plus threats plus action equals assault.”
• “Learn this stuff in class before you're forced to apply it on the street.”

• Concealed carry permit holders
• Self-defense students and martial artists
• Parents protecting loved ones
• Anyone serious about legally sound personal protection

• Rocky Mountain Self Defense & Fitness
• ClearSky.Training – Online self-defense portal
• “Law of Self Defense” by Andrew Branca
• Upcoming Episodes:
• Visual & Auditory Reduction
• Failure Rates in Martial Arts Training
• What to Do After a Self-Defense Incident
• First Aid & Emergency Care for Defenders (Coming Soon)

• Listen On Spotify:
• https://open.spotify.com/show/6hDh7OscpVMKLLY8rCvgqs
• Listen On Apple Music:
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-john-hallett-podcast/id1651930801
• Universal Link:
• https://redcircle.com/shows/a982e1e3-972c-4e9f-b369-6b29534df441

Support the show:

🛒 Shop.RMSDF.com | 🥋 Shop.ClearSky.Training

Pick up supplements, training gear, or a “Suck Less” tee to support the mission.

🔑 Episode Summary:

In this episode, John and Josh dive into the five key elements of self-defense law—critical knowledge for anyone serious about protecting themselves or their family. These legal pillars form the foundation of any legitimate self-defense claim, and understanding them could mean the difference between freedom and prison.

⚠️ Disclaimer: John and Josh are not attorneys, but their training insights are based on expert legal resources and real-world application.

🧱 What You’ll Learn:

1. Innocence

You must not start or provoke the fight—verbally or physically. Even aggressive body language can work against you.

2. Imminence

The threat must be immediate. You can’t act on threats about tomorrow or vague aggression.

3. Proportionality

Your response must match the level of threat. A punch does not justify deadly force unless serious harm is imminent.

4. Avoidance

If you can safely escape, do it—especially in front of a jury. You may have the right to stand your ground, but you may still face civil or criminal repercussions.

5. Reasonableness

Your actions will be judged against what a “reasonable person” would have done. Your mindset, physical condition, and perception all factor in.

💬 Favorite Quotes:

“Please don’t hurt me” beats “Let’s go!”—especially in court.

“Imminent doesn’t mean angry words. It means action is about to happen.”

“You can’t smash someone with a rock because they hit you with a pillow.”

“Avoid the fight if you can. Protect others if you must.”

“Juries ask: Would a reasonable person have done the same thing?”

🧠 Bonus Discussion Topics:

Clenched fists as pre-fight indicators

Stand Your Ground vs. Duty to Retreat

The danger of escalating force too soon

How your perception may be legally relevant

Why it’s critical to train under pressure

🔗 Mentioned in This Episode:

ClearSky.Training – Online training portal

shop.rmsdf.com – Gear & T-Shirts

“Law of Self Defense” by Andrew Branca

Podcast #87: Situational Awareness Zones

Podcast #90 (Coming Soon): Legal Degrees of Assault

🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

Self-defense & firearms students

Concealed carry permit holders

Parents protecting their kids

Martial arts instructors seeking real-world context

Anyone serious about legal use of force in violent encounters

📌 Subscribe & Support:

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & more

👍 Like. 🔁 Share. 💬 Review.

🛡️ Train More. Suck Less. Go Home Safe.

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#kravmaga #clearsky #JohnHallett #RMSDF #Castlerockcolorado

In this episode of The John Hallett Podcast, we tackle one of the most important—but often overlooked—principles in self-defense training: how to prioritize your training time.

Whether you're a beginner or advanced, how you divide your time determines whether you actually get better or just stay busy. If you want real-world skills that hold up under pressure, you’ve got to train with purpose.

Here’s the ClearSky training breakdown John shared:

• Chokes (rear, wall, ground)
• Bear hugs, grabs, weapon threats
• Escape & evasion drills

• Punches, elbows, knees, kicks
• Pad work, angles, footwork

• Escapes (mount, guard, side)
• Takedown defense, stand-ups

• Conditioning, explosiveness
• Endurance drills

• De-escalation, legal use of force
• Tactical breathing, situational awareness

• On unrealistic training partners: “Hey man, I like you—but you're going too hard. I’m here to learn, not survive you.”
• On repetition: “Want to be a great striker? Try 10,000 reps. On a bag. At home. At the gym. That’s how black belts are made.”
• On training priorities: “Cool techniques don’t matter if you can’t breathe or recover under pressure.”
• On mindset: “If my arm gets blown off in combat, I’ll pick it up and beat you with it. That’s the level of mindset we want.”

• Train what’s most likely to happen. Not what looks cool.
• Condition your body AND your brain. Don’t gas out mentally or physically.
• Stay humble. Train often. Online or in-person—just train.

👉 www.ClearSky.Training

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