Episode 1012 - Tuari Dawson
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this conversation, Tuari Dawson explores the themes of vulnerability, cultural identity, and the journey into martial arts. He discusses the impact of Bruce Lee as a role model, the lessons learned during adolescence, and the influence of American martial arts on his training. The conversation highlights the importance of community and belonging in martial arts, as well as the personal growth that comes from these experiences. In this conversation, Tuari explores the evolution of martial arts in America, the significance of cross-training, and the impact of military training on...
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Episode 1011 - Martial Arts School Management Software
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this episode of Martial Arts Radio, the discussion revolves around the importance of martial arts school management software, the personal relationships that martial arts practitioners have with their schools, and the challenges faced in running a martial arts business. The conversation highlights the significance of community, the aversion to financial discussions, and the role of automation in alleviating these challenges. The guests share their experiences and insights, providing valuable information for martial arts school owners and enthusiasts alike. In this...
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Episode 1010 - "Mama G" Germon Moriniere Bey
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this episode, Jeremy engages in a deep conversation with “Mama G” Germon Moriniere Bey, exploring the nuances of martial arts and martial science. They discuss the importance of authenticity in conversations, the distinction between self-defense and self-preservation, and Mama G's personal journey into African martial sciences. The conversation also touches on historical contexts, cultural representation, and the significance of competition in martial arts. Mama G's unique experiences and insights provide a rich perspective on the evolution and understanding of martial arts...
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Episode 1009 - Meditation for Martial Artists
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this engaging conversation, Stephen Watson, Nick Tabor, and Andrew discuss the intersection of meditation and martial arts. They explore personal experiences with meditation, the importance of mindfulness in training, and how to integrate meditation practices into martial arts classes. The discussion highlights the value of stillness and reflection, the evolution of meditation practices, and the need to preserve the essence of meditation in a fast-paced world. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the significance of meditation and mindfulness, particularly in the context of...
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Episode 1008 - Sensei Gabe Siu
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this episode, Sensei Gabe Siu discusses his journey into martial arts, the challenges of balancing work, family, and training, and the evolution of their martial arts school. Sensei Siu shares his early experiences with sports, the transition into teaching martial arts with his wife, and the importance of community connections in the martial arts world. He also touches on the significance of faith in their journey and the process of achieving black belts together. He discusses his connection with Whistlekick, the inception of the Free Training Day Pacific Northwest, and the impact...
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Episode 1007 - The Karate Kid Universe Retrospective
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this episode, Andrew, Craig and Nick delve into the Karate Kid universe, exploring the original film, its sequels, and the Cobra Kai series. They share personal connections to the films, discuss the cultural impact and life lessons portrayed, and analyze the evolution of characters and themes throughout the series. The conversation highlights the significance of mentorship, the portrayal of villains, and the authenticity of martial arts depicted in the films. The speakers discuss their personal experiences with each installment, highlighting themes of character development,...
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Episode 1006 - Aubrey Koontz
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this episode of Whistlekick Martial Arts Radio, host Jeremy Lesniak speaks with Aubrey Koontz about her unique journey from martial arts to stunt work. They discuss the challenges and nuances of transitioning from traditional martial arts to the world of stunts, including the importance of trust, the art of choreography, and the mental blocks that can arise during training. Aubrey shares her experiences, insights, and the skills she has developed along the way, providing a comprehensive look at the intersection of martial arts and stunt performance. In this conversation, Aubrey...
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Episode 1005 - Martial Arts Word Association 15: Injury Edition
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
Another episode of “Martial Arts Word Association” where Andrew gives Jeremy a random word that he could connect to martial arts. All of today’s words are injury themed! In this episode, Jeremy and Andrew discuss randomly generated topics to try and find out how they can relate to martial arts! This episode is sponsored by Martialytics. Spend less time running your martial arts business and more time doing the martial arts parts of your business! Martialytics provides easy to use and versatile tools for well-established school as well as ones just starting out. If you sign up through us,...
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Episode 1004 - Sifu Ric Meyers
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this engaging conversation, Sifu Ric Meyers shares his extensive journey through the world of martial arts, emphasizing the philosophy behind kung fu and its cultural significance. He discusses his role as a kung fu consultant for the animated film Kung Fu Panda, highlighting its impact on the perception of martial arts in America. Ric reflects on the evolution of martial arts styles in the U.S., the influence of iconic figures like Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee, and the importance of authenticity in martial arts training. The dialogue also touches on personal anecdotes and insights...
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Episode 1003 - The Importance of Competition
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this episode of Whistlekick Martial Arts Radio, Andrew and Nick discuss the significance of competition in martial arts and martial art schools. They reflect on their personal experiences with tournaments, the benefits of sparring against different opponents, and the community aspect that competitions foster. They also introduce the upcoming Whistlekick Showdown, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and learning in martial arts. TAKEAWAYS There are more pros to competition than cons. Competition helps you learn about yourself as a fighter. Tournaments foster a sense of...
info_outlineAndy Rodriguez is a Martial Arts practitioner and instructor as the Iwa Dojo - Delaware.
Being a family man helps me be a better teacher. You know, ebing a Karate teacher and practitioner helps me be a better family man, vice versa. They feed each other.
Andy Rodriguez - Episode 624
Andy Rodriguez is the Iwa Dojo of Delaware Chief Instructor for twenty years. The Iwa Dojo, is a progressive traditional school (non-commerical) of martial arts promoting a positive harmonious learning experience. Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate-do is the primary training focus. They also offer instruction, guidance, and training in Ryukyu Kobudo & Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo.
Andy Rodriguez was first exposed to martial arts in 1980 studying in American Kenpo, but it wasn't until 1984 that his passion for budo was fully ignited by Masaharu Sakimukai Soke when he began his Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate-Do training. During his Karate-Do training under the tutelage of Masaharu Sakimukai Soke and family, he was also introduced and studied Okinawan Kobudo and Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo up until 1994.
He continued his martial arts training studying Aikido with Zenko Okimura Shihan in 1997. Although his exposure with Okimura Shihan was brief, he was thankful for the experience and for the valuable lessons learned. In 2000, he furthered his training in Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo with the Rembukan dojo up until 2002. In April of 2002 he decided to open his own private dojo focusing on Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate-Do. In 2003 he requested and became accepted as a branch instructor under the Zentokukai up until 2010. In 2010 he reconnected with Sakimukai Soke and family, and was welcomed back to his original budo roots.
Andy Rodriguez credits Masaharu Sakimukai Soke and family for giving him a extremely strong foundation and passion for budo that continues today. He also is appreciative of Sensei Pizii and Sensei Lemus of the Zentokukai sharing training methods, Patrick McCarthy Hanshi of the Koryu Uchinadi Association for sharing the importance of two person training and the value of futari renzoku-geiko (two person flow drills), and Master Toby Cooling and instructors of the Order of Isshin Ryu for welcoming him in their extended family and sharing their impressive budo. Special thanks to Sensei Iain Abernathy's influence in our deeper understanding of bunkai. He is also very thankful to all Chintokan and Zentokukai instructors and members whom had an impact in furthering his budo development. He has been the chief instructor of the Iwa Dojo going on twenty years.
Andy Rodriguez is currently a branch instructor and member of the So Budo Kai under the guidance of Takako Sakimukai Hanshi and So Shihan.
Show Notes
You can find out more about Andy Rodriguez’s school on their website or at Chintokan.com