Episode 1097 - Are All Martial Artists Outcasts
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this episode, Andrew Adams and Jeremy Lesniak explore the perception of martial artists as societal outcasts. They discuss the unique aspects of martial arts training that can be seen as strange by outsiders, the sense of community and belonging that practitioners find within their training, and the evolving perception of martial arts in society. The conversation emphasizes the importance of individuality and self-expression in martial arts, and how being an outcast can be empowering rather than negative. TAKEAWAYS Martial arts can be perceived as strange by outsiders. Many...
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Episode 1096 - Sabrina Bliem "The Karate Shrimp"
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this episode, Sabrina Bliem, aka The Karate Shrimp, shares her transformative journey into martial arts, starting at age 41, and how it became a vital outlet during challenging times. She discusses her transition into the online martial arts community, the challenges she faced, including dealing with a stalker, and how these experiences shaped her relationship with martial arts. Sabrina emphasizes the importance of creating a conducive training environment at home and shares her insights on maintaining consistency in practice, even amidst life's challenges. In this conversation, she...
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Episode 1095 - Martial Arts from a Trauma Informed Space: Part 2
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this Part 2 conversation, Andrew Adams and Paul Coffey discuss martial arts from a trauma-informed perspective, emphasizing the importance of understanding the physical and psychological aspects of self-defense. They explore various techniques that can be used to de-escalate situations without resorting to violence, highlighting the distinction between ceremonial and non-ceremonial violence. The discussion also covers the need for martial arts instructors to adapt their teaching methods to accommodate students with trauma backgrounds, ensuring a safe and supportive learning...
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Episode 1094 - Coach Ken Dunbar
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this engaging conversation, Coach Ken Dunbar and Jeremy Lesniak explore the intersection of traditional martial arts and modern combat sports, discussing the influence of pop culture, personal journeys in martial arts, teaching philosophies, and the importance of adaptability in training. They delve into the challenges of authority in martial arts instruction and the evolution of training methods, emphasizing the need for a balance between tradition and innovation. In this conversation, Coach Dunbar shares his journey through martial arts, discussing the evolution of training...
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Episode 1093 - Martial Arts from a Trauma Informed Space: Part 1
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this episode, Andrew is joined by Paul Coffey and they discuss the importance of teaching martial arts from a trauma-informed perspective. They explore the nuances of class planning, the distinction between soft and hard skills, and how to effectively navigate violence and nonviolence in martial arts education. The conversation emphasizes the need for sensitivity and understanding when working with students who may have experienced trauma, and the importance of effective communication in creating a safe learning environment. In this conversation, Paul Coffey discusses the...
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Episode 1092 - Tyler Duda
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
In this conversation, Tyler Duda shares his journey in martial arts, discussing the transition from running a commercial studio to a more laid-back club environment. He reflects on the challenges of navigating relationships with students and instructors, the importance of teaching and learning, and the personal growth he experienced through martial arts. Tyler emphasizes the significance of doing things the right way and maintaining respect in the martial arts community. He emphasizes the importance of teaching, personal growth, and building a positive school culture. He discusses the...
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Episode 1091 - Martial Things with Sensei Ando
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this engaging conversation, Andrew Adams and Sensei Ando explore the multifaceted world of martial arts, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, the challenges faced by students, and the role of instructors in guiding their students. They discuss the significance of tailoring techniques to individual needs, the misconceptions surrounding the best martial arts, and the impact of music in training environments. The dialogue culminates in a reflection on the responsibilities of teachers to provide meaningful experiences that prepare students for real-life situations. ...
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Episode 1090 - Dan Bernardo
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this conversation, Dan Bernardo shares his experiences as a martial arts instructor, discussing the challenges and rewards of teaching Tai Chi to elderly students, the balance of multiple teaching roles, and the evolution of virtual training in martial arts. He reflects on the integration of diverse practices, such as calligraphy and archery, into his martial arts philosophy, emphasizing the importance of depth over breadth in training and the personal growth that comes from teaching. He also discusses the personal journey of becoming a martial artist, the significance of personal...
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Episode 1089 - Martial Goals for 2026
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this episode, Jeremy Lesniak and Andrew Adams discuss various aspects of setting and achieving martial arts goals for the upcoming year. They delve into the importance of consistency in training. The conversation also covers the significance of defining clear goals, converting kata, and the essential steps to opening a martial arts school, emphasizing the need for a suitable location and actionable sub-goals. They also discuss the importance of commitment in martial arts, the necessity of setting realistic goals, and the discipline required to achieve them. They emphasize how...
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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...
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