Episode 1122 - Kendra Mahon "Kung Fu Kendra"
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
Release Date: 04/27/2026
Episode 1136 - Gerry Disanto
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this episode, Gerry Disanto shares his journey through martial arts, starting in his 20s after a background in soccer. He discusses his experiences in various martial arts, including Goju Ryu karate and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and his transition from student to teacher. Gerry emphasizes the importance of setting goals, the value of different martial arts styles, and the significance of teaching and curriculum development in martial arts education. He discusses how martial arts has influenced his teaching methods and personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of healthy outlets for...
info_outline
Episode 1135 - Why Adults Struggle More Than Kids in Martial Arts
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this episode, Andrew Adams and Nick Taber discuss the challenges adults face in martial arts compared to children. They explore various factors including physical differences, mental barriers, emotional baggage, and the importance of community. The conversation highlights how adults often struggle with flexibility, fear of judgment, and the weight of past experiences, while children tend to learn more freely and adapt quickly. The hosts emphasize the need for adults to find the right martial arts community that suits their needs and to maintain a growth mindset throughout their...
info_outline
Episode 1134 - Sensei Diane Ortenzio-Cooling
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this episode, Sensei Diane shares her 47-year journey in martial arts, discussing the evolution of women's participation, the challenges faced in training, and the importance of consistency and motivation. She reflects on her transition from student to teacher and emphasizes the transformative power of martial arts in building self-esteem and community. She also shares her journey from martial arts practitioner to teacher, discussing her passion for joint locks and the importance of adapting training for aging bodies. She emphasizes the need for women in martial arts to have a...
info_outline
Episode 1133 - Martial Things with Kellie Thomas
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this engaging conversation, Andrew Adams and Kellie Thomas explore various aspects of martial arts, focusing on teaching methods, the importance of technology, and innovative approaches to black belt testing. They discuss the significance of creating a supportive learning environment, the concept of 'leveling up' instead of traditional testing, and the journey beyond black belt. The conversation highlights the importance of student engagement and retention, as well as reflections on the martial arts community. TAKEAWAYS The conversation is free-flowing and spontaneous,...
info_outline
Episode 1132 - Doju Larry Dorsey
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this engaging conversation, Jeremy Lesniak talks with Doju Larry Dorsey about the multifaceted world of his martial arts training. They discuss the importance of building confidence in students, the role of instructors in shaping future teachers, and the real-life applications of martial arts beyond the dojo. Doju Dorsey shares his insights on adapting teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of students, emphasizing the significance of genuine communication and rapport. The conversation also touches on personal experiences, safety in training, and the legacy of martial arts...
info_outline
Episode 1131 - The Difference Between Training Hard & Training Well
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this conversation, Jeremy and Andrew discuss various aspects of martial arts training including the importance of balancing intensity with quality. They emphasize that training hard does not equate to training well and that effective training requires a focus on quality repetition and incremental progress. TAKEAWAYS Training hard doesn't mean you train well. Exhaustion is not proof of progress. Quality of repetition is more important than quantity. Incremental progress is essential in martial arts. Intensity should be balanced with technique and safety. Effective training...
info_outline
Episode 1130 - Karen Daniels
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this conversation, Jeremy Lesniak and Karen Daniels explore the profound impact of martial arts on family dynamics, personal growth, and the unique challenges faced by a single parent. Karen shares her journey into martial arts, starting later in life and how it intertwined with her role as a mother. They discuss the importance of discipline, the benefits of martial arts for all ages, and the lessons learned through shared experiences in training. The conversation highlights the joy, challenges, and transformative power of martial arts in shaping both individual and family...
info_outline
Episode 1129 - Why Many Martial Artists Quit Just Before They Get Good
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this episode, Jeremy Lesniak and Andrew Adams discuss the reasons why many martial artists quit training just before they achieve significant progress. They explore the emotional and psychological factors that contribute to this phenomenon, including the excitement factor in training, the impact of instant gratification, and the pressure of expectations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of focusing on effort over results, the role of instructors in fostering a supportive environment, and the need for students to take ownership of their growth. The episode concludes with...
info_outline
Episode 1128 - Chris Jones
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this episode, Andrew Adams and Chris Jones discuss Chris's journey in martial arts, starting from his childhood fascination with martial arts films in the 1980s to his current role as a coach and instructor. They explore the impact of the 1980s on martial arts culture, Chris's experiences in Taekwondo, and his love for kicking and martial arts tricking. The conversation also touches on the challenges of tournaments, the joy of teaching, and the evolution of a martial artist. In this conversation, Andrew Adams and Chris Jones explore the philosophy of martial arts instruction,...
info_outline
Episode 1127 - The Pros & Cons of Splitting Martial Arts Classes
whistlekick Martial Arts Radio
SUMMARY In this episode, we have a roundtable discussion about the pros and cons of splitting martial arts classes. Andrew is joined by Ken Knight, Dennis Campo and Nick Acri and they explore various teaching methods, the importance of student engagement, and the challenges of maintaining a diverse curriculum. Each participant shares their experiences and insights on how to effectively structure classes to cater to different student needs and preferences. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the complexities of teaching martial arts, particularly the balance between self-defense training...
info_outlineSUMMARY
In this episode, Jeremy Lesniak speaks with Kendra Mahon about her journey into martial arts, the healing power of Kung Fu, and how she transformed her trauma into a purpose-driven life. Kendra shares her experiences of overcoming personal challenges, the importance of community support, and her efforts to create accessible online programs for learning Wing Chun. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by women in martial arts and the significance of using adversity as a catalyst for growth. She shares her journey in teaching Wing Chun, emphasizing empowerment through martial arts. She discusses her comprehensive programs, the inspiration she draws from nature, and how her training methods have evolved. Kendra also highlights the importance of travel for creativity, her experience in writing a book, and the balance between work and personal life. She encourages listeners to push through adversity and embrace their potential.
TAKEAWAYS
- Kendra started martial arts after a personal attack.
- Martial arts served as a form of meditation for her.
- She believes in using grief as fuel for inspiration.
- Kendra emphasizes the importance of perseverance.
- She created over 25 online programs to teach Wing Chun.
- Kendra's transformation inspired her to help others.
- Teaching Wing Chun empowers both the teacher and the students.
- Nature serves as a significant source of inspiration for creativity.
- Training methods evolve based on personal growth and student needs.
- Traveling enhances creativity and offers new perspectives.
- Balance in life is crucial for sustained success and happiness.
- Pushing through adversity leads to personal growth and success.
- Every small effort contributes to larger achievements over time.
- Community and sharing knowledge are vital in martial arts.
To connect with Kendra:
Kung Fu Kendra
https://www.youtube.com/@kungfukendra
https://www.facebook.com/TrainerKendra/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/trainer-kendra-canadas-top-fitness-trainer/ https://www.instagram.com/kung_fu_kendra/
https://www.tiktok.com/@kendramahon1
Join our EXCLUSIVE newsletter to get notified of each episode as it comes out!
Subscribe — whistlekick Martial Arts Radio