Episode 87 - Martial Artists Are Their Own Worst Enemies
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
Release Date: 05/26/2016
Episode 1088 - Matt Sheridan
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this conversation, Matt Sheridan shares his journey through martial arts, starting from his childhood influences like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Shaolin monks, to his experiences in Taekwondo and Karate. He discusses the challenges he faced, including financial constraints and personal struggles, as well as his commitment to maintaining integrity and high standards in martial arts training. The conversation also touches on the importance of myth-busting within the martial arts community and the evolution of his training philosophy over the years. He also shares his...
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Episode 1087 - Creative Martial Arts Holiday Creation
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
WARNING: This episode is funny, silly and spontaneous! SUMMARY In this episode, the hosts engage in a light-hearted discussion about creating a unique holiday for the martial arts community. They explore various themes such as the significance of horse stance, the importance of community celebration, and the fun challenges that could be included in the holiday festivities. The conversation also delves into the role of a mascot, Garyll the Horse, and how it can enhance the holiday experience. Overall, the episode is a creative and humorous take on bringing the martial arts community...
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Episode 1086 - Sensei Cole Stanley
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this episode, Sensei Cole Stanley shares his journey in martial arts, focusing on Judo and its philosophical aspects. He discusses the importance of competition, the influence of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and the current state of Judo in the United States. Cole also highlights the significance of grassroots marketing for Judo and the opportunities available in martial arts. The conversation wraps up with insights from Cole's podcast, 'The Well-Rounded Grappler,' where he aims to spread knowledge and inspire others in the martial arts community. TAKEAWAYS Philosophy in martial arts is...
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Episode 1085 - The Violence Crisis in Children's Schools
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this conversation, the hosts discuss the troubling incident involving a student named “Maria”, who faced disciplinary action after defending herself against an aggressor at school. They explore the implications of zero tolerance policies in educational institutions, the importance of community awareness, and the need for a more nuanced approach to self-defense in schools. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of empowering students to protect themselves and the role of parents and communities in advocating for change. In this conversation, the speakers discuss...
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Episode 1084 - Steve Pearlman
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this conversation, Steve Pearlman discusses the principles of martial arts, emphasizing the importance of understanding Newton's third law of motion and how it applies to martial arts training. He shares his experiences of training, the joy of community, and the role of humor in martial arts. The discussion also covers the evolution of training perspectives, the significance of confidence over mere skills in self-defense, and the philosophical approach to avoiding fights. Pearlman reflects on his journey from being a technique collector to understanding deeper principles and...
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Introducing whistlekick's New Fighting Word Shirts!
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
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Episode 1083 - Issues with Martial Arts Titles
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this episode of Whistlekick Martial Arts Radio, Jeremy Lesniak and Andrew Adams delve into the complexities and issues surrounding traditional martial arts titles. They explore how titles like 'Sensei' and 'Hanshi' vary in meaning and significance across different schools, emphasizing that these titles often hold little value outside their specific contexts. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the role of titles in teaching and the potential pitfalls of placing too much emphasis on them. Ultimately, the hosts advocate for a more human approach to martial...
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Episode 1079 - Martial Arts Gratitude
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this Thanksgiving episode of Whistlekick Martial Arts Radio, Jeremy Lesniak and Andrew Adams explore the theme of gratitude in martial arts, sharing responses from the audience about what they are thankful for. The conversation delves into the importance of community, personal growth, the role of instructors, and the impact of martial arts on life. The hosts emphasize the connections made through martial arts and the significance of giving back to the community, while also reflecting on personal journeys and the continuous learning that martial arts offers. TAKEAWAYS Martial...
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Episode 1082 - Robert Frankovich
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this episode, Robert Frankovich shares his extensive journey through martial arts, beginning with Taekwondo and transitioning to Aikido and sword training. He discusses his teaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving in martial arts and adapting techniques to suit students' abilities. Robert reflects on the demographics of his students, the purpose behind teaching martial arts, and how his methods have evolved over time. He also shares insights on the social aspects of martial arts training and the significance of community within the practice. This...
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Episode 1081 - Traditional Martial Arts Forms: OK to Change?
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this episode, Jeremy and Andrew discuss the nuances of traditional martial arts forms, exploring whether it's acceptable to modify these forms for competitions or personal expression. They delve into the variations of forms across different styles, the impact of competition on form adjustments, and the authority that dictates how forms should be performed. The conversation emphasizes the importance of celebrating differences in martial arts while recognizing commonalities across various styles. The hosts encourage listeners to reflect on their own experiences with forms and share...
info_outlineWhen we consider the space that martial arts occupies in the Western world, specifically the United States, it's easy to see the impact. Our movies are full of martial arts-inspired fight scenes. Popular culture lifts up the skilled fighters from the UFC. A man who has been dead for forty years is one of our most recognized icons. Yet, when we break down the numbers, martial arts participation in the United States is around 5 million people, or 1.5% of the population. Compare that to approximately 3.5% globally, and you can see a large disparity.
Why is that the case? I'm sure there are a multitude of factors, but the one we're discussing today is foundational - the attitude that martial artists have for each other. If you're a martial artist, and you've been genuinely criticized for what you do, there's a good chance that criticism came from a martial artist. Within our ranks we have a large percentage of participants that are so concerned with historical accuracy or theoretical superiority that they'll let their opinions create rifts in the martial arts community.
It's not helping anyone and it needs to stop.
On today's episode, we're talking about the ways martial artists cut each other down, rather than lift up. The politics, the infighting, the "my art is better than yours" debates and so on. We explore where these attitudes came from, why they've carried on and how they're hurting us. Later, we talk about how we can move past them and what the impact of just such a world might be.
At whistlekick we have a very foundational belief - that the world would be a better place if everyone spent time in martial arts training. Clearing out this stumbling block - the popularity of what is, essentially, bullying within our own community - is essential to reaching that goal. Thank you for listening and, if you found value in today's episode, please share it with others. Train hard, smile, and have a great day.